#FIRSTLOOK: “WHAT JENNIFER DID” TEASER

Riveting Documentary WHAT JENNIFER DID arrives April 10, 2024 on Netflix. Here’s a first look.

About:

It was a violent crime that shook a quiet Canadian town: Mysterious intruders break into the home of Vietnamese immigrants, terrorize the family, and leave a traumatized daughter as the only witness. Neighbors and friends describe the family as hospitable, generous, and hard-working – how could they be targets? This feature-length documentary from director Jenny Popplewell (American Murder: The Family Next Door) uses police interrogation footage and testimony from those involved to unravel a web of complexities that no one saw coming.

Directed by: Jenny Popplewell
Producers: Louise Norman & Jeremy Grimaldi
Executive Producers: Marian Edusei

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

#SXSW: SXSW FILM & TV FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2024 JURY AND SPECIAL AWARDS

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals announced the 2024 Jury and Special Award winners of the 31st SXSW Film & TV Festival. Feature films receiving Jury Awards were selected from the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature Competition categories, plus all other juried sections, including Shorts, Independent TV Pilots, Music Videos, Design and XR Experience Awards. Special Awards announced included the SXSW Best of Texas Award, the Kickstarter NextGen Award and the Janet Pierson Champion Award presented by Indiewire.

All 2024 film categories will be eligible for category-specific Audience Awards that will be certified by the accounting firm of Maxwell Locke & Ritter. Audience Award Voting will conclude on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Winners will be announced via sxsw.com that week.

“What an extraordinary week of film and TV premieres we’ve had here at SXSW, and there is more to come through Saturday,” said Claudette Godfrey, VP, Film & TV. “Our theaters have been bursting with incredible and vocal audiences celebrating the exceptional and diverse work in our lineup, and we’re so excited to celebrate this year’s jury and special award winners!”

The SXSW 2024 Film & TV Festival Award Winners:

FEATURE FILM GRAND JURY AWARDS

NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION
Winner: Bob Trevino Likes It
Director/Screenwriter: Tracie Laymon, Producers: Tracie Laymon, Sean Mullin, Edgar Rosa, Felipe Dieppa

“Tracie Laymon’s semi-autobiographical story of a struggling young woman who finds anchor in an unlikely connection feels at once familiar and yet surprising. Laymon’s sure hand transforms what might have been saccharine into something raw thanks to vulnerable lead performances from Barbie Ferreira and an unusually uncool John Leguizamo. Refreshingly real and wrenchingly bittersweet, Bob Trevino Likes It stole our hearts and earned this prize.”

Special Jury Award for Performance: Maria Rodríguez Soto, Mamifera

“Detailed, unflinching, and unquestionably palpable, Maria Rodríguez Soto in Liliana Torres’ Mamifera, an aching character study of motherhood, breathes life into a complex character by way of a probing and dedicated sense of curiosity and play. We are elated to recognize Maria Rodríguez Soto with a SXSW Special Jury Award for Performance.”

Special Jury Award for Filmmaking: Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, We Were Dangerous

“We Were Dangerous, a spirited and affecting tale of female rebellion at a 1950s New Zealand reform institution for so-called delinquent girls, heralds the arrival of an exciting new filmmaking talent in Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu. Her feature film directorial debut confronts a sobering and all-too-relevant history with a sly sense of absurdity and the camaraderie of its three young leads, played by Erana James, Nathalie Morris and Manaia Hall.”

Narrative Feature Competition Jury: Jake Coyle, film writer and critic, The Associated Press; Robert Daniels, Associate Editor, RogerEbert.com; Joanna Robinson, podcaster and cultural critic, The Ringer

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION

Thank you to our Jury Award sponsor, The Hollywood Reporter: entertainment’s #1 news source that champions Hollywood’s world-class and world-changing documentaries and filmmakers through journalism.

Winner: Grand Theft Hamlet
Directors/Screenwriters: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane, Producers: Rebecca Wolff, Julia Ton

“A unique mix of 16th century drama and 21st century online gameplay, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s chronicle of two actors attempting a multiplayer production of Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto was easily one of the funniest, moving and profound works in competition. A stunning testament to the connection between storytelling and community, and proof that there are more ways in Heaven and Earth to craft a personal, nonfiction narrative — even when chased by police helicopters and shot at with rocket launchers.”

Special Jury Award for Bravery and Empathy: Carina Mia Wong, Alex Simmons, We Can Be Heroes

“Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons’ documentary about a live-action role playing camp in upstate New York exemplifies a moving and hopeful approach to storytelling. Their empathetic direction gives voice to their subjects — a group of queer, neurodivergent and self-proclaimed nerdy adolescents — which leaves audiences rooting for them on and off the battlefield.”

Documentary Feature Competition Jury: Siddhant Adlakha, critic and entertainment journalist; David Fear, Senior Editor + Film Critic, Rolling Stone; Lovia Gyarkye, critic, The Hollywood Reporter

SHORT FILM COMPETITION GRAND JURY AWARDS Presented by You42

NARRATIVE SHORT COMPETITION
Winner: Dissolution
Director/Screenwriter: Anthony Saxe, Producers: Thomas Lopez, Anthony Saxe

“Merging decades of footage into a poignant short film that delves into the complexities of love and marriage. Showing exceptional directorial restraint. This introspective journey transcends time and space, leaving a lasting impact through its exploration of human connections and the fleeting nature of life. With stunning performances from the director’s actual parents, Dissolution somberly pulls at the many threads which make up our lives.”

Special Jury Award: Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz, Trapped

“A tense story of a janitor father and a spoiled kid’s prank gone awry, delivering a suspenseful narrative brimming with surprising twists and turns. This short film has earned a Special Jury Award for its thematic resonance, masterfully exploring the consequences of actions, the weight of responsibility, and the complex dynamics of social economic disparity and privilege.”

Narrative Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Clementine Quittner, Co-CEO, Small Ideas; Kristian Mercado Figueroa, filmmaker and previous winner of the Music Video and Animated Short Jury Awards at SXSW; Chris Rosati, Vice President of Development and Production; Monkeypaw

DOCUMENTARY SHORT COMPETITION
Winner: Remember, Broken Crayons Colour Too
Directors/Screenwriters: Shannet Clemmings, Urša Kastelic, Producers: Filippo Bonacci, Gabriel Grosclaude

“This artfully crafted film showed a true confidence of vision. Directors Shannett Clemings and Urša Kastelic have displayed a remarkable amount of bravery in reclaiming a story of violence, bias, and hatred in a way that is both harrowing and enlightening. The cinematography and editing were exquisitely matched with the soul-stirring storytelling, blending elements of experimental narrative in with the non-fiction heart of the film.”

Special Jury Award: David Gauvey Herbert, Frank

“Frank is a tautly crafted yet story-rich documentary short that touches upon a range of themes — from aging, to kinship, to the trauma of violent crimes. David Gauvey Herbert captures the witty, enduring and at times melancholic legacy of a 99-year-old criminal defense attorney with deft tenderness and potency through striking visual language.”

Documentary Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Loren Hammonds, Peabody and Emmy® Award-winning producer; Christine Kecher, Senior Commissioning Editor, Op-Docs; Tina Nguyen, VP of Documentary Programming, HBO

MIDNIGHT SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Transylvanie
Director: Rodrigue Huart, Screenwriters: Rodrigue Huart, David Alexander Cassan, Axel Würsten, Producer: Lucie Vigier

“Enigmatic tone, sweeping cinematography, and spectacular performances are rife in this contemporary execution of the classic vampire myth. Following the journey of a young vampire, the short oozes with tension, visual flair, and teeth (pun intended!). The mastery of the technical elements are seamlessly combined with the daring vision to create a piece that elevates itself beyond expectation.”

Special Jury Award: Eros V, Meat Puppet

“Creative, propulsive, and with outstanding technical rendering, Meat Puppet took an ambitious, wacky conceit and knocked it out of the park with hysterical absurdist humor, clever narrative choices, and heart underneath it all. From the editing to the effects, the film impressively kept us on our toes while also embodying the gonzo energy of a Midnight screening.”

Midnight Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Mariama Diallo, writer-director; Alex Kim, Vice President of IP Scouting and Acquisitions, Monkeypaw; Nick Romano, Creative Executive, 18Hz

ANIMATED SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Wander to Wonder
Director: Nina Gantz, Screenwriters: Nina Gantz, Simon Cartwright, Daan Bakker, Stienette Bosklopper, Producers: Stienette Bosklopper, Maarten Swart, Annemie Degryse, Ben Tesseur, Steven De Beul

“A profoundly immersive stop motion short that combines an unapologetic dark, humorous, and heartfelt story. The filmmaker’s direction expertly navigates the sense of deep loss and artistic purpose through multi-layered storytelling devices and phenomenal stop-motion animation that resonates emotionally with audiences. It’s a rare story that leaves us craving more from its otherworldly setting and popular fictitious TV show premise.”

Special Jury Award: Phoebe Jane Hart, Bug Diner

“This filmmaker cleverly uses stop motion to showcase her comedic voice in a fresh take on modern dating. The film’s quirky setting, hilarious voice acting, and overall direction add layers of charm, solidifying her talent as a standout filmmaker. We’re excited to watch her rise as a dynamic up-and-coming director.”

Animated Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Bryan Dimas, award-winning animation and live-action Producer, Line Producer, Development, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios; Angeline Izquierdo, creative force, Shadowmachine; Ivana Kvesić, director, Fantoche – International Animation Film Festival

MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
Winner: Célen – ‘Mom told you so’
Director/Screenwriter: Cécile Cournelle

“We were blown away by the fresh, unique take on the experience of being a woman walking home alone in a city late at night through the lens of a video game. As compelling as it was anxiety-inducing, it’s an apt reflection of the perils people who look like the main character “Camille” and others on similar journeys face that command hyper-vigilance of their surroundings after dark. It is rare that a video transmits a confluence of thematic, poetic, and narrative layers with such impact and clarity.”

Special Jury Award for Technical Wizardry: Joe Nicolosi, The Burning Hell – ‘All I Need’

“Our special jury winner is being awarded for a technical feat in stop-motion and animation achieved by a small team. While visually astounding, this piece is emotionally compelling. It expresses a lot about companionship and tells a profound and shattering post-apocalypse era love story between two robots. We were immensely struck by the ambition of this project and how seamlessly it brings all its elements together.”

Music Video Competition presented by You42 Jury: Oualid Mouaness, director, writer, producer; Kimberly Stuckwisch, director, producer; Brittany Spanos, Staff Writer, Rolling Stone

TEXAS SHORTS COMPETITION
Winner: Jedo’s Dead
Director/Screenwriter: Sara Nimeh, Producers: Michael Mittelstaedt, Jeff Walker, Ellyn Church

“An intimate portrayal of grief, this film follows two young siblings navigating their emotions as they try to process the death of their grandfather. The film lingers on the quiet moments, letting the siblings’ emotional journey — confusion, despair, and anger — take center stage. The cinematography accentuates the theme of loss with shadows and dark spaces while letting natural light from windows stream in to suggest an afterlife. Weaving in aspects of their Middle Eastern culture and traditions, it tells a moving story about loss that’s universal.”

Special Jury Award: Fatima Wardy, Hair Care

“Taking a number of creative risks, this film is a fantastical portrayal of a young Ivorian-American’s trip to the hair braider. At times surreal, this ambitious short tells a story about culture and connection while playing with different visual forms, including animation, fiction, and television, taking the “barber shop” storyline to a whole new level.”

Texas Shorts Competition presented by You42 Jury: Cat Cardenas, writer, photographer; Barak Epstein, filmmaker; Chelsea Hernandez, filmmaker

INDEPENDENT TV PILOT COMPETITION
Winner: Marvin Is Sorry
Showrunners/Screenwriters: Brett Morrow, Alex Gehrlein, Jack Gacek, Director: Clint Pang, Producers: Aidan Erbter, Kenzie Packer

“Imbued with a serio-comical tone and particular brazenness, combined with an unlikely pair of very charismatic, very problematic leads, the end of this pilot story stuck its landing by its sheer force of a sharp-edged point of view that feels super timely. For promising an ongoing entanglement of messy characters and an apt level of sticky story to unpack, and for its quest to interrogate if not skewer today’s media influencers’ disingenuous and self-serving co-opting tactics for the sake of audience/fan base. We give the Jury award to Marvin is Sorry.”

Special Jury Award for: Zeke Nicholson, Halfrican American

“For being so deeply real and lived in from the first frame to the last. It’s a warm, engaging pilot that makes you want to stay longer and hang out with each member of the excellently written and performed ensemble. The authenticity in this exploration of identity, community, and family will stick with us and it’s exciting to think of what the filmmaker will create from here.”

TV Pilot Competition Jury: Kat Candler, filmmaker; Christine Dávila, freelance producer; Caroline Vanstrom, Director of Development and Production, Fifth Season

POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION
Winner: 7 Beats Per Minute
Designer: John Godfrey

“The poster’s design effortlessly captivated us, skillfully balancing mysterious calmness with unconventional composition choices. From the strategic use of empty spaces to the non-traditional placement of the title and billing block, every decision contributed to an aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking visual narrative.”

Special Jury Award: If I Die in America
Designer: Andrei Captan

“Featuring a sophisticated, confident, and effective design, this poster cleverly conceals multiple concepts which reveal themselves upon closer inspection. Through detailed illustrations and strategic use of negative space, the deliberate and smart choices in the design create a visually compelling narrative that not only captures attention but effectively communicates the essence of the film.

Poster Design Competition Jury: Oliver Barrett, artist, designer; Jenny Jacobi, CEO, Mutant; Kevin Tong, freelance graphic designer

XR EXPERIENCE COMPETITION
Winner: The Golden Key
Directors: Marc Da Costa, Matthew Niederhauser

“The Golden Key ingeniously fuses cutting edge experiments in generative AI technology with the oldest storytelling traditions, allowing us to collectively share in the creation of new narratives while sparking our individual imaginations in an endless cycle of creativity. Awarded for its innovative approach to immersive storytelling, its addictive application, and its uncanny ability to organically build community.”

Special Jury Award:
Winner: Soul Paint
Directors: Sarah Ticho, Niki Smit, Producer: Anna Firbank, Screenwriter: Sarah Ticho

“Soul Paint is epic and intimate in its scope and potential. This finely-tuned experience gives XR new possibilities for its application across disciplines and research that explores and interrogates the human experience. This piece encourages us to engage in creative play while also inspiring us to actively discover and share our innermost feelings without judgment.”

XR Experience Competition Jury: Jimmy Cheng, Atlas V / Karman Line / Sandman Studios; Jacqueline Lyanga, Founder, Executive Director, Global Cinematheque; Landon Zakheim, Executive Director, Co-Founder Overlook Film Festival

SXSW Special Awards

Janet Pierson Champion Award presented by Indiewire
To honor Janet Pierson, Director Emeritus of the SXSW Film & TV Festival after 15 years of leadership, a prize was created in 2023 called the Janet Pierson Champion Award. As part of IndieWire’s dedication to elevating Film & TV creators, IndieWire is proud to present the Janet Pierson Champion Award rewarding innovation and excellence in the art of storytelling to Kara Durrett.

Janet Pierson Champion Award
Winner: Kara Durrett

“Kara Durrett, President of Pinky Promise Films is known for her tireless work championing filmmakers and helping them develop sustainable careers. She has produced more than a dozen films, including nine SXSW Film & TV Official selections between 2018 and 2024. The SXSW World Premiere of the short film Caroline was shortlisted for the 2019 Academy Awards. The SXSW World Premiere of Topside won a Special Jury Award for Directing in 2020. Other films include: Save Yourselves!, Ayar, If You Were the Last, The Starling Girl, and this year’s World Premiere of I Don’t Understand You. Kara clearly has an incredible filmmaking future ahead of her, and we cannot wait to see what she brings us next.”

Kickstarter NextGen Award
Over the past 15 years, Kickstarter — the go-to crowdfunding platform for creative projects — has helped trailblazers like Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Andrew Ahn, and Phoebe Waller Bridges get the funds they need to bring their projects to life. Continuing Kickstarter’s legacy of championing generation-defining creatives, the Kickstarter NextGen Award recognizes a first-time filmmaker whose bold and inspiring work promises to offer audiences a new and fresh perspective.

Kickstarter NextGen Award Winner: Family
Director/Screenwriter: Benjamin Finkel, Producers: Lynette Howell Taylor, Samantha Housman, Benjamin Finkel

“This chilling and disorienting film has the viewer calling into question what is real and what is imagined, and who — if anyone — is the narrator we can rely on. The film is anchored by an exceptional performance from the young lead, portraying her character’s fear and confusion in the face of dislocation and grief. As viewers, we were safe in the hands of this accomplished cast, who in turn were safe in the hands of the debut writer-director. The Kickstarter NextGen Award goes to Director Benjamin Finkel for his film Family.”

#NEWMUSIC: DUA LIPA ANNOUNCES THIRD ALBUM “RADICAL OPTIMISM”

Today, 3x GRAMMY and 7x BRIT Award-winning global pop powerhouse Dua Lipa announces her highly-anticipated third album, Radical Optimism. The album will be released May 3rd and consist of 11 songs including the euphoric club-ready track “Houdini” and recently released single “Training Season.” You can pre-order/pre-save Radical Optimism here.

Inspired by Dua’s own self-discovery, Radical Optimism is an album that taps into the pure joy and happiness of having clarity in situations that once seemed impossible to face. The hard goodbyes and vulnerable beginnings that previously threatened to crush your soul, become milestones as you choose optimism and start to move with grace through the chaos.

Rolling Stone has called the album “pop bliss,” while noting it is “uniquely and utterly Dua Lipa: confident dance pop full of witty Instagram-caption-ready one-liners.”

Infused with the energy of Dua’s hometown, London, the attitude of the album embodies the rawness, honesty, confidence and freedom of ‘90s Britpop. Radical Optimism transports its listener to a dreamy pop world rich in musicality, lyrically unapologetic and sonically liberating.

“A couple years ago, a friend introduced me to the term Radical Optimism. It’s a concept that resonated with me, and I became more curious as I started to play with it and weave it into my life,” Dua shares. “It struck me – the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm. At the same time, I found myself looking through the music history of psychedelia, trip hop, and Britpop. It has always felt so confidently optimistic to me, and that honesty and attitude is a feeling I took into my recording sessions.”

Dua worked with a team of core collaborators throughout the project including Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. and Kevin Parker.

Earlier this month, Dua opened up the BRIT Awards with an electric performance of “Training Season” and subsequently took home her 7th BRIT Award for Best Pop Act. She also opened up the GRAMMY Awards this year, where she performed a medley of “Training Season,” “Dance The Night” and “Houdini.” Dua recently became the first female artist to have four songs each with over two billion streams on Spotify (“One Kiss,” “Don’t Start Now,” “New Rules” and “Levitating”).

Radical Optimism Tracklist:

1. End Of An Era
2. Houdini
3. Training Season
4. These Walls
5. Whatcha Doing
6. French Exit
7. Illusion
8. Falling Forever
9. Anything For Love
10. Maria
11. Happy For You

Pre-order / Pre-save Radical Optimism HERE

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “MONKEY MAN”

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of MONKEY MAN! Screenings take place as follows Wednesday, April 3, 2024:

Toronto: Scotiabank Theatre

Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre

Synopsis:

Oscar® nominee Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.

After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is directed by Dev Patel from his original story and his screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).

The film’s international cast includes Sharlto Copley (District 9), Sobhita Dhulipala (Made in Heaven), Pitobash (Million Dollar Arm), Vipin Sharma (Hotel Mumbai), Ashwini Kalsekar (Ek Tha Hero), Adithi Kalkunte (Hotel Mumbai), Sikandar Kher (Aarya) and Makarand Deshpande (RRR).

Monkey Man is produced by Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, The Man Who Knew Infinity), Oscar® winner Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Hunters series), Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Basil Iwanyk (John Wick franchise, Sicario films), Erica Lee (John Wick franchise, Silent Night), Christine Haebler (Shut In, Bones of Crows) and Anjay Nagpal (executive producer of Bombshell, Greyhound). 

Serving as executive producers are Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney and Steven Thibault.

Universal Pictures presents a Bron Studios production, a Thunder Road film, a Monkeypaw production, a Minor Realm/S’Ya Concept production, in association with WME Independent and Creative Wealth Media.

Genre: Action Thriller

Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, Makarand Deshpande

Director: Dev Patel

Story by: Dev Patel

Screenplay by: Dev Patel and Paul Angunawela and John Collee

Producers: Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Christine Haebler, Anjay Nagpal

Executive Producers: Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney, Steven Thibault

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate which city you are requesting for in the comments there. You can share this from our X account or IG stories for an extra chance, tagging us!

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Universal Pictures Canada release MONKEY MAN April 5, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#NEWMUSIC: CBC ANNOUNCE PROGRAMMING LEADING UP TO 2024 JUNOS

CBC and The Canadian Academy of Arts and Sciences (CARAS) are bringing Canada’s biggest celebration of music to audiences on all platforms at home and around the world with a special lineup of programming that showcases the best in Canadian music leading up to The 2024 JUNO AWARDS. Nelly Furtado hosts The 53rd Annual JUNO Awards, broadcasting live in all time zones across the country from Halifax on Sunday, March 24 at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT/ on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, and CBC Listen. The JUNO Awards will also be available on CBC Music’s YouTube page and for audiences around the globe at cbcmusic.ca/junos.

New to the JUNOS broadcast lineup, CBC and CARAS today announced the presenters who will take the Scotiabank Centre stage in Halifax, in addition to previously announced Academy Award®-nominated actor and Nova Scotia native, Elliot Page, who will present Tegan and Sara with the 2024 Humanitarian Award. The broadcast will include appearances by host of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Best in Miniature, Aba Amuquandoh, two-spirit nurse practitioner and talented drag artist Anita LandBack, Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy, co-founder and executive director of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance John R Sylliboy, actor/comedian Jonny Harris from CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and Still Standing, 2024 Single of the Year nominee and pop singer/songwriter LU KALA, R&B/dancehall fusion and 2024 Reggae Recording of the Year nominee Omega Mighty, Minister of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Pascale St-Onge and JUNO Award winner and 2024 nominee William Prince. Crash Adams have been named the 2024 TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award presenters and CBC Music’s Odario Williams will bring his Afterdark groove to the JUNO party as the Broadcast announcer. 2024 JUNO Award Nominee for Underground Dance Single of the Year, DJ Karaba will be the show’s official DJ, sharing her energy and beats throughout the Broadcast to keep the party going. The 2024 JUNOS will also feature a special moment for this year’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Maestro Fresh Wes, who will be inducted by Kardinal Offishall – his Induction will be presented by JUNOS Premier Sponsor, TD Bank Group.

On Sunday, March 24 the 53rd Annual JUNO Awards broadcast will feature performances by host Nelly Furtado, The Beaches, Charlotte Cardin, Jeremy Dutcher and Elisapie with fiery Mi’kmaq fiddler Morgan Toney featuring artistic creator Sarah Prosper, Josh Ross, Karan Aujla, TALK and special performances by Alexandra Stréliski, Allison Russell and Aysanabee paying homage to legendary artists Karl Tremblay, Gordon Lightfoot and Robbie Robertson. Producer and composer Ikky, will make a Broadcast appearance to round out the 2024 JUNO Award performers.

As the home for Canadian music, CBC is dedicated to showcasing homegrown artists throughout the year and during JUNO Week. See below for this week’s full schedule of JUNO programming.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

CBC MUSIC LIVE PRESENTS: ROAD TO THE JUNOS

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, audiences can enjoy performances by Jenn Grant and Rose Cousins, hosted by CBC Music’s Odario Williams.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. local time (6:30 NT), with a video version available to stream on CBC Gem.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

CBC MUSIC LIVE PRESENTS: ROAD TO THE JUNOS

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, audiences can enjoy performances by Reeny and Adam Baldwin, hosted by CBC Music’s Odario Williams.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. local time, with a video version available to stream on CBC Gem.

THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES

22 Minutes salutes the JUNOS with special appearances by 2024 JUNOS host Nelly Furtado and JUNO Nominee Amanda Marshall.

Broadcasts on CBC and CBC Gem at 8:00 p.m. local time (8:30 NT)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

RECLAIMED PRESENTS: ROAD TO THE JUNOS

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, audiences can enjoy performances by DeeDee Austin, Wolf Castle and Morgan Toney, hosted by CBC Music’s Jarrett Martineau.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. local time, with a video version available to stream on CBC Gem.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

THE BLOCK PRESENTS: ROAD TO THE JUNOS

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, audiences can enjoy performances by Jah’Mila and Aquakultre, hosted by CBC Music’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. local time, with a video version available to stream on CBC Gem.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Q WITH TOM POWER

Join host Tom Power for a sit-down interview with 2024 JUNOs host Nelly Furtado. she’ll talk about returning to the 53rd annual JUNO Awards as a host and how she’s grown over 25 years in music.

Broadcasts on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen at 10 a.m. local time (10:30 NT). The Nelly Furtado interview will also be available on CBC News: The National at 10 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem.

MAINSTREET WITH JEFF DOUGLAS

CBC Nova Scotia host Jeff Douglas celebrates the 2024 JUNOS with a special Atlantic-wide show with industry insiders and musical performances, live from the Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Halifax.

Broadcasts on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. AT (3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. NT)

MARVINS’ ROOM PRESENTS: ROAD TO THE JUNOS

Recorded in front of a live audience at The Marquee Ballroom in Halifax, audiences can enjoy performances by Zamani Folade and Gary Beals, hosted by CBC Music’s Jemini.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. local time, with a video version available to stream on CBC Gem.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

THE 2024 JUNO OPENING NIGHT AWARDS

Presented by Music Canada

Celebrating Canada’s top musical talent. This year’s Opening Night Awards shine bright all the way from beautiful Halifax, NS. Catch electric performances and award presentations from new faces and treasured favourites as well as winners of coveted JUNO statuettes for: The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, and 40+ JUNO Awards.

Available to stream live at 5 p.m. ET (2 PT/ 3 MT/ 5 CT/ 6 AT / 6:30 NT) on CBC Gem, CBC Music’s YouTube page and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

JUNO SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE

Presented by SOCAN and FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada

Taped in front of a live audience from Halifax’s LightHouse Arts Centre on Friday, March 22, the 2024 JUNO nominees join CBC Music host Damhnait Doyle in Halifax for a unique event that strips away the layers of production to present the essence of music in its purest form: the song itself. Hear candid conversations, acoustic performances, and unforgettable connections from Begonia, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Jeremy Dutcher, Leith Ross, Luna Elle, Matt Andersen, Rêve and William Prince.

Broadcasts on CBC Music at 6:00 p.m. ET and on CBC Radio One at 6:30 p.m. ET (7:30 AT, 5 CT, 4 MT, 3 PT)

THE 2024 JUNO AWARDS BROADCAST

Hosted by music icon Nelly Furtado, Canada’s Biggest Night in Music features the presentation of various JUNO Awards and performances by Canada’s hottest artists live from Halifax for the 53rd annual celebration of Canada’s top musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, and more.

Broadcasts live on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Radio and CBC Listen at 8 p.m. ET (5 PT/ 6 MT/ 7 CT/ 9 AT / 9:30 NT) with encore broadcasts on CBC TV in PT and MT time zones at 8 p.m.. In addition to described video and closed captioning CBC Gem will also offer ASL interpretation made available courtesy of the Disability Screen Office, CBC and Insight Productions with the support from the Canada Media Fund.

MONDAY, MARCH, 25

CBC MUSIC MORNINGS WITH DAMHNAIT DOYLE

Host Damhnait Doyle is live from Halifax, looking back at Canada’s biggest night in music. Hear interviews with 2024 JUNO winners and nominees, as well as some of the top music headlines to come out of Halifax’s JUNO week.

Broadcasts on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 a.m. local time (6:30 NT)

COMMOTION WITH ELAMIN ABDELMAHMOUD

Featuring a panel live from Halifax, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud brings together music critics from across the country to recap the wins and surprises of the 2024 JUNO awards.

Broadcasts on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen at 11 a.m. local time (11:30 NT)

#TIFF: 2024 NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED

TIFF is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the Next Wave Film Festival, supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto back for its 13th edition, which invites young audiences and cinephiles for a weekend of exciting new films and special events. This year, TIFF Next Wave will open the weekend with Battle of the Scores, during which four up-and-coming bands score the silent short film Moontime, directed by Julia Harris and Adlyn Gilbert, and compete for a grand prize. From April 11–14, audiences can expect an electrifying showcase of emerging talent and innovative storytelling. Programmed for youth, by youth, the Next Wave Film Festival offers free Official Selection films for anyone under 25. Tickets are available starting March 13 for TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass holders, and to the general public on March 15.

“At the heart of TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival lies our profound commitment to nurturing emerging talents and igniting a love for cinema among the next generation,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “As an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusivity, TIFF’s impact reverberates far beyond the silver screen, shaping the cultural landscape and inspiring communities worldwide. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of film at the 2024 edition of New Wave.”

This year’s Official Selection promotes nine debut and sophomore features ― from Canada, China, Sweden, Madagascar, India, Brazil, USA, and the United Kingdom ― that explore gripping and authentic stories of teenagehood and coming of age in communities across the globe. Highlights include: Luna Carmoon’s 2023 directorial debut Hoard, which follows a close bond between mother and daughter while exploring the intricate layers of human attachment and the emotional weight of possessions; Swedish director Mika Gustafson’s Paradise Is Burning, an intimate portrait of three sisters and the growing pains that come with transitioning from girlhood to womanhood; She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones, directed by Youjia Qu, follows Zhuang, a laid back high school senior whose life becomes intertwined with his classmate Meng after taking the blame for her theft of a starting pistol; Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls, a thrilling depiction of 16-year-old Mira’s journey to maturity navigating love, desire, and rebellion at a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas; and director Luck Razanajaona’s first feature Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story, the story of a 20-year-old sapphire miner that returns home after an unforeseen tragedy and must grapple with questions of grief, loyalty, and revolution.

“TIFF Next Wave is all about sharing youth stories from all over the world! I hope everyone who catches a film feels that much more connected to young people everywhere,” said Serena Hao, TIFF Next Wave Committee Member.

Alongside film screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to attend special events at TIFF Lightbox, notably Loved It: Priyanka on Hustlers, during which the winner of the first-ever season of Canada’s Drag Race, joins us to dissect the 2019 film starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu; and a special screening of The Concierge, directed by Yoshimi Itazu, who’s known for his work on popular anime films Paprika (2006) and Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises (2013).

Ranging in age from 15 to 18, the TIFF Next Wave Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee is charged with planning major teen-oriented events year-round at TIFF Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, a one-of-a-kind talent incubator.

TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass Holders receive access to year-round TIFF benefits, including free access to more than 300 Cinematheque screenings. To learn more and join as a TIFF Member, visit tiff.net/join.

• Free tickets for TIFF Next Wave Film Festival are limited to 1 ticket per film screening for anyone under 25

2024 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection — April 11 to 14

She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones (Kai Shi De Qiang) dir. Youjia Qu –
Intro and Q&A with the filmmaker
China | 2024 | Mandarin

Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story dir. Luck Razanajaona – Virtual Q&A with the filmmaker
Madagascar/France/Germany/Mauritius/Qatar | 2024 | Malagasy

Power Alley dir. Lillah Halla – Virtual Q&A with the filmmaker
Brazil/Uruguay/France | 2023 | Portuguese

Hoard dir. Luna Carmoon
UK | 2023 | English

Les Rayons Gamma (Gamma Rays) dir. Henry Bernadet
Canada | 2023 | French

Paradise Is Burning (Paradiset Brinner), dir. Mika Gustafson
Denmark/Finland/Italy/Sweden | 2023 | Swedish

Girls Will Be Girls , dir. Shuchi Talati
India | 2024 | Hindi, English

A Song Sung Blue (Xiao Bai Chuan), dir. Zihan Geng
China | 2023 | Mandarin, Korean

Big Boys dir. Corey Sherman – Open-captioned screening
USA | 2023 | English

Loved It: Priyanka on Hustlers — April 11, 6:30pm
Multi-talented pop sensation, musical artist, and winner of Canada’s Drag Race Priyanka joins us to present Hustlers, one of the most dazzling and fun pop movies of all time. Priyanka will be joined by drag performer and host Allysin Chaynes to discuss the film’s cultural relevance and why it holds a place as one of her favourites.

Opening Night: Battle of the Scores — April 12, 7pm
Battle of the Scores challenges four up-and-coming bands to score a silent short film — and the audience picks the winner. See the bands perform their music LIVE in-cinema and kick off the festival weekend in style. Co-programmed by Insomniac Film Festival, this year’s competition features the bands Mifune Moods, The Sedges, Life Sized, and RoadKill, all scoring Moontime, directed by Julia Harris and Adlyn Gilbert. Visit @TIFF_NET on Instagram starting April 1 to see the films, hear the scores, and to cast a vote.

Young Creators Co-Lab — April 13, 9am
The Young Creators Co-Lab is a gathering space for young and emerging artists in Toronto to connect with industry professionals and hear about all things film. Develop your craft, meet like-minded peers, and learn how to build a career in the media arts. The Co-Lab offers a full day of connective and engaging programming for filmmakers and creatives, 9am–3pm on April 13 at TIFF Lightbox. Session topics include Thriving as an Artist presented by ArtWorksTO, featuring panelists Dwayne Holness (CEO, Corex Creative), Sid Naidu (Photographer, ScarboroughMade), Cristal Buemi (Animator/Educator, Frame by Frame), and V.T. Nayani (Writer-Director, This Place), moderated by career coach and film producer Betty Xie; Low-Budget Filmmaking: Do It Yourself – writer-directors Ethan Eng (Therapy Dogs), Minerva Navasca (Guardians, Desync) and Prajj Rajawat (AbsAbsAbs) break down their low-budget practice and take us behind the scenes of their productions; and Breakout Sessions with industry professionals discussing their experience navigating the film landscape within their current roles, from production and costume design, to editing and VFX.

The Young Creators Co-Lab is presented by the City of Toronto. The Supporting Educational Partner is Toronto Film School.

TIFF Next Wave x Family Films Presents: The Concierge — April 14, 1pm
We all know the customer is always right, but what about when your customers are anthropomorphic animals shopping for new clothes? For Akino, an anxious and eager-to-please trainee at the Hokkyoku department store, it makes no difference! With stunning art and animation, The Concierge offers a vibrant and light-hearted story for audiences of all ages.

Closing Night: Young Creators Showcase — April 14, 7:30pm
Discover the next wave of Canadian filmmakers in this series of shorts created for youth, by youth. Celebrating the work of young and emerging filmmakers, this programme focuses on themes of community, belonging, and altered realities. From animation to documentary, these films feature a dynamic mix of voices, visions, and methods of storytelling. They showcase daring new ways youth are engaging in film to create honest, intersectional stories about their experiences.

Young Creators Showcase Awards: Presented by Cineplex
New this year, the Young Creators Showcase films are eligible for awards for Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Writing, and Best Editing, presented by Cineplex in support of the next generation of Canadian filmmakers. The winners will be selected by jury members, Matt Devuono (Executive Director, Event Cinema – Cineplex), Shasha Nakhai (TIFF 2021 Official Selection Scarborough, Compy Films), and Winnie Wang (Next Wave alumni and winner of Telefilm Canada’s 2023 Emerging Critic Award). Awards will be presented in-cinema as part of the Young Creators Showcase event.

Additional information is available at tiff.net/nextwave.

TIFF prefers Visa.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TEASER FOR “ATLAS” STARRING JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez is about to take you on a thrilling journey this Victoria Day weekend! ATLAS arrives May 24, 2024. Today a new Teaser arrives.

Director: Brad Peyton
Writers: Leo Sardarian and Aron Eli Coleite
Producers: Brad Peyton and Jeff Fierson for ASAP Entertainment; Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell for Safehouse Pictures; Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions; and Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter for Berlanti/Schechter Films
Executive Producers: Samson Mücke, Michael Riley McGrath

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, Gregory James Cohan, Abraham Popoola, Lana Parrilla and Mark Strong

Watch & Link to Teaser
Download Teaser Art
Download First Look Photo
Visit Media Center

LOGLINE
Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), a brilliant but misanthropic data analyst with a deep distrust of artificial intelligence, joins a mission to capture a renegade robot with whom she shares a mysterious past. But when plans go awry, her only hope of saving the future of humanity from AI is to trust it.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR “RENEGADE NELL”

Today, Disney+ unveiled the action-packed official trailer for upcoming Original series “Renegade Nell”. The eight-part series is written and created by BAFTA-award-winning writer Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley) with lead director Ben Taylor (Sex Education). All episodes will be available to stream on March 29, 2024, exclusively on Disney+.

Nell Jackson, a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined.

“Renegade Nell” stars Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) in the leading role of “Nell Jackson” with Frank Dillane as “Charles Devereux”, Alice Kremelberg as “Sofia Wilmot”, Ényì Okoronkwo as “Rasselas”, Jake Dunn as “Thomas Blancheford”, Bo Bragason as “Roxy Trotter”, Florence Keen as “George Trotter”, with Nick Mohammed as “Billy Blind”, Joely Richardson as “Lady Eularia Moggerhangar” and Adrian Lester as “Robert Hennessey, Earl of Poynton”. Pip Torrens as “Lord Blancheford” and Craig Parkinson as “Sam Trotter” also star.

“Renegade Nell” is produced by Lookout Point. Executive Producers are Sally Wainwright, Ben Taylor, Faith Penhale, Will Johnston and Louise Mutter for Lookout Point, and Johanna Devereaux for Disney+. Amanda Brotchie (Gentleman Jack) and MJ Delaney (Ted Lasso) also direct episodes. Jon Jennings is Series Producer and Stella Merz is Producer.

#FIRSTLOOK: “MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE” AND “UNTIL I KILL YOU” COMING TO HOLLYWOOD SUITE

Hollywood Suite is absolutely chuffed to announce the Canadian premieres of two highly acclaimed drama series from ITV Studios, Mr Bates vs The Post Office and the powerful forthcoming drama produced by the award-winning World Productions, Until I Kill You. Hollywood Suite will be the exclusive Canadian home for both titles.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office is ITV’s biggest new drama in over a decade, even beating the launch of Downton Abbey in 2010.

The ITV Studios and Little Gem Media series, written by acclaimed screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes (Honour, Vanity Fair, Dark Angel) and executive produced by Patrick Spence (Adult Material, Marvellous), ITV Studios, Gwyneth Hughes, Natasha Bondy and Ben Gale (Surviving the Virus, This is our Family) on behalf of Little Gem, has sparked debate in Britain’s parliament and led to the introduction of legislation to overturn the wrongful convictions of hundreds of postmasters. With an exceptional cast featuring Toby Jones (Empire of Light, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Sherlock), Monica Dolan (Eye In The Sky, Sherwood), and Shaun Dooley (Saltburn, The Woman In Black), the show will air over the course of two nights, May 28 and May 29 at 9pm ET. It will be available on Hollywood Suite On Demand on May 29.

Based on a shocking true story, the powerful drama Until I Kill You stars Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer, an agency nurse who survived a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney, played by Shaun Evans (Endeavour). The four-part series will premiere April 18 at 9pm ET and be available on Hollywood Suite On Demand beginning April 1.

“ITV Studios has an incredible track record of bringing the best in dramatic television to audiences, and we’re thrilled to sign on to these two projects with them,” said Sharon Stevens, Vice-President of Programming for Hollywood Suite. “The Pembrokeshire Murders, which we premiered in April 2021, was a massive success both for us in Canada as well as across the pond and we’re confident that Until I Kill You and Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office will be similarly embraced by Canadians.”

Mr Bates vs The Post Office synopsis:

Four-part drama, based on the true story of one man’s fight against one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. Starting more than 20 years ago, the Post Office wrongly dismissed, harassed, and prosecuted hundreds of innocent subpostmasters for theft, fraud, and false accounting. Subpostmasters were told they were the only ones to report a problem with a new computer system called Horizon. When Alan Bates was sacked, he refused to accept the Post Office line. He found and brought together a group of other isolated and wrongly accused victims to form the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance. Alan Bates and his friends exposed a shocking scandal at the heart of the Post Office, a government-owned and much-loved national institution.

Until I Kill You synopsis:

When Delia Balmer meets John Sweeney, he seems like the kindred spirit she has been searching for. But as his anti-establishment persona gives way to a darker, violent side, Sweeney taunts Delia with the revelation that he murdered his ex-girlfriend. Sweeney is arrested, but released on bail after the court fails to recognise how dangerous he is, leaving him free to subject Delia to a near-fatal attack. She survives, but Sweeney disappears. Delia tries to rebuild her life, but when Sweeney is arrested years later, she must face him all over again in court as the key prosecution witness.

#SXSW: “STORMY” REVIEW

By David Baldwin

If you hear the name Stormy Daniels, what do you think of? Her career as an adult entertainer in front of and behind the camera, or her involvement in a legal shitstorm with the former President of the United States? STORMY demystifies the woman behind those headlines, and chronicles the immediate fallout from her “hush money” payment becoming international news, the on-going legal saga she remains intrinsically attached to and the turmoil and toll it has taken on her personal life.

Whether you know all the facts or not, watching STORMY is a riveting and sobering experience – not just because of how aggravating it is, but by how harrowing and emotional it quickly becomes. Daniels is a give-no-fucks firecracker at the start and by the end, she is a visibly strained, shell of a woman who has gone through hell and fears for her safety.

Though Daniels is refreshingly candid and holds nothing back, the Documentary spends most of its time focusing on the legal shenanigans and sparring and not enough on who she is as an Entertainer and more to the point, as a person. We get glimpses into her dance tours, television appearances, her love for horses and her private life. They all feel fleeting though, especially when so many of the talking head interviews are journalists just speaking about what happened because of the payment details going public. What they discuss and what is shown is interesting and vital, but the Film is called STORMY and needed to be more about her and a whole lot less about him.

Stormy screens at SXSW’24:

Mar 8 at 5:15PM at Stateside Theatre

Mar 13 at 11:45AM at Alamo Lamar 5