#FIRSTLOOK: “IN COLD LIGHT” TO PREMIERE AT 2025 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

Elevation Pictures’ IN COLD LIGHT starring Maika Monroe, has just been announced for a Tribeca Film Festival Premiere this year!

Directed by: Maxime Giroux
Starring: Maika Monroe, Troy Kotsur, Allan Hawco and Helen Hunt
Synopsis: The city crackles with the energy of a chaotic urban rodeo. Fresh out of prison, Ava’s attempt to take back her burgeoning drug operation is obliterated when she witnesses a brutal crime, forcing Ava to run for her life.

Director’s Statement: “Our narrative follows one woman grappling with extraordinary circumstances. Ava’s story is one of sacrifice. Through the film, I’m offering a critical lens into a hypermasculine world, experienced through one woman raised amidst struggling men and shaped by the loss of her mother at a young age. Our reflection is on power dynamics and the emotional cost of masculinity — its weight on both men and women. Despite Ava’s deep flaws – most resulting from the life she’s been given – her desire for freedom should be universally felt. Her commitment to family remains unwavering, even in the face of intolerable treatment by those she loves most. She is committed to a shared ‘code’, even when those around her fail to honour it. Ultimately, Ava emerges as a symbol of strength through surrender, an action born of choice and agency. Despite her imperfections, Ava’s represents the best in all of us.”

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THE ROSES”

Searchlight Pictures present a new Trailer for THE ROSES! Opening in theatres August 29, 2025.

Synopsis:

Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler.

Directed By: Jay Roach

Screenplay By: Tony McNamara

Cast:

Benedict Cumberbatch

Olivia Colman

Andy Samberg

Allison Janney

Belinda Bromilow

Sunita Mani

Ncuti Gatwa

Jamie Demetriou

Zoë Chao

And Kate McKinnon

Produced By:

Jay Roach, Michelle Graham, P.G.A,

Adam Ackland, P.G.A, Leah Clarke, P.G.A,

Ed Sinclair, P.G.A, Tom Carver

Executive Producers:

James L. Brooks, Michael Adler,

Jonathan Adler, Benedict Cumberbatch,

Olivia Colman, Cáit Collins

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW DOCUMENTARY “KNOW HER NAME” COMING TO SUPER CHANNEL FUSE

Forgotten no more. The new original documentary Know Her Name premieres May 2, 2025 at 9 p.m on Super Channel Fuse. This feature explores how film history is documented and the inequities within the process. It also examines the changes needed to ensure female filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are no longer erased from the narrative.

Know Her Name delves into the legacies of filmmakers Zora Neale Hurston and Esther Eng – two groundbreaking filmmakers who prioritized diversity in their storytelling in the early 1900s. Despite their pioneering work, both women have been largely omitted from film history, their contributions lost to what is referred to in the documentary as “historical amnesia.” The doc parallels their lives with their cultural contributions and the mystery that cloaks their hidden legacies in cinema. Interviews featured include Deepa Mehta (Fire, Earth, Water), Mary Harron (I Shot Andy Warhol, American Psycho), Victoria Hochberg (tv director since the 1970s), Jennifer Podemski (Little Bird), Dawn Wilkinson (Brilliant Minds, Orphan Black), and Aden Abebe (Virgins!)

Know Her Name was inspired by several films from the past decade. First, the tremendous buzz around the release of Black Panther for featuring a predominantly Black cast. Second, Crazy Rich Asians for featuring a majority Asian cast. Third, the documentary Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, which was released at the Cannes Film Festival revealing the forgotten story of Alice Guy, a writer, director, producer and studio owner. Alice was the first woman to not only do all of this, but also direct one of the first narrative films and invented the concept of editing, cutting from one shot to another to tell a story.

Know Her Name was directed by Zainab Muse. Executive Producers are Munire Armstrong (Bikini Moon, The Protector) and Ngardy Conteh George (Mr. Jane and Finch, Black Community Mixtapes). Co-producers are Heidi Lasi and Zainab Muse. Cinematographer is Morgana McKenzie and Editor is Maria Bykina.

About Super Channel Entertainment Network:

Super Channel offers viewers exceptional entertainment value, uncut and commercial-free, with four diverse channels – Super Channel Fuse, Heart & Home, Vault and Quest – plus, access to Super Channel On Demand where available by service provider. Super Channel is available via most cable providers across the country as well as streaming live and On Demand with Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV+ and Fubo, with Super Channel+ available to download and stream from anywhere in Canada. Super Channel offers two free ad-supported channels, Super Channel Uncovered and Super Channel Hearties, available on streaming platforms including Tubi, Plex, Xumo Play, LG and Roku. Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton based media company. For a list of service providers, please visit: superchannel.ca/subscribe or learn more at superchannelplus.ca.

#FOOD: PURE SPIRITS PRESENT EASTER BUFFET 2025

On Easter Weekend, seafood lovers and brunch-goers alike are in for a real treat. Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill, nestled in the heart of The Distillery Historic District, will be offering a special all-you-can-eat brunch buffet curated by Executive Chef Jason McLaren — and it’s just $35 per person. Yes, you heard that right, a brunch buffet for $35 per person!

The Easter Bunny has Gone Bougie. Who needs chocolate eggs when you have an all-youcan-eat spread like this.

Available Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 from 10AM to 2PM, this laid-back yet elevated brunch experience brings together Chef Jason’s signature Canadian flair with the sustainable seafood Pure Spirits is known for.

Menu Highlights Include:

• Continental Spread: Mini butter croissants, pain au chocolat, bagels, and house-baked breads with all the spreads.

• Fresh Salads: Mini crudités, Greek salad, orzo pesto veg, and mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.

• Hot Table Favourites: Scrambled and poached eggs, lemon buttermilk pancakes (maple syrup or coconut-lime caramel), bread pudding French toast, soy-glazed salmon, mussels Provençale, bacon, sausage, roasted creamer potatoes, and more.

• Granola Station: With honey yogurt, fresh berries, peach compote & almonds. • Dessert Station: A mix of cookies, tarts, and squares.

• Flavoured Water Station: Featuring refreshing blends like hibiscus flower ginger, peach mango cinnamon, spring berry mint and vanilla orange lime

More here.

#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE ANNOUNCE 2025 CFC GALA: GROWING FUTURE

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce that industry leaders Neishaw Ali, CEO and Executive Producer of SPIN VFX and CFC Board Chair, and board member Magali Simard, Cinespace Studios’ Director of Industry & Community Relations will serve as co-chairs for the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Future, taking place on Thursday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. As long-time champions of the CFC and the Canadian screen sector, they will elevate this year’s gala theme, which reflects the organization’s dedication and commitment to shaping the future of storytelling in Canada. Tickets to the CFC Gala are available here.

Continuing to strengthen and expand the film and television industry, the CFC has empowered a vibrant and ever-growing network of more than 2,200 alumni—trailblazing artists and creators shaping today’s screen landscape. Through essential, hands-on training initiatives like the Norman Jewison Film Program, CBC Actors Conservatory, Cinematography Intensive, Hair & Makeup Intensive, and Comedy Story Room Intensive, the CFC continues to evolve. With several exciting new programs already underway—and even more transformative opportunities on the horizon— essential fundraising contributions will help drive the future of film and television.

“This is the time of year that we encourage those who are committed to financially supporting the next generation of creators to come out to help us ensure those brilliant visionaries get the opportunities they deserve,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “The Gala’s Growing Futures theme encapsulates the ongoing growth, opportunity, and creative impact we cultivate every day through our programs, partnerships, and community building. We look forward to sharing a memorable evening honouring our remarkable alumni and celebrating with Canada’s screen industry.”

The CFC Gala is a celebration of the extraordinary talent supported through the organization’s work and the innovative stories the CFC has helped bring to life that push boundaries, reflect diverse experiences, and inspire audiences here and around the world. The highly anticipated and lively evening will bring together industry leaders, artists, and supporters to help raise vital funds that contribute to CFC’s robust hands-on programs to guide and empower the next wave of creatives.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

#FIRSTLOOK: “EDDINGTON” TO COMPETE IN COMPETITION IN CANNES

EDDINGTON is premiering in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and it is in theatres July 18, 2025 via VVS Films.

From writer and director Ari Aster, and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Luke Grimes.

Synopsis:

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

#FIRSTLOOK: “DANGEROUS ANIMALS” TO PREMIERE AT CANNES

Elevation Pictures is thrilled to have DANGEROUS ANIMALS premiere in Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. See below for more information. DANGEROUS ANIMALS is in theatres across Canada on June 6, 2025 via Elevation Pictures.

See the Teaser here.

Synopsis:

• When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.

Director’s Fortnight
DANGEROUS ANIMALS – Dir. Sean Byrne
WORLD PREMIERE

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW ARTWORK FOR “FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES”

The newest chapter in New Line Cinema’s bloody successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice—“Final Destination Bloodlines.”

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, with Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd.

The film is directed by Adam Stein & Zach Lipovsky. The screenplay is by Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor, and story is by Jon Watts and Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor. It is based on characters created by Jeffrey Reddick.

“Final Destination Bloodlines” is produced by Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Jon Watts, Dianne McGunigle and Toby Emmerich. The executive producers are David Siegel and Warren Zide. The behind-the-camera talent includes director of photography Christian Sebaldt and production designer Rachel O’Toole. The film is edited by Sabrina Pitre. The music is by Tim Wynn. The costumes are designed by Michelle Hunter. The casting is by Rich Delia.

New Line Cinema presents A Practical Pictures / Freshman Year / Fireside Films Production: “Final Destination Bloodlines.” The film will be distributed in theatres and IMAX worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 16, 2025.

#FIRSTLOOK: 2025 BLUE MOUNTAIN FILM + MEDIA FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival unveils this year’s dynamic lineup showcasing 32 feature films from 12 countries across the globe. Opening the festival with its Canadian Premiere is Racewalkers, a Grand Jury Prize Winner for Unstoppable Feature at the Slamdance Film Festival, directed by Kevin Claydon & Phil Moniz. Scott McGehee & David Siegel’s audience pleaser The Friend starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, screens on Saturday, May 31, 2025 as the evening Gala followed by an after-party.

This year’s selection offers something for everyone, spanning powerful political and art documentaries, compelling dramas and romances, as well as sports, crime and comedy films. Returning this year is the Buffer Festival, showcasing the work of innovative digital creators. These storytellers bring fresh and authentic voices to social platforms, which combines the worlds of social media and storytelling. Canadian Shorts will be highlighted at this year’s festival – a vibrant celebration of storytelling that showcases the remarkable talent of Canadian filmmakers. Spanning from 3 to 30 minutes, the dynamic collection of short films capture emerging voices shaping the future of cinema. The Canadian Shorts lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to the rich programming, the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival offers a variety of complimentary events throughout the village all weekend. Festival goers can enjoy live music, industry events, outdoor activities and parties. In order to provide a relaxing yet immersive experience, the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival is offering an exclusive hotel package for attendees. For more information on this deal, please visit https://bluemtnfilmfest.ca/hotels/.

“My programming associates and I have scoured the world to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema to this beautiful region, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s set to be screened at this year’s festival, ” said Jason Gorber, Director of Film Programming. “We are proud to present over 30 feature films from around the globe, including multiple award winners and Canadian premieres. From dog dramas to delightful documentaries, horse movies to sci-fi classics, crime thrillers and comedies and tasty films about cheese, there’s something for any movie lover to experience! Each screening will be a special event, with live and virtual Q&As as well as other fun surprises throughout, all to help celebrate the wonderful shared experience of watching films together.”

Image from Closing Night Film, The Friend. Credit: Courtesy of Mongrel Media

BLUE MOUNTAIN FILM + MEDIA 2025 LINEUP:

Anotas, directed by Damian McCann (Northern Ireland)
Canadian Premiere

Three women in Northern Ireland stage a bank robbery that goes awry in this thriller that unfolds in reverse.

Bad Shabbos, directed by Daniel Robbins (USA)
Audience Award Winner at Tribeca Film Festival
Canadian Premiere

A family gathering assumes increasingly tragic consequences on what should be a day of rest. Oy!

Beethoven’s Nine: Ode to Humanity, directed by Larry Weinstein (Canada)

The enduring power of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony inspires this universal ode to joy.

Best in Show, directed by Christopher Guest (USA)
Free Outdoor Screening

You’re merrier with terrier. Christopher Guest’s 2000 mockumentary about the high-stakes world of dog shows.

Black Dog, directed by Guan Hu (China)
Un Certan Regard Award Winner at Cannes Film Festival

Two strays forge an unlikely bond in China’s changing landscape.

Bonjour Tristesse, directed by Durga Chew-Bose (Canada)
Directors to Watch Award Winner at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

A classical novel gets a contemporary reimagining in this story of a young woman who intervenes in her father’s affair.

Come See Me in the Good Light, directed by Ryan White (USA)
Festival Favourite Award Winner at Sundance Film Festival

A terminal cancer diagnosis inspires spoken word artist Andrea Gibson to embrace the poetry of life.

The Cowboy and the Queen, directed by Andrea Nevins (USA)

A horse trainer finds a friend and ally in Queen Elizabeth II.

Eephus, directed by Carson Lund (France/USA)

Two local teams face off in what could be the final game on their beloved baseball diamond in this festival favourite.

Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis (Latvia)
Best Animated Feature Award Winner at the Academy Awards
Private Screening and School program

A cat, a capybara, and some dogs survive a flood in this animated Oscar winner.

Four Mothers, directed by Darren Thornton (Ireland)
Audience Award Winner at London Film Festival

A male nurse/aspiring author must deal with a quartet of grannies while his friends enjoy a Pride weekend.

The Friend, directed by Scott McGehee & David Siegel (USA)
Screening and Soiree

Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Bing the Great Dane prove that a dog really is a human’s best friend.

Front Row, directed by Miriam Guttmann (USA/Netherlands/Ukraine/UK)
Canadian Premiere

A war veteran who lost his legs in battle takes centre stage as the United Ukrainian Ballet Company’s guest of honour.

Gaucho Gaucho, directed by Michael Dwec & Gregory Kershaw (USA)
Special Jury Award for Sound at Sundance Film Festival

This handsome portrait of Argentine cowboys offers a stirring ode to a rugged way of life.

Holy Cow!, directed by Louise Courvoisier (France)
Un Certan Regard Award Winner at Cannes Film Festival

In rural France, a young man learns the arts of making cheese and making love.

Home Free, directed by Avi Federgreen (Canada)
Audience Award Int’l Narrative Feature Film – Gasparilla International Film Festival, Montreal Independent Film Festival: Best Canadian Indie

Three sisters reunite while visiting their terminally ill father, who has a few surprises in store.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence , directed by Varda Bar-Kar (USA)

Breaking Silence lets a folk music icon tell her story in her own words after giving voice to so many others.

The Last Waltz, directed by Martin Scorsese (USA)
Free Outdoor Screening

Martin Scorsese turns it up to 11 with this classic concert doc celebrating the music of The Band and friends.

Little Jaffna, directed by Lawrence Valin (France)

A Tamil cop in Paris infiltrates a criminal network in his own community in this tense thriller.

Meet the Barbarians,directed by Julie Delpy (France)

Well-to-do French villagers sponsor a family of Ukrainians but get Syrians instead in this timely political farce.

Middletown, directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss (USA)
Canadian Premiere

Students from a 1990s’ film class look back on the power of uncovering the truth through filmmaking.

Mistress Dispeller, directed by Elizabeth Lo (USA/China)

The economics of marriage in China go under the microscope as one woman infiltrates a marriage in order to save it.

The Mountain, directed by Rachel House (New Zealand)

Three kids embark on a quest to conquer a mountain and put old ghosts to rest.

The Penguin Lessons, directed by Peter Cattaneo (USA/Spain)

An English teacher at a Buenos Aires boarding school begrudgingly befriends a penguin in 1976 in this true story.

Racewalkers, directed by Kevin Claydon & Phil Moniz (Canada)
Opening Night Film & Canadian Premiere
Grand Jury Prize for the Best Unstoppable Feature at Slamdance Film Festival

An aspiring Olympian takes up the extreme sport of racewalking and puts one foot forward after another in pursuit of his dream.

Sad Jokes, directed by Fabian Stumm (Germany)
Best Director and FIPRESCI Prize Winner at Munich Film Festival

A film director deals with serious events in his personal life while finding the right comedic note for his new movie.

Shelf Life, directed by Ian Cheney (United States)
Best Cinematography Winner at Tribeca Film Festival

Cheese, glorious cheese! Gourmands around the world explore the many wonders of our favourite wine pairing.

Souleymane’s Story, directed by Boris Lojkine (France)
Un Certain Regard Best Actor Winner, Jury Prize Winner and FIPRESCI Prize Winner at Cannes Film Festival

A migrant in Paris works tirelessly as a food-delivery courier and must earn enough overnight to pay for documents that will assist his application for asylum.

So Surreal: Behind the Masks, directed by Neil Diamond & Joanne Robertson (Canada)

The hunt for Yup’ik masks leads to an unexpected connection to the artistic obsessions of the French Surrealists.

Star Wars (Anangong Miigaading), A New Hope, directed by George Lucas (USA)
Special Screening Free Access

A rare opportunity to see George Lucas’s 1977 sci-fi classic on the big screen, celebrating the film’s Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) dubbing.

Two Women, directed by Chloé Robichaud (Canada)
Special Jury Award for Writing at Sundance Film Festival

Two suburban Montréal moms make a pact to spice up their sex lives in this frisky Québécoise farce.

Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin (Canada)
Canada’s Selection for the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film

Director Matthew Rankin comes to BMFM to present his multiple award-winning surrealist comedy.

THE BUFFER FESTIVAL:
Sabrina Cruz and Melissa Fernandes from Answer in Progress to showcase why nobody knows what curry is, funded by the Canadian Media Fund.

Additional Buffer Festival creators to be announced.

#FIRSTLOOK: TARON EGERTON STARS IN NEW CRIME DRAMA “SMOKE” COMING TO APPLE TV+

Apple TV+ today unveiled a first look at the new crime drama “Smoke,” starring and executive produced by Taron Egerton, and created by Dennis Lehane. The nine-episode series premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, June 27, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through August 8, 2025.

Inspired by true events, “Smoke” follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

Starring Egerton as arson investigator ‘Dave Gudsen’ and Emmy Award nominee Jurnee Smollett as police detective ‘Michelle Calderone,’ the cast of “Smoke” also features Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Emmy Award nominee Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Greg Kinnear, and Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Smoke” is created by Lehane, who also serves as writer and executive producer. Egerton executive produces alongside Richard Plepler on behalf of EDEN Productions and Bradley Thomas and Dan Friedkin through Imperative Entertainment as well as Kari Skogland, Joe Chappelle and Jane Bartelme. The fictional series is inspired by truth.media’s acclaimed “Firebug” podcast, which was hosted by the Oscar and Emmy-winning Kary Antholis, who executive produces for Crime Story Media, LLC. Emmy Award winner Marc Smerling serves as executive producer for Truth Podcasting Corp. Series directors include Skogland, Chappelle, and Jim McKay.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 561 wins and 2,595 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*