Departure Festival + Conference today unveiled its complete lineup of guests, programming, and schedule for its inaugural event taking place May 6-11 in Toronto. Speakers and performers added to the lineup include celebrated musical artists Grace Vanderwaal, Lindsay Ell, Gabriela Bee, Gavin McLeod, CRi, The Redhill Valleys, Stuck On Planet Earth. Acclaimed visual artists Justin Bua and Danny Hastings also join the program, alongside Universal Music Canada President/CEO, Julie Adam, and President of Touring for Live Nation Concerts, Omar Al-Joulani, among others. Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez will receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award presented by Slaight Music and entrepreneur powerhouse ​​Matty Matheson will be awarded the Cultural Innovator Award at the Departure Honours.

These artists and executives join the previously announced Bryan Adams, Tegan and Sara, Mustafa, Dallas Green, Tia Wood, Max Kerman, Shaggy, among many others, as Departure Festival + Conference launches its first edition in May. Registered Departure conference pass-holders will get first access to tickets for Dave Chappelle’s stand up show on May 7 before an exclusive pre-sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on April 16.

Growing the esteemed list of previously announced organizations who are supporting the Departure Festival + Conference are Air Canada, ArtHaus, The Black Academy, Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA), Canada’s Walk of Fame, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Music Publishers Canada, National Cultural Foundation Barbados, RBC, Rogers Sports & Media, Scandinavian Building Services, Scotiabank Arena and VP Records who have confirmed their support. Visit departureto.com for the complete lineup of artists, venues and schedule of events.

“When Loft and Oak View came together to launch Departure, we set out to bring a fresh, re-energized and expanded festival and conference to the industry and lovers of music and art. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment that the teams have put towards what is poised to be a great inaugural event,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Loft Entertainment. “The quality of the guests, the thoughtfulness of the programming, the support from the music industry at large – all of it culminates this May in Toronto and we can’t wait.”

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING
Conference programming is available to Conference passholders

Joining Departure’s incredible conference lineup of music creatives are America’s Got Talent winner and vocal sensation Grace Vanderwaal; award-winning artist and songwriter Lindsay Ell; CEO, Canadian Live Music Association, Erin Benjamin; longtime manager of The Tragically Hip, Jake Gold and the team behind it, will unpack the strategy and storytelling behind the bands’ 40th anniversary campaign; President & CEO at Universal Music Canada, Julie Adam; President of Touring for Live Nation Concerts, Omar Al-Joulani; President of Music at Live Nation Canada Erik Hoffman; and recognized Toronto media personalities Alan Cross and Tara Slone. There will also be an ArtHaus panel on the Renaissance of South Asian Music.

Departure will also present two sessions In partnership with Music Publishers Canada – Co-writing: The Key To International Success, where attendees can learn how to be a creative collaborator in songwriting, and Meet The Music Supervisors, where esteemed panelists share their creative process and the art of landing a perfect placement.

In addition, Catherine Harrison, Founder & President of Revelios [Mental Health Works], will present early findings and key insights from the first-ever Canadian National Music Industry Survey on the mental health crisis.

The Festival will also welcome fashion and design trailblazers Spencer Badu, Steff Eleoff, and Dorian Who for an in conversation moderated by FashionTalks Podcast host Donna Bishop, presented by CAFA.

Multi-award winning Jessie Reyez will be a recipient of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award at Departure Honours, an intimate reception showcasing and celebrating notable changemakers, emerging voices, and milestones within the music industry. The Alan Slaight Humanitarian Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to social causes, using their platform and influence to positively impact society. This year, the award honours Reyez for her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and advocating for change. Slaight Music will present the award and make a $25,000 donation to the Jessie Reyez Foundation at the Departure Honours event.

Renowned restaurateur and actor Matty Matheson will also be recognized at Departure Honours with the Cultural Innovator Award, celebrating his groundbreaking work as an entrepreneur, chef, and media personality. Previously announced honourees include Dallas Green (City and Colour) and SOCAN. Departure Honours takes place on Wednesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Hotel X Toronto and will be hosted by Etalk’s Tyrone Edwards and Traci Melchor. Tickets are available here.

Departure has also curated a special selection of films screening throughout the week at Hotel X’s 250-seat theatre, including Reza Dahya’s debut feature Boxcutter, as well as the previously announced Alex Ross Perry’s (Golden Exits, Her Smell) new film Pavements about the iconic ’90s indie band Pavement starring Jason Schwartzman and Joe Keery; an advanced screening of Harland Williams’ new comedy Wingman with Williams and co-star Jamie Kennedy in attendance for a Q&A; and STACKTV will present the Season 8 world premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, in partnership with Wax Records and Anthem Entertainment.

Celebrating some of the most influential films in music and pop culture, Departure presents a series of special anniversary screenings including the 25th anniversary of Almost Famous (2000), 15th anniversary of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2015).

All screenings will be accessible to Conference Pass holders, with individual public tickets on sale at departureto.com.

MENTORSHIP FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
On May 7 at Hotel X, Simone Denny will host the Mentors Lounge, a one-on-one mentorship session opportunity for attendees to connect with industry leaders and innovators across a variety of fields, including comedy, art, culinary, music, and technology. This program aims to encourage meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing, and foster growth and collaboration.

Departure will also hold a Student Open House where registered student delegates can visit select participating company locations, including Bell Media, CBC, Oak View Group, Rogers Sports & Media, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Toronto Star, Universal Music Canada, and Warner Music Canada giving them a firsthand look at working in the industry with engaging tours, discussions, and activities.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING
Festival programming is available to passholders and public ticket buyers

Departure’s Festival adds several stellar Premium shows to their lineup including Grace VanderWaal, Gabriela Bee, Cab Ellis, Pan Arcadia, raph, and BNZA. Gavin McLeod, The Redhill Valleys and Stuck On Planet Earth will join the 100+ showcase artists performing across 40+ venues.

Departure will also present the SOCAN Songwriters Series, a multi-format celebration featuring a dynamic mix of songwriters, producers, composers and artists pulling back the curtain on their creative process. With intimate acoustic sets, live co-writing sessions and candid conversations, each event will offer a unique lens behind the music.

On May 6, as part of Depature’s commitment to showcase a range of artistic expression, it will exhibit Taglialatella Galleries Presents: Iconic Visions – Justin Bua and Danny Hastings to showcase these two groundbreaking visual artists. Collectors and art enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to engage with the artists in person, explore a curated selection of original works and limited editions, and acquire pieces that define the intersection of music, culture, and fine art.

Justin Bua has captivated audiences worldwide with his signature style—his iconic print The DJ remains one of the most recognized fine art posters of all time. Danny Hastings has shaped the visual identity of hip-hop, capturing over 150 legendary album covers, including the era-defining Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers.

Lending to the buzzy atmosphere, guests will be treated to nightly outdoor DJ sets by artists such as Felix Cartal, Chapter&Verse, and CRi. Sets to take place on the west side of Hotel X Toronto at the Stanley Barracks. In between sessions, conference-goers and the public can purchase delicious eats from a number of local food trucks including Green Machine, Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream, Jerk Brothers, Poutine Supreme, and Rancho Relaxo To Go who will be onsite providing tasty snacks.

Hotel X Toronto serves as the central hub for Departure’s Conference activities and film screenings, while the Festival will span 40+ venues across the city and showcase 100+ emerging and established artists.

Netflix today debuted the first official trailer for THE FOUR SEASONS, a cozy new comedy series from co-creators Tina Fey, Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield. Starring Marco Calvani, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Fey, Will Forte, Erika Henningsen and Kerri Kenney-Silver, THE FOUR SEASONS premieres Thursday, May 1, 2025 on Netflix.

ABOUT THE FOUR SEASONS

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Episodes: 8 episodes x 30 minutes
Co-Creator / Co-Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Tina Fey
Co-Creator / Co-Showrunner / Executive Producer / Director / Writer: Lang Fisher
Co-Creator / Co-Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Tracey Wigfield
Executive Producers: David Miner, Jeff Richmond, Eric Gurian
Starring: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, Erika Henningsen, with Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell

SYNOPSIS:

Six old friends head for a relaxing weekend away only to learn that one couple in the group is about to split up. The three couples, Kate (Tina Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani), are completely upended by the news. Over the course of a year, we follow the friends on four vacations, and watch how this shake-up affects everyone’s dynamic — sending old issues and new bubbling to the surface. Co-created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, THE FOUR SEASONS is a hilarious and heartfelt love letter to long marriages and old friendships. Based on the 1981 feature film of the same name.

This Mother’s Day, Yan Dining Room and Good Behaviour are joining forces for a one-night-only dinner that celebrates the flavours and feelings of home. On Saturday, May 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., guests will be treated to an eight-course meal crafted by Chef Eva Chin of Yan Dining Room, alongside Chef Michael Lam and Eric Chow, the duo behind Good Behaviour.​ Reservations open April 16 at 10:00 a.m. on Tock.

The collaboration is rooted in a shared desire to honour the maternal figures and food memories that shaped their culinary journeys. “My earliest memories in the kitchen are with my mother, who taught me the essence of Chinese cooking,” says Chef Eva Chin. “This menu is a tribute to her, and to all the women who nurture through food.”

“Comfort food is where it all started for us,” adds Eric Chow. “It’s familiar, it’s emotional—and when done right, it’s unforgettable. That’s exactly the kind of experience we’re building for this dinner.”

Chef Michael Lam agrees: “There’s something really powerful about taking those deeply nostalgic dishes and reimagining them in a refined way, without losing the soul of where they came from. This collaboration felt natural from the start.”

Yan Dining Room reimagines Chinese cuisine through personal, modern tasting menus that have quickly made it one of Toronto’s most sought-after reservations. Good Behaviour is beloved for its crave-worthy sandwiches and house-made ice cream that’s become a city obsession. Together, they’re bringing comfort, creativity, and cultural roots to the table—one course at a time. The eight course meal will, of course, include a collaborative ice cream dessert, along with comfort Italian and Chinese dishes inspired by the maternal figures who nourish and shape us..

Hosted in the cozy ambiance of Hong Shing’s main dining room, the evening aims to foster connection and reflection. In addition to celebrating mothers, a portion of the dinner’s proceeds will support the Canadian Chinese Youth Athletic Association (CCYAA), emphasizing the chefs’ commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured them.​

Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2025​
Time: 7:00 p.m.​
Location: Yan Dining Room at Hong Shing, 195 Dundas St. West, Toronto​
Price: $148 per person + tax and 20% gratuity​
Reservations: Open April 16 at 10:00 a.m. via Tock​
Reservation Link: https://tinyurl.com/GBxYanMothersDay2025

About Yan Dining Room
Launched in late 2024, Yan Dining Room is an intimate neo-Chinese dining series created by Chef Eva Chin and restaurateur Colin Li. Hosted in the private dining room of Hong Shing, the concept redefines Chinese cuisine through multi-course tasting menus that blend traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. Each menu is a reflection of identity, memory, and modern storytelling, offering a thoughtful exploration of Chinese flavours. Follow along at @yandiningroom for upcoming experiences.

About Good Behaviour:
Good Behaviour was founded in February 2021 by Chef Michael Lam and Eric Chow and was born out of the challenging environment of the pandemic and a recognition of the need for high quality yet approachable comfort food. Inspired by their time in fine dining restaurants, they saw an opportunity to combine nostalgia and modern technique, to combine restaurant level care and attention to detail with the approachability of quick service spaces. For more information visit https://goodbehaviourto.ca/ or follow @goodbehaviour.to.

About Hong Shing
Hong Shing is a Cantonese-style Chinese restaurant that has been a long-time local favourite, since 1997, by consistently providing delicious Chinese food to communities throughout Toronto. Through their family recipes, they have been creating some of the city’s most beloved, shared “family style” dishes and comfort foods with fresh, traditional Chinese ingredients. The Hong Shing name is derived from the Cantonese language meaning “Strong and Healthy” and “City Fortress Gate,” while the water flowing through the fortress symbolizes wisdom and fluidity of life. All of these were the inspiration for their iconic logo. For more information visit https://hongshing.com or follow @hongshingto on Instagram.

From April 18-21, 2025, Arcadia Earth is hosting Earth Fest, a four day event full of engaging and impactful activities in celebration of Earth Day. In addition to immersive, family-friendly events happening all long weekend, every ticket purchased will support real-world impacts, with $1 from every Earth Fest ticket being donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to help protect and restore natural ecosystems across the country.

Please see below the activities happening all weekend long:

Earth Rangers: Experience a live animal meet & greet while learning from the Earth Rangers team about native animal species and what we can do to help.

Marketplace Pop-Up: Meet Arcadia Earth’s sustainable marketplace vendors, sample their products, and learn more about making greener choices. Some participating brands and organizations throughout the weekend:

Birch Babe

Heritage Bee Co.

Liquid Earth

Bees Butter

Zero Soap Co.

Line Bags

Better Brie

Plastic Flux

Nature Lion

Dakama Chocolate

LiveGreenTO

Hands on Sustainability: Enjoy free arts & crafts workshops all weekend to create reusable, upcycled projects.

Face Painting: Get creative and choose your favourite animal or Earth Month inspired design to celebrate!

Sweet Treats: Sweeten your visit with some delicious free cotton candy!

Event Details:

When: April 18th to 21st

Earth Fest Hours: Daily from 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Note: Arcadia Earth’s exhibit is open beyond Earth Fest hours. Visit arcadieaearth.ca for all exhibit hours.

Where: Arcadia Earth Toronto at The Well, 486 Front St W Building C

Admission: An Arcadia Earth ticket is required to join in on the Earth Fest fun. Tickets range from $24-$39 and you can buy tickets arcadiaearth.ca.

Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) are delighted to announce award-winning comedian Dave Chappelle will perform exclusively at Departure Festival + Conference with a stand-up show on Wednesday, May 7 at Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 7:00 p.m.

Registered Departure conference pass-holders will get first access to tickets with an exclusive pre-sale beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

A new Comedy&Culture Pass is now available, providing access to the final day of Departure conference, on May 9, featuring comedy sessions curated for insider access to the industry’s future. From navigating challenges with top executives to discovering breakout talent defining tomorrow’s comedy landscape, this pass offers exceptional value at an early bird rate of $99 until April 16.

“Having Dave Chappelle take part in Departure is a real honour—for me, for the festival, and an amazing treat for our audiences. Starting off the inaugural Departure Comedy Festival with someone of Dave’s caliber and influence is incredibly exciting,” said Bruce Hills, Executive Producer, Departure Comedy.

“In November we promised that comedy would be a big part in the expansion of Departure, and we are immensely proud to fulfill that commitment with the announcement of global superstar Dave Chappelle,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Loft Entertainment. “To be able to watch Dave live is one of the most coveted shows on the planet, and it’s going to be a truly magical experience for that lucky audience.”

Additional speakers and performers added to the lineup program include homegrown comedians Jasmeet Raina, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, Hassan Phills, Ali Hassan, and Don’t Tell Comedy founder Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, among others. They join the previously announced How Did This Get Made? Live, Trevor Wallace, Pete Holmes, Harland Williams, Caroline Rhea, Elvira Kurt, Leslie Liao and more. Departure Festival + Conference takes place May 6-11 in Toronto.

About Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle is an award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer widely recognized as one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. He is the 2019 recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the 2025 NAACP President’s Award. Chappelle’s work in television and film includes his groundbreaking sketch comedy series “Chappelle’s Show,” which became the best-selling TV show in DVD history, multiple Netflix comedy specials, and memorable guest appearances on “Saturday Night Live.”

He has earned five Emmy Awards, including three for his Netflix specials and two for hosting “Saturday Night Live” (2017, 2021), where his most recent 17-minute monologue stands as the longest in the show’s 50-year history. Chappelle has won six Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, including his most recent for “The Dreamer” (2025).

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING
Conference programming is available to Conference passholders.

Departure welcomes leading experts and notable figures in the world of comedy to speak on a range of relevant topics including the state of the comedy industry, how to build a global comedy community, and content creation and the future of entertainment. Featured speakers include:

Celebrated Comedians: Jasmeet Raina, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, and Ali Hassan

Popular Creators and Influencers: Kimberly Moffit (@ask_kimberly), Tommy Schoenith (@tommy_schoenith), Max Farber (@farbsy), and Mallory Rowan (@malloryrowan)

Industry Leaders: Andrew Barnsley (CEO, Project 10 Productions & Executive Producer), Sarah Fowlie (Head of Production, Original Programming, Bell Media), Paul Telner (Head of Programming, Viral Nation), Catherine Winder (CEO/EP/Founder, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment), and Kyle Kazanjian-Amory (Founder of Don’t Tell Comedy, which has over a billion views annually)

Comedy&CulturePass is now available at an early bird rate of $99 until April 16.

For the full list of Conference Comedy Programming please visit departureto.com.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING
Comedy Festival programming is available to public ticket buyers with select access to passholders.

With a specific focus on exceptional homegrown talent taking place at Comedy Bar, Departure will present some of the country’s top rising comedians in two showcases:

The Departure Comedy “Breakout” Showcase, hosted by Ali Hassan, will feature eight Toronto performers making waves and on the cusp of major success:

Adam Christie

Alistair Ogden

Chris Robinson

Courtney Gilmour

Faris Hytiaa

Jackie Pirico

Sam Burns

Sam Sferrazza

The Departure Comedy “Next Gen” Showcase, hosted by Rebecca Reeds, will feature eight emerging voices from Toronto who are shaping the future of stand-up:

Ben Bayfield

Ben McKay

Bita Joudaki

Hannah Veldhoen

Harrison Weinreb

Justin Shaw

Rahul Topiwala

Sashka DC

Departure will also welcome one of the fastest-rising comedians in Canada, Hassan Phills, who will perform at Comedy Bar Danforth for an entertaining evening on May 8 and award-winning comedian Ivan Decker will host a late-night comedy surprise show at Comedy Bar Bloor featuring surprise guests on May 9.

Continuing to spotlight Canadian comedians, Departure will present New Arrivals: A Departure Solo Sketch Showcase, featuring The Second City’s top emerging performers alongside some of Toronto’s best sketch comedians, showcasing their finest solo comedy sketches. Also in partnership with The Second City, Departure will present their 90th Mainstage Revue Duel Citizens, a fast-paced comedy spectacle stacked with razor-sharp satire, hilarious songs, ridiculous characters and their signature improv comedy.

Departure will also bring Don’t Tell Comedy, the #1 global discovery platform for stand-up comedy, with two special tapings at a secret location featuring 12 of the best Canadian comedians from across the country.

FILM AND TELEVISION
An advanced screening of Harland Williams’ new comedy Wingman, produced by Justin L. Levine, a Stardust Pictures film, and also starring Kayla Wallace, Jamie Kennedy, Evan Marsh, and Russell Peters, with Williams and Kennedy in attendance for a Q&A. The screening will take place at Hotel X Toronto and be accessible to Conference Pass holders, with limited individual public tickets also on sale at departureto.com.

STACKTV is giving an exclusive first look to select Departure passholders and fans at the Season 8 world premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty before it airs on May 25. The special event, in partnership with Wax Records and Anthem Entertainment, will feature live music from Ash Molloy, ZYHIER, CON THE ARTIST, and Julian Daniel, along with games and prizes.

Departure Festival + Conference is made possible with the support of Ontario Creates.

About Loft Entertainment
Loft Entertainment invests in culture-defining talent and creative partners to tell their stories. Founded by industry veteran Randy Lennox in Summer 2023, Loft offers the world’s leading artists creative, strategic and business services across all artistic and commercial touchpoints in the music, film and media. Visit loftent.com.

About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

We finally get a new Trailer for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR! This arrives May 1, 2025 on Prime Video Canada.

Directed by Paul Feig

Produced by Paul Feig, p.g.a., Laura Fischer, p.g.a.

Executive Producers Jennifer Booth, Jessica Sharzer, Marco Valerio Pugini

Written by Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis

Based Upon Characters Created By Darcey Bell

Starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Elena Sofia Ricci, with Henry Golding, and Allison Janney

Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.

120 mins

Today, marks the premiere of the official music video for “Higher Love” by DESI TRILL featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi. “Higher Love” is the first single from the Paramount Animations’ SMURFS Movie Soundtrack via Roc Nation Distribution.

Watch the “Higher Love” official music video HERE:

“Higher Love” music video made its global broadcast premiere on NickMusic, MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards. The music video, directed by Maya Table, edited by Mikey Rare, and produced by Claudia Rivas, gives a first glimpse inside the highly anticipated forthcoming full length feature film.

Pre-save SMURFS Movie Soundtrack HERE.

ABOUT SMURFS:

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Watch the official trailer for Smurfs HERE:

ABOUT DESI TRILL:

The world is opening up to new music like never before. As the musical landscape in South Asia continues to expand with newer artists, varied genres and diverse sounds catering to audiences with different musical tastes and dialects, two veterans of music Shabz Naqvi and Ty-Ty Smith are the founders behind a groundbreaking new music company DESI TRILL. What sets DESI TRILL apart from other labels is its endeavor to create a new music genre, one that hasn’t been explored by anyone in the past. The innovative blend of Hip Hop, R&B and the dynamic essence of South Asian (Desi) music will give listeners a genre that’s not only captivating but also transformative. It’s a mindset and a home to the next generation, everyone is invited. Distributed globally by Universal Music Group, DESI TRILL is launched at a time when desi music’s popularity is at its zenith, with millions of die hard fans. All whilst the sound of hip-hop is celebrating over fifty years of influencing culture across the globe.

DESI TRILL envisions a future where South Asian artists gain widespread recognition on grand stages, embracing cultural heritage while pushing musical boundaries. As the company tagline proudly states… BROWN IS EVERYWHERE.

SMURFS

In Theatres July 18, 2025

Paramount Animation Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

A Ty Ty and Jay Brown Production

“SMURFS”

Executive Produced by

Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

Produced by

Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Ryan Harris, p.g.a.

Based on the Characters and Works of Peyo

Written by

Pam Brady

Directed by

Chris Miller

Cast:

Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Deming Chen‘s ALWAYS will premiere at Hot Docs ’25 and today we get a glimpse of its Trailer.

Gong Youbin was born into a poor Chinese family. He has not seen his mother since he was three months old. Because of a poetry class in school, he embarks on an emotional journey by learning to write poems through his imagination and exploration.

By observing his upbringing in the countryside of Hunan, surrounded by dreams and the harsh realities of his family’s struggles, ALWAYS is an allegory for the loss of innocence, as Gong inevitably has to grow up out of childhood and face reality.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Hot Docs Program: World Showcase
Premiere Status: North American Premiere
Countries: USA, FRANCE, CHINA
Runtime: 84 minutes
Language: Chinese Regional Dialects & Chinese
Subtitles: English

Talent attending Hot Docs: Director Deming Chen, Producer Hansen Lin

ALWAYS Hot Docs Public Screenings:
April 26, 1:45 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 4
April 29, 5:15 PM TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

This brought me so much joy! KELLY ROWLAND not only is a music icon, being a member of legendary girl group Destiny’s Child, she also is a fantastic solo artist in her own right, but a multi faceted talent, branching more of late into acting! Don’t act like you didn’t watch Tyler Perry‘s MEA CULPA!

Toronto has the absolute pleasure of having her in town right now as she films upcoming Rom Com RELATIONSHIP GOALS alongside Hip Hop legend METHOD MAN. The Amazon MGM Studios release centers on the first ever Black female Morning TV Showrunner who finds herself in competition with a past love, but then turns its sights to being about finding longterm love.

Rowland has been around town since mid March filming RELATIONSHIP GOALS, and should be around Toronto till end of April! She was seen around Entertainment District filming an outdoor scene with the City acting as New York, coffee in hand, helping the Cast and Background Actors stay in great spirits with a lot of laughing and dancing! You can just feel the warm energy on this set! She was also seen around the Sheratron Hotel as well filming earlier in the week, and production also was at Casa Loma for a day recentlly too.

It was a dream to meet Rowland finally. Adore her so much, and she was just as personable and approachable as you’d think!

Some highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s all MINECRAFT again this weekend bringing in a stellar $80 million for Warner Bros. from 4,289 theatres, bringing its tally to $280 million already over two weekends. Even with several new releases out for the crown, it very easily defends the throne!

Second is THE KING OF KINGS with $17 million from 3,200 theatres. This gets a 63% on the Tomatometer for Angel Studios.

Third is a debuting THE AMATEUR with $15 million from 3,300 theatres for 20th Century Studios, with 62% on the Tomatometer.

WARFARE opens in fourth with $8 million from 2,70 theatres for A24. Co-directed by former U.S. NAVY Seal Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, this gets 93% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding things out is Thriller DROP, opening with $7 million from 3,085 theatres and a great 83% on the Tomatometer.