TELUS originals is pleased to announce that Damien Eagle Bear’s restorative biopic feature documentary, #skoden, will have its world premiere at Hot Docs 2025 on April 29 at 8:30 PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema with a second screening on May 1, 2025 at 11:45 AM at TIFF Lightbox 1.

skoden is written, directed and produced by Damien Eagle Bear (Napi, Big Momma, The Bannocking). It was filmed on location in Lethbridge and the Blood Reserve on traditional Blackfoot Territory.

Every meme has its story. #skoden delves into the origins of Turtle Island’s most iconic meme to redefine the man at the center of it all, Pernell Bad Arm. In the early days of social media, a notorious image circulated of an Indigenous man with raised fists, ready to strike. The photo was initially shared to mock and reinforce stereotypes of Indigenous peoples, but one word added to the image would change it forever. SKODEN – an Indigenous shortening of “let’s go then” – ignited an instant Indigenous pop culture icon that spread like wildfire across Turtle Island and beyond. But underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from Kainai who faced immense challenges while living on the streets. This documentary seeks to reclaim Pernell’s humanity, offering a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme.

This is his story.

“Pernell’s story is more than just a meme; he was a person deserving dignity and respect. For me, that was the driving force behind #skoden to reclaim his narrative and delve into the story behind that photo. I’m grateful to TELUS originals for supporting me on this journey so that this story could be told with the depth and respect it deserves,” said writer/director/producer Damien Eagle Bear.

“It was a privilege to collaborate with Damien Eagle Bear in supporting an essential and powerful story that is so deeply personal to him and the Kainai First Nation community. I’m struck by Damien’s remarkable sensitivity in his nuanced directorial voice and I’m thrilled that #skoden honours the untold story of the man behind the meme, Pernell Bad Arm,” added Ken Tsui, Sr. Production Executive, TELUS originals.

Cinematography by Tamarra Canu (1 Million Followers, The Superhero Who Loved Me), editing by Jasleen Kaur (Pharma Bro, Perfect Daughter), Kane Stewart (Seagrass, Until Branches Bend), and Billy Calling First (The Bannocking), with Melody McKiver (Singing Back the Buffalo, Wildhood) serving as composer, and Elle-Maija Tailfeathers (Until Branches Bend, The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open) as story editor.

ABOUT TELUS originals
TELUS originals supports the production of compelling, locally-reflective, social-purpose documentaries and docuseries that connect mid-career and established filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta from diverse identities and communities to local and global audiences. TELUS original films are available free on TELUS Optik TV channel 8, Stream+, online at watch.telusoriginals.comand in film festivals globally. The TELUS original documentary,Delta Dawn, will also be screening at Hot Docs 2025.

ABOUT DAMIEN EAGLE BEAR
Niitsitapi, amateur physicist, frybread-eating machine, Damien Eagle Bear is a multifaceted filmmaker from the Kainai First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. His career began with the short experimental documentary Napi, which asks the question of what will happen when the Blackfoot trickster gets behind the camera. It premiered at the opening night of the 37th American Indian Film Festival in 2012 and went on to screen at multiple film festivals. Damien continued to work as a videographer, building his technical filmmaking skills before moving into producing. With the support of the National Screen Institute’s IndigiDocs program, He developed Big Momma, a short documentary about the journey of a Two Spirit comedian, Preston Stimson, from personal struggles to the stage. This was quickly followed up with the short film q’sapi times, supported through TELUS STORYHIVE’s inaugural Indigenous Edition, is a modern take on a traditional Syilx (Okanagan) coyote story. Both short films premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival in 2019. Following that success, he took on his next challenge, The Bannocking, a six-part horror-comedy web series that explores family dynamics and relationships during an outbreak of a zombie-like sickness. The series was selected for Telefilm’s Talent to Watch Program and released online through CBC Gem in 2023. Damien’s projects have gone to multiple film festivals throughout Canada and the United States of America, including the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and LA Skins Film Festival. He is an alumnus of Capilano University, graduating from the Cinematography and Indigenous Filmmaking Programs. His work explores the themes of belonging and Indigenous resiliency.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, a world leader in live entertainment, is pleased to announce its most ambitious project to-date as it gets ready to break ground on an impressive free-standing structure that will be presented for the first time in Canada. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the company is bringing its creative approach to The Pavilion by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, located at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W., in Toronto, ON. A hybrid of the iconic Big Top experience and worldclass arena atmosphere, The Pavilion is set to welcome audiences for the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s 25th production, OVO, beginning May 1 to June 28, 2025. For more information and tickets, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo.

“The Pavilion is a cutting-edge approach to how we can bring live entertainment to more audiences in more places around the world. The versatility of its design allows us to present a wide-ranging and ever-growing array of exciting shows under the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group portfolio,” says Duncan Fisher, Chief Officer Show Operations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “The Pavilion embodies the spirit of innovation and ingenuity that Cirque du Soleil is known for, and we are thrilled to bring this new venue experience to Toronto – a city that has always embraced our artistic vision.”

The Pavilion – By The Numbers:
The Pavilion is the world’s largest free-standing venue measuring 60 meters wide by 75 meters long and stands 25 meter tall. The structure is about the size of 40 shipping containers
The steel frame structure is made from 4480 pieces of hardware, including 756 wall panels
The structure is secured by as many as 128 anchors (each 12ft long) dug into the ground
It will take approximately 28 days to assemble The Pavilion (working around the clock 24/7); and three weeks to dismantle
The Pavilion can be configured to accommodate up to 5000 seats in various formations

The original concept of a ‘mobile arena’ by Cirque du Soleil made its debut in Sanya, China in 2018 for the premiere of Toruk. The structure was developed in partnership with Belgium-based company, Spantech, a global leader in building large-scale modular structures. Since then, the mobile arena concept has travelled to Sao Paulo, Brazil (Crystal, 2024), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Toruk, 2018), and coming to Toronto, Canada.

The Canadian version, The Pavilion, will be unique to previous Cirque du Soleil mobile arenas featuring an all-new building facade that emulates the iconic Big Top with its signature stripes and Chapiteau silhouette to welcome visitors as they enter the venue. And unlike a permanent structure, the stage and seating configuration of The Pavilion is interchangeable to suit different shows from smaller intimate settings to 360 viewing.

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO at The Pavilion: May 1 – June 28, 2025
Cirque du Soleil’s 25th production, OVO (“egg” in Portuguese), is a bountiful riot of energy, movement, wonder, and joy found in nature. Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting insect species and their unique personalities and abilities, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. Since its first and only stop in Toronto in 2009, OVO has recently added new acts, new characters, new music and is set to dazzle a new generation of all-ages! From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination. Comprised of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 52 artists, OVO brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts redefining the limits of the human body. OVO is presented by Sun Life, principal partner of the Canadian tour. Cirque du Soleil also wishes to thank its official partners Air Canada and Mastercard.

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.”. Only in theatres and IMAX May 16, 2025.

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.

Aburi Hana, Yorkville’s MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki restaurant, celebrates spring with a new seasonal tasting menu by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa. Blending centuries-old Kyoto traditions with a modern sensibility, the multi-course experience showcases the season’s finest ingredients, transformed into a refined progression of delicate flavours and elegant presentations. Reservations for the spring menu are now available HERE, with May and June bookings opening on April 15, 2025 at 4 PM EST.

Inspired by the principle of kodawari—a deep dedication to craft and quality—Chef Nakagawa draws from his rich culinary journey and presents a menu rooted in tradition yet elevated with contemporary flair. Each course reflects his signature artistry, offering an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that captures the fleeting beauty of spring.

Menu Highlights:
Owan | Hamaguri Wakame – A light, aromatic opening course that awakens the palate.
Maguro Flower – This is chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a striking presentation of bluefin tuna, elegantly shaped into a delicate floral arrangement.
Unagi Takesumi – Grilled freshwater eel, capturing the essence of fire and earth.
Wagyu Hagobo – A deeply savoury dish featuring premium wagyu, slow-cooked to perfection.
Grand Dessert – A seasonal finale, complemented by a delicate Petit Four featuring Haru Cabbage Choux and Ichigo Milk Bonbon.

For guests dining in the private dining rooms, select courses will be seamlessly combined to enhance the flow of the experience:
Sakizuke | Take no Ko I-dako and Course Shinogi | O’toro & Caviar Sushi Monaka.
Hassun | Kamo Foie Gras and Sunomono | Lobster Komochi Kombu.

Aburi Hana’s spring Kaiseki menu is available for a limited time during the restaurant’s opening times. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Reserve your spot to try the spring menu HERE.

About Aburi Hana
Located in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, Aburi Hana is renowned for its MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki experience. Led by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, the restaurant seamlessly fuses Japanese tradition with modern innovation, offering a dining journey that celebrates seasonality, artistry, and culinary excellence.

About Chef Ryusuke
MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, hailing from Japan’s Shikoku Island, began his culinary journey at 18 as a line chef at Kōyō Ryokan Hotel, where he mastered authentic Japanese cuisine and rose to Head Chef within seven years. Under the mentorship of renowned chefs Murata Yoshihiro and Kotani Akihiro, including time at the three-star MICHELIN restaurant Kikunoi, he honed his expertise in Kyōto-style Kaiseki and the principle of kodawari—a dedication to quality and tradition. Chef Nakagawa has since developed a contemporary approach to Kyō-Kaiseki, blending seasonal ingredients with modern techniques and artful plating. At ABURI Restaurants Canada, he aims to introduce North American diners to his unique style while embodying Japanese hospitality

Today Disney+ debuted an exciting new trailer and poster for Lucasfilm’s Emmy®-nominated thriller “Andor” Season 2, which returns for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22.  Get ready for the new season and check out the “Andor” content available on YouTube:  a special look at “Andor” Season 2, a 14-minute recap of Season One, and the “Andor Season 1 with Tony Gilroy” event.

The second season of “Andor” takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound. Rife with political intrigue and danger, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction—The Death Star—setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.  

The final season will unfold over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each. The first chapter of season 2 will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each week, exclusively on Disney+.  

“Andor” Season 2 stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Alan Tudyk, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, with Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker. The series was created by Tony Gilroy, who also serves as an executive producer along with Kathleen Kennedy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna, Luke Hull and John Gilroy. Tony Gilroy wrote the first three episodes, with Beau Willimon writing episodes 4-6, Dan Gilroy penning episodes 7-9 and Tom Bissell putting pen to paper for episodes 10-12. The directors for the series are Ariel Kleiman (Eps. 1-6), Janus Metz (Eps. 7-9) and Alonso Ruizpalacios (Eps. 10-12).

Now through March 30, 2025 new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the spring with Disney+ Standard With Ads for only $1.99/month for four months. To learn more or sign-up, visit www.disneyplus.com.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, the team was one of the original members of the NHL. After struggling in its early years, the franchise was sold and renamed the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1927 by owner and future Hall of Famer, Harold Ballard. It is extremely simple to set up the 1xBet apk into your mobile device, and if you do so, you will also be able to wager on this squad too.

Throughout its early history, the team found success, winning their first Stanley Cup in 1918 under the name “Arenas.” The franchise flourished in the 1940s and 1960s, with the Leafs securing a total of 11 Stanley Cups, including five during a dominant era in the 1960s. Many players of this squad became icons, with 3 of them being:

• Maurice “Rocket” Richard;
• Ted Kennedy;
• and Dave Keon.

All of them pushed the team to its most successful period. If you also want to be successful, then you may want to download and set up the apk of the 1xBet application into your mobile gadget, which then you can sue to wager on ice hockey squads.

Facing all kinds of ups and downs

However, after the 1967 Stanley Cup, the Leafs entered a prolonged period of mediocrity and struggled to return to championship glory. The team faced numerous challenges, including poor management decisions, changes in ownership, and inconsistent player performance. Despite this, the Leafs maintained a dedicated fan base. The 1xBet Canada platform is filled with wagers on the Maple Leafs and many other great ice hockey squads too.

The 1990s saw a resurgence with the arrival of stars like Doug Gilmour, Mats Sundin, and Felix Potvin. The team made several playoff appearances, including reaching the Conference Finals in 1993, but could not capture the elusive Stanley Cup.

Entering the 21st century, the Leafs remained a competitive team but have not won the Stanley Cup, which is also featured at the Canadian 1xBet platform, since 1967. However, as things are going, it is more than likely that they will win the competition again sooner rather than later.

Over the past two decades, the team has undergone several rebuilds, focusing on young talent like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Leafs have remained a beloved franchise with a rich history, and their passionate fanbase continues to hope for another championship in the future.

Today, Disney+ released a new trailer for season two of “Doctor Who.” In the trailer, audiences see the Doctor and his new companion Belinda Chandra as they adventure across time and space, from a futuristic 51st century to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest to becoming animated characters, a first for the “Doctor Who” series.

Tune-in: Season two premieres Saturday, April 12, 2025 (12am PT / 3am ET) on Disney+. New episodes from the eight-part season will premiere weekly.

Season Synopsis: The Doctor meets Belinda Chandra and begins an epic quest to get her back to Earth. But a mysterious force is stopping their return and the time-traveling TARDIS team must face great dangers, bigger enemies and wilder terrors than ever before.

Cast: The new season stars Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra, and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. Previously announced guest cast includes Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Rylan Clark, Alan Cumming, Anita Dobson, Freddie Fox, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave and Susan Twist.

Creative Team: Russell T Davies is showrunner, executive producer and writer. Additional executive producers are Joel Collins, Phil Collinson, Julie Gardner, and Jane Tranter.

Production: “Doctor Who” is produced by Bad Wolf, with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Now through March 30, new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the spring with Disney+ Standard With Ads for only $1.99/month for four months. To learn more or sign-up, visit www.disneyplus.com.

The Crave Original performance documentary People of Comedy: Celebrating 30 Years of the Nubian Show, debuts on Crave April 9, 2025 This honours comedian Kenny Robinson’s iconic stand-up showcase, ‘The Nubian Show,’ which has fearlessly shaped Canadian comedy for 30 years. Known for breaking boundaries and amplifying diverse voices, the show has built a lasting legacy of resilience, representation, and revolution. Produced by Counterfeit Pictures, the documentary celebrates this ground-breaking platform on the exact 30th anniversary of The Nubian Show, featuring special performances from some of the artists discovered through the showcase over the years.

Directed by Darrell Faria (TallBoyz, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival), this film traces the show’s early beginnings at Toronto’s Yuk Yuk’s, where Kenny Robinson created a space for Black and Racialized comedians to share their unique cultural experiences with eager audiences. From modest beginnings, his monthly showcase quickly gained traction, evolving into a powerful and unfiltered platform that propelled numerous careers. Capturing the attention of comedy legends like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Russell Peters, the show became a must-see event that attracted audiences from all walks of life.

Combining stand up, interviews and behind the scenes footage, the documentary explores the show’s cultural impact, highlighting how it launched the careers of countless Canadian comedians and challenged the industry’s status quo.

Featuring appearances from Russell Peters, Hassan Phills, Crystal Ferrier, and others, this special film is a tribute to the bold vision of Kenny Robinson and to his dedication to creating a lasting space for resilience, representation, and revolution in comedy.

“People of Comedy: Celebrating 30 Years of The Nubian Show” is produced by Counterfeit Pictures, in association with Crave. For Counterfeit Pictures: Dan Bennett, Shane Corkery, Anton Leo serve as executive producers; and Zoe Rabnett as Producer. Additional producers include Catherine McCartney, Ryan Goldhar and Darrell Faria. Kenny Robinson and Justin Stockman are executive producers. For Bell Media: Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming.

Get ready to do the happy dance for an exciting collaboration that’s equal parts cute and nostalgic. On March 24, 2025 Starbucks and Peanuts will be launching exclusive, limited time merchandise featuring the Peanuts-gang and a fun new Snoopy persona: Joe Kind Snoopy. The drinkware is designed to celebrate kindness, coffee and community and is only available at Starbucks for a limited time, so fans should check their local stores before “good grief!” – they’re gone.

Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Stainless Steel Tumbler (16oz) – $41.95

This stainless steel tumbler features the brand new Joe Kind Snoopy and his pal Woodstock basking in love, joy and happiness. With a spill-resistant flip lid, fans can enjoy any beverage on the go.

Peanuts Friendship Ceramic Mug (14oz) – $24.95

Sporting this season’s trending butter yellow hue in a matte finish, this mug showcases the Peanuts gang hanging out and having fun.

Peanuts Love Cold Cup (24oz) – $28.95

A cold cup and spring go together like Snoopy and Woodstock. Perfect for carrying the new Iced Cherry Chai, this tumbler has an easy-to-clean design with its double-wall construction.

Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Stainless Steel Water Bottle (16oz) – $41.95

This stainless steel water bottle features Joe Kind Snoopy and Woodstock feeling the love after uplifting their friends with little acts of kindness. Ideal for all day sipping, this bottle keeps beverages hot for six hours and cold for nine hours.

Plastic Water Bottle (24oz) Peanuts Gratitude and Compassion – $24.95

This plastic water bottles demonstrates the perfect picture of kindness – Joe Kind Snoopy helping Woodstock feel better. This bottle comes with a convenient retractable lanyard for easy carrying.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2025 marks Jersey Mike’s 15th annual Day of Giving. This year they will donate 100% of sales to local hunger and children’s programs.

WHAT: Hungry to help others? Head to Jersey Mike’s Subs on Wednesday, March 26 and grab a sub: 100 percent of your purchase—whether in-store, online or through the app—will go to charity.

On March 26, nine Jersey Mike’s locations in Ontario will give every single dollar in sales, not just the profit, to:

· Make-A-Wish® Canada (six locations: Markham, North York, Pickering, Toronto’s Union Station, Kitchener, and London)

· Child Hunger Brantford (Brantford location)

· Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington – Keep Kids Fed (Guelph location)

· Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort (OSHaRE) (Owen Sound location holds its grand opening on March 26)

It’s all part of Jersey Mike’s nationwide 15th Annual Day of Giving.

WHO: All month, generous customers have been making donations to local charities at more than 3,000 Jersey Mike’slocations throughout the nation during the 15th Annual “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign.

WHERE: All nine Jersey Mike’s locations in Canada. See list of locations.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 — All day!

WHY: Buy lunch, dinner or a catered meal and we’ll pay it all forward. Get extra juice out of your donation: Send subs to a favorite charity or organization.

FAST FACTS

-Jersey Mike’s locations give 100% of ALL sales on Day of Giving as part of the company’s annual Month of Giving campaign in March.
-Last year, in Canada, two Jersey Mike’s locations in Kitchener and London raised $12,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada. In 2025, seven additional restaurants are participating, and we are sure to surpass that.
-Day of Giving is Jersey Mike’s busiest day of the year, with some crews arriving at 4 am!
Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $113 million for local charities across North America.
-Earlier this month, Jersey Mike’s team members used their expert wrapping and packing skills to help pack hundreds of individual food bags for local children to support their Month of Giving charity partners: Child Hunger Brantford and Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington—Keep Kids Fed.

Jersey Mike’s is committed to “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Join the conversation at #JerseyMikesGives