#FIRSTLOOK: BUDAPEST CLASSICS FILM MARATHON TO HONOUR ROBERT LANTOS

The 8th Budapest Classics Film Marathon (BKFM), organized by the National Film Institute – Hungary, will honour internationally celebrated Canadian-Hungarian film producer Robert Lantos. 14 of his most iconic films will be screened as part of a tribute to his decades-long contribution to contemporary cinema. Past honourees include Costa Gavras, Wim Wenders, and Károly Makk.

Running from September 16–21, 2025, The Budapest Classics Film Marathon will open with the 2004 Canada/Hungary co-production, Being Julia. Produced by Robert Lantos, directed by Istvan Szabo, the film stars Annette Bening, whose performance earned her the Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Jeremy Irons co-stars.

The festival returns with some of the most important Hungarian and international works of film history on the big screen, fully restored. For six days, across six venues, audiences can immerse themselves in cinematic history while celebrating 130 years of cinema.

Lantos will attend the festival alongside his long-time collaborators, legendary directors David Cronenberg and Atom Egoyan, both of whom will also be honoured guests. Together, the trio has shaped the landscape of Canadian and global cinema.

“I am deeply touched by this retrospective,” said Lantos. “While my career as a filmmaker has unfolded in Canada, Hungary is where my own story began. All 14 selected films are Canadian. Some, like In Praise of Older Women and Sunshine, have shared Canadian-Hungarian heritage. Several were made with longtime friends and collaborators, Istvan Szabo, Atom Egoyan, and David Cronenberg, who will accompany me at the Marathon.”

The Budapest Classics Film Marathon has become a major international platform for celebrating restored film heritage, bringing together iconic creators and rare cinematic experiences.

The Budapest Classics Film Marathon will feature screenings of 14 films produced by Robert Lantos, including:

In Praise of Older Women (1978)

Directed by: George Kaczender

Screenplay by: Paul Gottlieb

Based on the novel by: Stephen Vizinczey

Starring: Tom Berenger, Karen Black, Susan Strasberg, Helen Shaver, Alexandra Stewart

Opening Night Gala: Toronto International Film Festival

Winner: 4 Canadian Screen Awards

Joshua Then and Now (1985)

Directed by: Ted Kotcheff

Screenplay by: Mordechai Richler Based on the novel by: Mordechai Richler

Starring: James Woods, Gabrielle Lazure, Alan Arkin

Official Selection in competition: Cannes International Film Festival

Toronto International Film Festival: Opening Night Gala

Winner: 5 Canadian Screen Awards

Black Robe (1991)

Directed by: Bruces Beresford

Screenplay by: Brian Moore

Based on the novel by: Brian Moore

Starring: Lothaire Bluteau, Aden Young, Sandrine Holt

Opening Night Gala Selection: Toronto International Film Festival

Winner: 7 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Picture

Winner: Golden Reel Award

Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

Directed by: Robert Longo

Screenplay by: William Gibson

Based on the Short Story by: William Gibson

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Dina Meyer, Takeshi Kitano

Winner: Golden Reel Award

Crash (1996)

Written and Directed by: David Cronenberg

Based on the novel by: J.G. Ballard

Starring: James Spader, Holly Hunter, Deborah Kara Unger, Elias Kotias, Rosanna Arquette

Official Selection In competition: Cannes International Film Festival

Winner: Cannes International Film Festival, Special Jury Prize

Winner: 6 Canadian Screen Awards

Official Selection: Tokyo International Film Festival

Official Selection: Busan International Film Festival

Official Selection: Mar Del Plata Film Festival

Official Section: Athens Film Festival

Winner: Golden Reel Award

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

Written and Directed by: Atom Egoyan

Based on the novel by: Russell Banks

Starring: Ian Holme, Sarah Polley, Arsinee Khanjian, Alberta Watson, Bruce Greenwood,

Maury Chakin

Nominee: 2 Academy Awards

Official Selection in Competition: Cannes International Film Festival

Winner: Cannes International Film Festival, Grand Prix, International Critics Award,

Ecumenical Prize

Winner: 7 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Picture

Nominee: 3 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

Winner: 2 National Board of Review Awards

Winner: 5 Toronto Critics Association Awards

Opening Night Gala Selection: Toronto International Film Festival, Best Canadian Feature

Winner: 3 Awards, Valladolid International Film Festival

Winner: Independent Spirit Award, Best Foreign Film

Official Selection: Locarno Film Festival

Official Selection: Centrepiece, New York Film Festival

eXistenZ (1999)

Written and Directed by: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sarah Polley, Willem Dafoe

Official Selection in Competition: Berlin International Film Festival

Winner: Berlin International Film Festival, Silver Bear

Winner: Canadian Screen Award

Sunshine (1999)

Directed by: Istvan Szabo

Screenplay by: Istvan Szabo and Israel Horovitz

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Jennifer Ehle, Molly Parker, Deborah Kara Unger,

Rosemary Harris, William Hurt

Nominee: 3 Golden Globes including Best Picture

Winner: 3 European Film Awards

Gala Selection: Toronto International Film Festival

Winner: Political Film Society Award, Best Film

Winner: National Board of Review Awards, Top 10 Films

Winner: Canadian Screen Award, Best Picture

Winner: Writers Guild of Canada Award

Ararat (2002)

Written and Directed by: Atom Egoyan

Starring: Marie-Josee Croze, David Alpay, Charles Aznavour, Christopher Plummer, Arsinee

Khanjian, Bruce Greenwood, Elias Koteas

Official Selection: Cannes International Film Festival

Opening Night Gala: Toronto International Film Festival

Winner: National Board of Review, Freedom of Expression Award

Winner: Political Society Human Rights Award

Winner: 5 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Picture

Winner: Durban International Film Festival, 3 awards including Best Picture

Being Julia (2004)

Directed by: Istvan Szabo

Screenplay by: Ronald Harwood

Based on the novel “Theatre” by: W. Somerset Maugham

Starring: Annette Bening; Jeremy Irons; Shaun Evans; Bruce Greenwood; Michael

Gambon; Juliet Stevenson; Lucy Punch

Nominee: Academy Award, Best Actress

Winner: Golden Globe, Best Actress

Opening Night Gala: Toronto International Film Festival

Official Selection: Telluride International Film Festival

Official Selection: San Sebastian International Film Festival

Nominee: Critics Choice Award

Nominee: 2 European Film Awards

Winner: National Board of Review Award

Nominee: Canadian Screen Award, Best Picture

Winner: Hollywood Film Award, Actress of the Year

Where the Truth Lies (2005)

Written and Directed by: Atom Egoyan

Based on the novel by: Rupert Holmes

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Colin Firth, Alison Lohman

Official Selection, In Competition: Cannes International Film Festival

Gala Selection: Toronto International Film Festival

Winner: Canadian Screen Award

Winner: Directors Guild of Canada Award

Eastern Promises (2007)

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Screenplay by: Steven Knight

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel

Nominee: Academy Award for Best Actor

Nominee: 3 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture

Nominee: 2 BAFTA Awards • Nominee: Critics Choice Award

Winner: British Independent Film Award

Winner: Toronto International Film Festival, People’s Choice Award

Opening Night Selection: San Sebastian International Film Festival

Opening Night Selection: London Film Festival

Winner: 7 Canadian Screen Awards

Barney’s Version (2010)

Directed by: Richard J. Lewis

Screenplay by: Michael Konyves

Based on the novel by: Mordechai Richler

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman

Nominee: Academy Award

Winner: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor

Official Selection: Venice International Film Festival

Winner: Venice Film Festival, Leoncino D’Oro Award

Winner: San Sebastian International Film Festival, Audience Award

Gala Selection: Toronto International Film Festival

Nominee, 2 London Critics Circle Awards

Winner: 7 Canadian Screen Awards

Remember (2015)

Directed by: Atom Egoyan

Screenplay by: Benjamin August

Starring: Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, Dean Norris, Bruno Ganz

Official Selection: In Competition, Venice International Film Festival

Venice Film Festival: Winner, Audience Award

Toronto International Film Festival: Gala Selection

Nominated for 4 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Picture

Mar Del Plata Film Festival: Winner, Audience Award

BFI London Film Festival: Official Selection

ABOUT ROBERT LANTOS

Robert Lantos is the founder, former Chairman and CEO of Alliance Communications Corporation which, under his watch, became Canada’s premier content producer, distributor, and specialty broadcaster. After selling Alliance, he launched Serendipity Point Films. Eleven of his films have been in the Cannes Official Selection, including Grand Prix and International Critics’ Prize Winner The Sweet Hereafter and Jury Prize winner Crash. His films Barney’s Version and Remember received the audience award at Venice Film Festival, while eXistenz and Museo won Silver Bears in Berlin. Eastern Promises, Sunshine, Being Julia, The Sweet Hereafter, and Barney’s Version earned Oscar nominations and won Golden Globes. His most recent film Crimes of the Future premiered in Cannes in competition. His most recent production is the 10-part Rise of the Raven (Hunyadi), an epic series set in the 15th century about the Ottoman invasion of Europe and the Hungarian hero who vanquishes them and in whose honour church bells ring at noon each day.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE – HUNGARY

The National Film Institute (NFI), as the leading organization of the Hungarian film industry, focuses on the entire domestic film sector. Its diverse activities share the common goal of ensuring the industry’s comprehensive development and long-term competitiveness in the region. As a key institution of the audiovisual sector, the NFI promotes the development of the Hungarian film industry and supports the creation of outstanding works that generate cultural value. The NFI considers it its main mission to enhance the recognition and reputation of Hungarian film and film production both domestically and internationally.

#FIRSTLOOK: CASTING ADDITIONS FOR SEASON THREE OF “THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY”

Today, Prime Video debuted an end-of-season trailer as Isabel “Belly” Conklin (Lola Tung) says “bonjour” to a new beginning in Paris. In the series’ final three episodes, The Summer I Turned Pretty introduces a new group of characters who become key players in Belly’s Parisian journey. Joining the series in recurring roles are Corinna Brown (Heartstopper), Fernando Cattori (With You in the Future, Untamed Royals), Isaline Prevost Radeff (Ceux Qui Travaillent, Haute Mer), and Jahz Armando (Gangs of London).

Corinna Brown is a London-based television, film and stage actress. She played the role of “Tara Jones” in the Netflix series Heartstopper, an adaptation of Alice Oseman’s LGBTQ+ graphic novels, and can be seen in the new British television series In Flight. She made her television debut in the BBC Three TV-movie My Murder. Brown trained at East 15 Acting School in London, and her theater credits include Noughts & Crosses, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty and Macbeth.

In early 2025, Fernando Cattori premiered the feature film Contigo en el Futuro (With You in the Future) on Prime Video and is set to appear in the third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, one of the platform’s most popular series. With these releases, Fernando strengthens his presence in the international market. As an actor, he has co-starred in Príncipes Salvajes (Untamed Royals) by Beto Hinojosa for Netflix, Ceremonia by Dan Chávez (premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival), and La Liberación (The Liberation) by Alejandra Márquez Abella for Prime Video, moving with ease across genres and tones. As a director, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2024 for the musical short film Nacimos Llorando (We Were Born Crying) and created Recuérdame Viviendo (Remember Me Alive), the most-watched advertising campaign in Mexico that same year for Cerveza Victoria. His work has been featured in Directors Library, OnePoint Four, Nowness, Vogue, GQ, and Young Directors Awards, among others. Trained in acting at NYFA, Yale Drama School, and CasaAzul during his teenage years, he also holds a degree in Communications from Universidad Iberoamericana. He is currently developing his first feature film.

Isaline Prévost Radeff is a French-Swiss actress trained at La Manufacture, the School of Performing Arts in Lausanne. Winner of the Migros Cultural Percentage Dramatic Arts Study Award in 2019 and 2020, she quickly stood out on stage and screen. She has acted in several films including Ceux Qui Travaillent and Des Araignées dans le Coeur, as well as on television in Haute Mer, a role that earned her the 2025 Swissperform Award for Best Rising Star. A polyglot fluent in French, English, and sign language, she continues her career across theater, film, and television.

At its core, the international hit series is a coming-of-age story about first love, heartbreak, and the unforgettable magic of a perfect summer. Adapted from Jenny Han’s best-selling trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty has evolved into a global phenomenon since its debut. Season three has drawn 25M viewers globally through its first 7 days and is the fifth most-watched returning season on Prime Video.

Season three is helmed by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, with both also serving as executive producers alongside Karen Rosenfelt, and Paul Lee, Hope Hartman, and Mads Hansen of wiip. The series is co-produced in partnership by Amazon MGM Studios and wiip.

—

About The Summer I Turned Pretty Season Three:

It’s the end of her junior year of college, and Belly’s looking forward to another summer in Cousins with her soulmate, Jeremiah. Her future seems set, until some core-shaking events bring her first love Conrad back into her life. Now on the brink of adulthood, Belly finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which brother has her heart. Summer will never be the same…

Based on the best-selling book trilogy from Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a multigenerational drama centered around a love triangle involving one girl and two brothers. It explores the complex bonds between mothers and their children, the strength of lasting female friendships, and the transformative journey of growing up. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age tale about first love, first heartbreak, and the unforgettable magic of one perfect summer.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Jenny Han is the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty series. Her books have been published in more than 30 languages. For television, she created two new series based on her books—Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, which she executive produces and co-showruns, and the Netflix series XO, Kitty, a spinoff of the To All the Boys universe, which she also executive produces. For film, she executive produced all three films in Netflix’s global hit To All the Boys trilogy.

About Prime Video

Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favourite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports, including Prime Monday Night Hockey – also Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and Roadhouse; licensed fan favourite Vampire Diaries; exclusive entertainment such as Prime Monday Night Hockey, ONE Championship; and programming from channels such as Sportsnet, Paramount+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ, AMC+, Super Channel, BritBox, Hayu, STACKTV, a multi-channel service featuring 16 top-tier networks (Global, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Lifetime, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, via the Prime Video Store. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.primevideo.com

#FIRSTLOOK: ELIE CHIVI STEPS DOWN AT INSIDE OUT

Inside Out, Canada’s leading organisation dedicated to 2SLGBTQ+ film and arts, announces a leadership transition as its Executive Director, Elie Chivi, has decided to step down from his role, effective September 29th, 2025. Elie will be relocating to Los Angeles, California, to pursue new opportunities within the film industry.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend heartfelt thanks to Elie for his passion, dedication, and visionary leadership over the past five years,” said Christopher McKenzie, Board Chair, Inside Out. “Under Elie’s stewardship, Inside Out has experienced remarkable growth and stability. He has played a pivotal role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, expanding revenue streams, and cultivating impactful partnerships with sponsors and funders. His leadership was instrumental in the successful execution of Inside Out’s renowned nine-day Toronto festival, a vital platform for celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ storytelling, community, and culture. Additionally, Elie launched and developed Inside Out’s flagship fundraising event, Outbid, now entering its third year.”

“It’s bittersweet to share that I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director of Inside Out. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead such an inspiring organisation over the past five years. I take pride in the achievements we’ve accomplished together and believe that now is the right time to pass the torch to new leadership, who will guide Inside Out into its next chapter. As I embark on a new journey in Los Angeles, I’ll be pursuing opportunities that allow me to continue making a meaningful impact within mission-driven organisations,” said Elie Chivi.

The Board appreciates Elie’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and is grateful that he will remain in his role over the coming weeks.

To facilitate the search for a new Executive Director, Inside Out has formed a Search Committee composed of Board members, HR committee members, and other advisors. The committee will oversee an open, transparent, and inclusive process to find a leader who can continue building upon Inside Out’s strong foundation and advance its mission with creativity, compassion, and community focus.

Inside Out deeply values its audiences, filmmakers, and partners across Canada and beyond. The organisation remains dedicated to its mission, and we will continue to keep stakeholders informed throughout this transition. We look forward to introducing the next Executive Director in the months ahead.

About Inside Out
Inside Out is Canada’s leading organisation dedicated to making, sharing, and celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ film and arts, fostering community and storytelling for over 30 years.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW NETFLIX IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD ADDITIONS – AUGUST 2025

We are thrilled to share the addition of five Canadian-filmed titles to the Netflix in Your Neighbourhood website! The update, which went live today, includes the new series’ Bet and Untamed; Season 3 of Ginny & Georgia; Season 2 of My Life With the Walter Boys; and the film Fear Street: Prom Queen. These newly added titles were filmed across Ontario, B.C. and Alberta, including the towns of Hope, High River and Bragg Creek, which make their debut on the Netflix in Your Neighbourhood site.

Netflix in Your Neighbourhood was launched in 2021 to help fans discover the many Canadian filming locations for their favourite Netflix movies and shows. The ultimate fan guide, Netflix in Your Neighbourhood, offers crafted suggestions for top tourist destinations and local gems, including culinary delights, cozy accommodations, cultural attractions, iconic landmarks and more; all connected to popular Canadian-filmed Netflix titles such as The Umbrella Academy, Fubar and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Netflix in Your Neighbourhood provides visitors with everything they need to plan an unforgettable trip in Canada.

Netflix Canada’s newsletter and events pages ensure fans stay informed about Netflix happenings in their city and across the country, so they never miss a moment of the action. Make sure you take a moment to sign up!

More about the newly added titles:

BET – Bet follows the students at a boarding school for the global elite, where underground gambling determines the school’s hierarchy. When Yumeko, a mysterious transfer student arrives, her gambling prowess puts her in the crosshairs of the powerful Student Council, while her secret quest for revenge threatens to upend the school’s status quo entirely. Bet was filmed in Toronto and Brampton, Ontario.

UNTAMED – A character-driven mystery-thriller that follows Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Parks Service who works to enforce human law in nature’s vast wilderness. The investigation of a brutal death sends Turner on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park, and in his own past. This mystery thriller was filmed in Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, Hope and Whistler, British Columbia.

GINNY & GEORGIA S3 – Georgia has just been arrested for murder during her wedding – ruining her fairy tale ending and putting the spotlight on the Millers like never before. It’s always been Ginny and Georgia against the world, but the world has never come for them quite like this. Now, Ginny needs to see where she stands when push comes to shove – Is the two of them against the world something Ginny really wants to sign up for? Ginny and Georgia Season 3 show was filmed in Toronto and Scarborough, Ontario.

MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS – After leaving Silver Falls following Alex’s love confession and her kiss with Cole, Jackie Howard spent the summer in New York City. When Katherine convinces her to return to Colorado, Jackie is determined to make amends with Alex and set boundaries with Cole while finding her place within the Walter family. But fitting back in isn’t that easy. This hit show was filmed in High River and Bragg Creek, Alberta.

FEAR STREET: PROM QUEEN – Welcome back to Shadyside. In this next installment of the blood-soaked Fear Street franchise, prom season at Shadyside High is underway and the school’s wolfpack of It Girls is busy with its usual sweet and vicious campaigns for the crown. But when a gutsy outsider puts herself in the running, and the other girls start mysteriously disappearing, the class of ’88 is suddenly in for one hell of a prom night. This teen slasher was filmed in Hamilton, Ontario.

#TIFF25: CINEMA CENTER RETURNS AT 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Roxstar Entertainment, a leading Hollywood events and Communications group, is thrilled to announce the return of its acclaimed Cinema Center hospitality hub during the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

This year will feature an expanded lineup of events, new venues, and a title sponsor partnership with Campari, which is also in its second year as the official Red Carpet Cocktail partner of the 50th TIFF. Both the festival and the “Campari Cinema Center” partnership continue Campari’s cinematic legacy and enhance its Red Passion support for memorable actor and filmmaker interviews, as well as upscale film afterparties.

At the heart of the program is a comprehensive experience to host the festival’s top films, along with their respective directors, producers, and actors, all attending to promote, sell, and seek distribution. Additional star power will be generated through the annual Collider’s Media Studio. Here, top filmmakers and actors will stop by during their press circuits to conduct interviews for exclusive content on Collider Media, a popular entertainment site that attracts over 30 million unique visitors each month. Expected talent includes Riz Ahmed, Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Juno Temple, Leslie Mann, Maude Apatow, Bob Odenkirk, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Nico Parker, Theo James, Sam Worthington, Joel Edgerton, Method Man, Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung Hun, Tessa Thompson, Imogen Poots, Chloé Zhao, Felicity Jones, Dustin Hoffman, Callum Turner, Lily James, Alex Winter, Stephen Amell, Sean Astin, Josh Gad, Sigourney Weaver, Nia DaCosta, Aziz Ansari, and Jodie Foster to name a few. The Films and events being celebrated at the Cinema Center include:

THE CHORAL premiere party – Sony Pictures Classics film premiere reception with Ralph Fiennes and Roger Allam.

WATERMELON PICTURES premiere party – celebrating their TIFF film premieres “P-6” and “Mārama” hosted by Alana Hadid and attended by Bella Hadid, and cast members Hiam Abbas, Liam Cunningham, Billy Howle, Saleh Bakri, and Rob Aramoya.

THE NEGLECTED premiere party – Hosted by Latigo Films/Red Sea Media/CAA celebrate the out-of-festival release starring Dylan Sprouse (Under Fire) and Josh Duhamel (Shotgun Wedding), and supported by Supermodel, Barbara Palvin, and other talent tba.

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN – Panel and VIP reception hosted by Georgia Entertainment and Variety. The Made with Georgia, USA Panel discusses workforce development, educational initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities serving film and television productions in Georgia.

WEAUDITION – annual Festival fete hosted by the self-tape reader-on-demand app for actor members, media, and social media influencer VIPs, including Diego Boneta (Killing Castro / IG: 4.6M), Connor Jessup (Peak Everything / IG: 444K), Lauren Collins (Frankenstein / IG: 150K), Julian Richings (Honey Bunch / IG: 109K), Sarah Polley (& Sons / IG: 63K).

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS CELEBRATES the “ELEANOR THE GREAT/BLUE MOON” premiere party held at Jacobs & Co Steakhouse – starring respectively, Scarlett Johansson, June Squibb, Ethan Hawke, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, John Slattery, and more —

EASY’S WALTZ premiere party – starring Vince Vaugn, Simon Rex, Kate Mara, Cobie Smulders, Shania Twain, Tim Simons, Fed Malamed, Sophia Ali with Mary Steenburgen, and Al Pacino.

ADULTHOOD premiere party – starring Josh Gad, Kaya Scodelario, Billie Lourd, Alex Winter, and Anthony Carrigan.

Each event at the Cinema Center will feature an elegant soirée with red-carpet glamour, music, fine food, and cocktails, all supported by the program’s generous sponsors. Featured cocktails by Campari will highlight their signature festival red-carpet drinks, including the Campari Negroni and Campari Spritz. Drink Responsibly. ©Campari Canada 2025

Also supporting the Campari Cinema Center’s TIFF 50th anniversary edition is Oscar-winning visual effects (VFX) company, Rodeo FX, which provides high-end creative services for film, television, and advertising, while also producing its own animation IPs. Founded in 2006, the company has numerous studios across North America and Europe and is known for its work on major projects like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Dune, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, to name a few.

In addition, official festival sponsor Lavazza Coffee will enhance the Campari Cinema Center experience with its gourmet coffee, which will be welcomed by filmmakers and casts on the go at the daytime Collider Media Studio and evening premieres. The bar will also offer a Lavazza cold brew cocktail.

The water partner keeping guests hydrated will be Vellamo mineral water, a premium, natural mineral water sourced from Finland’s purest groundwater, formed over 10,000 years ago in an ancient glacial aquifer.

Supporting partners include Santa Carolina’s Reserva Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines as well as La Vieille Ferme Rosé and La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut Sparkling. Additional partners include Peroni beer, and food catering by Miss Ivy Toronto (https://missivy.co), Toronto’s premier destination for Asian fusion cuisine.

(Photo credit: Photagonist)

#FOOD: RUDY PAYS TRIBUTE TO JOHN CANDY WITH CANADIAN BACON BURGER

Toronto burger brand RUDY is paying tribute to John Candy with a limited-edition cheeseburger timed to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the release of I Like Me, a new documentary* about Candy’s life, directed by Colin Hanks. Note that Rudy is not affiliated directly with John Candy nor the connections of the Film.

Available at all RUDY locations from Sept. 1–7, the CANADIAN BACON is a decadent twist on their signature smashburger. It will be topped with deep-fried peameal bacon.

“He’s a great Canadian and a comedy legend. One of my favourites,” said Luke McCann, the restaurant’s co-founder. You’ll find photos of John Candy at each location. “He’s been part of the Rudyverse since we first opened. This burger is our way of celebrating him.”

The peameal bacon is dipped in buttermilk and dredged in RUDY’s secret seasoning blend before being deep-fried to golden perfection. “We’ve been testing recipes all summer to come up with the perfect tribute. When we hit on this, we realized we might have discovered a whole new way to enjoy peameal,” says McCann, adding, “it tastes phenomenal!”

I Like Me will premiere at TIFF this September and explores the life of the comic actor known for roles in Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The last film he completed, Canadian Bacon, inspired the name of the new burger.

RUDY has created special burgers before, notably The Bayside to celebrate Saved By The Bell, and the Hot For Priestley in honour of Jason Priestley. Open since 2016, they operate 10 locations across the GTA and Ontario; from Aurora to Whitby to Burlington, and will be opening in Barrie later this fall.

We’ve tried and loved!

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#FOOD: DINING OPTIONS TIFF 2025 – BAR XXX, ARIANNA AT HARBOUR SIXTY, FICOA, MINAMI, RADICI PROJECT, LYLA, DEAUVILLE CLUB RESTAURANT

With TIFF returning to Toronto this September 4–14 2025, the city will be buzzing with film premieres, celebrities, and dining experiences that capture the spotlight. Festival goers can look forward to a range of exciting special offerings and activations, from signature cocktails by Bar XXX, Arianna, Minami, Ficoa, and Deauville Club to standout dishes from Lyla, Radici Project, Minami, and Ficoa.

Bar XXX

A speakeasy tucked beneath Little Sister, Bar XXX has long held its place on Canada’s Best Bars list and is debuting a TIFF-exclusive cocktail.

TIFF No. 42 (Martini): Off-menu, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $26

“No. 42” references The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams — the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”

Arianna at Harbour Sixty

Arianna, located in the iconic Harbour Sixty building, features an exclusive cocktail crafted by award-winning mixologist Tiffany Desbiens.

The “Her” Cocktail: Off-menu, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $28

Inspired by the allure of Old Hollywood, this drink captures the grace, poise, and cinematic elegance of the golden era’s leading women — Hugo spritz meets lemon drop martini.

Image of the “HER” cocktail, garnished with bergamot perfume, mint and an edible flower

Ficoa

Mexican chef, Esau Garcia Ramos, brings his MICHELIN roots to TIFF with a specially curated menu for Ficoa, located on College St.

Ficoa presents its own “Director’s Cut”, a series of a la carte menu items inspired by the film Like Water for Chocolate. With the chef stepping into the role of director and taking full creative reign, these dishes will be available exclusively as part of Ficoa’s a la carte menu throughout TIFF.

Cocktail: PÉTALOS DE ROSA – $20

Gin, guava, strawberry, and rose water

Special Dish: CHILES EN NOGADA – $35

Picadillo stuffed poblano pepper, Nogada sauce, and pomegranate

Dessert: CHABELA’S CAKE – $10

Chocolate Cake featuring Mokable

Minami Toronto

As an official TIFF partner, Minami promises to be one of the hottest spots for celebrity sightings this season, featuring an exclusive TIFF cocktail alongside two special dishes.

Cocktail

    The Golden Anniversary Sour, price $25

Dishes

Wagyu Skewers On Hot Stone Plate priced at $49 (4oz)

Black Garlic Miso, Sweet Soy Glaze, Mini Potato, Broccolini, Mini Pepper

A5 Wagyu Tartare Monaka With Volzhenka Osciètre Caviar priced at $40 (2pc)

Yuzu Kosho, Rakkyo, Green Onion

From Left to Right: Image of A5 Wagyu Tartare Monaka and Wagyu Skewers

Radici Project
Radici Project, founded by husband-and-wife duo Emiliano Del Frate, formerly of NOMA and Dan Alfonso and DaNico, and Kayo Ito, with experience at Park Hyatt and Nobu, bring world-class expertise to the table.

Radici Project will feature a limited-time Cacio e Pepe topped with beef tataki and Canadian caviar. The dish blends a Roman classic with grilled beef, paying homage to Italy’s Ferragosto barbecue season. Inspired by the Italian food film Il Pranzo di Ferragosto, it highlights themes of tradition, care, and the joy of shared summer meals.

The dish will be presented as the amuse-bouche on both tasting menus:

Essence Menu: condensed and affordable tasting menu

Immersive Menu: full-size, larger tasting menu

Additionally, during TIFF, all à la carte guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cacio e pepe. While it will not appear on the à la carte menu, it will be offered as a welcome bite for à la carte diners and served as the amuse-bouche (alongside a waffle) for those enjoying the tasting menus.

Lyla

Lyla, located in Liberty Village, celebrates TIFF’s red-carpet spirit with a decadent lobster pasta topped with caviar and finished in champagne dashi.

Lobster Caviar Pasta, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $159

1.5lb Atlantic Lobster served with an Ontario grass fed beurre blanc, osetra caviar, grana duro chittara, with borage to garnish. The whole lobster is paired with a rich dashi made from its shells, butter, and Veuve Clicquot, then finished with caviar, gyosho, and fresh lemon. Tossed with pasta and garnished with lobster head and borage, the dish balances decadence with vibrant flavour and colour.

Mokable x Deauville Club Restaurant

Perched above the city on the second floor of Revery Toronto Downtown, Deauville Club is where French sophistication meets global culinary flair, and this TIFF season, it’s unveiling a cocktail unlike any other. The star of the glass? Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, elevated with Mokable -– a coffee confectionery that captures the whole essence of a coffee bean by microgrinding whole coffee beans. Born in Japan, and winner of the 2025 Grand Prix Japan Food Selection, Mokable’s innovative approach has been appreciated by Toronto’s MICHELIN and award winning chefs and mixologists.

To bring this creation to life, Deauville Club is teaming up with guest bartender, Troy Gilchrist of No Vacancy, who will be behind the bar for this exclusive collaboration. Don’t forget to ask about off-menu Cocktail, FRANKENFOAM!

#FIRSTLOOK: “IF I HAD LEGS, I’D KICK YOU” TRAILER

Watch the official trailer for TIFF ’25 selection If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a tour de force from writer-director Mary Bronstein starring Berlinale Silver Bear winner Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien and A$AP Rocky.

VVS Films release as follows:

In select theatres October 17, 2025
Further expansion October 24, 2025

With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne) attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.

#TIFF25: “DEGRASSI: WHATEVER IT TAKES” TRAILER

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and award-winning producer Peacock Alley Entertainment today released the official trailer for the highly anticipated original documentary feature, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, which will make its world premiere on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival as a TIFF 50 Official Selection.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes dives into the behind-the-scenes truth of the Degrassi franchise—raw, real, and sometimes troubling—while celebrating the powerful legacy of a show that made teens everywhere feel seen.

Whatever It Takes celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Degrassi, a fearless teen drama that tackled taboo topics and changed TV forever, while uncovering the behind-the-scenes tensions and personal sacrifices that shaped Canada’s most iconic franchise.

Produced by WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment, and directed by Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue, This is Pop), Degrassi: Whatever It Takes features interviews and insights on the show’s legacy from creator Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, superfans, including filmmaker Kevin Smith, and cast of the Degrassi universe, including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda and Maureen Deiseach, Aubrey Drake Graham, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto , Jordan Todosey and more.

Rideout said: “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective. I was inspired by how fearless the series was in tackling issues that others wouldn’t touch. This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise while revealing the impact it had on the people who made it and the audiences who loved it.”

Carrie Mudd, Executive producer for Peacock Alley, said: “Degrassi is more than a TV show—it’s a time capsule of growing up, full of heart, honesty and every ‘first’ experience you can think of. Nothing then, or now, has captured the teenage experience in a more raw, authentic or unfiltered way. Degrassi is one of Canada’s biggest cultural exports, which helped shape four decades of TV and touched multiple generations of kids around the world. Telling its story felt like honouring a piece of the Canadian identity.”

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Angela Boudreault for WildBrain, and by Carrie Mudd (Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song; Travelers) for Peacock Alley. The documentary is produced by Mudd and Erin Sharp (Sex with Sue, Hip-Hop Evolution) and is written by Rideout and Celine Wong (Hip-Hop Evolution, The Loneliest Race).

For Degrassi: Whatever It Takes TIFF tickets and screening times, please visit: tiff.net/films/degrassi-whatever-it-takes

Degrassi’s 40-year legacy

Always tuned in and never afraid to speak the truth, Degrassi is one of the most enduring franchises in the history of youth programming. For over four decades, watching Degrassi has been a rite of passage for teenagers everywhere, providing a mirror on their passions, struggles and triumphs as they navigate high school and the road to selfhood. Always at the vanguard of inspiration, education and entertainment, Degrassi has been unafraid to tackle even the most challenging stories, from teen pregnancy to racism to gender identity and more. Degrassi has been recognized with dozens of awards, including two International Emmy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards and a Peabody.

About Lisa Rideout

Lisa Rideout is an award-winning director and writer whose childhood was shaped by two things: fearless women and all the television she watched. Her work reflects both influences, centering boundary-pushing women and pop culture. Her films, including the CSA-winning Sex with Sue, have screened globally and received numerous awards.

About WildBrain

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° franchise management, we are experts in Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands around the world. With approximately 14,000 half-hours of kids’ and family content in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Camp Snoopy; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Yo Gabba GabbaLand!; Sonic Prime; Teletubbies Let’s Go! and many more. Enjoyed on platforms worldwide, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered approximately 1.5 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most loved family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide.

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at wildbrain.com.

About Peacock Alley Entertainment

Peacock Alley Entertainment distinguishes itself as an independent force committed to cultivate and amplify distinctive voices. Founded by Carrie Mudd, the company has earned recognition for its unwavering dedication to authentic, pioneering storytelling—delivering both successful scripted series and acclaimed premium documentary programming that resonates with critics and audiences alike.

Recent projects include premium documentaries 50,000 First Dates: A True Story (Amazon Global), Harder Better Faster Stronger (CBC), Leonard Cohen If It Be Your Will (CBC), and Catching a Serial Killer: Bruce McArthur (Peacock). Other notable titles include A User’s Guide to Cheating Death (Netflix), Brave New Girls (E!) and Tower of Song: Leonard Cohen (CBC).

Peacock Alley’s first feature film, Previously Saved Version, written by Brad Wright and directed by Kei Ishikawa, with Amazon Studios, premiered worldwide in 2024. Award-winning scripted series include Brad Wright’s Travelers (Netflix) starring Eric McCormack, original true-crime comedy series New Eden (Crave) written by Kayla Lorette and Evany Rosen, and drama series Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix) based on the bestselling YA book.

Currently in production are premium documentary projects BIG FEMININE ENERGY; and 2 true crime docuseries, ABOVE SUSPICION: COLONEL RUSSELL WILLIAMS and GHOST ON A WIRE: MURDER IN QUEENSVILLE.

#FIRSTLOOK: “CELEBRATIONS WITH LACEY CHABERT” AND “FALL INTO LOVE” SEASON TWO COMING TO STACKTV AND W NETWORK

This September, W Network and STACKTV are delivering uplifting, feel-good stories guaranteed to warm hearts with the series premiere of Celebrations with Lacey Chabert and the return of Hallmark Channel’s Fall Into Love .

Debuting as a special two-hour series premiere on Sunday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and available to stream on STACKTV, Celebrations with Lacey Chabert follows beloved Hallmark Channel star and philanthropist Lacey Chabert as she surprises deserving members of the community who are making a positive impact on the world by throwing them the celebration of a lifetime. This aspirational and visually rich series combines heart, the spirit of generosity and dazzling events as Chabert and her team plan epic surprise parties to give back to those who are making a positive impact.

Then, come along for the (hay)ride as W Network delivers countless romantic and heartfelt “aww-tumn” moments during Hallmark Channel’s Fall Into Love from September 6 to October 12 with back-to-back movies every weekend and all-new exclusive premieres. From the return of Mystery Island to the highly-anticipated Groomsmen trilogy filmed on location in Italy, Greece and Bulgaria, W Network is bringing a star-studded lineup guaranteed to have viewers glued to the screen all season long. All titles from this bountiful fall flick lineup will also be available to stream on STACKTV. This year’s batch of brand new movie premieres include:

The Groomsmen First Look – Saturday, September 6
The Groomsmen Second Chances – Saturday, September 13
Mystery Island: House Rules – Friday, September 19
The Groomsmen Last Dance – Saturday, September 20
Adventures in Love & Birding – Saturday, September 27
Home Turf – Saturday, October 4
Haul Out the Halloween – Saturday, October 11
W Network can be streamed via STACKTV, available on Amazon Prime Video, Bell Fibe TV app, Fubo, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite Streaming. The network is also available through all major TV distributors, including: Shaw, Shaw Direct, Rogers, Bell, Videotron, Telus, Cogeco, Eastlink and SaskTel.