Hello hello! In keeping with tradition, we’re checking-in because Chinese New Year is soon before us! This year we celebrate the Year of the Snake! 

That’s right, it’s Taylor Swift’s year! As if it hasn’t already been HER year for years now!

Specifically, this year is Year of the Wood Snake. A common theme I keep reading is that this year is about being reborn and ending habits that no longer serve us from years prior. It is a time for compassion and a time for transformation.

The new year commences Wednesday, January 29, 2025. 

In addition to Taylor, some famous Snakes in Hollywood include the likes of Audrey Hepburn, JFK, RDJ, Charlie Sheen, Muhammad Ali, Tim Horton himself, Bob Dylan, Billie Eilish, Shania Twain, Tom Brady, J.K. Rowling, Jackie O., Chris Martin, Oprah, Martha, Kanye, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Björk, Daniel Radcliffe, Brie Larson, Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Rock… and so many, many more!

Those born in the years of the Rat, Monkey, Rooster, Horse, and Dragon should have a good year ahead particularly, as these are very compatible with the Snake.

Contrary to belief, when you are observing your own year, you should exercise extra caution. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a bad year. It just means you might just be working against some extra forces and obstacles, and the term for this is Fan Tai Sui. If you yourself are born in the Year of the Snake, just be a little more careful this year. Hearing that those born in the Year of the Pig should as well.

I’ve put together a few of my favourite easy-to-understand ChineseHoroscopes. I hope you find these insightful and fun!

CHINESENEWYEAR.NET

Link: https://chinesenewyear.net

• This horoscope is super-easy to understand breaking down the forecast for you ahead in health, relationships, finances, career and more. It even has a simple calculator where you can figure out your sign by inputting your date on the landing page.

YOUR CHINESE ASTROLOGY

Link: https://www.yourchineseastrology.com

• This horoscope gives you additional insights, like the one above. But also recommends some trinkets you can get for yourself to maximize good fortunes and luck.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

Link: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3293097/chinese-horoscopes-year-wood-snake-2025-predictions-health-wealth-work-and-love-plus-wood-snakes

• This horoscope breaks down your lucky months and maybe not-so-great months for you

If you really don’t know what sign you are, this will make it easier for you to start:

Rat
1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020 2032

Ox
1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021 2033

Tiger
1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022 2034

Rabbit
1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023 2035

Dragon
1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024 2036

Snake
1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025 2037

Horse
1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026 2038

Sheep
1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027 2039

Monkey
1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028

Rooster
1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029

Dog
1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030

Pig
1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031

Wishing you a perfect Year of the Snake! Looking forward to seeing you and connecting with you this year!

Mr. Will & beanie

This is a must for all you Football fans! The next best thing to being there in-person!

A Big Game Super Bowl Viewing Party will be held at REBEL in Toronto. It’s set to be the largest and most exciting viewing party in the city, and we’d love for your audience to get in on the action!

Event details:

Date & Time: Sunday, February 9, 2025, 4-11 PM
Location: REBEL, Toronto
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
Notes: 19+ | Bottle Service Available

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, ABURI TORA at Yorkdale is offering a festive menu available for a limited time from January 29 to February 28. This offering features the TORA Lunar New Year Set for $35, alongside other festive creations, including the traditional Eho Maki. The seasonal menu blends premium Japanese ingredients with culinary traditions to create a dining experience perfect for marking this special occasion.

Lunar New Year is a cherished celebration in many Asian cultures, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. ABURI TORA is proud to honour this festive season with a menu reflecting tradition and innovation. Known for its cutting-edge sushi laneway and technology-forward dining experience, TORA offers premium Aburi-style sushi that highlights the finest ingredients and artistry.

The TORA Lunar New Year Set includes:

•Sashimi (2 pcs each): Akami, Hamachi

•Nigiri (1 pc each, Salt & Lemon style): Madai,

•Kanpachi Oshi (1 pc each): Salmon, Ebi,

•Albacore Special Maki: Eho-maki (Included in the set but can be purchased separately as well for $6.50

Two new features that can be purchased in addition to the set are the Strawberry Cake ($7.50) and Tamago Maki ($4.50), perfect for a sweet and light addition to your meal.

The Eho Maki features a blend of unagi, crab meat, tamago, shitake, cucumber, and oboro. A traditional Eho Maki is a special sushi roll eaten during Setsubun, a Japanese holiday that marks the start of spring in the lunar calendar, typically on February 3rd or 4th. While it isn’t specifically tied to Lunar New Year, its symbolism aligns with themes of prosperity and good fortune. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to enjoy TORA’s exceptional cuisine and commemorate Luna New Year.

About TORA
ABURI TORA’s roots are steeped in Japanese history, in contrast to its futuristic dining style. Owner Seigo Nakamura, originally from Miyazaki, Japan, took over his father’s restaurant, Sushi TORA when he was only 20 years old, in 1996. Four successful restaurants and ten years later, Seigo set his mind to bringing a traditional style of sushi restaurant – Kaiten, to Canada, but in a modern way with higher quality offerings. Paying homage to his roots, he named it TORA.

Hot off it’s Sundance Premiere, we get a new Trailer for OPUS! In Theatres March 14, 2025 via VVS Films.

Details:

Written and Directed By: Mark Anthony Green

Starring: Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Murray Bartlett

Synopsis: A young writer is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.

Following its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and a sold-out run at several festivals including Hamptons Film Festival, Provincetown Film Festival and NewFest LGBTQ+ Film Festival, LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY, written, produced, and directed by Bruce David Klein, is heading to Canada. The film, which opened theatrically in the US on January 24th, will begin its Canadian roll-out premiering in Toronto, for two dates, at Hot Docs Cinema, January 31 and February 1, 2025.

This star studded tribute brings into focus the dazzling, complex period of Liza’s life starting in the 1970s, just after the tragic death of her mother Judy Garland – as she confronts a range of personal and professional challenges on the way to becoming a bona fide legend. Over these years, Liza seeks out extraordinary mentors: Kay Thompson, Fred Ebb, Charles Aznavour, Halston and Bob Fosse. With insightful participation from a coterie of luminaries who know her well – Michael Feinstein, Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Joel Grey and the late Chita Rivera, along with the revelatory participation by the star herself – the film illuminates the contradiction of Liza Minnelli: her privilege and struggle, strength and vulnerability, unreal expectations and towering talent – the friction of which fueled her stunning rise, resilience and her enduring place as one of the greatest, most original performers in the history of entertainment.

“I’m thrilled this documentary shares the story of how my creative voice came to life with the help of my brilliant friends, mentors and collaborators,” says Liza Minnelli. “Bruce and his team dove deep to explore my relationships with the people who literally ‘invented me’ — and I can’t wait for movie audiences to experience it!”

In the process of Klein and his team wooing Minnelli to tell her life story, they were asked if they would like to watch about 25 hours of never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage of her that was shot in the 70s during her European Tour, to which they immediately agreed. “As soon as we pressed play on the first reel of footage, we were blown away,” said Klein. “Right in front of us was this beautiful, vulnerable superstar of stage and screen at the height of her powers. She was literally the ‘IT’ girl of the world at that time. Even the personal scenes of her just hanging out were fascinating and revealing. Our team really got a feel for who she was and what drove her.” With Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, for the first time, audiences themselves will get to see some of this revelatory footage, which is masterfully woven into the film’s narrative.

Ultimately Klein hopes that audiences will “see the meticulous artistry that went into Liza becoming an icon. Liza as a friend, lover, daughter and surprisingly humble, anxiety-ridden performer.”

CREDITS:

Written, Produced and Directed by: Bruce David Klein

Produced by: Alexander J. Goldstein

Produced by: Robert Rich

Co-Producer: Dana Craig

Co-Producers: Tom D’Angora, Manny Klausner, Willette Klausner

Executive Producer: Dori Berinstein

Line Producers: Sheila Cabano, Abby Strauss

Additional Line Producer: Donna Ferry

Associate Producers: Nelda Yaw Buckman, Drew Desky, Dane Levens, Alan Seales

Directors of Photography: Axel Baumann, Wolfgang Held

Editors: Jake Keene, Alexander J. Goldstein

USA | 2024 | 104 min | HD | 16:9 | Stereo 5.1 | English

Release Pattern:

Canadian Premiere

January 31, 2025 + February 1, 2025 – Hot Docs Cinema – Toronto (Tickets available)

Starts January 31, 2025 – Mayfair Theatre – Ottawa (Tickets available)

January 31, 2025 – VIFF – Vancouver (Tickets available)

February 2, 2025 – The Fox – Toronto (Tickets available)

February 8 to 11 – Revue Theatre – Toronto (Tickets available) 

About Zeitgeist Films

Zeitgeist Films is a New York-based distribution company founded in 1988 which acquires and distributes the finest independent films from the U.S. and around the world. In 2017, Zeitgeist entered into a multi-year strategic alliance with renowned film distributor Kino Lorber.

Zeitgeist has distributed early films by such notable directors as Todd Haynes, Christopher Nolan, Francois Ozon, Olivier Assayas, Laura Poitras, Atom Egoyan and the Quay Brothers. Their catalog includes films from the world’s most outstanding filmmakers including Margerethe Von Trotta, Ken Loach, Guy Maddin, Derek Jarman, Peter Greenaway, Yvonne Rainer, Andrei Zyvagintsev, Astra Taylor and Raoul Peck. Previous Zeitgeist Films releases in association with Kino Lorber include Alex Dean’s Bombshell, the Hedy Lamarr Story, Blerta Basholli’s Hive, Daniel Raim’s Fiddler’s Journey To The Big Screen, Pierre Foldes’ Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, and most recently the “final” Ken Loach feature The Old Oak.

Five Zeitgeist films have been nominated for Academy Awards and one, Nowhere in Africa, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Their films have been honored by festivals throughout the world with Grand Prizes at Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Tribeca, and IDFA in Amsterdam. The Museum of Modern Art honored Zeitgeist with a month-long, 20th anniversary retrospective of their films in 2008.

About Atlas Media

For 25+ years, Atlas Media has been an award-winning producer of non-fiction television series, specials, and premium feature documentaries for cable, broadcast and streamers in the United States and in 100+ countries worldwide. Recent Atlas films include the Emmy-nominated Icahn: The Restless Billionaire (for HBO), Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise (Universal), Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead (MSNBC Films), and Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (Netflix). Long running television series include: Dr G: Medical Examiner, The Mind of a Murderer and Hotel Impossible.

About Kino Lorber

With a library of over 4,000 titles, Kino Lorber has been a leader in independent art house distribution for over 45 years, releasing 35 films per year theatrically and garnering seven Academy Award® nominations in nine years. The company also brings over 350 titles annually to the home entertainment and educational markets through digital and physical media releases. Kino Lorber handles ancillary media for an expanding family of distributed labels – including Zeitgeist Films, Milestone Films, Cohen Media Group, Menemsha Films, and Greenwich Entertainment – and licenses titles digitally to all major TVOD and SVOD platforms. In recent years, Kino Lorber has expanded its own direct digital platforms through the launch of TVOD service Kino Now and the acquisition of MHz Choice and Topic, the two leading North American streaming services featuring international series.

Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) today unveiled its first announcement of artists and speakers stemming from music, art, comedy and tech who are confirmed to attend the inaugural Departure Festival + Conference from May 6-11, 2025 in Toronto. These creatives include music luminaries Bryan Adams, Mustafa, Tia Wood, and Death From Above 1979; renowned restaurateur Matty Matheson; platinum record producer T-Minus in conversation with Brian “B.Dot” Miller; influential figure and innovator in the sports and entertainment industry Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group (OVG); tech thought leader Matt McGowan, GM of Snap Inc. in Canada; and reputable crisis communications expert Molly McPherson. Together, these creatives exemplify the very best of their respective crafts, achieving massive success domestically and abroad. A groundbreaking new partnership with Elevate, Canada’s most influential tech and innovation event, adds to the conference’s dynamic programming.

A reimagined and expanded vision of Canadian Music Week (CMW), Departure is a dynamic and innovative launchpad bursting with diverse talent, audience favourites, and modern creative industry thinkers. While Hotel X Toronto, the urban resort on the Lake Ontario Waterfront, will serve as Departure’s host hotel, the global event will reach audiences across Toronto with concert venues in every corner of the city. A stream of notable speakers, artists and must-attend events will continue to be revealed over the coming months. Priority and Conference passes are on sale now at departureto.com.

“Our first edition of Departure is about honouring our roots in music and growing into other creative spaces while fostering the relationship between artist and industry,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Loft Entertainment. “This year’s lineup showcases a wealth of established and emerging talent from across the country and beyond, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, sharing innovative ideas and building deeper connections within Canada’s dynamic arts community. We look forward to sharing more programming announcements in the weeks to come.”

“With its vibrant cultural scene, Toronto is the perfect home for the Departure Festival + Conference,” said Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group Canada. “We look forward to bringing together the most diverse and talented group of artists, innovators, and industry leaders to create a launchpad for the next wave of music, art, tech, and comedy.”

The Conference portion is where industry professionals from Canada and abroad will come together as a community to share ideas, inspire one another and connect to build a vibrant creative future. The Festival portion of the weeklong event is where audiences can enjoy musical performances by their favourite artists, comedy sets from some of North America’s funniest people and culinary experiences from top chefs.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING TO DATE:

Industry Experts:
Departure’s robust lineup of powerhouse speakers highlights individual streams within the creative space, welcoming Canadian chef, restaurateur and actor/executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning hit show The Bear, Matty Matheson; legendary music superstar Bryan Adams in collaboration with Radiodays North America; leader and veteran in the sports and entertainment industry Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group (OVG); Grammy-nominated record producer T-Minus; one of music journalism’s most revered voices and viral Rap Radar Podcast co-host, Brian “B.Dot” Miller; Emmy award-winning music supervisor Matt Biffa who has worked on Sex Education, Hacks, and Harry Potter; and renowned photographer and creative director Danny Hastings, who has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Incorporating a wider spectrum of artistic expressions, the Conference will also include trailblazer and advocate for Indigenous voices Shayla Stonechild and internationally recognized crisis communications expert Molly McPherson.

“Toronto has helped me build a beautiful community I can always come back to and has deepened my love for food,” said Matty Matheson. “Toronto is a perfect place to discover something new and really dive in head first. Departure reminds me of those feelings for Toronto; where we thrive on creativity and culture and all the people who make this city special.”

Radiodays North America:
Taking place May 6 – 8 at Hotel X, ​Radiodays North America is the premier conference for radio, podcasting, and digital audio professionals, Radiodays will feature inspiring speakers about the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of audio. More programming details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tech:
Diving into the future of technology, Departure will feature leaders in the tech space including General Manager of Snap Inc. in Canada, Matt McGowan, President of Visibility Media and former Global Head of Riot Games Music Toa Dunn, and the Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate, Lisa Zarzeczny.

Bridging the gap between tech and entertainment, Departure will also be joining forces with Elevate, Canada’s most influential tech and innovation event. Elevate is a non-profit that unites world-class innovators to catalyze transformation in the Canadian tech ecosystem. Elevate has hosted global icons such as First Lady & Author Michelle Obama, Businesswoman & TV personality Martha Stewart, and Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

Film:
Continuing to celebrate the power of music, Departure will host special film presentations including Alex Ross Perry’s (Golden Exits, Her Smell) latest film Pavements (MUBI) about the iconic ’90s indie band Pavement starring Jason Schwartzman​ and Joe Keery. More film programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING TO DATE:

Departure will present Music and Comedy Showcases available to all pass holders, along with Premium events that require the purchase of separate tickets. The Comedy Showcase lineup will be announced in February and the Music Showcase following in March.

Music:
With lively performances across the city from Meridian Hall to History, The Drake Hotel and more, Departure will feature some of the most sought-after artists making waves today. The Premium events include multi-award winning powerhouse Mustafa; groundbreaking soulful performer Tia Wood; punk rock duo Death From Above 1979 performing for two nights at Lee’s Palace celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their album The Physical World; R&B visionary Avenoir; French pop duo Papooz ; indie rockers Rural Alberta Advantage; genre-defying duo Freak Heat Waves; celebrated singer-songwriter Bria Salmena; and burgeoning Brooklyn-based punk band YHWH Nailgun; with more to be announced.

Ensuring audiences experience the full breadth of Toronto’s bustling cultural scene, Departure will extend across the city with special events at Stackt Market, The Well and a 40th anniversary celebration of Lee’s Palace. More information on those events to be shared in the coming weeks.

Highlighted Premium events include:
Mustafa – May 6 @ Meridian Hall
Avenoir – May 6 @ Axis Club
Rural Alberta Advantage – May 7 @ Lee’s Palace
Freak Heat Waves – May 7 @ Dance Cave
Death From Above 1979 – May 8 & 9 @ Lee’s Palace
Bria Salmena – May 9 @ The Great Hall
Tia Wood – May 9 @ The Drake Hotel
YHWH Nailgun – May 9 @ Bovine Sex Club
Papooz – May 11 @ Lee’s Palace

Comedy:
With more than 40 years of shaping the comedy landscape, Bruce Hills, the former president of Just For Laughs, has joined as the Executive Producer of Departure Comedy. Renowned for uncovering and fostering the talent behind some of the biggest names in comedy today, Hills’ focus will be on curating an impressive comedy slate, conference and spearheading the Canadian industry showcases for the festival.

From intimate spaces to large theatres, the festival’s comedy programming will be in iconic venues around the city including Meridian Hall, Comedy Bar, The Second City Toronto, and Queen Elizabeth Theatre – all of which will come alive with laughter as they host acclaimed stand-up comedians.

In the coming weeks, Departure will unveil its 2025 comedy and conference lineup and a number of Canadian industry showcases which will include Don’t Tell Comedy, the # 1 global discovery platform for stand-up comedy, who will bring their premier stand-up showcase to Toronto at a secret and unique location, while spotlighting incredible Canadian talent. Don’t Tell Comedy’s Tapings are a global phenomenon, the clips garner over an astonishing 1.2 billion views annually.

More details on the Departure comedy programming to be announced.

Additional guests and events will be announced in the coming weeks. For more programming and ticketing info, visit departureto.com.

As AYLA continues to enchant guests with its cinematic nod to Hong Kong’s golden era, we’re thrilled to spotlight two upcoming celebrations. ​​For Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Weekend, AYLA’s chefs have created feature dishes that blend bold, vibrant flavours with cultural traditions, offering a memorable way to mark these occasions.

Lunar New Year Special (January 31 – February 2)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Ayla’s Good Fortune Salad, a stunning creation symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Thoughtfully composed, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious:
-Good Fortune Salad: Cured salmon, cabbage, pomegranate, daikon, cashew, toasted sesame, crispy chickpeas, red watercress, chow mein, watermelon radish.
-To honour the Lunar New Year tradition, all orders of the Good Fortune Salad will include a red pocket with a surprise for your next visit—such as a glass of bubbly, dessert, or another special treat.

Valentine’s Weekend (February 14 – 16)
Celebrate love with AYLA’s Valentine’s Weekend features, designed to bring joy and indulgence to the table. Each dish is crafted with care to enhance your romantic evening:
-Juicy Lamb Dumplings: Lao gan ma, sour cream, anchovy.
-Mousse au Chocolat Baijiu: Shaved strawberry, condensed milk.
-Deviled Ramen Egg: Miso kewpie, ikura, smoked bonito.

Reserve here.

From Ryan Coogler—director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”—and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.” Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan (the “Black Panther” and “Creed” franchises) in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Bumblebee,” “True Grit”), Jack O’Connell (“Ferrari”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Passenger”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Omar Miller (“True Lies”), and Delroy Lindo (“Da 5 Bloods”).

The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho.

Coogler’s behind-the-camera artisans include his “Black Panther” franchise collaborators: director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler, editor Michael P. Shawver, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: “Sinners.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on April 18, 2025, and internationally beginning on 16 April 2025.

TIFF is marking a major milestone in 2025 as it celebrates the 50th edition of its Festival with a once-in-a-lifetime marquee series titled The TIFF Story in 50 Films. Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, with input and insight from TIFF programmers past and present, this series will showcase 50 landmark films from around the world that played a significant role in connecting with audiences, and reflect the story of TIFF.

“The TIFF Story in 50 Films is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of the landmark moments that have defined our Festival’s legacy,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Curating this series has been a labour of love, poring over decades of Festival programme books to select 50 films that reflect five decades of TIFF’s taste, eye for new talent, and passion for bringing groundbreaking cinema to our audience. While so many more films have been integral to TIFF’s story and illustrate our current narrative, I’m excited to share the full list in the months ahead and to revisit the memories and enduring impact these films have had on all of us.”

These film titles will include groundbreaking World Premieres and bold discoveries of new filmmaking talent, and speak to the breadth of artistry that has created such memorable Festival moments over the years. While only a sample of the many thousands of films presented since 1976, this selection captures the Festival’s enduring impact. The TIFF Story in 50 Films is free for TIFF Members, one way of thanking supporters for 50 years of discovering great movies together. The series will run from June to August and will feature special events and guests, with the full list of film titles, dates, and invitees to be shared at a later date.

See the North, TIFF’s monthly, free series of Canadian cinema presented by MUBI, will celebrate the 50th milestone in 2025 by honouring the work of Canadian women and nonbinary filmmakers programmed in the years since the first Festival five decades ago. Coming up on February 11 is Darlene Naponse’s Falls Around Her, which had its World Premiere at the 2018 Festival. Monthly films will be listed in the seasonal programming highlights and online at tiff.net.

Over the past five decades, TIFF has evolved from the “Festival of Festivals” (the organization officially changed its name to the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) to the largest public film festival in the world, which in 2024 welcomed approximately 700,000 guests, more than 700 talent, and 280 films as part of its Official Selection.

As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will develop and produce a TIFF 50th edition television special exploring the history, and featuring archival footage, to be aired exclusively on Citytv.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto and Montreal a chance to attend an Advance Screening of LOVE HURTS!

Advance screenings will be held Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 7 pm in: 

·         Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP 

·         Montreal EN: Cinema Banque Scotia 

Synopsis:

No matter how hard you try, you can’t break up with your past. 

This Valentine’s Day, Oscar^® winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Loki) rockets into his first major leading man role as an unlikely hero, a seemingly mild-mannered realtor with a dark secret that he is desperate to leave behind. Spoiler alert: He won’t. 

From 87North—producers of the groundbreaking action films Nobody, Violent Night, Bullet Train, Atomic Blonde and The Fall Guy—comes a visceral, high-octane story of wrath and revenge.  

Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a realtor working the Milwaukee suburbs, where ‘For Sale’ signs bloom. Gable receives a crimson envelope from Rose (Oscar^® winner Ariana DeBose; West Side Story, Argylle), a former partner-in-crime that he had left for dead. She’s not happy. 

Now, Marvin is thrust back into a world of ruthless hitmen, filled with double-crosses and open houses turned into deadly warzones. With his brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu; Tomb Raider, Warcraft), a volatile crime lord, hunting him, Marvin must confront the choices that haunt him and the history he never truly buried.

The film features a killer soundtrack and impressive and diverse cast that includes former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch (Bottoms, 80 for Brady), Mustafa Shakir (Emancipation, Luke Cage), Lio Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love., Lucy), Rhys Darby (Jumanji: The Next Level,Yes Man), André Eriksen (Violent Night, The Trip) and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Perry Mason).

Produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, Love Hurts is written by Matthew Murray (Sheltered, CloudStreet: Soaring the American West) & Josh Stoddard (Warrior, Kaleidoscope) and Luke Passmore (Archenemy, Slaughterhouse Rulez). Guy Danella (Violent Night) is also producing. The executive producer is Ben Ormand. 

Making his feature film directing debut on Love Hurts is acclaimed veteran stunt coordinator and fight coordinator JoJo Eusebio, whose credits include some of the greatest action films of the past decade including Black Panther, The Avengers, the John Wick films, The Matrix Resurrections, Violent Night, The Fall Guy and Deadpool 2. Eusebio also served as the second-unit director on Deadpool 2, Violent Nightand Birds of Prey. 

Genre: Action

Starring: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, André Eriksen

Directed by: JoJo Eusebio

Written by: Matthew Murray & Josh Stoddard and Luke Passmore

Producers: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Guy Danella

Executive Producer: Ben Ormand

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments please tell us which City you are signing-up for.

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release LOVE HURTS Friday, February 7, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)