The Writers Lab Canada (TWL Canada) is excited to announce Canadian Actress & Producer Jennifer Podemski as their Ambassador for its return for a second time January 2026. The Writers Lab Canada (TWL Canada) has also extended their deadline to August 28, 2025 Building on the success of its inaugural edition, TWL Canada continues its mission to support Canadian women and nonbinary film and TV writers aged 40 and above. This exclusive four-day intensive, followed by six months of development and industry support, offers a transformative experience to a select group of emerging and mid-career voices in film and television.

Confirmed Mentors for The Writers Lab Canada (TWL Canada) include: Maureen Dorey-Lukie, Nelu Handa, Wendy Litner, Stephanie Morgenstern, Meredith Vulnich. During the lab, Robina Lord-Stafford, Jennifer Kassabian and Morwyn Brebner will be joining for special seminars.

The Writers Lab, supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman, returns to Canada for its second year to Empower Women and Nonbinary Screenwriters Over 40. Helmed by The Writers Lab Int’l and produced in partnership with the Firecracker Department, the Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF), with support from DGC Ontario, season two is off to a great start. TWL Canada, is designed to provide participants with the tools, mentorship, and industry connections to help them advance their film and TV projects and writing careers. The inaugural edition of TWL Canada, was a resounding success, with participants receiving valuable mentorship from industry veterans including:

• Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Nesting)
• Carolyn Taylor (Baroness von Sketch Show, I Have Nothing)
• Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D)
• Morwyn Brebner (Allegiance, Coroner)
• Nathalie Younglai (Essex County, Coroner)
• Shannon Masters (Allegiance, Coroner)
• Wendy Litner (Run the Burbs, How to Buy a Baby)

“The Writers Lab Canada gave me a deeper understanding of how to articulate the emotional core of my story. As a veteran novelist but novice screenwriter, this lab provided so many insights into why my stories mattered so much to me, and what I was trying to say with my work.” Vicki So, Screenwriter

“The Intensive keeps on giving after the in-person time finishes with feedback and follow up, which is a huge strength of the program. The team gently but firmly pushes your writing to the next level so it’s ready to send to their list of producers.” Dee Raffo, participant

The Writers Lab Canada is supported by key industry partners. They include production companies Bentframe Film and TV, Black Birds Entertainment, Cameron Pictures, Darius Films, Incendo Movie Distribution, Insight Productions, Lionsgate Productions, Shaftesbury Films and industry partners such as Women In the Director’s Chair, and more. TWL Canada was proud to have Nia Vardalos (Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and actor) as its first Ambassador.

During the four-day Intensive, January 2026, participants will have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned industry professionals and mentors to refine their scripts through honing their story core, scene readings, pitching practice, processing feedback, log line lessons, and examining writers’ rooms. In the months following, writers build their craft by submitting developing drafts for further feedback and exploring career connections with introductions to key industry professionals in a collaborative, supportive environment.

About the Leaders of TWL Canada:

TWL Canada is led by The Writers Lab co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, who bring years of experience in script and career development for women and nonbinary screenwriters.

The Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF), founded in 2001 by filmmaker Leslie-Ann Coles, executive producer of FeFF, offers a platform for female filmmakers supporting the careers of emerging and mid-career voices in the film industry.

The Firecracker Department, founded by Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Mr.D, Handmaid’s Tale), is committed to creating opportunities for women and nonbinary artists alongside her program partners Writer/Director Virginia Abramovich and Writer/Story Editor Liesl Lafferty.

Application Details for TWL Canada 2026:

• Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are women and nonbinary writers aged 40 or over.
• Script Requirements: Narrative scripts in English, professionally formatted, and submitted anonymously.
• Submission Categories: Feature film screenplays (80–120 pages), one-hour TV pilots (45–75 pages), and half-hour TV pilots (22–44 pages).
• Application Fee: Early bird fee $95, Late fee $130
• Program Fee (if accepted): $1,460 plus $190 HST = $1650

FilmFreeway Submission Platform:•

• TWL Canada 2026: Dates to remember….
• August 28 – Late Deadline
• September 10 – Quarter Finalist and Semi Finalist Notifications
• September 30 – Winner Notifications

January 6-9 – The Writers Lab Canada Intensive•

Universal Pictures Canada, Focus Features and Mr. Will want to take Readers to an advance screening of DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE. And this is your chance!

Screenings take place as follows:

MONTREAL (ENGLISH)
Date: Wednesday, September 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal

VANCOUVER
Date: Wednesday, September 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas

TORONTO
Date: Monday, September 8th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Cineplex Cinemas Varsity and VIP

Synopsis: DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
Cast: Simon Russell Beale, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Alessandro Nivola, Dominic West, Penelope Wilton, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Paul Copley, Douglas Reith.
Directed By: Simon Curtis
Screenplay By: Downton creator and Academy-Award® winner Julian Fellowes
Produced By: Gareth Neame, Julian Fellowes, Liz Trubridge
Executive Producer: Nigel Marchant

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and IG. In the comments, tell us your City and tag a friend you’re taking with you. Multiple entries allowed!

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada and Focus Features release DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE September 12, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Starbucks is welcoming back the beloved fall season with a lineup of cozy, crave-worthy fall menu favorites – both new and returning. The iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) will be making its highly anticipated return, along with the beloved Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte and Pecan Crunch Oat Latte. Plus, the NEW Pecan Oat Cortado and Canadian exclusive Mini Everything Bagels are here to satisfy all seasonal cravings, along with the returning Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Fox Sugar Cookie and Raccoon Cake Pop. The fall menu will be available at Starbucks stores across the country for a limited time, while supplies last.

Here are the highlights of the Starbucks Fall Menu: 

The iconic PSL returns:
A Starbucks staple since 2003, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is back to mark the start of the season. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this iconic beverage blends Starbucks signature espresso and steamed milk with the classic fall flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s finished with whipped cream and a dusting of real pumpkin pie spices.

Cold brew fans will be pleased to know that the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is also making its return. This balanced delight includes Starbucks Cold Brew sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice.

Fun fact: The PSL is the #1 limited-time offering in Starbucks history!

A brand-new pecan brew:
The fan-favourite Pecan Crunch Oat Latte has merged with the classic Cortado to create the NEW Pecan Oat Cortado. This fresh take on pecan combines three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde® Espresso Roast with flavours of cozy pecan, rich brown butter, holiday baking spices and oat beverage for a creamy yet balanced taste and finishes with a crunchy pecan topping. Pecan fans can also customize any iced beverage with Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam.

Say hi to chai:
For those who like to spice it up, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte offers an aroma of cinnamon and warming spices infused into Starbucks black tea blend. Mixed with milk and topped with sweet pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice topping, this rich and creamy beverage truly embraces the fall season.

Bite-sized breakfast – only in Canada:
There’s a new on-the-go breakfast item to love – Starbucks NEW Mini Everything Bagels are here, and they’re equal parts delicious and convenient. These bite-sized delights are joining the Maple Mini Pancakes and Belgian Liège Waffle as Canadian exclusives on the year-round Starbucks menu. They’re filled with cream cheese and topped with black and white sesame seeds, minced onion, pretzel salt, poppy seeds and garlic, packing big flavour.

Fun fall finds:
Whether your fall style is more subtle or you wholly lean into all things pumpkin, Starbucks has stunning seasonal merch calling to be enjoyed. There will also be an exciting Artist Collaboration Series with Mike Wilcox launching August 26, 2025. Known for his dreamlike imagery, this beautiful line of drinkware spotlights unique nature scenes. It’s only available for a limited time, so check it out before it’s gone.

Learn more about the collection on Starbucks Stories (live on August 25 at 6am PT/9am ET).

You’ve invited Netflix into your home for more than two decades, and very soon, they’ll be able to return the favor by welcoming you into theirs!

Netflix House is opening in Philadelphia at King of Prussia Mall on November 12, 2025 and in Dallas at Galleria Dallas on December 11, 2025.

Netflix House is free to enter and explore! Once you’re inside, you can dive into activities that immerse you in your favorite titles with a mix of complimentary and paid experiences. Take selfies with beloved characters like Queen Charlotte, enjoy screenings of hit movies like KPop Demon Hunters, have a meal and a cocktail at NETFLIX BITES or embark on an adventure with friends, channeling the ONE PIECE crew.

But you don’t have to wait till opening day to buy tickets to the paid experiences—they go on sale for the Philadelphia site on October 17 and for the Dallas location on November 18. Head over to netflixhouse.com now to sign up for the waitlist, which will give you early access to your choice of ticketed experiences within each location.

What is Netflix House?

Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, Netflix House is a first of its kind, permanent, year-round home for fans that’s free to enter and brings some of our most popular shows and movies to life — including Wednesday, Squid Game, ONE PIECE, Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters, Love Is Blind, A Knives Out Mystery franchise and more — through first-of-their-kind, immersive story-driven experiences.

Additional Details:
Experiences and activities will be refreshed regularly and ticket prices will vary, so there’s truly something for everyone and opportunities for a different adventure each time you visit Netflix House.

Top 9 Mini Golf at Netflix House Philadelphia offers nine holes of gamified-mini golf where every golf ball and hole is connected with a live leaderboard, allowing for more fun and competitive play. Each hole is themed to characters and stories from popular series and events, including: Bridgerton, Is It Cake?, Stranger Things, WWE, Squid Game and more.

Netflix Virtuals at Netflix House Philadelphia lets fans play as the main character inside the worlds of Netflix shows and movies with immersive VR games, including: Stranger Things, Squid Game and Rebel Moon.

Netflix RePLAY at Netflix House Dallas includes interactive and fresh takes on traditional arcade games that you can play with friends. Fans will join the action of favorite shows and films, such as Floor is Lava, Love is Blind, Army of the Dead, Big Mouth, and more.

Larger scale feature experiences at both locations allow fans to transport themselves into some of Netflix’s most popular series: ONE PIECE: Quest for the Devil Fruit and Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts in Philadelphia; Stranger Things: Escape the Dark and Squid Game: Survive the Trials in Dallas.
As the preferred payments partner for Netflix House, AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit cardholders will have access to an exclusive pre-sale to your choice of ticketed experiences within each location. Ticket pre-sales will begin on the following dates for each location; to join the waitlist for early access, visit NetflixHouse.com.

Netflix House Philadelphia at King of Prussia:

October 7 for AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit cardholders only
October 14 for Netflix House Waitlist only
October 17 for general public
Netflix House Dallas at Galleria Dallas:

November 7 for AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit cardholders only
November 14 for Netflix House Waitlist only
November 18 for general public

FAN EXPO CANADA is back and better than ever this weekend at Metro Toronto Convention Centre! The four-day celebration of Fandom has come to be synonymous with the end of summer in the City, running August 21 to August 24, 2025. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend this year, with guests utilizing the opportunity to connect with like-minded lovers of Sci-Fi, Gaming, Horror, Cosplay, Animation, Comics and so much more. Fan Expo gives fans a chance to meet their beloved idols also, across multiple disciplines.

This year’s edition boasts several highlights across the Centre’s north and south buildings. This year marks Back to the Future‘s 40th anniversary and its stars have come to town to participate in panels, signings and photo ops, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. The Cast of Netflix‘s WEDNESDAY also made a huge splash bringing the Series’ THE DOOM TOUR here to the City in promotion of its second season, part 2 arriving September 3, 2025 on the streaming service. In attendance were Joy Sunday, Georgie Farmer, and Isaac Ordonez, filling-up their hot ticket panel completely.

Other big names to grace the convention this year include acclaimed Actor Ewan McGregor who spoke at a ticketed panel, Hailee Steinfeld (Hawkeye, Sinners), William Shatner (Star Trek), Mary Steenburgen (Back to the Future Part III, Stepbrothers, Elf), Tom Welling (Smallville), Mike Tyson (Boxing Legend, The Hangover), Dafne Keen (Deadpool & Wolverine), John Boyega (Star Wars), Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, The Black Phone 1 & 2), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Legends of Tomorrow), Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois, Teen Wolf),Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Heather Locklear (Spin City, Melrose Place), Sting (Wrestling Superstar), Peggy The Dog (Deadpool & Wolverine), Dante Basco (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Hudson Thames (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, What If…?), Richard Horvitz (Helluva Boss), Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Alex Brightman (Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss), and many more!

Another highlight were some branded activations in the South Building, including:

Paramount+’s Adventure to the Peak – guests were encouraged to complete a series of challenges, including sitting-in on a thrilling, immersive gondola ride, guided by their mascot, GOAT, reminding us of all the great titles available on the streaming service. Photo ops also were available with GOAT.

The Conjuring: Last Rites – Reflections of Evil – perhaps the most horrifying activation at the convention, fans walked through a scary mirror maze, and got a commemorative keepsake to celebrate the release of the eagerly-awaited new Horror film, out September 5, 2025.

Disney+ Throwback Experience – with a locker and closet backdrop, stars of Disney past were honoured at this activation, including Zendaya, Hillary Duff, Miley Cyrus, and so many more. Their earlier work can be streamed on service. A component also highlighted titles ALIEN: EARTH and PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, with actors fully in-character to welcome guests.

TRON Lightcycle – a photo op on the famous vehicle for the upcoming October 10, 2025 release

Netflix Canada‘s WEDNESDAY Experience – inspired by the dark themes of this beloved Series, a moody photo op which saw its trio of Cast members drop in.

Cineplex Pictures – Now You See Me: Now You Don’t photo op gave guests a chance to celebrate the upcoming installment of the popular franchise, in theatres November 14, 2025.

Team Mr. Will had the chance to sit-in on some panels as well, and some key moments:

WEDNESDAY

Isaac Ordonez, Joy Sunday, and Georgie Farmer brought the energy up on Fan Expo Saturday, speaking to fans at a Panel, before popping-by Netflix Canada‘s Wednesday activation for photos. Ordonez continues to see his role as Pugsley expand on the Series and is thrilled to see the second season of the Series do as well as the first, taking the world by storm! Joy told fans that her Bianca is seeing the world close in on her and her character is in need of help in season two, part 2. Farmer explained that his Ajax is exploring his new-found confidence in part 2 and is eager to step-it-up.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

In celebration of the original film’s 40th anniversary, Mary Steenburgen and Bob Gale spoke at a Panel on Fan Expo Saturday. Steenburgen recalled Back to the Future Part III being very challenging and physical, working with horses and dust as part of its Western theme. Having loved the first film in the Franchise so much, she agreed right away to the third installment.

Gale comments how technology has advanced so much, and recalls even having to cut a car in half to film inside it, whereas today a GoPro would solve the problem simply!

SMALLVILLE

The Cast including Tom Welling, Kristen Kreuk, Laura Vandervoor, Erica Durance, and Michael Rosenbaum, reunited on-stage for a Panel. Welling told the audience he recalled a favourite fan interaction in Denver where a fan brought his wife and kids along to meet him. The fan handed Welling a picture of him on-set from years prior after a Make-a-Wish had granted him the opportunity, telling the Actor how much that meant to him in getting strong enough to battle his illness.

Rosenbaum never ceases to be surprised the response SMALLVILLE still gets to this day, where soldiers even will tell him how the Series inspired them to get through a war.

HEATHER LOCKLEAR

The Screen legend, known for her work on Melrose Place, Dynasty, and Spin City, admitted her favourite gig of all time was on Melrose Place, and says she prefers working in Television versus Film. She felt the latter was a lot of waiting around, whereas the former gave her the gratification of more naps on-set, and also the ability to see the finished work sooner. She indicated she has a new Podcast coming out this Fall.

HAILEE STEINFELD

The Academy Award-nominated Actress appears poised for another with her performance in Ryan Coogler‘s SINNERS, a critical and Box Office smash. She spoke about her process crafting that character and also Kate Bishop in the MCU, and the importance of not giving us fragments of a character, but a complete whole, relatable character.

Highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/D. Baldwin/R. Heaslip/D. Neves)

WEAPONS is on-top a third week with $15 million this weekend from 3,631 theatres for Warner Bros. This brings its domestic run to $115.2 million already.

Second is FREAKIER FRIDAY with $9 million, a total $70.3 million grossed over three weekends for Disney.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is third with $5.8 million, a tally of $257.1 million over five weeks for Disney.

THE BAD GUYS 2 lands in fourth with $5.1 million for Universal Pictures, a run of $66.1 million to date.

NOBODY 2 rounds things off with $3.5 million, a total $16.3 million over two weekends for Universal Pictures.

Breakthrough artist sombr has released his highly anticipated album I Barely Know Her via Warner Records today. Continuing his momentous rise, the 10-track debut features Billboard Hot 100 hits “back to friends,” “undressed” and “12 to 12,” each continuing to climb the charts including Top 40 Radio, Global and U.S. Spotify Charts, the UK Official Singles Chart, as well as Alternative Radio where he peaked at #1 faster than any new artist of the last decade, and Billboard Hot Rock Songs, officially knocking Hozier off the #1 spot after a year. Listen here.

I Barely Know Her was written entirely by sombr and co-produced by the 20-year-old artist alongside esteemed, legendary producer Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, The Replacements), and follows news of him making his award show debut at the MTV Video Music Awards, performing live from New York on September 7, where he is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Artist.

Next month, sombr embarks on his sold-out North American tour, ahead of his sold-out European, UK, Australian and New Zealand tour dates for late 2025 and into 2026.

A New York City-native raised on the Lower East Side, sombr—born Shane Boose—started making music in his bedroom while studying classical music as a student at the prestigious public school, LaGuardia High School. His breakout hit “Caroline” (2022) took the internet by storm, and he has since released a series of EPs and singles, climbing to over 400 million monthly streams across platforms. Now based in Los Angeles, sombr continues to explore young romance and heartbreak through his music—all of which is self-written and co-produced by the artist himself, and released via Warner Records.

TOUR DATES

September 21—Sing Out Loud Festival 2025—Saint Augustine, FL

September 22—Music Farm—Charleston, SC – SOLD OUT

September 24—Brooklyn Bowl—Nashville, TN – SOLD OUT

September 26—Bogart’s—Cincinnati, OH – SOLD OUT

September 28—The Majestic—Detroit, MI – SOLD OUT

September 29—The Rave—Milwaukee, WI – SOLD OUT

September 30—Palace Theatre—St. Paul, MN – SOLD OUT

October 2—Concord Music Hall—Chicago, IL – SOLD OUT

October 3—A&R Music Bar—Columbus, OH – SOLD OUT

October 5—Roxian Theatre—Pittsburgh, PA – SOLD OUT

October 6—Phoenix Concert Theatre—Toronto, ON – SOLD OUT

October 8—Big Night Live—Boston, MA – SOLD OUT

October 9—Gramercy Theatre—New York, NY – SOLD OUT

October 10—Gramercy Theatre—New York, NY – SOLD OUT

October 12—Theatre of Living Arts—Philadelphia, PA – SOLD OUT

October 13—The Lincoln—Washington, D.C. – SOLD OUT

October 15—Center Stage—Atlanta, GA – SOLD OUT

October 17—Southside Music Hall—Dallas, TX – SOLD OUT

October 18—Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater—Austin, TX – SOLD OUT

October 20—Ogden Theatre—Denver, CO – SOLD OUT

October 21—The Complex—Salt Lake City, UT – SOLD OUT

October 24—Shadowbox SoDo—Seattle, WA – SOLD OUT

October 25—Roseland Theater—Portland, OR – SOLD OUT

October 27—Fillmore—San Francisco, CA – SOLD OUT

October 28—El Rey Theatre—Los Angeles, CA – SOLD OUT

October 29—El Rey Theatre—Los Angeles, CA – SOLD OUT

October 31—The Van Buren—Phoenix, AZ – SOLD OUT

November 1—Fox Theater Pomona—Pomona, CA – SOLD OUT

November 2—The Fonda Theatre—Los Angeles, CA – SOLD OUT

November 5—Brooklyn Steel—New York, NY – SOLD OUT

November 6—Brooklyn Steel—New York, NY – SOLD OUT

December 2—Auckland Town Hall—Auckland, NZ – SOLD OUT

December 4—Festival Hall Melbourne—Melbourne, VIC – SOLD OUT

December 6—Spilt Milk Festival—Ballarat, VIC

December 7—Spilt Milk Festival—Perth, WA

December 9—Hordern Pavilion—Sydney, NSW – SOLD OUT

December 11—Fortitude Music Hall—Brisbane, QLD – SOLD OUT

December 13—Spilt Milk Festival—Canberra, ACT

December 14—Spilt Milk Festival—Gold Coast, QLD

2026 UK/EU TOUR DATES

February 10—Annexet—Stockholm, Sweden – SOLD OUT

February 11—KB Hallen—Copenhagen, Denmark – SOLD OUT

February 13—Inselpark Arena—Hamburg, Germany – SOLD OUT

February 15—Stodola—Warsaw, Poland – SOLD OUT

February 16—Forum Karlin—Prague, Czech Republic – SOLD OUT

February 18—Gasometer—Vienna, Austria – SOLD OUT

February 19—Tonhalle—Munich, Germany – SOLD OUT

February 20—Halle 622—Zurich, Switzerland – SOLD OUT

February 22—Alcatraz—Milan, Italy – SOLD OUT

February 24—Riviera—Madrid, Spain – SOLD OUT

February 25—Razzmatazz—Barcelona, Spain – SOLD OUT

February 27—Salle Pleyel—Paris, France – SOLD OUT

March 2—AFAS Live—Amsterdam, Netherlands – SOLD OUT

March 4—Columbiahalle—Berlin, Germany – SOLD OUT

March 5—Palladium—Cologne, Germany – SOLD OUT

March 6—AB—Brussels, Belgium – SOLD OUT

March 8—O2 Academy Brixton—London, UK – SOLD OUT

March 12—Academy—Manchester, UK – SOLD OUT

March 13—O2 Academy—Birmingham, UK – SOLD OUT

March 15—O2 Academy—Glasgow, UK – SOLD OUT

March 16—3Arena—Dublin, Ireland – SOLD OUT

ARCO premieres at TIFF ’25 and today we get a new Trailer for this beautiful Animated Feature.

Synopsis:

A magical and beautifully animated journey through time, Arco is a dazzling adventure about a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075 and discovers a world in peril. As Arco develops a charming and touching friendship with a young girl named Iris, they band together and along with her trusted robot caretaker Mikki, set out on a quest to get Arco home, while the two children may also be the only ones who can save our planet. A wondrous odyssey filled with hope and optimism for our future, Arco is an enchanting fable from breakout filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, produced by Remembers’ Bienvenu and Felix de Givry, and mountainA’s Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Global icon Karan Aujla, the most streamed Punjabi artist in 2024, makes history today by bringing Punjabi music into the global mainstream with the release of his new album P-POP CULTURE via Warner Music Canada/Warner Music India. A fearless mix of Punjabi pop and hip-hop, the album isn’t just music – it’s a cultural revolution, cementing Punjabi Pop Culture, or P-Pop, as a global force. Listen here.

Coinciding with the album’s release, Aujla unveils his visually striking new video for the song “For a Reason” – watch here. The arrival of P-POP CULTURE has sparked major celebrations around the world: in Mumbai, the Bandra-Worli Sealink is lit with a massive projection of Aujla and the album announcement, and Spotify India is hosting 200 fans along with Aujla himself for an immersive launch. His recent single “MF Gabhru!” is dominating charts and topping Punjabi playlists, building unstoppable momentum for the album.

P-POP CULTURE is more than an album. It’s the dual force of Karan Aujla himself – raw and refined, heart and hustle. One side delivers pop melodies drenched in love, nostalgia, and vulnerability. The other ignites with hip-hop fire, where bars hit hard and truths hit harder. It tells the story of a world-class performer lighting up global stages, and the story of a boy who lost his parents young, who left a village behind but carried it in every word he wrote. His pen is sharper than pain, louder than loss. His voice is a bridge between where he’s from and where he’s headed. This isn’t just music – it’s heritage turned global.

Across 10 tracks, P-POP CULTURE is both a tribute to the soil that raised Karan Aujla and a call to the world to embrace the sound of a new revolution. More than just an album, it marks the rise of P-Pop – not just a genre, but a culture, a movement. With P-POP CULTURE, Aujla unleashes a global force, and P-Pop is here to stay.

Nikon Canada Inc. has announced the release of the new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This second generation of the acclaimed NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S brings enhancements to image quality, speed and handling, further improving upon a lens that was already a popular choice for all types of imaging professionals.

As part of the S-Line1 of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a standard zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, covering the versatile focal length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm for full-frame/FX format cameras. It features a first in its class2 internal zoom mechanism, and it’s also the lightest in its class2, weighing approximately 675 g (1.49 lbs.). Additionally, the internal zoom mechanism increases zooming stability as well as dust- and drip-resistant performance.

It is the first zoom lens to adopt Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)3 motors for the AF drive, achieving the fastest4 autofocusing in Nikon history with extremely precise and quiet AF control. Autofocus is approximately 5x faster than that of the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and AF tracking performance during zooming has been enhanced by approximately 60 per cent, making it even easier to capture decisive moments with fast-moving subjects such as athletes in action.

As a new-generation f/2.8 standard zoom lens that combines outstanding image quality and superior agility, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the lens for those seeking high levels of performance in both still image and video recording, even when shooting in a variety of conditions or harsh environments.

Primary features

-The multi-focusing system4, incorporating Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) technology for the first time in a zoom lens, achieves the fastest5 autofocusing in Nikon history, delivering extremely precise and quiet AF for both still image and video recording.

-A compact design with the lightest weight (approximately 675 g) in its class6 and a 77mm filter attachment size makes it easy to carry and reduces fatigue when shooting handheld.

-The first lens in its category6 to feature an internal zoom mechanism that prevents dust and debris from entering the lens during zooming, providing superior dust- and drip-resistant performance7. Even when zooming, it maintains its balance for flexible use of a variety of video accessories.

-A newly developed 11-blade diaphragm enables very circular bokeh.

-Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.

-Equipped with a control ring clicking switch, allowing the tactile “click” of control ring operation to be turned on or off as needed.

-The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.24 m at the wide-angle end and 0.33 m at the telephoto end, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21× at the wide-angle end and 0.32× at the telephoto end, allowing users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.

-Includes Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat for effective suppression of ghosting and flare, resulting in clear images.

-The lens hood features a filter adjustment window, enabling users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters without removing the lens hood.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens will be available in September for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3,499.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

About Nikon
Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless camera, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information visit www.nikon.ca, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.