Today we get a new look at HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR, based on Vivek Shraya‘s play and book! It debuts October 13, 2023 on CBC Gem.

SYNOPSIS:

What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book, How To Fail as a Popstar answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination, and of course, music.

As a young queer brown boy growing up in Edmonton, Vivek never quite felt like he belonged. Until one cold morning in his mother’s car, he heard a pop song and his life changed – he knew then he needed to be a popstar! Vivek’s dream compelled him to keep working to it, through highs and lows – from his high school cafeteria’s open mic and local mall singing competitions; to recording an album his producer’s way, living with a moody (and inappropriate) manager, and finding creative ways to get his album heard – chasing the dream takes him from Edmonton to Toronto to Paris and back to Edmonton.

This is a story of longing to achieve a dream and what went wrong – and almost right! – along the way, as a creative dreamer grows and finds their voice, courage, and sense of self, told from the perspective of the now 40-something trans femme artist that boy became.

HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR – TRAILER from Sphere Media Toronto on Vimeo.

(Photo/video credit: Sphere Media)

Today we get a brand new clip from eagerly-awaited THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER from Mike Flanagan!

Synopsis:

From Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, a wicked horror series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Ruthless siblings Roderick and Madeline Usher have built Fortunato Pharmaceuticals into an empire of wealth, privilege and power. But past secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying at the hands of a mysterious woman from their youth.

Series Launch Date:Thursday, October 12
Format: Limited series; 8 episodes
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Directors: Mike Flanagan and Michael Fimognari will each direct four episodes
Executive Producers: Trevor Macy and Mike Flanagan of Intrepid Pictures; Emmy Grinwis and Michael Fimognari
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, Michael Trucco, T’Nia Miller, Paola Nuñez, Henry Thomas, Kyleigh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Katie Parker, Malcolm Goodwin, Crystal Balint, Aya Furukawa, Daniel Jun, Matt Biedel, Ruth Codd, Annabeth Gish, Igby Rigney and Robert Longstreet

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Finally, a Thanksgiving-theme Horror. Filmed right in and around the GTA, we finally get a glimpse of thos Eli Roth Horror, coming soon November 17, 2023.

Synopsis:

After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the infamous holiday.

Directed by: Eli Roth

Written by: Eli Roth & Jeff Rendell

Produced by: Eli Roth Roger Birnbaum Jeff Rendell

Executive Producers: Gary Barber Peter Oillataguerre Greg Denny Kate Harrison

Cast: Patrick Dempsey Addison Rae Milo Manheim Jalen Thomas Brooks Nell Verlaque Rick Hoffman and Gina Gershon

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the release of the Z f, a full-frame mirrorless camera that harmonizes a timeless aesthetic with the best of Nikon’s next-gen camera technology, derived directly from the acclaimed Z 8 and flagship Z 9. At first glance, the Z f is a definitive statement in functional design that ignites the desire to craft an image. Looking closer, it’s a veritable powerhouse of modern performance fueled by the EXPEED 7 processing engine that enables an enhanced AF system, impressive speed and astounding low-light capability. The new processing power also adds incredible new features such as pixel-shift shooting, the most advanced in-body stabilization of any Z series camera, plus the addition of a dedicated monochrome mode.

Technology Forward
The Z f is equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, enhancing response time, burst speed and AF performance, while adding new features to create an entirely new category of Z series full-frame mirrorless. The 24.5-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor effortlessly captures stunning colors and incredible definition with minimal noise and stellar dynamic range, even in challenging light. This well-balanced sensor is paired with an AF system that offers 3D Tracking plus subject detection developed with Deep Learning technology, detecting and locking on to nine different types of subjects. Similar to the Nikon Z 8, the camera finds people, dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes. It can even detect the world’s smallest1 size of a face in the frame — approximately three per cent of the frame’s longest side. The AF system uses 299 AF points in Auto Area AF, covering 96 per cent of the horizontal axis of the frame, making it easy to lock on and track a subject, even near the edge of the viewfinder. When the inspiration hits to go fully manual, the Z f uses Eye/Face-Detection in MF mode, recognizing the eye and allowing users to magnify the area on the screen to nail critical focus.

With the additional processing power, the Z f achieves five-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization equivalent to an 8.0-stop2 increase in shutter speed, the best among Nikon Z series cameras. The Z f is also the world’s first camera3 to support focus-point VR4, which minimizes blurring at the focus point rather than the centre of the frame, even when the subject is positioned near the edge of the viewfinder. The camera is also capable of high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 14 frames per second, or up to 30 frames per second5, when High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30) is set. To ensure no shot is missed, the camera is also capable of using the Pre-Release function to start recording before the shutter is fully pressed6. What’s more, the additional processing power in combination with the BSI sensor improves low-light performance, raising the standard ISO range from 100 to 64,000. In challenging light, even fine details and textures come out sharp and clear with rich saturation, while mid-tones, where noise tends to increase, come out much cleaner than before.

For those who want the ultimate in fidelity while reducing moiré, false colours and noise for immersive depth, the Z f is the first Nikon camera capable of pixel-shift shooting7 to create images up to 96 megapixels. Ideal for landscape, architecture and commercial artists, the system works by subtly shifting the image sensor position when capturing between 4, 8, 16 or 32 RAW (NEF) files, acquiring more accurate colour information and massive resolution.

Forever Iconic
The heart of the Z f is “fusion” — an idea embedded in the name while paying homage to important models through Nikon’s history. It represents the fusion of past, present and future. With an iconic exterior design reminiscent of the FM2, the Z f links Nikon’s heritage of innovation and precision craftsmanship. The magnesium-alloy body is durable and features a glossy finish, which is adorned with a classic Nikon logo. The characters on the mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation are all etched, and provide the user with satisfying tactile response, while the feel of the shutter-release button was given meticulous consideration.

Black and white capture is an ageless medium, one that lets the user see a different perspective and explore the principles of light in new ways. The Z f includes a physical switch to engage a dedicated B&W photo mode, which enables multiple monochromatic Picture Controls. In addition to the sharp, dynamic and higher-contrast “Monochrome” mode in Picture Control, the new “Flat Monochrome” mode reproduces tones with a smooth gradation from shadow to light, rich in mid-tones for a warm, soft impression. The new “Deep Tone Monochrome” mode expresses high-contrast and highlights by bringing more emphasis to dark tones, keeping mid-tones dark and with fewer blocked shadows.

Primary features of the Z f
· Full-frame 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor combined with the new EXPEED 7 Processing engine for amazing fidelity and image quality paired with stellar processing power.
· Excellent AF tracking capability with 3D-tracking mode for photographers and dedicated Subject-tracking AF in video mode.
· With up to 299 points in Auto-area AF, the range of coverage and number of focus points used in Auto-area AF mode have been increased for better focus acquisition performance with distant or moving subjects.
· The first full-frame Z-series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle touchscreen monitor.
· Starlight view modeboosts display brightness for users to visually confirm composition in extremely dark scenes. It also achieves sharp focus with the low-light limit extendable down to -10 EV.8
· Video frame rates and resolutions up to 4K UHD 30 oversampled from 6K9, as well as 4KUHD 60P (DX-mode) and 1080/120P with recording times up to 125 minutes.10
· The first Nikon camera to feature video recording in shutter-priority auto mode, letting the user select the shutter speed, while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO.
· In-camera, 10-bit H.265 recording, allowing users to record full-scale video directly to the camera without the need for an external recorder.
· The first Z-series camera to support Touch Fn for adjustment of camera settings while framing pictures in the viewfinder. The user is now able to move the focus point via the LCD screen while looking through the viewfinder.
· Supports the merging of NEF (RAW) images shot with pixel shift shooting to create a highly detailed image up to 96 megapixels.
· Fast shooting, with up 14 fps bursts plus High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30), which achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Pre-Release Capture is also available, buffering the images before the shutter is fully depressed.
· Advanced features for dedicated portrait photographers include the skin softening function and a portrait impression balance functionfor users to better achieve the portraits they intended. Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control is a new setting that better captures details of the subject’s complexion.
· Equipped with two memory card slots, one compatible with widely available UHS II SD cards and the other compatible with Micro SD cards.
· Rugged and reliable construction, with magnesium alloy on the front and top covers for maximum durability with minimal weight. The camera is engineered with high dust- and drip-resistance11, effective sealing on the exterior cover joints, shutter-release button and vari-angle mechanism. Additionally, the Z f has an electro-conductive coat that keeps the surface clean from dust and a fluorine coat that makes for easier cleaning.

In addition to the basic black body, the Z f lets users express their own style through six different colour options. These premium exteriors render the embossed artificial leather sections of the camera — covering the grip and all around to the rear of the folding camera monitor — in three rich, expressive standard colours (Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red) and three deep, warm natural colours (Sunset Orange, Moss Green, Stone Gray), rendered with individually matching surface textures. These colours will be sold in limited quantity exclusively through the Nikon Store.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon Z f will be available in October 2023 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,699.95* for the body only. Additional kit configurations will also be available with the retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE for an MSRP of $3,029.95, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for an MSRP of $3,499.95. The additional colour options will be available as body-only for an MSRP of $2,829.95* exclusively from the Nikon Store. Nikon is working with SmallRig to develop a custom grip bracket, which will be available at a later date. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection 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, Twitter and YouTube.

On September 30, 2023, Hollywood Suite will present a full day of programming in recognition and support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Spotlighting the culture, history and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, the programming will air on Hollywood Suite’s HS00 channel.

Hollywood Suite is proud to be the home of the broadcast premiere of Sonia Bonspille Boileau’s Rustic Oracle on September 30 at 9pm ET on HS00. Set in the late 90s, Rustic Oracle is a dramatic feature about Ivy, an 8-year-old girl trying to understand what happened to her big sister who has vanished from their small Mohawk community. With minimal clues, Ivy and her mother Susan embark on an unwelcome journey to find Heather which will ultimately bring the pair closer together despite challenging circumstances. Behind the story of desperation, told through the eyes of a child, lies one of hope, growth, awakening and love. 

The full National Day for Truth and Reconciliation programming lineup also includes classic works from Indigenous creators such as Alanis Obomsawin’s Incident at Restigouche (1984); Jeff Barnaby’s award-winning Rhymes For Young Ghouls (2013); Jeremy Torrie’s The Corruption of Divine Providence (2020); The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006); Abandoned: Angelique’s Isle (2018); Zoe Leigh Hopkins’ Kayak to Klemtu (2018); Darlene Naponse’s Falls Around Her (2018); and Every Child Matters: Reconciliation Through Education (2020).

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD SUITE

Hollywood Suite owns and operates four exclusive HD channels featuring the iconic movies that defined the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, plus essential Hollywood classics from the Golden Age, always uncut and commercial-free. With hundreds of movies every month on four HD channels and Hollywood Suite On Demand, Hollywood Suite provides unparalleled value to consumers. 

Hollywood Suite is available to over 10 million households across Canada, exclusively through Canadian television service providers and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Visit hollywoodsuite.ca for more information.

One of the joys of the Film Festival is getting to drive a car from the Acura family. For TIFF ’23, we had the honour of being paired with the gorgeous 2023 Acura TLX TYPE S in a gorgeous Performance Red Pearl. We literally paint the town red! I was floored by its looks right away, with a flashy trunk spoiler and exposed dual-rectangle exhaust finishers. There also is a diamond pentagon grille which makes it stand out.

In what was a more low-key Festival this year with TIFF working around the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. we found we were still working the usual long hours and there was still plenty of talent in and around town to capture. In fact, we were out and about every single day of the Festival, whether it be doing press ahead of the Festival at CP24 or eTalk‘s TIFF Studio, right up to the announcement of the People’s Choice Winner on closing day. Even with limitations, we made the best of it all and couldn’t have done it without the Acura TLX Type S!

Because we had a downtown presence, a sleek, compact ride was necessary – weaving through narrow alleyways and underground parking lots. The 2023 Acura TLX Type S is as much style as it is performance, packed with gorgeous details. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, turbocharged V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Its Fuel Economy tallies in at a combined city/highway 11 litres/100 km which actually took us a long way per tank of gas.

The Driver gets a 16-way power adjustable seat and front passenger’s seat include 4-way power lumbar support, seats in Ebony Leather with Ultrasuede. Drives, especially at night were ambient with Acura‘s IconicDrive™ Selectable LED Ambient Lighting allowing you to light-up up to ten different areas. Simply stunning.

Safety is a priority with Acura and this ride contains all the features to protect you including lane assist system, lane departure warning system, plus blind spot and forward collision warning systems as well. You also get ABS Brakes, Stability Control, Front-impact Airbags, Side-impact Airbags, Overheard Airbags, Knee Airbags, Pretensioners and Anti-Whiplash. As car theft is very much at the top of all our minds, the TLX is equipped with a way to anticipate and detecting unwanted vehicle intrusion. It is armed with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct original key isn’t being used. We love that also within seconds, the car locks on its own after we walk away from it. Above this, it is hyper-sensitive and aware of your surroundings, especially when backing out of a spot – with the help of its rearview camera – giving you very prevalent audio warnings to keep you out of trouble.

While it takes a bit of getting used to in navigating the Acura TLX‘s touchpad which enables you to navigate the car’s setup, including audio entertainment. Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set-up and it is enabled for SiriusXM satellite radio, with a 10.2″ touchscreen display, plus an abundance of USB charging ports and a wireless charger.

The audio system is next-level, coming with an ELS Studio® 3D Premium Audio System, complete with a 17-speaker surround system, including 4 ultra-slim Highline™ overhead speakers. This is an audiophile’s dream.

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we painted the town red with the 2023 Acura TLX Type S.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S starts at $64,226.00 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Dive into a brunch experience like no other at Patois, the Dundas West jewel, where Chef Craig Wong is set to redefine the weekend ritual with the launch of “Breaking Brunch”. The monthly series sees the restaurant collaborating with Toronto’s local tastemakers,blending their shared passion for food and community into a brunch that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

With each instalment, a unique tastemaker takes the reins, collaborating with Chef Craig Wong. Together, they’ll create a special menu item exclusive to that weekend and craft a signature Jamaican patty, available in limited numbers at JunePlum. Patois offers a family style brunch format where their diners can customise their brunch platters so everyone can mix and match their favourite menu items and sides to create the ultimate brunch!

The first brunch take-over on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th will be hosted by Will Lou and Alex Wong, Toronto-based sports broadcasters and writers best known for their #1 rated Canadian basketball podcast, The Raptors Show with Will Lou. Will and Alex often generously donate their time to local events such as CCYAA Celebrity Classic and Asian Gold Ribbon campaign and love to connect with their massive and enthusiastic fanbase. For the Will Lou and Alex Wong brunch weekend, Chef Craig Wong has created the “Toronto Cheesesteak Sandwich Stolen from Philly just like Game 7.” This featured menu item will be their take on the classic cheesesteak with thinly sliced ribeye, sauteed onions and a housemade cheese sauce on a hearty, soft roll. JunePlum will also feature the Jurassic JunePlumTM Patty (bone marrow, smoked brisket in oxtail gravy) for this brunch takeover. Both items will be available all weekend.

“Brunch is a convivial meal usually shared between friends on the weekend with a great sense of community,” says Craig Wong, executive chef and owner, Patois. “Over the years, I’ve met some amazing people at Patois who inspire me with their work and creative spirit and how it uplifts the people around them and I wanted to tap into that energy to create a fun and unpretentious dining experience that focuses on amazing food, delightful drinks, close friends, good convos and great vibes.”

Patois is now open for brunch during the following hours of operation:
● Saturday and Sundays between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
● Reservations for brunch can be made at patoistoronto.com

Follow @patoistoronto on Instagram for future Breaking Brunch takeovers!

After making a splash at TIFF ’23, VVS Films, including DICKS: THE MUSICAL‘s Midnight Madness People’s Choice Award win, they have announced their fall slate of theatrical releases.

SHE CAME TO ME

In Theatres Friday, October 6

Directed by: Rebecca Miller

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Marisa Tomei, Anne Hathaway

Synopsis: A composer with an unfinished opera, a spiritually conflicted psychiatrist, and a free-spirited tugboat captain collide on an unpredictable voyage into uncharted waters in writer-director Rebecca Miller’s enchanting romantic comedy.   

DICKS: THE MUSICAL

In Theatres Friday, October 27

Directed by: Larry Charles

Starring: Megan Mullally, Megan Thee Stallion with Bowen Yang and Nathan Lane, introducing Aaron Jackson, Josh Sharp

Synopsis: Two self-obsessed businessmen (writers Aaron Jackson & Josh Sharp) discover they’re long-lost identical twins and come together to plot the reunion of their eccentric divorced parents, in this riotously funny and depraved musical from comedy icon Larry Charles (Seinfeld, Borat) also starring Megan Thee Stallion, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Bowen Yang as God.

FREELANCE

In Theatres Friday, October 27

Directed by: Pierre Morel

Starring: John Cena and Allison Brie

Synopsis: Mason Petit is a former Army Ranger turned family-man whose life is far less exciting than it once was. His perilous globe-trotting days in the military have been replaced by a grinding career as an unsuccessful lawyer and a marriage on the rocks. This all changes when a former military buddy approaches him with a job, working security for the award-winning and fearless journalist Claire Wellington. Wellington has scored a world-first interview with a notorious and eccentric South American dictator, Venegas. Petit jumps at the chance, and hops on a plane without second thought. Upon touchdown Petit’s suburban hell turns into a life-or-death nightmare. He is caught up in a violent, orchestrated coup, alone with Wellington, and the morally ambiguous Venegas, to escape the country alive.

DREAM SCENARIO

In Theatres Friday, November 17

Written & Directed by: Kristoffer Borgli

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker, Kate Berlant

Synopsis: Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams.  But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Today we get a new Trailer for David Beckham Docu-Series BECKHAM, which is coming to Netflix.

Synopsis:

BECKHAM, a four-part documentary series, tells the inside story of a global football star and cultural icon. David Beckham is one of the most known names on the planet, yet few people know who he really is. From his humble working-class beginnings in east London, his drive and determination to win, and the battle to find balance between ambition, love and family, David’s story is one of immense ups and downs. The series takes you on that rollercoaster and builds a surprising, personal and definitive story of one of the most recognisable and scrutinised athletes of all time.

In Beckham, Academy Award-winner Fisher Stevens (Palmer, And We Go Green, The Cove) along with Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producer John Battsek (One Day in September, Searching for Sugar Man, Winter on Fire) are granted unprecedented access to David, his wife Victoria, his family, his friends and his team-mates. The result is an intimate portrait of a man as well as a chronicle of late-modern sports and celebrity culture.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Hot Docs is proud to announce the confirmed dates for the five-market free community theatrical initiative, Docs for Schools, and the broadcast premiere of its short doc collection Citizen Minutes. The second series of shorts highlights ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to make their communities better places. From Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week to noise pollution in Toronto, from the first all-female Muslim softball league to a rapper addressing mental health issues, the second series of Citizen Minutes will inform and entertain. Each free screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with the goal of inspiring collaborative dialogue about civic engagement and the many forms it can take.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce this essential series of short docs crafted by visionary filmmakers to audiences across Canada,” shared Marie Nelson, Hot Docs’ President. “These compelling films urge us to champion positive change within our communities and remind us of the remarkable influence that individuals have in shaping our world. I am invigorated by these vibrant, youth-driven stories that poignantly reflect life’s hardships—yet radiate with hope—and hope that others will be too.” 

Theatrical Dates

October 16th – Rio Theatre, Vancouver, BC, 6:30 pm – Host Angela Steritt

October 25th – Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Toronto, ON, 6:30 pm – CBC Host Ismaila Alfa and a special guest performance by Akitone.

November 9th – Calgary Central Library, Calgary, AB, 6:30 pm – CBC Host Angela Knight

November 27th – Cinema Du Musée – Montreal, QC, 6:30 pm – CBC Daybreak Host Sean Henry 

November 27th – Halifax Central Library, Halifax, NS, 6:30 pm  – CBC Host Preston Mulligan and a special guest performance by comedian Janelle Niles.

DOCS FOR SCHOOLS

Citizen Minutes will also be made available for free screenings online and for grade 5-12 students across the country through the Docs for Schools program. Each of the films will come with a unique education package with discussion questions, resources and activities to support extended learning about the issues addressed in the film. All education packages will be made available in English and French.

Last year, Docs for Schools brought films to over 150,000 students in 98 school boards across Canada.

The second series of Citizen Minutes features the following titles:

ANCESTRAL THREADS

Directed by: Sean Stiller

Joleen Mitton, a Néhiyaw woman and the founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW), shows how she builds community using fashion, as she works to undo years of trauma–in herself and others.
 

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Directed by: Cat Mills

A couple of activists try to put the mute button on Noise Pollution in Toronto.

JANELLE NILES: INCONVENIENT

Directed by: Kelly Zemnickis, Cass Gardiner

Despite a tumultuous upbringing that would break most, Janelle Niles confronts being Black and Mi’kmaw head-on, embracing her biracial experience and two-spirit identity, while using stand-up to heal and usher in a new era of inclusive Canadian comedy.
 

LOUD & HERE

Directed by: Josiane Blanc

Teen youth activist collective La Voix des Jeunes Compte try to make meaningful change to school board policy across Quebec.

MIND CHECK 1-2 1-2

Directed by: Ian Keteku

A viral rapper uses his voice to uplift young people struggling with mental health.

RISING FROM THE ASHES

Directed by: Sara Ben-Saud

A portrait of the Dépanneur Sylvestre, an atypical place that aims to break down isolation for members of the displaced Gatineau community.
 

SISTERHOOD SOFTBALL

Directed by: Farhiya Ahmed

The first all-female Muslim softball league in North America empowers women through sports in a community where women traditionally don’t take part.