Netflix today announced that the hit comedy series Running Point has been renewed for a second season.

In its debut week, Running Point scored 9.3 Million views and ranked in the Top 10 across 83 countries.

Quote from Co-Creator / Executive Producer / Writer Mindy Kaling as told to TUDUM.com: “We are so thrilled to be able to deliver a Season 2 of Running Point to the fans of the show. We still cannot believe the response from audiences – thank you to everyone who has watched! Thank you to our partners at Netflix, Warner Brothers, our star who brought this show to life, Kate Hudson, and of course Executive Producers Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis, without whom there would be no Running Point.”

About Running Point Season 1:

When a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) is appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job. From the hitmaking team of Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, Running Point puts a bold twist on the underdog comedy. The 10-episode series also stars Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield and Justin Theroux.

Cast: Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield, Justin Theroux, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, Dane DiLiegro

Writers / Executive Producers: Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen

Showrunner: David Stassen

Executive Producers: Kate Hudson, Howard Klein, Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis

Producer: Jordan Rambis

Studio: The series is produced by Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television, where Kaling is under an overall deal.

Official announcement:

Paramount+ today announced March 28, 2025 as the global premiere date for DONGJAE: THE GOOD OR THE BASTARD, a brand-new drama series from South Korea, which will be available exclusively on the service in Canada, the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.

The series is licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

A spin-off of the renowned Korean thriller series Stranger, DONGJAE, THE GOOD OR THE BASTARD sees Lee Jun Hyuk reprise his role as the titular character: the corrupt prosecutor Seo Dongjae. The 10-episode series follows Dongjae, who faces a bleak future due to his tarnished reputation, as he becomes troubled by a redevelopment case involving the murder of a high school girl. As he uncovers more about the case, Dongjae finds himself in a dangerous balancing act between his prosecutorial instincts and opportunistic inclinations.

DONGJAE: THE GOOD OR THE BASTARD is directed by Park Gun-Ho and written by Hwang Ha-Jung and Kim Sang-Won. Julie Choi, Jang Kyung-ik, Min Hyun-il, Lee Sung-jin, Jung Hoe-suk and Kim Sung-min serve as Executive Producers. The series was created by Lee Su-Yeon and produced by Studio Dragon by CJ ENM, ACE FACTORY and HIGROUND.

Series credit line: ⓒ 2025 Tving Co.,Ltd All Rights Reserved

Announced today, Toronto is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its vibrant downtown food and social scene—Tha Phae Tavern. It takes inspiration from the energy of the iconic Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, an international meeting place where locals and travellers have come together for over a century and which has shaped an atmosphere and community that is magical and unlike any other. This convergence of cultures, people, food, and languages—curated by both visitors and the people of Thailand—has created a vibrant, unique, and ever-evolving experience. Bringing this spirit to Toronto, Tha Phae Tavern will blend traditional and modern food and beverage with an exciting environment that will channel the gate’s dynamic energy and sense of fun. Slated to open April 2025 at 221 Richmond St. W., the bar promises to be a destination where the world meets a completely different side of Thailand, right in the city’s core.

Tha Phae Tavern is an immersive experience inspired by the travels of co-owners Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular, the renowned duo behind PAI, Kiin, Sukhothai, Chaiyo, and By Chef Nuit Events & Catering. Drawing from the vibrant spirit of Thailand and other global destinations, the tavern aims to recreate the magic of discovery, where food, drinks, music, and conversation bring people together. Tha Phae Tavern will ultimately aim to be more than just a bar. It will serve as an experience, a feeling, and a journey that captures the essence of backpacking, emulating the thrill of meeting strangers who become friends, and the energy of a space where cultures collide in the best way. Like Tha Phae Gate, it will be a lively hub in the heart of the neighbourhood, offering Thai-inspired bar snacks, shareable plates, and a curated selection of cocktails and mocktails. Guests will enjoy Chef Nuit’s unique blend of traditional Thai flavours with contemporary twists in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can experience a delightful blend of traditional and modern interpretations of classic Thai bar snacks, with a menu featuring a variety of flavourful options that pay homage to the foods one can find in and around Tha Phae Gate.

The venue’s interior design will reflect the rich cultural and historical significance of the Tha Phae Gate, featuring bold colours, intricate patterns, warm brick facades, and modern Thai-inspired décor. Every detail has been carefully curated to transport guests to the lively streets of Northern Thailand. This is a bar that highlights the rich diversity of food, cultures, and people that give Tha Phae Gate its unique and lively character.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Tha Phae Tavern will feature an array of engaging amenities designed to create an exciting atmosphere perfect for after work outings, celebrations, and unforgettable nights out. Guests can belt out their favourite songs in one of the two private karaoke rooms in the Songthaew Karaoke Bar, capture memories in the on-site photo booth, or try their luck at the one of the claw machines—a playful nod to the bustling markets and street corners of Tha Phae Gate.

“The Tha Phae Gate was once the entryway for the main trading route in Northern Thailand and has become a symbol of connecting different cultures,” says Chef Nuit Regular. “With Tha Phae Tavern, we’re creating a space where people can come together, enjoy incredible food and drinks, make new friends, and create memories in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere while keeping the experience casual and approachable.”

“When I first travelled through Chiang Mai as a young backpacker, the Tha Phae Gate left an unforgettable impression on me,” adds Jeff Regular. “It was a cultural hub where diverse traditions, cuisines, and people from all over the world came together. That experience inspired us to create this bar to be a community and gathering place for stories to be shared, connections to flourish, and cultures to be celebrated—just like at Tha Phae Gate.”

Event packages will also be available, making the venue an excellent choice for larger groups looking to host larger gatherings. The spacious layout is designed to accommodate everything from corporate events to birthday parties and special celebrations. Event packages available upon request.

Tha Phae Tavern will open its doors April 2025, operating seven days a week. Hours of operation are expected to be Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 4 p.m. until late. Happy Hour will be offered daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekend brunch service will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Songthaew Karaoke Bar private rooms will be available to book seven days a week, from 4 p.m to late. For more information, visit thaphaetavern.com. Follow Tha Phae Tavern on Instagram @thaphaetavern.

The team is currently hiring for a variety of positions—those interested in joining the vibrant Tha Phae Tavern staff are encouraged to apply to info@thaphaetavern.com.

About Tha Phae Tavern:

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 221 Richmond St. W., Tha Phae Tavern is a fresh and unique concept from the acclaimed restaurateur couple Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular (PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, Sukthothai), in partnership with Oliver Geddes (The Fifth Group, RendezViews), Ben Geddes, and Janet Zuccarini (Gusto 54 Restaurant Group). Inspired by the vibrant cultural crossroads of Northern Thailand’s traveller’s hotspot, Tha Phae Gate, we are a drink and snack bar offering thoughtfully handcrafted cocktails and beverages and modern Thai-inspired snacks and shareable small plates in a lively yet casual atmosphere. We aim to provide a welcoming community hub where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy exceptional drinks and food, creating memorable experiences through kind, genuine service and two exciting private karaoke rooms in the Songthaew Karaoke Bar space, and outstanding offerings while celebrating Thailand’s rich cultural diversity and festive nightlife. For more information, visit thaphaetavern.com.

Canada’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party, Guinness SPD, is happening Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Rebel Toronto for its 10th year!

Guinness SPD Toronto’s only large-scale, truly authentic St. Patrick’s Day party experience. Taking over Rebel Toronto’s amazing multi-room event centre hosting multiple DJs & the REBEL main stage turned into a Beer Hall with 3 different live bands and entertainment from Irish dancers and fiddlers.

It’s not a celebration without the delicious and iconic Guinness Draught or the latest innovation, Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic available in the full-service bars throughout!

Thousands of green-clad partygoers will transform the city’s waterfront into a sea of St Patrick’s Day festivities. With 3 incredible outdoor patios with interactive games and activations, it’s the most unforgettable celebration on this side of the rainbow!

What: Guinness SPD, Canada’s largest, all-day St Patrick’s Day celebration
When: Saturday, March 15, from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: 11 Polson Street, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4
Tickets: $20.95 – $30.75 available here
For more information: spdcanada.ca

Today, Disney+ released an exciting special look and unveiled a brand-new poster and images for the highly anticipated second season of Lucasfilm’s Emmy®-nominated thriller “Andor,” which returns for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22, 2025. The special look, available now on Disney+ and YouTube, offers a glimpse at the making of Season 2 of the compelling series, in which the characters and their relationships will intensify as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound.

Rife with political intrigue, danger, tension, and high stakes, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction: The Death Star, setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.

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

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

Darkest Miriam had its World Premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival followed by the Canadian Premiere at Fantasia Festival where it won the DGC Best Director Award for Best Feature Film Director.

The film will open theatrically via Game Theory Films, in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal beginning March 28, 2025 with additional cities across Canada to be announced.

DIRECTOR / WRITER: Naomi Jaye
CAST: Britt Lower (Severance), Tom Mercier (Synonyms), Sook-Yin Lee (Shortbus), Jean Yoon (Kim’s Convenience)
PRODUCERS: Julie Baldassi, Brian Robertson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Charlie Kaufman, Martha Baillie, Brian Robertson, Julie Baldassi, Adi Chand, Jonas Prupas, Dean Perlmutter, Charles Baillie, Harland Weiss, Donovan M. Boden, Isil Gilderdale, Emily Harris, Stephanie Hickman, Naomi Jaye.
BASED ON THE NOVEL The Incident Report by Martha Baillie
DISTRIBUTOR: Game Theory Films

SYNOPSIS: Librarian Miriam Gordon (Lower) lives in a fog of grief while working amidst marginalized members of the public who populate the Allan Gardens branch of the Toronto Public Libraries. When a burgeoning love-affair with Janko, a younger foreign cab driver (Mercier), coincides with her receiving a series of oddly threatening letters addressed to her, Miriam’s sheltered existence is cracked open.

Rachel Zegler, the star of “Disney’s Snow White,” was in Tokyo earlier today to perform Waiting on a Wish, the first single from Walt Disney Records’ original soundtrack. She was joined on-stage by local actress and singer Sakura Kiryu, who provides the Japanese dubbing voice of Snow White, at Roppongi Hills Arena, where they performed for hundreds of fans who lined the red carpet.

“Disney’s Snow White,” the live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film, is a magical music adventure which journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen. The film opens exclusively in theatres March 21, 2025. “Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer.

An acoustic performance below:

Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify. The original soundtrack of songs from “Disney’s Snow White” will be released March 14. Waiting on a Wish was written by EGOT® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with additional lyrics by Jack Feldman. The song was produced by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Ian Eisendrath and Dave Metzger, and is performed by Rachel Zegler.

Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) announced a selection of 2025 Special Awards recipients, presented by the Canadian Screen Awards. Marsha Greene, Manny Jacinto, Ellis Jacob, Denise Robert, and This Hour Has 22 Minutes will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Canadian and international screen-based industries at the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards, taking place in Toronto from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, 2025.

“This year’s Special Award recipients have left an enduring impact on both the big and small screens, shaping Canadian storytelling with their creativity, innovation, and commitment,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “These honourees represent the incredible talent and strength of our homegrown creative community, and we are excited to celebrate their achievements at the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards.”

“On behalf of the Canadian Academy’s Board of Directors, I am honoured to offer sincere congratulations to the Academy’s 2025 Special Award recipients — an exceptional group of hardworking, dedicated and talented professionals who have greatly contributed to Canada and have solidified their legacies in Canadian film and television,” said Thomas Santram, Board Chair, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

The 2025 Special Award recipients are:

The Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute Award, honouring Canadian individuals for their extraordinary impact on the growth of the Canadian media industry, is presented to two titans of Canadian media: President and CEO of Cineplex Ellis Jacob and producer Denise Robert.

Ellis Jacob was appointed President and CEO of Cineplex in October 2003. Since entering the exhibition industry in 1987, his leadership has transformed the movie-going experience for Canadians. Before this, Ellis was President and CEO of Galaxy Entertainment Inc., which he co-founded in 1999. He was Head of Integration for Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., and held leadership positions with Cineplex Odeon Corporation, culminating as COO.

Denise Robert has produced over 45 critically acclaimed features that have won more than 130 awards, including an Oscar for Denys Arcand’s Les invasions barbares, with 33 of her films surpassing one million dollars at the box office. Denise believes in using documentary to highlight serious social issues, and her work has led to tangible change: Paul Arcand’s Les voleurs d’enfance led to Quebec’s youth protection law reforms, while Monic Néron and Émilie Perreault’s La parfaite victime led the Quebec government to create a court specialized in sexual and domestic violence, and Paul Arcand’s Dérapages raised road safety awareness in teenagers.

The Changemaker Award, presented by Insight Productions, which recognizes and honours those in the media community in Canada who are using their voice or platform to call out systemic racism and discrimination, supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are actively engaged in anti-racist work, and seeking structural transformations in media, film, and television in Canada that promote values of equity and inclusion, is presented to executive producer and writer Marsha Greene. Greene was recently the co-creator and showrunner of the Emmy-nominated series The Porter for CBC and BET+, which won a record 12 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Writing, Drama Series. An accomplished executive producer and writer, Marsha previously served as a showrunner on Lifetime’s Mary Kills People, a co-EP on CBC’s breakout hit Coroner, a producer on the ABC series 10 Days in the Valley, and has staffed on shows such as Private Eyes, Departure, and Wild Cards.

The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, honouring an artist from Canada whose work is leaving a resounding global impact, is presented to actor Manny Jacinto. Jacinto most recently starred in the Star Wars series The Acolyte, Disney+’s second most-watched show in 2024. Up next, he can be seen starring as the male lead in Freakier Friday, and in the independent romantic comedy Love Language. Additional film credits include I Want You Back, Top Gun: Maverick, and Bad Times at the El Royale, and additional television credits include The Good Place, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Romeo Section, for which he was nominated for a Leo Award.

The Sustainable Production Award, presented by CBC, is awarded to a production that has shown excellence in sustainable production and has had a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and/or innovations in circularity and that has also contributed positively to the Canadian media landscape and local communities. This year, the award is presented to This Hour Has 22 Minutes, the longest-running TV comedy series in Canadian history. The integration of a Sustainability Department has fostered company-wide participation in green practices; its focus on the kinds of materials and services used, repurposing and repairing items, recycling and composting, ensuring a sustainable food service, donations to charities, and mindful travel and transportation practices have resulted in a carbon footprint that is significantly less than the industry average for a half-hour comedy episode, with content that reflects an environmentally friendly ethos.

SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST Season Two is arriving March 27, 2025 on Netflix. To get us pumped, we get a new Trailer today! Just wait till you see what antics gets herself into this season!

About SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST

Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size, and looking for love, while loving herself, Mavis works hard to grow her brand and establish herself as a stylist of note. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The scripted comedy is inspired by Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.

Co-Created, Executive Produced and starring Michelle Buteau with Co-Creator, Showrunner & Executive Producer Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and Showrunner & Executive Producer Amy Aniobi.

Canadian Film Fest (CFF), the indie-spirited festival dedicated to celebrating Canadian filmmakers, today announced its lineup for the 2025 edition of the festival. Now in its 19th year, CFF continues to champion and support our country’s creatives and homegrown talent, bringing Canadian stories to Canadian audiences. This year, the festival will be showcasing 16 features and 50 shorts. Tickets go on sale March 10 and can be purchased at canfilmfest.ca. CFF returns to Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto and runs from March 24-29, 2025.

This year, CFF welcomes films from across Canada, with feature films from British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The festival kicks off with Naomi Jaye’s award-winning film Darkest Miriam, an adaptation of Martha Baillie’s novel The Incident Reporter, starring Britt Lower (Severance, Man Seeking Woman) and Tom Mercier (Synonyms, The Animal Kingdom). The film tells the story about a librarian who lives in a fog of grief while working at the Allen Gardens branch of the Toronto Public Libraries.

Other festival highlights include Tarique Qayumi’s CONCEIVING CLARA, a midwife who helps many women give birth but cannot bear a child. Under pressure from her mother-in-law, she undergoes IVF treatment and complications lead her to choose between her life and the baby’s; LARRY (they/them), a documentary directed and written by Catherine Legault, focuses on a young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène, who has emerged as one of the most original and inspiring voices of their generation and an LGBTQ+ community icon; The closing night film is LUNATIC: THE LUNA VACHON STORY, a documentary directed and produced by Kate Kroll, about WWF villain Luna Vachon, reaching the peak of her fame in the 90’s and her mental health struggles.

“Now more than ever, we are proud to be Toronto’s largest film festival dedicated to showcasing Canadian talent and supporting our country’s creative minds. This year’s program features films from five provinces, celebrating our rich culture and diverse regional perspectives, and bringing these stories to film-loving audiences,” said Ashleigh Rains, Festival Director, Canadian Film Fest. “At CFF, we are passionate about bringing Canadian art to Canadian audiences, and continuing to elevate stories that otherwise might go unheard.”

CFF will once again highlight a variety of short films through the six Homegrown Shorts programs, while also screening a short film before each feature presentation. These shorts span over a wide range of genres including Drama, Comedy and Sci-Fi.

CFF is proud to partner with Scotiabank, Heritage Canada, xoTO, Telefilm, Super Channel, Brookstone Consulting, Touchwood PR, Sphere Media, Sesler, Rhombus, Shaftesbury, Pendulum, PurpleDOG Post Production, ACTRA Toronto, ACTRA National, Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, Canadian Media Producers Association, and is grateful for their ongoing support of the festival and Canadian creatives.

BY THE NUMBERS:

66 Total Films
16 Features
50 Shorts
29 (44%) BIPOC Filmmakers
35 (53%) Female/Non-Binary Filmmakers
31 (62%) Toronto Shorts

To view the complete festival schedule visit www.canfilmfest.ca/2025-Films.

About the Canadian Film Fest
The Canadian Film Fest (CFF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards.