TIFF is thrilled to announce the first international title to make its World Premiere at TIFF 2023. Ladj Ly, the acclaimed French filmmaker behind Les Misérables, will be returning to Toronto to present his latest film, Les Indésirables, at the 48th edition of the Festival. Ly’s debut feature, Les Misérables, was an Official Selection and North American premiere at the 2019 Festival, received the Jury Prize at Cannes, was nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes as well as several César awards, among others, and ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature. With Les Indésirables, Ly continues to push artistic boundaries, offering audiences a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

“We are honoured to showcase Ladj Ly’s remarkable talent once again with the World Premiere of his latest work, Les Indésirables,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “This deeply personal film beautifully captures the struggles and aspirations of a community, reflecting Ly’s unparalleled storytelling skills.”

Set in the suburbs on the outskirts of Paris, Les Indésirables is a timely tale of revolution, which beautifully captures a pivotal moment in history. Les Indésirables stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar, Steve Tientcheu, Anta Diaw, and Aristote Luyindula. After the sudden death of a town’s mayor, Pierre (Manenti), an idealistic young doctor, is appointed to replace him. He intends to continue the policy of his predecessor, who dreamed of rehabilitating this working-class neighbourhood. Haby (Diaw), a young French woman of Malian origin living in one of the dilapidated tower blocks, refuses to see her family driven out of the neighbourhood where she grew up. Les Indésirables is a Goodfellas film as well as a sales title for TIFF.

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF 2023 go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on August 18. For more details, visit http://tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released in August.

(Photo credit: Luis Mora)

Today we get an official Trailer for Martin Scorsese‘s KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON which just premiered at Cannes to rousing reception.

Synopsis:

At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Also starring Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, based on David Grann’s best-selling book.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Killers of the Flower Moon” was produced alongside Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions and Appian Way. Producers are Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas and Daniel Lupi, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Sommer, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer and Niels Juul serving as executive producers.

Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone,
Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, William Belleau, Louis Cancelmi, Tatanka Means,
Michael Abbot Jr., Pat Healy, Scott Shepard, Jason Isbell, Sturgill
Simpson

Writers: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese

Producers: Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Daniel Lupi

Exec. Producers: Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Somner, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer, Niels Juul

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

Was an honour getting to test drive the 2023 Honda Touring Hybrid CR-V, being a huge fan of the popular compact crossover SUV. We experienced some some major life events over the course of our test drive and were so appreciative to have it there for us the whole time.

My test drive began with Pride celebrations, leading to Canada Day. And in the end, I said goodbye to my father. Life of late has been about going back and forth to see my father at the hospital. Yet also like you, I have been balancing that hectic work-life balance, trying to make time for myself and having moments of lightness with my family and friends. This is how I cope with having to navigate several extreme emotions, whether it be the stress of work, the high excitement of the red carpet and ultimately, the grief of losing the man I looked-up to my whole life. So grateful for Honda Canada, their support and amazing famiy of vehicles in the many seasons of my life. Having the CR-V as a companion made all the difference, ensuring me and my Mom got to be with him, finding comfort in his final days. This is the type of ride that is meant to be a companion for any obstacles life throws our way.

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2023 HONDA TOURING HYBRID CR-V

Let’s highlight the Touring Hybrid CR-V‘s power. It is enhanced by its 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC 4-cylinder Engine, putting it ahead of other options in the family. It operates at181 @ 5000-8000 horsepower, packed with a four-mode driving system: Sport, Normal, ECON and now Snow! This is made truly for Canadians. And I love that it comes with Eco Assist. The moment you turn on the ignition with its push-button start and hear that gorgeous electronic whirring, you know this is going to be an experience.

Operating on Regular fuel, the Touring Hybrd CR-V boasts a Fuel Ecoomy of 6.0/6.9/6.4 l/100 km which is impressive. It’s beyond spacious seating five very comfortably and it hits all the marks in terms of cargo volume with a split of 1028/2030L.

Not to focus on looks only, the Touring Hybrid CR-V is divinely eye-catching. I got to drive one in a gorgeous Canyon River Blue Metallic, an elegant and timeless tinge. It’s got body-coloured door handles and spoiler, as well to boot, plus front and rear splash guards and a front wiper de-icer too.. Because it is a bit on the wider side, its dolding door mirrors comine in handy in tight parking situations – especially in underground lots downtown. And we have never been one to complain about having the luxury of intermittent rear window wipers/washer as well! We are a huge fan of rear privacy-tinted glass for our passengers, including our precious beanie. And get this the rear-camera even comes with a washer! How many times have we driven in the slush and snow, dreading to get out of the car just to have to wipe that camera. Visibility is everything and this is just one less thing to worry about so we can focus on driving.

We are a huge fan of intuitive little things that make our daily drives better. Beverage holder options and position are perfect, front and rear. We love traffic sign recognition, ensuring we stay within speed limits, plus also being able to see the external temperature. Our passengers love having their own ability to control their own climate with the Touring Hybrid CRV‘s built-in air flitration system and oh my God, those honeycomb grills are so gorgeous. We’re here for that aesthetic and hope it’s here to stay. The Driver gets eight-way power adjustment including two-way power lumbar support and everyone gets seat warming. Having a cooler however would’ve taken this to the next level if the standard can get any higher! Did you know it also has a Driver Attention Monitor, detecting steering wheel corrections. Focus, or stop for a coffee. We never need an excuse to get one! Also, scenic moonroof alert!

The Touring Hybrid CR-V is blessed with a bounty of active safety features including: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Auto high beam, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning system, Hill Start Assist, Road Departure Mitigation system and Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control. If you know Canadian winters, you’ll understand why some of these are a necessity. I am a little obsessed with rear-seat reminder feature but wish that the super-cool overhead camera Cabin Watch feature that is in the 2023 Honda Odyssey, will find its way too to other options in the Honda family!

Passive Safety features also are a focus with blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor system, lane keeping assist system, low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist is super-mindful, helping you go to a complete stop in lower speeds. Have you ever driven in Toronto? It feels like endless traffic no matter where you are in the City.

While I find childproof rear door locks a bit frustrating, it being a chore to ‘un-trap’ grown adults in the back row, I totally get their purpose for the greater good. The Touring Hybrid CR-V is fully armed with lower anchors and tethers for children, next-generation advanced compatibility engineering body structure. Let’s not forget a litany of cushioning: an i-SRS airbag system (front), SmartVent side airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system too.

So grateful for the Hybrid Touring CR-V being there every step of the way. With all its power, versatility and utility, it is ready for anything that life throws yoru way.

A reel of highlights from our Test Drive:

The 2023 Honda Touring Hybrid CR-V starts at $51,023.50 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY connects with Moviegoers this weekend, debuting with $66 million from 4,600 theatres for 20th Century Studios. This latest installment which just premiered in Cannes, brings back Harrison Ford and pairs him with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, gets 68% on the Tomatometer. Franchise best opening still belongs to 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull bowing with $100 million. Review here.

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE takes second spot with $12.4 million from 3,405 theatres for Sony Pictures, a total $340 million grossed domestically.

Third is Disney & Pixar’s ELEMENTAL with $10.5 million from 3,650 theatres. Its total now is at $87.9 million.

NO HARD FEELINGS completes its second weekend with $7.6 million, bringing its run to $29.4 million for Sony Pictures.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS rounds the Top Five with $6.5 million, a total $135 million for Paramount Pictures.

She’s back! Olivia Rodrigo returns with the first single off her upcoming sophomore effort, “guts”. The track is titled “vampire”, teaming her up with Dan Nigro. It is dreamy, yet powerful and is a growth in maturity from her compelling debut, “Sour”. We cannot wait for this new era from Olivia!!

Listen to vampire out now: https://OliviaRodrigo.lnk.to/vampire.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Canada)

After breaking the internet last week with Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World,” BARBIE THE ALBUM continues its unprecedented, star-studded rollout with its latest single, “Speed Drive” from Charli XCX. Produced by Easyfun, the fierce track has been teased on socials including the reveal of an exclusive Barbie clip. Hear the official audio:

BARBIE THE ALBUM is the official musical companion to the highly anticipated summer event film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Available for pre-order HERE, the soundtrack arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, July 21st in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film.

“Speed Drive” was preceded by global megastars Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s iconic “Barbie World,” UK-based artist and producer PinkPantheress’ captivating track, “Angel,” global recording artist KAROL G’s high-energy anthem, “WATATI (ft. Aldo Ranks)” and the electrifying lead single “Dance The Night” from 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Dua Lipa, who also makes a special appearance in the film. Upon release, “Angel” was praised by THE NEW YORK TIMES for its “dreamy melody” as ELLE dubbed it “an unexpected party anthem.” “WATATI” was also immediately met with critical acclaim with ROLLING STONE calling it a “reggaetón party” and HOLA! stating it’s an “exciting addition, poised to be a hit.” The high-energy anthem is complemented by its official visual directed by Mike Ho and starring KAROL herself as she enters the actual World of Barbie, shot on-site in LA – watch HERE. Produced by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and the Picard Brothers, “Dance The Night” arrived alongside a dazzling official video featuring a special appearance from Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) – watch HERE. Upon release, V MAGAZINE called the track “disco-pop perfection,” NPR described it as “undeniably glamorous,” BILLBOARD asserted it has “one of the sleekest bridges in mainstream pop this year,” and INSTYLE declared it “our new summer anthem.” All singles released so far have already amassed an impressive 300M combined global audio streams and official video views.

BARBIE THE ALBUM will continue to feature massive new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of artists including Lizzo, Ava Max, Dominic Fike, Khalid, The Kid LAROI, Tame Impala, HAIM, GAYLE and FIFTY FIFTY feat. Kaliii. Barbie star Ryan Gosling also joins the robust roster of soundtrack artists with his iconic original song performed as his character, Ken. See below for full tracklisting.

BARBIE THE ALBUM continues the hugely successful partnership between Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures. The two companies previously teamed up for 2020’s BIRDS OF PREY: THE ALBUM which spawned the RIAA Certified 2x Platinum smash “Boss B*tch” by Doja Cat, along with the 2016’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated SUICIDE SQUAD: THE ALBUM, which topped album charts in over 70 countries around the world, including two consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, and featured the RIAA Certified Diamond hit “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots.  

BARBIE THE ALBUM was executive produced by internationally renowned DJ and Oscar, Golden Globe and 7x GRAMMY® award winning artist and producer, Mark Ronson and Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig. The soundtrack album was Produced and overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six, Birds Of Prey, Furious 7, The Fault in Our Stars, The Fate of the Furious) and Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Brandon Davis. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver is a GRAMMY® Award winner and five-time nominee, who has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved on the project include Soundtrack Album Co-Producers, Brandon Creed and Joseph Khoury, as well as the Barbie Music Supervisor and Album Executive Producer, George Drakoulias.   

BARBIE THE ALBUM TRACKLIST 

1.                Lizzo – Pink  

2.                Dua Lipa – Dance The Night  

3.                Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice – Barbie World (with Aqua)  

4.                Charli XCX – Speed Drive  

5.                KAROL G – WATATI (feat. Aldo Ranks)  

6.                TBA  

7.                Tame Impala – Journey To The Real World  

8.                Ryan Gosling – I’m Just Ken  

9.                Dominic Fike – Hey Blondie  

10.             HAIM – Home  

11.             TBA  

12.             The Kid LAROI – Forever & Again  

13.             Khalid – Silver Platter  

14.             PinkPantheress – Angel   

15.             GAYLE – butterflies  

16.             Ava Max – Choose Your Fighter  

17.             FIFTY FIFTY – Barbie Dreams (feat. Kaliii)   

Today we get a brand-new Trailer for the second season of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY!

About The Summer I Turned Pretty Season Two:                                            

Belly used to count down the days until she could return to Cousins Beach, but with Conrad and Jeremiah fighting over her heart and the return of Susannah’s cancer, she’s not sure summer will ever be the same. When an unexpected visitor threatens the future of Susannah’s beloved house, Belly has to rally the gang to come together—and to decide once and for all where her heart lies.

Season Two of The Summer I Turned Pretty is led by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka. Han, Kucserka, Karen Rosenfelt, and Gabrielle Stanton serve as executive producers, along with Hope Hartman, Mads Hansen, and Paul Lee for wiip. The series is a co-production of Amazon Studios and wiip.

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

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Netflix today announced the remaining cast to join the second season of global hit Squid Game, as anticipation continues to soar after the first cast members were revealed at Tudum earlier this month.

This week, cast members and showrunners gathered for their first table read (pictured), with the production of Squid Game Season 2 starting later this year. From rising stars to veteran actors, the ensemble cast boasts a diverse range of talent and experiences. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who won an Emmy for the first season, will return to direct and executive produce the entire second season.

The additional cast includes:

Park Gyu-young: Well known for her role in Netflix series Sweet Home Seasons 1 and 2, she is also starring in the upcoming Netflix series Celebrity.

Jo Yu-ri: The singer and actress is known as a former member of South Korean-Japanese girl group Iz*One.

Kang Ae-sim: A highly respected theater and musical actress in Korea, her performance in TV series Be Melodramatic and Netflix series Move to Heaven left a deep impression on the audience.

Lee David: Best known for his supporting roles in director Hwang’s film The Fortress, he met Lee Jung-jae through the film, Svaha: The Sixth Finger.

Lee Jin-uk: Starred in Netflix series Sweet Home Seasons 1 and 2, he is also known for his roles in various Korean dramas and films, including in one of director Hwang’s biggest films, Miss Granny.

Choi Seung-hyun: The singer and actor have starred in various Korean films and TV series such as Tazza: The Hidden Card and Commitment.

Roh Jae-won: Making his acting debut in 2021, he is fast gaining recognition through films like Missing Yoon and Ditto.

Won Ji-an: Made an impressive debut on the first season of Netflix series D.P.

ANNOUNCED CAST FOR SQUID GAME SEASON 2

LEE JUNG-JAE, LEE BYUNG-HUN, YIM SI-WAN, KANG HA-NEUL, PARK GYU-YOUNG, PARK SUNG-HOON, JO YU-RI, WI HA-JUN, YANG DONG-GEUN, KANG AE-SIM, LEE DAVID, LEE JIN-UK, CHOI SEUNG-HYUN, ROH JAE-WON, WON JI-AN with GONG YOO
ABOUT THE SERIES

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Executive Producers: Hwang Dong-hyuk, Kim Ji-yeon
Writer: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Production Company: Firstman Studio

Apple TV+ today revealed a first-look at the highly anticipated third season of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and announced that season three will premiere globally on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with the first two episodes. The 10-episode third season of the Emmy, SAG and Critics Choice Award-winning drama, which has already received an early renewal for season four, is directed and executive produced by Mimi Leder, with Charlotte Stoudt serving as showrunner and executive producer.

This season, the future of the network is thrown into question and loyalties are pushed to the brink when a tech titan takes an interest in UBA. Unexpected alliances form, private truths are weaponized, and everyone is forced to confront their core values both in and out of the newsroom. Along with Aniston and Witherspoon, the star-studded season three ensemble cast is lead by Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Jon Hamm, Nicole Beharie, and Julianna Margulies.

“The Morning Show” is produced by the studio Media Res, and executive produced by Michael Ellenberg through Media Res, along with Aniston and Kristin Hahn through Echo Films; Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter through Hello Sunshine. Leder serves as executive producer and director.

Now streaming globally on Apple TV+, the broadly acclaimed second season of “The Morning Show” received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Reese Witherspoon; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Billy Crudup, who also won the award for season one; and, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Marcia Gay Harden.

In its first season, Crudup’s performance as Cory Ellison earned an Emmy win in the Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category, in addition to a Critics Choice Award. Aniston’s powerful performance as Alex Levy, earned a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Leder earned an Outstanding Directing For a Drama Series nomination for helming the season one finale. The series also received nominations from the Television Critics Association for Outstanding New Program and a TV Choice Award for Best New Drama.

We kennot contain our excitement about Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE! The Fantasy-Comedy takes us away to Barbie Land, where Barbie (Margot Robbie) is rejected for her imperfections. This leads to both she and Ken (Ryan Gosling) heading-off to the real world where they discover themselves for the first time!

Kicking-off Kenada Day long weekend, two of the star-studded film’s Kens, played by Gosling and Simu Liu, got a grand welcome home to their native Kenada. Supported by their family and friends, the duo walked the glittery pink carpet at aptly-chosen hotspot Margo in Toronto. They graced the presence of hundreds of lucky contest winners, plus TV and Radio media, plus Influencers at the event, graciously giving their time to chat about what looks like a surefire summer smash for Warner Bros. Pictures Kenada.

The event literally transformed King St West. into Ken St. West.

Guests got to enjoy complimetary Barbie and Ken makeovers in a Barbie-fied Beauty Bar, dance their hearts out at the best dance party ever on the rooftop patio. There were fun and kitschy photo ops too, including one with a Kenada Beach backdrop – pink sands and all with the CN Tower overlooking it all. One lucky winner was awarded a trip for two to Los Angeles with tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, a one-year supply of NYX Cosmetics, and a signed Kenada surfboard.

This event was epic and though we already were too excited to see BARBIE, we are now at peak excite! So amazing seeing guests dress-up, channeling their inner Barbies and Kens. And yes, that was Gosling head-to-toe in Gucci. Judging by the sea of pink, Toronto certainly got the memo right.

See a Reel of highlights from the event:

Some Snaps from the night:

Warner Bros. Pictures Kenada release BARBIE nationwide on July 21, 2023 and beginning internationally on July 19, 2023. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring smash hit “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa also is out July 21, 2023 via Warner Music Canada!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)