By Mr. Will Wong

Directed by her Filmmaker son Tuki Jencquel, JACKIE THE WOLF certainly is more thought-provoking than it is an easy watch. Combining family videos and candid interviews with his mother, Author and Activist Jacqueline Jencquel, we try to get the why behind her choice to want to end her life.

Jacqueline isn’t ill, nor is she dependent on the care of others. She simply refuses to live beyond a certain age and has lost the will to live, yet appearing sound of mind. She devotes her time and voice to furthering the conversation about a person’s choice to die and having autonomy over their life and body. In doing this, she is calling for a change to French laws include one’s right to die based on personal choice. Jacqueline sets an initial date for her death, though this keeps shifting in hopes she will live to see change before she goes.

Along the way, we get a deeper dive into her psyche, opening-up to her son about everything from lost love to libido, as Tuki alternates the caps of son and Documenter. We even meet another older woman named Joan Schertenleib, who also is looking to end her life as well, though her circumstances are quite different from Jacqueline‘s. Joan is in chronic pain, suffering from Arthritis and has endured losing immediately family, including her daughter, who passed before her.

The level of trust that Tuki and Jacqueline gainin order to get us access into the room with her real-time in Joan’s final moments is both compelling, yet unsettling. Certainly something we will never forget seeing and something we’ll be pondering for a bit. No matter where our opinions stand on the subject matter, Tuki honours his mother’s legacy by allowing her voice to carry in in this complex portrait of her.

JACKIE THE WOLF screens at Hot Docs ’23 as follows:

MON MAY 01
05:30PM
Isabel Bader Theatre

SUN MAY 07
11:45AM
Scotiabank Theatre 6

It streams online May 5-9, 2023.

Global superstar Ed Sheeran has announced details for the “- Tour” (pronounced “Subtract Tour”), a very special run of dates set to take place in theaters and auditoriums in 14 cities across North America. He plays Toronto’s History on June 16, 2023. Singer-songwriter Ben Kweller supports on most dates. These intimate performances – which kick off at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL, on May 19, 2023 and wrap up at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA, on September 22, 2023 (see full itinerary below) – coincide with the massive stadium shows of Sheeran’s previously announced “+ – = ÷ x Tour” (pronounced “Mathematics Tour”).

To ensure more tickets get into the hands of fans who want to go to his shows, Ed Sheeran is using Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan technology for his “ – Tour.” Verified Fan uses a registration system to help filter out buyers looking to resell tickets. Registration opens on Friday, April 28th at 10:00am ET and closes on Sunday, April 30th at 11:59pm ET. Fans can register HERE. The Verified Fan Onsale is set to begin on Tuesday, May 2nd at 10:00am local venue time.

The newly announced tour supports Sheeran’s forthcoming, soul-baring, new album “ – “ will be released on May 5 via Atlantic Records and is available for pre-order here. Written against a backdrop of grief and hope, Ed wrote and recorded the fourteen-track record with Aaron Dessner (of The National) in February last year after a series of hard-hitting events impacted his life. Last week saw the arrival of the album’s poignant opening track “Boat,” following lead single “Eyes Closed,” which marked Ed’s 14th #1 in the UK, earning him the 3rd most chart toppers in UK history, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

To coincide with the arrival of “ – “, the all-new, four-part documentary “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All” will begin streaming on Disney+ starting May 3. Blending never-before-seen personal archive, interviews and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today. Watch the emotional, official trailer here.

Ed will begin the North American leg of his worldwide “+ – = ÷ x Tour,” hitting stadiums across the continent starting May 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX (full itinerary below). The trek marks his first stateside tour since the history-making “Divide Tour” in 2018, which officially became the most-attended and highest-grossing tour of all time by its completion. Ed closed 2022 topping Billboard’s Top Ticket Sales chart after wrapping the UK/European leg of the “+ – = ÷ x Tour,” performing in front of over 3 million people in 6 months, highlighted by a five-night stand at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Pre-order – (Deluxe) here. Out May 5, 2023 via Warner Music Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Annie Leibovitz/Warner Music Canada)

The pandemic certainly has changed the way we think about travel and look at the future as global citizens. Whatever your comfort level is with hopping on a plane right now for an escape, surely we all can agree we’re in need of a much-deserved break after all we’ve been through these past three years. Luxurious staycations more than ever growing in their appeal. Looking a layer beneath, travelling sustainably is also becoming a hot topic. But how does one do it all – vacation well, in ways that are eco-conscious, yet do so affordably?

It’s no mystery that we’re all trying to navigate inflation. Whether you’re just trying to buy lettuce for your salad or fill your tank with a bit of gas, money is at the top of our minds.  One of the world’s leading online travel platforms Booking.com surveyed 33,000 travellers from across the globe for their annual Sustainable Travel Report for 2023. They found that 52% of Canadian travellers feel that sustainable travel just isn’t affordable.  And with the wide perception that the economy isn’t going to improve any time soon, how do we prioritize what is right, yet also right for our budgets? Also, if we’re doing right for the future of the world we’re living in, should we be incentivized at least with deals?

Within that same survey, 65% of Canadian travellers said that they want to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months. 75% of these feel that the global energy crisis and rising cost of living is impacting their spending plans. By that same token, 51% feel there just aren’t enough sustainable travel options available.

What exactly is Sustainable Travel?

Like many, I honestly wasn’t quite clear what it all meant. Something about the term itself inherently feels complex, ambitious and unattainable. But truly, it can encompass the smallest of gestures. At its core, it’s about having an awareness and making choices that benefit conservation, wildlife and the local community.

Eating locally and supporting farm-to-table restaurants while travelling can be counted as a step. Some of us are already doing this in our everyday lives. But on an even more micro scale, it can be things like taking public transit, shopping with a reusable tote or drinking with your own water bottle while vacationing. Or how about just turning off your A/C when you’re not in your hotel room?  

When I think about pre-pandemic life and travel, I used to insist on my sheets and towels being changed daily at the hotel. Just because I was on vacation and thought I deserved it. Post-pandemic, I’ve realized that this is something I wouldn’t even demand at home, so how could I expect this while travelling?

When we put it this way, the concept of Sustainable Travel doesn’t seem so scary anymore. The key takeaway is that we are now asking questions and rethinking our old lives and habits. 

How Booking.com is making it easier to travel sustainably

As mentioned, part of the problem travellers face is the perception that there simply aren’t enough sustainable travel options. Whether you’re searching for accommodations on Booking.com’s website or app, you’ll notice that they now have a search filter called “Travel Sustainable properties” that allows you to easily find only properties that have earned Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge, a global, first of its kind and independently validated recognition programme. With the launch of the program in November of 2021, they are looking to remove some of the mystique of travelling sustainably and helping make it easier for accommodation partners to contribute to sustainability efforts and be able to showcase this to travellers. When using the filter, search results come up and are grouped into three tiers, denoted by leaf badges. Level 1 properties have implemented some impactful sustainability practices, while Level 3 properties have made large investments in their practices.

You can even filter your search for electric and hybrid car rentals in 110 countries, and see the Total CO2 emissions when searching flights.

The bottom line is that while ending inflation might be out of our hands for now, Booking.com is helping make it easier for travellers to find the right sustainable options for them, anywhere they want to go. 

We have a duty to leave a place better than when we were there.

1 Hotel Toronto

We had the pleasure of enjoying a stay at this gorgeous property, which boasts 112 guest rooms and suites. It is tucked away from the King Street West bustle, yet also close enough to it all. 1 Hotel Toronto is just one of many sustainable accommodations in the city and a perfect staycation choice if you just need a quick recharge with the mileage. It manages to balance sturdy sustainable design and architecture, with an oasis-like mood that is apparent the moment you are welcomed through its wood doors. Their service is phenomenal and attentive to guests’ every need.

It’s all in the details here, whether it be energy-saving Smart Thermostats in guest rooms, 100% cozy organic cotton linens to nestle you into bed, or tumblers and carafes made from reclaimed wine bottles and glass.  

On a grander scope, the hotel draws inspiration from local artists, chefs, builders and the community. An example being their 1 Kitchen restaurant, green and woodsy in decor. They not only serve delicious, mindful offerings on their menu, but are also committed to generating zero waste. They have an interesting selection of cocktails and an array of biodynamic wines. The trout crudo and 1K gnocchi are both musts. And if you have room for dessert, the carrot cake. 

The hotel is also home to Casa Madera, a chic and sexy purveyor of elevated Mexican cuisine. You literally do not have to leave the hotel to get a variety of refined dining experiences and this is the proof. Cocktails are scintillating and some come in flames and smoky, providing a fun little delivery experience.  Recommended are the pacifico striped bass, ceviche blanco, tiger shrimp and arrachera (wagyu beef) tacos. Peanut butter mousse for dessert – no question. It is a spectacle.

If you’re there on a weekend, Harriet’s Rooftop has one of downtown Toronto’s best scenic skyline views, plus an incredible brunch.

1 Hotel Toronto is 100% certified carbon-neutral, while being LEED-certified for energy efficiency in heating and cooling. In addition to saving energy, annually their measures account for 167 tons of CO2 reduction. Above this, the hotel is home to 3,300 plants, including native plants within rooms and suites.

On a personal note, for those of us who can’t live without our pets, 1 Hotel Toronto welcomes them with open arms. They were just so wonderful and kind to our dear Beanie, always greeting her and offering her treats every time we passed through the lobby. They even offered to take footage of us for my Reel (see below). It’s thoughtfulness like this that separates a great experience from an outstanding one and 1 Hotel was exactly the latter. Eco-friendly and pet-friendly. It’s a win-win.

Sustainable Options in the City

There certainly is no shortage of eco-friendly things-to-do and eat around 1 Hotel Toronto. A short trek away just off the Bayview/Bloor Don Valley Parkway exit, is environmental community centre Evergreen Brick Works. The space is full of trails and gardens, public art, a market with local artisans, craftspeople and small-batch producers, and more. 

The Grape Witches are situated at Dundas x Ossington. It is a wine bar, a patio, a shop, an event space, a wine agency & a wine club, offering private tastings of rare organic, biodynamic and natural wines from all around the world. Fascinating to learn the stories about these wines which are hand picked and very hard to find here.

stackt market is North America’s largest shipping container market and it is literally a walk across the street from 1 Hotel Toronto. Their mandate is to support local art, music, social enterprise and cultural communities. Fast dining options include amazing selections from local chefs like Trevor Lui at Baobird, tacos at Ocaso Tacos by Rául D’souza and so much more. Beanie is a huge fan of kitschy pet clothing and supply store, Our Haru. A must-see. We may have had a little shopping spree.

Toronto is such a vibrant, diverse and ever-changing mecca. Isn’t it time you re-discovered it?

Booking.com makes it easy to find sustainable options whether you are travelling far away or enjoying a staycation near home.

We’ve missed Emma Stone so much! She teams-up with Yorgos Lanthimos on POOR THINGS, coming to us September 8, 2023 via Searchlight Pictures.

Synopsis:

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

CBC is marking The Coronation of King Charles III with an extensive programming lineup across CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC News Explore, CBC Radio One, CBC Listen, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News App. For all the ways to watch and listen, visit the CBC News How to Watch page on CBCNews.ca. And for a year round biweekly dose of royal news and analysis delivered right to your inbox, subscribe now to CBC’s The Royal Fascinator newsletter.

CBC’s programming plans include:

MONDAY MAY 1

CBC NEWS: THE NATIONAL

CBC’s flagship national newscast, THE NATIONAL, will broadcast live from London all week, providing all the latest news and events from outside Buckingham Palace. Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault hosts Monday to Thursday (May 1-4), kicking off the week with a first look at her exclusive interview with Princess Anne, and Ian Hanomansing hosts on Friday (May 5), at 10 p.m. (10:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem. In the event of an NHL playoff game on CBC TV, The National will be broadcast immediately following the last game. Uninterrupted coverage is available on CBC News Network beginning at 9 p.m. ET and CBC Gem.

TUESDAY MAY 2

ADRIENNE ARSENAULT REPORTS: Princess Anne

Canadian Exclusive

In this new CBC NEWS EXPLORE series, go beyond the headlines to the heart of what’s happening with CBC News Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault. In this episode, Princess Anne invites CBC News into her sitting room and opens up about her brother’s coronation, the monarchy’s future, and her grandchildren’s special connection to Canada . Available on CBC News Explore and CBC Gem on demand starting May 2. Stream CBC News Explore free on CBC Gem Live TV, CBCNews.ca, CBC News app and The Roku Channel (105 in Canada).

Princess Anne and CBC News Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault at St. James Palace (Photo credit_ Jared Thomas, CBC News.jpg
*Adrienne Arsenault sits down with The Princess Royal at St. James Palace (Photo credit: Jared Thomas, CBC News)

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

THE REAL CROWN: INSIDE THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR (5×45, Docuseries, 72 Films, UK)

Canadian Premiere

THE REAL CROWN is the gripping inside story of The British Royal Family told only by the people who really know. From the former head of The British Army, to Princess Margaret’s lady-in-waiting. Spanning over six decades of British history, this epic family saga offers behind-the-scenes revelations and intimate insights into the stories we think we know—the celebrations, tragedies and scandals that made headlines around the world—alongside the assassinations, bomb plots and kidnappings that are an intrinsic part of royal life. Available beginning May 3 on CBC Gem.

THE ROYAL TREATMENT COLLECTION

With the coronation celebrations approaching, there’s no better time to catch up on the best documentaries, films and series about the Royal Family. Check out titles including The Royals Revealed, Charles: The New King and Camilla Before Charles. Available to stream now on CBC Gem.

SATURDAY MAY 6

THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III

Join CBC News’ Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault in London as the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey unfolds and King Charles III is crowned. Special guests will include former CBC London bureau chief Ann MacMillan, and historians Dan Snow and Peter Johnson. The live coverage starts at 4 a.m. ET on CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Explore and the CBC News App.

Nahlah Ayed and John Northcott bring you the view from Canada as the coronation takes place, in a live radio special with Canadian royal historian Carolyn Harris, for insights and context on the day’s grandeur. Available on CBC Radio and CBC Listen, beginning at 5:30 a.m. ET.

Following the ceremony and events in London, join CBC News Chief Political Correspondent Rosemary Barton live from Ottawa where the celebration continues with special tributes and artistic performances from a Canadian perspective. Beginning at 10 a.m. ET on CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Explore and the CBC News App.

SUNDAY MAY 7

CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP

Ian Hanomansing hosts a special edition of Canada’s weekly town hall, live from London. Join this national conversation for Canadian reactions to the weekend’s pageantry, and special guests reflecting on what’s at stake for the future of the monarchy. CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP is available on CBC Radio, CBC News Network, CBC Listen and Facebook at 4 p.m. ET [1 PT, 2 MT, 3 CT, 5 AT, 5:30 NT].

ADRIENNE ARSENAULT REPORTS: Princess Anne

In case you missed the premiere earlier in the week, CBC News Explore’s exclusive interview with Princess Anne will be broadcast on CBC News Network at 7 p.m. ET. Princess Anne invites CBC News chief correspondent, Adrienne Arsenault, into her sitting room and opens up about her brother’s coronation, the monarchy’s future, and her grand children’s special connection to Canada..

Today, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced that Rihanna will star as Smurfette in Untitled Smurfs Animated Film. Appearing on stage, Rihanna announced that she will also write and perform original music and serve as a producer for the film. The announcement was made at Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation.

“On behalf of our studio and our creative partners at LAFIG, we couldn’t be more excited to have found our Smurfette in one of the most beloved stars in the world,” said Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “With Rihanna’s singular creative appeal and musical talents, there is an enormous opportunity to elevate the cultural touchstone of The Smurfs universe in a way that’s never been done before.”

Based on the characters and works of Peyo, Untitled Smurfs Animated Film is directed by Chris Miller, co-directed by Matt Landon, and produced by Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris. Along with starring and producing, Rihanna is also creating and performing original music for the film. Untitled Smurfs Animated Film comes from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, in partnership with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the company that owns the Smurfs brand. 

(Photo credit: Dennis Leupold)

Honourary Oscar® Recipient Donald Sutherland joins the cast of the Paramount+ Original Anthology Series LAWMEN: BASS REEVES in a recurring role. The Series formerly was titled “BASS REEVES”.

Sutherland will play ‘Judge Isaac Parker’, an imposing and commanding judge in the Fort Smith Courthouse with a complicated legacy.

Sutherland joins series lead and executive producer, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award nominee, David Oyelowo, and series regulars Lauren E. Banks, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Demi Singleton,
and in recurring roles, Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Dennis Quaid, Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Grantham Coleman and Justin Hurtt-Dunkley. Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund are set to guest star.

LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is currently filming in Texas and it will bring the legendary lawman of the wild west to life. Reeves, known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.

LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios,101 Studios, Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions and Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon

LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is created for television by Chad Feehan who also serves as showrunner. Executive producers are Taylor Sheridan, Chad Feehan, David C. Glasser, David Oyelowo, Jessica
Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari and David Hutkin.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

On April 29 and 30, 2023 Torontonians are invited to take part in Operation Toronto – a covert Citadel mission where “sleeper agents” (i.e., participants) are tasked with finding the Citadel blacksite truck using Prime Video’s social media pages for a one-of-a-kind spy experience. At the blacksite, they’ll receive their agent card and once verified, they’ll get to enter the truck and receive a secret message from Citadel headquarters.

One lucky agent will win an X Case full of prizes including a mini projector, a Ring security camera and more. The first 50 participants will also receive a $20 dollar Amazon Gift Card for their participation alongside a photo opportunity inside the blacksite truck.

Check out the Blacksite Locations for the ultimate Citadel experience at:

April 29: Dundas Square 12-3pm

April 30: 318 Queen St. W 12-3pm

Trailer for CITADEL:

CITADEL arrives April 28, 2023 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott are back with a new animated series BUILDER BROTHERS DREAM FACTORY, airing on Treehouse! Mother’s Day will be extra special this year as a special episode airs May 14, 2023 at 9:40am ET! The episode will be available live or on STACKTV.

See the Property Brothers talk about the new series here:

In the new episode airing on May 14, 2023 Carlos (Drew and Jonathan’s next-door neighbor) realizes he forgot Mother’s Day, he tries to make the Mother’s Day Brunch Party the Dream Factory crew is throwing “twice-as-special”… but creates an out-of-control gift instead!

(Photo/video credit: Treehouse/Global Television)

Official Sundance 2023 selection VICTIM/SUSPECT looks at the unbelievable – sexual assault victims being accused of making false reports and the justice system doing the exact opposite of what it should be doing.

Synopsis:

Victim/Suspect chronicles journalist Rae de Leon’s investigation into a shocking nationwide pattern: Young women tell the police they’ve been sexually assaulted, but instead of finding justice, they’re charged with the crime of making a false report, arrested, and even imprisoned by the system they believed would protect them.

VICTIM/SUSPECT arrives May 23, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)