Today we get new Trailers for SXSW ’24 selections CUCKOO and BABES, which will be released in Canada via Elevation Pictures! CUCKOO will screen at the upcoming TIFF NEXT WAVE Festival.

CUCKOO
Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen (Hunter Schaefer) leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König (Dan Stevens), her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma (Jessica Henwick). Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.

BABES
Pregnant from a one-night-stand, Eden leans on her best friend and mother of two, Dawn, to guide her through gestation and beyond. Stars Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Today, Disney+ released the trailer for Lucasfilm’s upcoming, original animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire.”  The new series, which is the second installment of the “Tales” series, stylistically follows 2022’s critically acclaimed “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi.”   

“Tales of the Empire” launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4, 2024 with all six episodes.

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

The talented voice cast includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.          

Brooke Shields is back in Netflix‘s MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, releasing globally on Netflix May 9, 2024.

ABOUT MOTHER OF THE BRIDE:
Director: Mark Waters
Writer: Robin Bernheim Burger
Producer: Brad Krevoy
Executive Producers: Brooke Shields, Oliver Ackermann, Galen Fletcher, Robin Bernheim Burger, Amanda Phillips, Jimmy Townsend, Vince Balzano
Cast: Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Sean Teale, Chad Michael Murray with Rachael Harris and Benjamin Bratt.
Also starring: Michael McDonald, Wilson Cruz, Tasneem Roc, Dalip Sondhi.
Logline: Lana’s daughter Emma returns from abroad and drops a bombshell: she’s getting married. In Thailand. In a month! Things only get worse when Lana learns that the man who captured Emma’s heart is the son of the man who broke hers years ago.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Today, Netflix debuted the official main trailer for DEAD BOY DETECTIVES, premiering globally on Netflix on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

The eclectic composition of characters, based on the beloved comics by Neil Gaiman and brought to life by Co-Showrunners Steve Yockey (The Flight Attendant, Supernatural) and Beth Schwartz (Sweet Tooth, Arrow), provide the series with fun, whimsy, humor, and fantastical horror that all come together in perfectly imperfect harmony.

Try not to fall in love with our dead boy detectives and their crew in this trailer as they solve mystifying paranormal cases to the tune of a wonderfully nostalgic rendition of My Chemical Romance’s anthemic ode to the afterlife, “Welcome to the Black Parade.”

About Dead Boy Detectives

Do you have a pesky ghost haunting you? Has a demon stolen your core memories? You may want to ring the Dead Boy Detectives.

Meet Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), “the brains” and “the brawn” behind the Dead Boy Detectives agency. Teenagers born decades apart who find each other only in death, Edwin and Charles are best friends and ghosts… who solve mysteries. They will do anything to stick together – including escaping evil witches, Hell and Death herself. With the help of a clairvoyant named Crystal (Kassius Nelson) and her friend Niko (Yuyu Kitamura), they are able to crack some of the mortal realm’s most mystifying paranormal cases.

As part of The Sandman Universe for Netflix and based on the beloved comic series from Neil Gaiman, DEAD BOY DETECTIVES was developed for television by Steve Yockey, who wrote the first episode and serves as showrunner alongside Beth Schwartz as co-showrunner. Greg Berlanti, Yockey, Schwartz, Jeremy Carver, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman and Gaiman serve as executive producers of the series from Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

PRODUCED BY: Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television
KEY CAST: George Rexstrew, Jayden Revri, Kassius Nelson, Jenn Lyon, Briana Cuoco, Yuyu Kitamura, Ruth Connell, Lukas Gage, David Iacono
SHOWRUNNERS: Steve Yockey, Beth Schwartz
DEVELOPED FOR TELEVISION BY: Steve Yockey
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Greg Berlanti, Steve Yockey, Beth Schwartz, Jeremy Carver, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman and Neil Gaiman
FIRST EPISODE EXECUTIVE PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY: Lee Toland Krieger
BASED ON: Characters created for DC by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner
FORMAT: 8 episodes

The winner of Canada’s Got Talent’s Million Dollar Season receives a life-changing prize of $1M – the biggest cash prize in Canadian television history – thanks to Rogers, plus financial advice from CIBC. And that’s not all! Every Golden Buzzer recipient will receive $25,000 (totalling $150,000), courtesy of CIBC, to help realize their ambitions.

Together with Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers is committed to investing in premium original Canadian content while fostering homegrown talent. Last year, Rogers contributed approximately $950M to Canadian content and produced over 12,700 hours of unique Canadian programming.

Tonight’s Performances (Tuesday, April 2)

FUNKANOMETRY– Dance Act

Vancouver Island, BC

Check Out FUNKANOMETRY’s Performance

DANIEL POWTER – Singer/Musician (pictured above)

Vernon, BC
Check Out DANIEL POWTER’s Performance

STEVE KASE – Novelty

Toronto, ON
Check Out STEVE KASE’s Performance

MITCHELL HRYCAN – Magic Act

Saskatoon, SK

Check Out MITCHELL HRYCAN’s Performance

THERE IS A BALL ON MY HEAD – Novelty

Montreal, QC
Check Out THERE IS A BALL ON MY HEAD’s Performance

AIR SUP ACROYOGA – Novelty

Ste-Agathe des Monts, QC

Check Out AIR SUP ACROYOGA’s Performance

TROY JAMES – Novelty

Brampton, ON

Check Out TROY JAMES’ Performance

MARK LEWIS – Magic Act

Toronto, ON

Check Out MARK LEWIS’ Performance

NATALIE MORRIS – Singer/Musician

Toronto, ON

Check Out NATALIE MORRIS’ Performance

**COMING UP**

A Sneak Peek at Next Week’s Contestants (Tuesday, April 9)

STEVE GOODTIME – Novelty

Holland Landing, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

BRIAR NOLET – Dance Act

Oakville, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

RON DESCHENES – Novelty

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

FRANCOIS OUIMET – Musician

Montréal, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

PROFESSOR DAN THE HARMONICA MAN – Novelty

Warkworth, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

RACHEL CHIU – Singer/Musician

Vancouver, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

JADE MATHIEU – Singer/Musician

Longueuil, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MAGGIE THE GOALIE – Animal Act

Tracadie, NB

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

HAROLD BUTLER – Novelty

St. John’s, NF

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

WALLACE WONG – Novelty

Mississauga, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MARIE-JOSEE AND JASON – Dance Act

Montreal, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

In honour of the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment [SPE] proudly announces the launch of a unique genre-based personality quiz, marking a first of this scale for the studio. This quiz invites fans to dive into the legacy of some of the studio’s most iconic features and series, offering a personalized and unparalleled experience in celebration of this significant milestone.

Created by Sony Pictures Digital Marketing in collaboration with Watson Design Group, the quiz provides a unique and interactive digital fan experience and signals the next phase of many celebratory initiatives planned for its iconic anniversary. Participants answer entertaining general interest questions, which, upon completion, a custom personality type based on genre and a curated list of recommended Sony films and TV series are presented, encouraging the rediscovery of the studio’s expansive catalogue of film and TV titles. The results are then shareable with friends and family across social media.

“Envisioning an experience where fans could not just watch but see themselves within our iconic titles, we designed a dynamic personality quiz that takes them on a captivating journey through our extensive library,” explained Rose Phillips, Senior Vice President of Global Digital Marketing and Social, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “This is a chance for fans to relive or rediscover our cherished titles, capturing a piece of our studio’s historic legacy to share on social media, and a fun way for fans to express their TV and movie interests while forging a deeper emotional bond during our fan-led celebration of the studio’s 100th anniversary.”

As part of the commemoration, fans can expect to encounter beloved movie titles and characters, such as GHOSTBUSTERS, TAXI DRIVER, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, ANNIE, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, FUNNY GIRL, MEN IN BLACK, and many more. Characters like Peter Parker [SPIDER-MAN], Walter White [BREAKING BAD], and Jerry Maguire will also play a significant role in the personalized quiz experience.

The quiz ties seamlessly into the yearlong celebration of Columbia Pictures’ centennial, capturing 100 years of iconic titles. It follows the recent TikTok “My Life As A Movie” custom filter, now Sony Pictures’ most-used organic TikTok filter. Additionally, Columbia Pictures has released a celebratory video highlighting some of the best films and TV series. Watch now here.

Users can participate in the quiz at Columbia Pictures’ 100th Anniversary – join the celebration using #ColumbiaPictures100 and follow along via the social media channels below. Fans can also explore and add their favourite Columbia Pictures titles to their collection at https://www.sonypictures.ca/

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Instagram: @sonypicturescanada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesCanada/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sonypicturescanada

Hashtag: #ColumbiaPictures100

Today, Disney+ released a new teaser and poster for “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” the next installment in the mega-hit “Descendants” franchise that features the teenage progeny of iconic Disney heroes and villains. The music-driven Disney Original movie starts streaming Friday, July 12, 2024 exclusively on Disney+, followed by a special encore Friday, Aug. 9, at 8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel. The latest teaser introduces Kylie Cantrall as Red, princess of the hostile kingdom of Wonderland and Auradon’s newest Villain Kid (aka VK), who is caught “red-handed” by Malia Baker, who plays Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella and King Charming.

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” follows Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. When the tyrannical Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

In addition to Cantrall and Baker, the film stars a new ensemble of VKs and legacy characters, including Brandy as Cinderella, Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts, Dara Reneé as Uliana, Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget/Young Queen of Hearts, Morgan Dudley as Ella/Young Cinderella, Joshua Colley as Young Hook, Peder Lindell as Morgie, Grace Narducci as Fay/Young Fairy Godmother, Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin, Paolo Montalban as King Charming, and Leonardo Nam as Maddox Hatter. China Anne McClain is back as fan-favourite Uma and the new principal at Auradon Prep. Melanie Paxson also reprises her role as Fairy Godmother.

True to the “Descendants” tradition of music-driven stories, this fourth installment features seven new original songs, two reprises and a cover of “So This Is Love” from the classic animated “Cinderella” film that will engage viewers and bring them along on the emotional journey with our bold new characters. The “Descendants: The Rise of Red Original Soundtrack” is set for release on July 12 from Walt Disney Records.

A remarkable force in youth entertainment, each premiere telecast of a “Descendants” movie ranks as the most-watched cable movie of the year (2015, 2017 and 2019) among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. Music from the “Descendants” franchise boast over 15 billion audio and video streams and 8 billion TikTok views. In addition, the soundtracks from the “Descendants” movies have been certified by the RIAA, with three certified gold albums, three certified platinum singles and two certified gold singles. Nearly 7 million dolls and 9 million “Descendants” books, including four New York Times bestsellers, have been sold, and “Descendants” Halloween costumes were among Disney’s top 5 licensed costumes for seven consecutive years (2015-2021).

Along with the “Descendants: The Rise of Red” film, fans can also expect an exciting array of Disney Consumer Products offerings across fashion dolls, playsets, apparel, role play, costumes, books and more, coming this summer.

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” is executive-produced by Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh. The film is directed by Jennifer Phang, with a script from Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. The movie is choreographed by Ashley Wallen (“The Greatest Showman”) with a score by Torin Borrowdale (“Searching”). The production design is by Mark Hofeling, with Declan Quinn serving as the director of photography. Katie Ennis is the editor. Co-executive producers include Mahita P. Simpson and Jennifer Phang, and Wendy S. Williams is producer. Costume design is by Julia Caston and Emilio Sosa.

Paramount+ today announced that production is underway on the highly anticipated second season of the hit original series TULSA KING, starring Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone. From Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, the comedy is set to film in Oklahoma and Atlanta with multi-award nominee Craig Zisk (Weeds, The Larry Sanders Show) set to direct and executive produce. Academy Award nominee Terence Winter (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Sopranos) is slated to return as writer and executive producer. TULSA KING is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios exclusively for Paramount+.

The series follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi, just after he is released from prison after 25 years and is unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

Season one recurring stars Annabella Sciorra and Tatiana Zappardino have been upped to series regulars for the second season, alongside an incredible ensemble cast that includes Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza and Jay Will, with Garrett Hedlund and Dana Delany.

Creator and Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan returns as executive producer. TULSA KING also is executive produced by Sylvester Stallone, David C. Glasser, Terence Winter, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin and Braden Aftergood. In addition to TULSA KING, Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+ includes 1883 and MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, which is currently in production on its third season, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, 1923, which will be going into production on its second season later this year, and the upcoming all-new series LANDMAN, starring Billy Bob Thornton.

The first season of TULSA KING is available to binge exclusively on Paramount+. For more information about Paramount+ and TULSA KING, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlusCA and @TulsaKingTV on Facebook, and @TulsaKing on TikTok, Instagram and X.

Today we get new Teaser Art from JOKER FOLIE A DEUX – the eagerly-awaited Sequel to 2019’s JOKER. New Trailer arrives April 9, 2024.

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

Returning on April 17th, 2024, National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay), presented by REEL CANADA, will shine a Spotlight on Canadian films so distinct, delightful, eccentric, and profoundly human that even the most advanced Artificial Intelligence couldn’t conceive them!

The 2024 programming spotlight, Films That A.I. Could Never Make, reaffirms that no algorithm can embody the essence, or conjure the creativity inherent in a Canadian film.

The beating heart of CanFilmDay celebrations are the more than 1,000 screenings, in every province and territory, and in more than 39 countries around the world and hundreds of offerings on broadcast and streaming services for every human to enjoy. As previously announced, we are honoured that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada is once again the viceregal patron of National Canadian Film Day.

“With more and more of our lives governed by algorithms, it seems more important than ever to highlight the originality, passion and, well, humanity that infuses the best of Canadian cinema,” said Artistic Director Sharon Corder.

Programming highlights across the country include:

Premieres & Sneak Peeks

An exciting lineup of pre-release screenings, giving audiences nationwide a chance to see the top new offerings before their official release. Films include:

Ally Pankiw’s debut feature, I Used to Be Funny, in a cross-Canada sneak preview ahead of its June 7th release date on more than 20 screens thanks to the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE).
The red carpet premiere of The King Tide in St. John’s, NL, featuring members of the cast and director Christian Sparkes.

In Toronto, the World premiere of Caitlin Cronenberg’s film Humane, with special guest stars Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire.

A sneak preview of the new Highball.TV film Mother of All Shows at the Stirling Festival Theatre in Stirling, ON, where the film was shot with director Melissa D’Agostino.

In Vancouver, a sneak of The Great Salish Heist, Darrell Dennis’ hilarious new no-budget Indigenous caper flick.

In Memoriam

Three major figures have sadly passed since our last CanFilmDay. They will be honoured with tributes spotlighting their indelible legacies.

To honour the passing of acclaimed filmmaker Charles Officer, also a CanFilmDay board member and beloved friend, join us for a special screening of Akilla’s Escape, and a discussion with filmmakers he inspired, hosted in Toronto by Regent Park Film Festival and BIPOC Film & TV.

VIFF will host a rare presentation of the biographic documentary The Life & Times of Norman Jewison to honour the passing of the legendary director.

Two major partners – Vancouver International Film Festival and the Canadian Film Institute in Ottawa – will pay tribute to the late pioneer Don Shebib, with screenings of his groundbreaking feature, Goin’ Down the Road. A live Q&A with Jayne Eastwood and DGC Ontario chair Annie Bradley will follow the CFI screening, his friend and colleague.

Film Festival Partner Screenings

In Toronto, writer/director Matt Johnson joins The Canadian Film Festival for a special screening of his smash-hit comedy Blackberry, which recently earned a record-setting 17 Canadian Screen Award nominations.

The Vancouver International Film Festival is going all out for CanFilmDay! Programming includes a special 30th-anniversary screening of Double Happiness with director Mina Shum, a tribute to the late iconic director Norman Jewison, and more.

The Oakville Festival of Film and Art presents Barney’s Version, the adaptation of the beloved Mordecai Richler novel, featuring a discussion of the film with producer Robert Lantos hosted by Daniel Richler.
Reelworld Screen Institute presents a special 25th-anniversary screening of the landmark film Another Planet, the first Canadian feature film directed by a Black woman, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Christene Browne. This screening is proudly supported by Ontario Creates.

imagineNATIVE presents a special screening of their 2023 Audience Choice Award winner, Café Daughter, followed by a Q&A with director Shelley Niro (Mohawk), all happening in her home community.
35th-anniversary screening of ROADKILL by Bruce McDonald, followed by a Q&A with co-writer & star Don McKellar, at the recently opened Redwood Theatre in Toronto

A 25th-anniversary screening of the landmark film Another Planet, the first Canadian feature film directed by a Black woman, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Christene Browne. (Toronto)
TIFF presents a special screening of Philippe Falardeau’s breakout hit, La moitié gauche du frigo (The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge). The screening will be followed by a virtual Q&A with Philippe Falardeau about the film.

Calgary Underground Film Festival presents a rare 35mm presentation of the classic Alberta-shot horror film Ghostkeeper, with a Q&A with director Jim Makichuk, screenwriter Doug Macleod, story consultant Dave Makichuk and the lead of the film, Murray Ord.

Plus, these highlights:
A partnership with Global Affairs Canada will bring Canadian films to 39 countries worldwide! Special events range in size from the Argentinian premiere of Intercepted at the Buenos Aires International Film Festival with the director in attendance to a charity screening of Tu te souviendras de moi benefiting the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

An estimated 20,000 high school students from more than 200 schools from every province and territory will engage in RCtv, our annual interactive livestream event. This year, journalist Kelly Boutsalis (Mohawk) will host a discussion with Alanis Obomsawin (Abenaki) to discuss her film, Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair, and will facilitate a nationwide student conversation reflecting on Canada’s legacy of Indian Residential Schools and pathways towards reconciliation.

Friends of Canadian Media presents a virtual screening of Sarah Polley’s documentary Stories We Tell, followed by a conversation between REEL CANADA Executive Director, Jack Blum, and Marla Boltman, Executive Director of Friends of Canadian Media.

Communities across the country that are going all-out for CanFilmDay include:
The First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, ON, is screening Anne of Green Gables with raspberry cordial-themed mocktails, PEI photo props and musical enhancements.
La Maison des artistes visuels in Winnipeg, MB, is screening Ru with a local professor of Vietnamese history.

In Slocan, BC, the local Legion is screening two films and holding a silent auction.
The Milton Public Library in Milton, ON is screening Canadian films throughout the week of April 15 – 19.
In Annapolis Royal, NS, the King’s Theatre Society is showing five films on April 17, with refreshments available.

A companion workshop on Indigenous traditional arts will run before a screening of Bones of Crows in the Jasper, AB Community Habitat for the Arts.

More than two dozen major broadcast and streaming partners will be scheduling Canadian programming in honour of CanFilmDay. Click on these links for a complete list of broadcast and streaming partners.

Founding Sponsor Cineplex is providing over two dozen cinema screens across the country. The Landmark Cinema chain is also contributing venues in several communities. Both partners will screen the CanFilmDay promo PSA as part of their pre-show presentations.

Events across Canada and worldwide will feature appearances by special guests including Barry Avrich, Kelly Boutsalis, Christene Brown, Caitlin Cronenberg, Renee Courchene (Anicinabe), Melissa D’Agostino, Atom Egoyan, Philippe Falardeau, Tareq Hadhad, Emily Hampshire, Matt Johnson, Robert Lantos, Jason Loftus, Doug Macleod, Dave Makichuk, Jim Makichuk, Doug Macleod, Alison Murray, Murray Ord, Alanis Obomsawin, Matthew Rankin, Mina Shum, Gail Singer, Christian Sparkes, Éric Tessier and Vinay Virmani.

If you’d like to host a free CanFilmDay event for your community, visit canfilmday.ca/register and sign up today.

CanFilmDay is a huge endeavour that’s made possible through the efforts of dedicated sponsors and partners who continue to support us year after year, including Telefilm Canada, CBC, Hollywood Suite, Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, Ontario Arts Council, RBC Foundation, DGC Ontario, Ontario Creates, CMPA, ACTRA, AFBS and more. The complete list can be found on the sponsor page of our website.

Visit canfilmday.ca for more information in the lead-up to April 17. You can also find us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram: @CanFilmDay and #CanFilmDay.

Jack Blum and Sharon Corder, Executive and Artistic Director of REEL CANADA, are available for interviews, as well as Mina Shum, Colm Feore, Veronica Tennant, Jayne Eastwood, and Jake (Akilla’s Escape) Yanowski.