It’s all about All Stars! The Toronto Maple Leafs hosted their first ever House of Stars, a celebrity ball hockey game in support of House of Hockey. The star-studded ball hockey game held at MLSE Launchpad, where a special pop-up activationw as created for the event, bringing-in Maple Leafs alumni, celebrities and special guests. This affair is a pre-cursor to NHL All Star game festivities taking place in Toronto this weekend!

The event was to raise funds for House of Hockey presented by Tim Hortons, a ball hockey league created by Maple Leafs and drew house to give youth access to free hockey programming by addressing the barriers keeping youth on the sidelines. More here.

Among the stars in attendance were Murda Beatz, Stephan James, Shamier Anderson, Edge (Adam Copeland), Adam DiMarco, Atticus Mitchell, Isaiah Mustafa, Johnny Orlando and more.

Some Snaps:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We miss Amy Winehouse so much! Today we get a first look at the official Trailer for her Biopic, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson!

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Writers: Matt Greenhalgh
Executive Producers: Sam Taylor-Johnson, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin
Producers: Alison Owen, p.g.a., Debra Hayward, Nicky Kentish-Barnes
Cast: Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville
Story: A behind-the-scenes glimpse into Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and the release of her groundbreaking studio album, Back to Black. Inspired by Amy’s deeply personal and honest lyrics, the film is an unapologetic look at the woman behind the phenomenon and the tumultuous relationship at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release BACK TO BLACK In Theatres Nationwide on Friday, May 17, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

Proudly-Canadian, a new Trailer for CODE 8: PART II, starring cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell, has just been released!

Synopsis:

In this sequel to Code 8, Connor (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at a community center, having cut ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell). Connor’s attempt at staying out of trouble is destroyed when he’s forced to help 14-year-old Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus) escape from a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant King (Alex Mallari Jr.). King uses the newly launched robotic K9’s to track Pav down, while Connor finds himself once again reaching out to Garrett and his crew for help, but can he trust the man who landed him in prison in the first place?

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

A heart-pounding clip from Season 2 also debuted in the “Next on Netflix” trailer this morning, showing Gi-hun making a critical decision. Portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, who won “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series” at the 74th Primetime Emmys®, Gi-hun abandons his US plans after a mysterious call and embarks on a chase with a motive.

The new season will also welcome other beloved characters back like Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and Recruiter (Gong Yoo). Adding to the intrigue, a new character played by Park Gyu-young makes her debut, sparking curiosity about the new character.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Squid Game took the world by storm upon its 2021 premiere, quickly becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched series around the world. Garnering over 1.65 billion viewing hours watched by more than 142 million households in its first 28 days, the series took the #1 spot in “Today’s Top 10” across 94 countries. Beyond its massive viewership, the series earned prestigious awards such as the Gotham Awards’ “Breakthrough Series,” the “AFI Special Award,” and 6 Primetime Emmy Awards, a first for a local language series. Recognised for its cinematic quality, Squid Game also received nominations at the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards. The series was lauded for its refreshing social commentary of a modern society fraught with intense competition, all told against the backdrop of nostalgic childhood games, turning all things Squid Game — its art, music, fashion, and games — into a global cultural phenomenon.

WRITER/DIRECTOR: Hwang Dong-hyuk
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Kim Ji-yeon
PRODUCED BY: Firstman Studio
KEY CAST: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yuri, Won Ji-an, Gong Yoo (special appearance)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Korea

Netflix and Shondaland released a first look at footage of BRIDGERON Season 3, featuring Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) from the upcoming third season of Bridgerton.

Netflix and Shondaland’s Global Fan & Press Event takes place on February 14, 2024 with exciting news from Executive Producer, Shonda Rhimes, showrunner Jess Brownell, author of the original Bridgerton novels, Julia Quinn. They will be joined by cast members Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, and Martins Imhangbe.

Premiere Dates: Part 1 on May 16, 2024; Part 2 on June 13, 2024

S3 Synopsis:
From Shondaland and new showrunner, Jess Brownell, Bridgerton is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly. Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

Episode Count: 8
Filming Location: London, UK
Showrunner/ EP: Jess Brownell
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen
Series Regulars: Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton), Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Jessica Madsen (Cressida Cowper), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), and Julie Andrews (Lady Whistledown)
Additional Key Cast: Hugh Sachs (Brimsley), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Kathryn Drysdale (Genevieve Delacroix), Sam Phillips (Lord Debling)

Equal parts unnerving and seductive, Eve of St. George is a voyeuristic and immersive recreation of Bram Stoker’s chilling tale of Dracula, scored by award-winning Canadian composer Owen Belton. 

Upon arrival, guests don masks and are set free to roam the four levels of The Great Hall, re-imagined as a gothic Victorian setting for the stories of 16 characters to unfold. 

Each patron decides their own path for the evening by choosing to follow a character, riffling through their personal effects as they travel through the building, or remaining in one room to watch what unfolds — and perhaps even personally interacting with a character. 

Described by The Toronto Star as “a wonderful, disorienting, ethereal evening of immersive dance theatre” and “luxurious evening entertainment,” Eve of St. George is similar to NYC’s acclaimed Sleep No More, and Transcen|Dance Project was the first to bring this type of interactive theatrical experience to Toronto.

Eve of St. George debuted as the first of its kind in Toronto with a sold-out run in 2018 and 2019. This re-mounting of the production will be Toronto’s last opportunity to see Transcen|Dance Project’s Eve of St. George.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

About Transcen|Dance Project

Transcen|Dance Project is a Toronto-based company looking to stretch the boundaries within the Toronto dance community and create a new environment for audiences to experience art and live performance. Founded in 2015 by former Canadian dancer, Julia Cratchley, who trained as a contemporary dancer at the illustrious Arts Umbrella in Vancouver and danced as a freelance dancer across North America.

Is there a bigger name in Pop Music right now than Calgary’s own TATE MCRAE? The insanely-talented 20-year-old Singer-Songwriter and Dancer has dominated Pop Charts globally with her smash hit “Greedy” peaking at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and Canadian Hot 100 charts! She solidified her status as a household name, appearing as musical guest late last year alongside Jason Momoa on Saturday Night Live, turning heads with a showstopping performance.

And now she’s back in her native Canada this weekend headlining the second intermission performance at the 2024 NHL^® All-Star Game on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Toronto. McRae is one of four celebrity captains named for the NHL All-Star Game. Also appearing are fellow Canadians Justin Bieber, Will Arnett and Michael Bublé. McRae serves as celebrity captain for Team MacKinnon, led by Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar as assistant captain. Full circle moment as McRae can be seen dancing at a hockey rink in her video for “Greedy“!

So lucky to meet McRae a second time. Such a huge fan of hers, having been blown away by her amazing work live a couple years back at Danforth Music Hall. More on that here.

While she was crowded by several trying to get selfies and autographs, she was so kind to stop for photos, en route to her SUV! Thrilled!

McRae goes on tour this summer in support of sophomore disc THINK LATER!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sony Music Entertainment)

A new Trailer has arrived for season Docuseries THE FAMILY STALLONE, starring Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone, wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone and daughters Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet, will premiere exclusively on the service Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in Canada and the U.S., and on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in the UK and Australia. Episodes will premiere on a weekly basis in Latin America and Brazil beginning February 21, 2024 and in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea beginning February 22, 2024.

This season, after four decades as one of Los Angeles’ most famous families, the Stallones are leaving Hollywood for good and moving east. With daughters Sophia and Sistine following their dreams in New York City and Scarlet navigating college and a new love in Miami, Sly and Jen set up roots in Palm Beach as empty nesters. But distance can’t keep this family apart as the season culminates in a life-changing trip to Italy to explore their family history, rekindle love and make a lifetime of memories.

THE FAMILY STALLONE is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, with Benjamin Hurvitz and Nadim Amiry as executive producers. Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam and Jonathan Singer serve as executive producers for Bunim-Murray Productions with Chris Ray and Jason Williams as co-executive producers.

Join the conversation using #TheFamilyStallone, and follow @TheFamilyStallone on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the renewal of the additional funding of $100 million over two years for Telefilm Canada, starting in the fiscal year 2024-2025.

“We welcome this news with enthusiasm, as Telefilm Canada continues to champion the industry that is passionately dedicated to the advancement of Canadian and Indigenous cinema.

“We extend our gratitude to the Government of Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage for their collaboration, as well as their timely and essential contribution to our sector, especially as the industry is gaining momentum and mobilizing its efforts to be competitive and viable.

“For the past several months, the industry has consistently advocated for the renewal of the additional funds to be allocated to Telefilm. The collective effort of our sector plays an invaluable role in shaping the future of Canadian and Indigenous cinema. Thank you for voicing your support.

“Moving forward, we will continue with a collaborative spirit with Canadian Heritage and our industry partners to foster a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable screen industry.”

National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) will be back on April 17, 2024 with a Spotlight on Canadian movies that are so unique, joyous, quirky, and, well…human, that they couldn’t have been dreamt up by even the most sophisticated Artificial Intelligence. The 2024 programming spotlight – Films That A.I. Could Never Make – proves that no algorithm can replace the passion, soul, and personal vision at the heart of these 50 incredible films made by Canadian humans for Canadian humans. And you get to choose! See the full list at canfilmday.ca/spotlight.

We are honoured to announce that Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, is returning as the Honorary Patron of this year’s National Canadian Film Day. An address from Her Excellency will precede CanFilmDay screenings.

Once again, hundreds of screening partners across the country will host free in-person events in communities big and small. The major broadcasters and streaming services are also joining the fun with Canadian films to enjoy at home.

As usual, there will be a wealth of programming for all audiences:

Screenings at film festivals, cinemas, libraries, community centres, schools, friendship centres, retirement residences, art galleries, military bases and more

Events for new Canadians and English-language learners

Events around the world in partnership with Global Affairs Canada

Our annual livestream for 15,000+ high school students

A wealth of great Canadian films to watch from home, thanks to our many broadcast and streaming partners
And much more – so look out for more announcements in the coming weeks
If you’d like to host a free event for your community, visit canfilmday.ca/register and sign up today.
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.