TIFF is excited to announce POP Japan, a new series celebrating the convergence of the cult, pulp, and popular in Japanese film and art, running at TIFF Bell Lightbox from May 10 to June 27, 2023. POP Japan features three film series: Seijun Suzuki, marking the iconoclast director’s centenary with six newly restored 35mm prints, the second stop in a national tour spotlighting Suzuki’s rebellious storytelling, and World of Anime, a retrospective of Japan’s most influential anime films, both generously supported by the Japan Foundation, Toronto. The third series is a four-film ode to the “godfather of animation” and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, in anticipation of his summer theatrical release How Do You Live?

“Pop Japan represents the dynamic new direction of Public Programming at TIFF to showcase exciting, original, international film spotlights year-round, making TIFF Bell Lightbox a must-visit destination,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF.

POP Japan will launch with a series of events at TIFF Bell Lightbox, starting on Wednesday, May 10 with a screening of Suzuki’s 1981 film, Kagero-za, part of the Japanese visionary’s daring and much-acclaimed Taisho Trilogy. The screening is preceded by a reception, featuring DJ Sakiko Nagai, to mark the opening of a free public art exhibition featuring works by multidisciplinary artists Mitsuo Kimura and Toko Hosoya. On Saturday, May 13, Ikebana artist Aya Sugino will demonstrate the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers and plants ― each creation inspired by a different film in the POP Japan series. A live-painted mural programmed in partnership with StreetARToronto and supported by the Japan Foundation, Toronto will also be on view throughout the run of the series. A Silent Voice: The Movie, directed by Naoko Yamada, one of anime’s few women filmmakers, is screening on June 30, as part of Silver Screenings, free to those 65+.

“We’re excited to present a diverse selection of films in this series, many of which started on the cultural margins like Suzuki’s pulpy pop art noirs to anime that exploded into the North American mainstream in the ’90s,” said Robyn Citizen, TIFF’s Director of Festival Programming & Cinematheque, TIFF. “Suzuki’s riotous use of colour and genre anticipated the aesthetics and tone of later anime including the Lupin the 3rd series.”

Highlights of the programme include a special screening of Tokyo Drifter on May 24, Suzuki’s centenary; the 35th anniversary screenings of Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro and Katsuhiro Ôtomo’s post-apocalyptic film Akira, considered one of the most influential anime films of all time, and presented in partnership with the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival.

More programming details will be available on tiff.net on April 12.

POP JAPAN PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

POP Japan: Seijun Suzuki
Having directed more than 50 films, Suzuki’s singular career spans not only decades but a kaleidoscope of genres, each an experiment in formal innovation and rebellious storytelling.Though never garnering the international recognition of his peers, Suzuki’s explosion of genre conventions won acolytes in American filmmakers Jim Jarmusch and Quentin Tarantino, whose Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 are a direct link to his stylistic legacy.

Kagero-za (1981) – May 10
Carmen from Kawachi (1966) – May 13
Love Letter (1959) – May 13
Satan’s Town (1956) – May 17
A Tale of Sorrow and Sadness (1977) – May 18
Tokyo Drifter (1966) – May 24

35mm prints of Suzuki Seijun’s films were imported and provided by the Film Library of the Japan Foundation’s headquarters in Tokyo.

POP Japan: Miyazaki Spotlight
As a director, animator, producer, author, artist, screenwriter, and outspoken pacifist, Miyazaki’s politics of humanism, feminism, and environmentalism colour his rich and absorbing worlds, which are often inhabited by tenacious young girls who undergo enlightening and spirit-guided transformations. Within this spotlight TIFF presents two such stories: My Neighbor Totoro and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, co-presented in partnership with the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival. Each film is steeped in wonder, deep compassion, and Japanese mythology. These beloved classics are bookended by Miyakazi’s Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro, an adaptation of Monkey Punch’s popular Lupin III manga series, in addition to his last film, The Wind Rises (2013), an epic reimagining of the life of a famous Japanese aviation engineer.

Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) – May 13
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – May 30 (35th Anniversary)
Spirited Away (2001) – June 4
The Wind Rises (2013) – June 17

POP Japan: World of Anime
In this nine-film retrospective of beautiful, surprising, and deeply-meaningful anime, films are unified by the theme of transformation, co-curated by TIFF and professor Yuki Ohsawa.

Neo Tokyo (1987) – May 24
Akira (1988) – May 25 & June 13 (35th Anniversary)
Ghost in the Shell (1995) – June 1
Memories (1995) – June 3
Perfect Blue (1997) – June 3
Metropolis (2001) – June 9
Mind Game (2004) – June 11
Paprika (2006) – June 21 (Presented by TIFF Next Wave)
A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016) – June 27

POP Japan is free to members and tickets to the programme will be available on April 12. Public tickets will go on sale on April 14.

Social Media
Twitter: @TIFF_NET and #POPJapan
Instagram, TikTok & Letterboxd: @tiff_net
Facebook.com/TIFF

Michelle Obama gets candid with her buddy Oprah Winfrey in upcoming Docu-Special, “The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey”, streaming April 25, 2023 on Netflix.

Synopsis:

On the final stop of the tour for her 2022 bestseller The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, Michelle Obama unpacks her toolbox. In a wide-ranging conversation with good friend Oprah Winfrey, the former First Lady shares personal family stories about her childhood and time in the White House, offers hard won wisdom about self-confidence, fear, and aging, and gives practical advice for living in modern times, including the power of a kitchen table full of friends. Covering everything from menopause to social issues to romance, Obama and Winfrey have a candid, at times poignant, at times comedic but always real conversation about the moment in which we are living. The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey is a Netflix Special in association with Higher Ground Productions & Jesse Collins Entertainment.

See the Trailer:

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Good gracious! He provided the Soundtrack for much of our early 2000s and his songs to this day still stand the test of time. I love Nelly and he’s gifted us with so many bangers. “Hot in Herre”, “Dilemma”, “Ride Wit Me”, “Country Grammar” and so much more. The Rapper/Singer is here to remind us that he’s back in Toronto this June for one of this Summer’s biggest events June 24, 2023 at Downsview Park, this year’s edition of the 90’s Nostalgia Tour. He’ll be headlining a huge, star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Ne-Yo, Akon, T.I., Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Keri Hilson and Chingy!

Nelly did the rounds earlier today including appearances on Breakfast Television, Your Morning, Virgin Radio, CP24 Breakfast and more in a rare visit to the City!

You can get your tickets for the Concert here.

We’ve waited so many years to finally meet Nelly and it happened. He was so nice, signing autographs for his devout fans and stopping for Selfies!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Toronto’s own Winnie Harlow continue to be a force in Fashion. The international Supermodel who got her big break on America’s Next Top Model has been a mainstay ever since, using her voice to speak on and educating about Vitiligo. She’s been on covers internationally on publications like Glamour, Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan and more, plus appearing on Music Videos for the likes of Sam Smith, Eminem and Beyonce!

Harlow will be appearing at Sephora Eaton Centre in Toronto on Good Friday, 3 PM promoting her Cay Skincare line. More details here if you’re free!

She was out doing the rounds spreading the word about Cay, including an appearance on Breakfast Television. She’s absolutely stunning and such a sweetheart! So happy to see her continue to thrive and don’t believe it’s taken this long finally to meet!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Toronto icons Patois and Pizzeria Libretto have joined forces this month, giving the discerning Toronto food set something to rave about. Up till the end of April, Patois and Pizzeria Libretto have made available a special limited edition Pizza, a magical creation combining authentic flavours of Jamaica together with those of Italy in a harmonious union.

The Pizza is topped with Jerk Sauce, Jerk Mortadella, Panna (Cream), Fior di Latte (Cow’s Milk Mozarella), Pineapple Reduction and Toasted Pistachios, giving those who are anti-pineapple on Pizza lots to be confused about! It is delicious and better yet, tastes even more amazing after letting the flavours mingle and settle for a short bit.

But above all this, for every one of these Pizzas sold, they will be donating one frozen pizza to Daily Bread Food Bank Toronto. Feed yourself and feed those in need of a good meal. This is available at all Pizzeria Libretto locations in Toronto – but a reminder, only till the end of April! But really do you need an excuse to visit Pizzeria LIbretto? They literally are the best Pizza in the City! And this way you can get a taste of the superb Patois too. It’s a win-win!

A reel of delusciousness!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount+ today announced that the new music docuseries FAMILY LEGACY will premiere Tuesday, April 25, 2023 exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada. The series will also premiere internationally on Wednesday, April 26 in the U.K., Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, LATAM and Brazil, and on Saturday, April 29 in Australia. An official trailer and key art for the series were also released.

Narrated by actor and music artist Quincy Brown, each half hour of the five-episode series will feature the children of legendary music artists and bands including Linkin Park, Van Halen, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Boyz II Men, TLC, Biggie Smalls, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Brandy and Melissa Etheridge reliving some of entertainment’s most iconic moments and giving viewers an intimate look at their favorite artists.

Featured in the series are:

Andrew Hagar (son of Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar)
Bailey Cypheridge (daughter of Melissa Etheridge)
Baylee Littrell (son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell)
Briahna Fatone (daughter of *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone)
Christian “King” Combs (son of Sean “Diddy” Combs)
C.J. Wallace (son of Notorious B.I.G.)
Draven Bennington (son of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington)
Justin Combs (son of Sean “Diddy” Combs)
Nathan Morris II (son of Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris)
Quincy Brown (son of Sean “Diddy” Combs)
Sy’Rai Smith (daughter of Brandy)
Tron Austin (son of TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas)

Through thousands of hours of exclusive MTV footage and brand-new interviews with the children of our favorite stars, FAMILY LEGACY takes fans on a tour of iconic musicians’ most celebrated moments, with perspectives and untold stories only their kids could provide.

FAMILY LEGACY is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, with Bruce Gillmer and Jeremy Davies as executive producers. Nancy Glass, Eric Neuhaus and Lauren Flowers serve as executive producers for Glass Entertainment Group.

Today we get a brand-new Canadian Teaser Trailer for Greta Gerwig‘s BARBIE! Oh, we cannot wait till July 21st!

Synopsis:

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Half Nelson”) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (“End of Watch,” the “How to Train Your Dragon” films), Kate McKinnon (“Bombshell,” “Yesterday”), Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Juno”), Ariana Greenblatt (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “65”), Issa Rae (“The Photograph,” “Insecure”), Rhea Perlman (“I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Matilda”), and Will Ferrell (the “Anchorman” films, “Talladega Nights”). The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne (“Little Women”), Emma Mackey (“Emily,” “Sex Education”), Hari Nef (“Assassination Nation,” “Transparent”), Alexandra Shipp (the “X-Men” films), Kingsley Ben-Adir (“One Night in Miami,” “Peaky Blinders”), Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), Scott Evans (“Grace and Frankie”), Jamie Demetriou (“Cruella”), Connor Swindells (“Sex Education,” “Emma.”), Sharon Rooney (“Dumbo,” “Jerk”), Nicola Coughlin (“Bridgerton,” “Derry Girls”) and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”).

Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story,” “The Squid and the Whale”), based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman (“Marriage Story,” “Gravity”), Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.

Gerwig’s creative team behind the camera included Oscar-nominated director of photography Rodrigo Prieto (“The Irishman,” “Silence,” “Brokeback Mountain”), six-time Oscar-nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Anna Karenina”), editor Nick Houy (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Little Women,” “Anna Karenina”), visual effects supervisor Glen Pratt (“Paddington 2,” “Beauty and the Beast”), music supervisor George Drakoulias (“White Noise,” “Marriage Story”) and Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat (“The Shape of Water,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, a Mattel Production, “Barbie.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theatres only nationwide on July 21, 2023 and beginning internationally on July 19, 2023.

This is definitely one of our faves! So thrilled to hear we’ll be getting more Sima Auntie soon with the third season of INDIAN MATCHMAKING coming to Netflix Friday, April 21, 2023. Today, we get a brand-new Trailer! We’ve seen it and can’t wait to share our thoughts.

Synopsis:

Sima from Mumbai is back and busier than ever! This season, Mumbai’s premiere matchmaker will help single millennials around the globe find their perfect match. From London to New Delhi, Miami to New York, Sima will manage more expectations than ever before from clients, old and new. Drawing from her decades of experience, insightful intuition and traditional methods, Sima strives to help some lucky singles find their destinies!
Executive Producers: Aaron Saidman, Eli Holzman, Smriti Mundhra and J.C. Begley
Production Company: The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television
Format: 8 x 40-minute episodes

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Netflix today announced a limited series order for TALL PINES, a thriller from Mae Martin. Martin will also play a leading role in the show.

Logline:

TALL PINES is a thriller set in a bucolic but sinister town that explores the insidious underbelly of the “troubled teen industry” and the eternal struggle between one generation and the next.

Format / Episodes: 8 episode Limited Series

Creator / Co-Showrunner / Executive Producer: Mae Martin (Mae Martin: SAP, Feel Good, The Flight Attendant)

Co-Showrunner / Executive Producer: Ryan Scott (Servant, Treadstone, Fear The Walking Dead)

Executive Producers: Ben Farrell, producing through his company, Objective Fiction (Feel Good, The Gold), Hannah Mackay (Peep Show, Year of the Rabbit), Jennifer Kawaja (Sort Of, The Porter, Cardinal), Bruno Dubé (Transplant, The Sticky)

Production Company: Sphere Media

QUOTES:

Mae Martin: “Tall Pines is a story I’ve been dying to tell for years, and I’m beyond excited for people to see what we have in store! It’s going to be an insane roller coaster and so different to anything I’ve done before. Very very grateful to Netflix for supporting it, and I can’t wait to get going.”

Ben Farrell, Chief Creative Officer, Executive Producer, Objective Fiction: “Tall Pines is a truly gripping, intergenerational mystery thriller. Objective Fiction is delighted to be partnering with Netflix and Sphere Media to bring Mae Martin’s latest creation to the screen.”

Jennifer Kawaja, President English Scripted, Executive Producer, Sphere Media: “This is a fantastic project and Sphere is thrilled to be part of the team, with Netflix and Objective Fiction, producing work with a unique Canadian voice at its center.”

Danielle Woodrow, Director, Content – Canada, Netflix: “Tall Pines is a wildly entertaining story that explores the complex and sometimes twisted relationship between teens and adults. We’re thrilled to be working with a singular talent like Mae and bringing their unique voice to one of our first commissions for Netflix Canada.”

Following the Academy Award-winning success of SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, comes its anxiously-awaited followup, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE. Today we get a new Trailer!

Synopsis:
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

Directed by:
Joaquim Dos Santos
Kemp Powers
Justin K. Thompson

Screenplay by:
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham

Based on the MARVEL Comic Books.

Produced by:
Avi Arad
Amy Pascal
Phil Lord
Christopher Miller
Christina Steinberg

Executive Producers:

Bob Persichetti
Peter Ramsey
Rodney Rothman
Aditya Sood
Rebecca Karch
Brian Bendis

Cast:
Shameik Moore
Hailee Steinfeld
Jake Johnson
Issa Rae
Daniel Kaluuya
Karan Soni
Jason Schwartzman
Brian Tyree Henry
Luna Lauren Velez
Greta Lee
Rachel Dratch
Jorma Taccone
Shea Whigham
and Oscar Isaac

Sony Pictures Canada release SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE June 2, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada/Marvel)