#FIRSTLOOK: FAN EXPO 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

FAN EXPO CANADA returned this weekend in Toronto, running from August 24-27, 2023 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event, known as Canada’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event draws fans from all around the world to celebrate their love of genre, a chance to meet their idols and also connect with others who are equally passionate about their fandoms.

The weekend saw large crowds and long queues, making those years impacted by the pandemic seem like a distant memory. While most autograph sessions, photo ops, Tattoo Alley and vendors took-up the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the South Building saw an even larger focus on Artist Alley, an area where Artists were line-up and ready to meet their fans, giving them an opportunity to order commissioned pieces. Cosplay was out of this world and even more next-level than ever before!

Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike putting Hollywood at a standstill right now, many of the celebrity guests at the event observed guidelines that paid respect to the Union, while balancing this still with a chance to not disappoint their eager fans. Names like Zachary Levi, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Harvey Guillén, Anthony Michael Hall, Christie Brinkley, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Jason Lee, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Christina Ricci and Hayden Christensen, came out to raise the event’s profile doing autograph signings, photo ops and panels. Big draws like Millie Bobby Brown, Chevy Chase, Danny Trejo and Sam Raimi also were among the names originally scheduled but had to cancel in the weeks leading to the event.

And this year there was a more female-led presence more than ever before. Is this the Barbie effect?

A Reel of highlights:

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There were more activations than ever before with several streaming services setting-up fun, interactive experiences for attendees, giving them a chance at photo ops and prizes!

PRIME VIDEO CANADA

Guests at this activation received free Prime Video-branded reusable bags and chances to get photo ops celebrating the launch of GEN V (a spinoff of their top-rated series The Boys), Invincible and The Wheel of Time. Fans were even given a chance to screen the first episode of the latter’s second season this past weekend.

STACKTV

Lots of fun skill-testing activities for a shot at prizes from their Prize Booth at their STACKTV CARNIVAL! Ringing-in the launch of the upcoming new seasons of SURVIVOR, RICK AND MORTY, CHUCKY and original series ROBYN HOOD!

PARAMOUNT+ CANADA

Highlighting current theatrical release TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, plus popular series like TWISTED METAL, YELLOWSTONE and SPONGEBOB, guests got to enjoy fun photo ops celebrating these titles. There was even an mini refrigerator inspired by TWISTED METAL being given away!

DISNEY+ CANADA

STAR WARS: AHSOKA streams now on the service and some really cool pieces from the Series were put in display, including the very adorable Loth-Cat. Guests also got to put themselves into an interactive 360 cam video.

CRUNCHYROLL

This Anime and Manga streaming giant make their first foray north, debuting at Fan Expo Canada this year! If you love Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Z, this is the service for you!

CINEPLEX PICTURES

With big releases planned ahead, a displays promoting EXPEND4BLES, HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES and SAW X, were seen. Costume pieces from the former designed by Academy Award nominee Trish Summerville, were proudly showcased.

SQUISHMALLOWS

In addition to taking over Summer 2023 with a McFlurry and special limited edition Happy Meal toys at McDonald’s, Squishmallows have us obsessed. An activation with fun games was very popular, people playing for a chance to win one of these treasured toys.

STUDIO GHIBLI

Too much cuteness at this Cat Bus photo op, allowing guests to hop into the busy for photo ops with their loved ones.

In addition to many vendors selling hard-to-find merchandise and memorabilia, some familiar retailers set-up show also in the South Building.

UNIQLO CANADA

Uniqlo Canada currently has a T-Shirt collection inspired by popular Manga “BLEACH” and these were available for purchase.

RETROKID

We love Retrokid and their love for all things nostalgic to us. They even had some pieces on-sale at Fan Expo Canada! Did you know that Scarborough’s Emmy-winning voice chameleon Eric Bauza is a Co-Founder?

Team Mr. Will had the pleasure of sitting-in on some the key panels over the weekend and here are the highlights!

“SCREAM” PANEL

The Cast of this beloved franchise came out to speak at a panel amidst guidelines that paid respect to SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines. Appearing at the Panel were Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich and Jamie Kennedy.

Before the Cast came out on-stage, certain house rules were laid-out:

-During the strike, there will be no questions about any work those on the panel have done. This goes for every panel.

-That means that for the Scream panel, the Cast cannot mention any work they did on the franchise.

-Due to this, they will answer more personal questions and talk about the industry.

-Only fan questions previously selected from social channels would be asked.

Some highlights and quotes from the Panel:

“You know we have a strike going on. It’s lovely to be at this…insurance convention.” — Jamie Kennedy

“It’s really humbling…you have these moments coming out to beautiful groups of people…we really appreciate you guys” — Matthew Lillard (on coming to Fan Expo)

“I love seeing Ghostface out there!” — Neve Campbell (to the one fan cosplaying as Ghostface)

The Cast comment on what makes them scared in real life:
“American politics” — Matthew Lillard
“Religious horror…the exorcist” — Skeet Ulrich
“The original exorcist but also being at home” — Jamie Kennedy
“Anything with kids” — Neve Campbell

On Director Wes Craven, the Cast had nothing by glowing praise about the late Director.

-“He was just so calm. He set a president. A calm beautiful inclusive demeanour…he was like ‘never be scared to ask a director for another take and don’t be scared to ask a question'” – Jamie Kennedy

-“The essence of him. He had a psychological curiosity about all his characters. He was incredibly supportive of not just the actors but everyone around him to being his vision to life” –Skeet Ulrich

-“He had a wonderful twisted sense of humour…you’d do a take this very violent take and all you’d hear after cut was him giggling in glee … he was a wonderful wonderful person and I miss him” -Neve Campbell

-Craven once told Matthew Lillard that he would win an Academy Award one day and he told his mother that on the phone while on set…”I didn’t know how I was going to feed my kids…for me that moment resonates very deeply when I feel the worst” – Matthew Lillard

JON BERNTHAL

Jon Bernthal (Daredevil, The Bear, King Richard) has been to the City prior for TIFF and comments what he thinks of Toronto:
“I’ve come here for the film festival a couple of times and shot something here. I wrote something here and I got a lot of really cool work. I accredit that to really cool people. Good people. Good energy.”

On method acting:
“When you think about there are just sacred seconds between action and cut. For me, being the monkey with the makeup on saying the line…You need to start warding off things that are distractions and keep your energy. I don’t need anyone to call me by a different name. I just need to kneel at the alter of the project and the story.”

On advice he would give himself when he was starting out:
“Don’t feel like you gotta bleed out for this thing. Don’t grind so hard. But the truth is the journey is our journey.”

CHRISTINA RICCI

Ricci (Sleepy Hollow, Wednesday, Yellowjackets) would field only audience questions, navigating strike guidelines with aplomb.

-“I had a difficult childhood home life. There’s a lot of abuse in my family so being an actor for me was an escape. So when people ask me how you survived the industry I’m like how the fuck do you survive life. I’m still a person who struggles and a person who’s finding their way. The best thing is to surround yourself by genuinely good people or no one at all”

On what she’s stolen from sets:

-“I’ve stolen knickknacks. Really comfy warm clothes. I occasionally get really good socks. But nothing anyone else would find impressive.”

On advice to her young self or new actors:

-“Your biggest asset is individuality. There’s no point in being good at what others are really good at. Focus on what you can do that others can’t do.”

Cosplayers at Fan Expo Canada continue to up their game every year and this year was exactly this. See some of the amazing, innovative looks!

Don’t forget to download the Fan Expo App for all updates and to best plan your next experience at Fan Expo!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)

#FIRSTLOOK: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS CANADA “WISH” PREVIEW

By George Kozera

Recently, we had the great honour to be invited by Disney to view select scenes from their upcoming cinematic extravaganza WISH, followed by a Q&A from the Movie’s Producer Peter Del Vecho and first-time feature Director Fawn Veerasunthorn (who had worked on Moana, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zootopia and Frozen in various capacities).

WISH is about a young girl who will meet the King, hoping he will grant her most fervent wish only to discover that all is not what it seems to be.

Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose is the voice of Asha, the young girl with the wish and Chris Pine is the voice of King Magnifico, who may be Disney‘s most fascinating villain to date.

The two songs we had the opportunity to hear and see on the big screen are astonishing (DeBose has pipes!) but it’s the animation that takes your breath away.

Just when you think that Disney movies cannot look better, we are once again floored by what is presented. Veerasunthorn has amalgamated all she had done in previous features and this Movie has Oscar written all over it!

Disney‘s WISH is in theatres November 22, 2023.

#SPOTTED: BEN SCHWARTZ IN TORONTO FOR “BEN SCHWARTZ AND FRIENDS”

We adore Ben Schwartz! The Funnyman brought his Ben Schwartz and Friends to Toronto finally after the show was post-poned last September at Meridian Hall. The venue this time around was Massey Hall and he filled the house, bringing along Comedians Ben Tarver and Jessica McKenna.

Schwartz has a very impressive body of work, including two Sonic the Hedgehog films, The Other Guys, Everybody’s Fine, The Afterparty, House of Lies and Parks and Recreation.

Upon arriving in Toronto, he got to try Matty Matheson’s top-rated Prime Seafood Palace and called the meal “mindblowing”! Matheson returned then support attending Schwartz’s show, along with Actor-turned-Director Finn Wolfhard.

So happy finally to meet Schwartz after missing him on his last visit here back in 2018, playing Danforth Music Hall along with Thomas Middleditch! An incredibly nice guy!

There will be a third Sonic the Hedgehog film. Can’t wait!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#BOXOFFICE: “GRAN TURISMO” SET TO MOTOR TO THE TOP

A close finish is projected at the Box Office this weekend with GRAN TURISMO, debuting with $17.3 million from 3,856 theatres for Sony Pictures. Based on a true story of a racing gamer who found himself in the driver’s seat, this gets 60% on the Tomatometer. It is National Cinema Day this Sunday, so it will be interesting to see how this might impact these projections.

BARBIE is poised for second with $15.8 million from 3,736 theatres for Warner Bros., taking it to an incredible $593 million domestically.

BLUE BEETLE is set to take third with $10.5 million on its second weekend, a tally of $44 million thus far for Warner Bros.

OPPENHEIMER gets fourth with $7.8 million, taking it almost to the $300 million-mark for Universal Pictures.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM rounds the Top Five out with $5.9 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $98 million.

#FIRSTLOOK: THE EX IS BACK 2023!

So happy to be back at my happy place! Running August 18 – September 4, 2023, Toronto institution THE EX (Canadian National Exhibition) is back again and in full flight, heading into its second weekend. We’ll never forget how empty our Summers felt without.

In addition to a Las Vegas-style Waterfront Fountain Show and skating icon Elvis Stojko bring back and taking to the rink for the first time in four years, fan favourites like SuperDogs, International Stage performances from around the world, Celebrity Kitchen Stage, Food Truck Frenzy, and 18-day Gaming Garage sponsored by Intel, are back!  

And of course, it wouldn’t be The Ex, without the The Canadian International Air Show taking to the skies on Labour Day weekend. Recently-added fixture, the nightly Drone Shows presented by Vinfast, are back again with 100 drones and breathtaking formation, giving you a reason to come and stay all day.

The Ex has always been about the festivity and the food for me. There are several amazing new food options in the Food Building and also the Midway. We try a few of the fun new options and wouldn’t be surprised to visit again once more before Labour Day!

@mrwillwong So happy to be back at my happy place! The Ex is back on till 9.4.23 in Toronto! We try a few of the new crazy food offerings! #TheEx #LetsgototheEx #CNE #Toronto #TorontoEats ♬ Summer Baby – Jonas Brothers

Ticket pricing:
Adult Admission: $25
Seniors: $20
Youth: $20
Children under 4 years old: FREE
Family Pass: $75 
 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF23: AWARD CATEGORIES, JURY MEMBERS AND PRIZES CONFIRMED FOR FESTIVAL

The Toronto International Film Festival® is delighted to announce its Award categories, jury members, and prizes for 2023, along with the return of three distinguished international film juries to honour outstanding works in this year’s lineup. The juries, featuring renowned film critics and filmmakers, include five members for FIPRESCI, the International Federation of Film Critics; three jurors for NETPAC, the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema; and three jurors for Platform (previously announced). All awards will be announced on September 17 at the annual Awards Breakfast at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Details to follow in the coming weeks.

“A crucial component of the film industry’s ecosystem, the annual awards presented by TIFF are dedicated to honouring creativity, vision, and excellence,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “Every year, we unite to applaud the diverse array of cinematic voices with the support of respected colleagues from the global industry, and this year will be no exception.”

BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARD
TIFF continues to celebrate the unique craft and storytelling within Canadian cinema with the Best Canadian Feature Film Award. All 27 Canadian feature films in Official Selection — ranging from debut features to documentaries to films from well-established directors — will be considered for the award.

AMPLIFY VOICES AWARDS PRESENTED BY CANADA GOOSE
Canada Goose embraces diversity in all its forms and definitions, including the technique and passion that transports storytelling to the screen. This year, Canada Goose will again present the Amplify Voices Awards to under-represented filmmakers in Canada. Feature films in Official Selection by Canadian BIPOC filmmakers are eligible for the Best Feature and Best First Feature Award. The Amplify Voices Award will also celebrate a Canadian BIPOC trailblazer, recognizing a producer who has made significant contributions to the Canadian film landscape. The three winners will receive a cash prize of $10,000 each, made possible by Canada Goose. The jurors are:

V.T. Nayani is a multi-hyphenate storyteller working across the screen industries. She is an alumni of the Canadian Film Centre, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, The Gotham, and BIPOC TV & Film. Nayani’s feature directorial debut, This Place, premiered at TIFF in 2022.

Nisha Pahuja’s documentary credits include To Kill a Tiger, which won the Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature in 2022 and fifteen other awards. Other directorial credits include The World Before Her (2012), which received an Emmy nomination, and Diamond Road (2008).

Ricardo Acosta is a film editor, script consultant, and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Canadian Cinema Editors. His editing and story consulting credits include Once Upon a Time in Venezuela (2020), The Letter (2019), The Silence of Others (2018), Sembene! (2015), and Marmato (2014). His films have premiered at Sundance, Cannes, and IDFA, among other international film festivals.

SHORT CUTS AWARDS
Films in the Short Cuts programme are eligible for three jury-selected Short Cuts Awards: Best Short Film, Best Canadian Short Film, and the Share Her Journey Award for best short film by a woman filmmaker. These awards provide each of the three winners with a bursary of $10,000 CAD to help them continue achieving success in their careers. Short Cuts Awards Jurors are:

Aisha Jamal is an Afghan Canadian filmmaker and film programmer. Since 2016, she has been programming Canadian films for the Hot Docs Documentary Festival. Her feature debut A Kandahar Away premiered in 2019 and is now playing on Documentary Channel and screening on CBC Gem in Canada. Her previous short films have played at venues and festivals worldwide.

Araya Mengesha is an Ethiopian Eritrean award-winning filmmaker and actor. His co-written/directed short film DEFUND was a TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten 2021 selection after its World Premiere at TIFF ’21, collecting wins and nominations along the festival circuit, as well as becoming a Vimeo Staff Pick. As an actor, he is a Gemini Award (now called Canadian Screen Award) winner, CSA Best Lead Performer (Digital Series), and multi–ACTRA Award nominee. Currently in development is the feature film The Section based on the short work TEF, which Mengesha wrote and starred in during his residency at the Canadian Film Centre.

Shasha Nakhai is a Toronto-based storyteller with more than a decade of experience. Her work has aired on the BBC, CBC, ZDF, and Arte; screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); been nominated for 16 Canadian Screen Awards; named as part of TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten; and shortlisted for an Oscar.

CHANGEMAKER AWARD
The Changemaker Award is presented to a feature film in Official Selection that explores issues relevant to young people and is focused on themes of social change and youth empowerment. The award embraces the power in young people seeing their communities represented on screen and celebrates the next generation of storytellers and changemakers in cinema. The winning film is selected by TIFF’s Next Wave Committee, a group of young film lovers who recognize cinema’s power to transform the world. All Next Wave–selected films in Official Selection are eligible, and the winning director(s) receives $10,000 CAD. In 2022, the Changemaker Award went to Luis De Filippis’ Something You Said Last Night.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
A longstanding tradition at TIFF, the People’s Choice Award is celebrating its 46th year, and TIFF audience members are encouraged to vote for their favourite films online at tiff.net/vote. All feature films in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible for this Award. TIFF has two other Awards also voted on by the audience: the People’s Choice Documentary Award and the People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award. The 2022 winners are The Fabelmans, Black Ice, and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

FIPRESCI JURY
The FIPRESCI Prize is presented by an international jury selected by the International Federation of Film Critics. Founded in 1930, the Federation awards the prize at international film festivals and film festivals of particular importance to promote film-art and to encourage new and young cinema. The FIPRESCI Jury will award the Prize of International Critics, dedicated to emerging filmmakers for the 30th year, to one feature film having its World Premiere in TIFF’s Discovery programme. Last year’s winner was A Gaza Weekend. The 2023 FIPRESCI jurors are:

Cem Altinsaray is a film critic with 28 years of experience in writing, editing, creating, and publishing movie magazines. He is now focused on enjoying and spreading his love of cinema at MUBI.

Elijah Baron is a Montreal-based film critic, translator, and editor, mostly known for his affiliation with 24 images, one of Quebec’s leading and oldest French-language film magazines.

Jindřiška Bláhová is a film critic and film industry analyst for the leading Czech weekly Respekt, an editor-in-chief of the film magazine Cinepur, and a film historian.

Diego Faraone is a Uruguayan film critic and journalist. He collaborated in publications such as Dossier, El Boulevard, Guía 50, and Argentinian websites Revista Caligari and Otros Cines, among others.

Jenni Zylka is a freelance writer focusing on film, media, and music. She is head of the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section of the Berlinale.

NETPAC JURY
Presented by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema, the NETPAC Award recognizes films specifically from the Asian and Pacific region. The jury consists of three members of the international community selected by TIFF and NETPAC, who award the prize to the best film by an emerging Asian and/or Pacific Islander filmmaker in the Centrepiece and Discovery programmes. In 2022, the NETPAC Award went to Sweet As. The 2023 NETPAC Award jurors are:

Sung Moon, 2023 NETPAC Jury Chair, is a programmer at the Jeonju International Film Festival.

Haolun Shu is a Shanghai-based filmmaker and teaches film directing and screenwriting at Shanghai Film Academy.

Lalita Krishna is the Co-Chair of Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. She is a critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker.

#FIRSTLOOK: FANS INVITED TO STAR TREK DAY CELEBRATIONS

Join Paramount+, CBS Studios and fans from around the world for the annual “Star Trek Day” global celebration on Friday, September 8, 2023. This year’s special program is hosted by STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS’ Jerry O’Connell on Paramount+ and features special STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS screenings across the U.S., the UK and Canada in anticipation of the upcoming fourth season.

Additional information on “Star Trek Day” programming and initiatives can be found at StarTrek.com/Day.

On September 8, 1966, STAR TREK debuted for the first time on television with “The Man Trap.” On that day, STAR TREK creator Gene Roddenberry introduced audiences to a world that championed diversity, inclusion, acceptance and hope. Fifty-seven years later, Paramount honors this important day and the franchise’s enduring legacy by providing fans with memorable ways to enjoy and celebrate all things STAR TREK.

Additional information on Paramount’s “Star Trek Day” global celebration and initiatives is below:

“STAR TREK DAY” SPECIAL PROGRAM, HOSTED BY JERRY O’CONNELL

On September 8, fans worldwide can watch the “Star Trek Day” special program, hosted by STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS’ Commander Jack Ransom, himself, Jerry O’Connell. A salute to the franchise, the special program will include segments that look back at memorable moments over the past 57 years; commemorate 50 years of STAR TREK animation; pay tribute to STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, ahead of its final season; provide an exclusive sneak-peek clip from the upcoming fourth season of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS; and commemorate many other moments that highlight STAR TREK’s legacy.

The “Star Trek Day” special will be available to watch for free globally on StarTrek.com/Day, YouTube (Paramount+ and STAR TREK Official pages), Twitch (ParamountPlus) and Facebook (@StarTrekOnPPlus and @StarTrek).

“STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION” – STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The animated universe of STAR TREK began 50 years ago on September 8, with STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES. This “Star Trek Day” commemorates the 50th anniversary with an evening of cartoon comedy, including four specially selected episodes of the hit animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS. Fans can attend these exclusive, free promotional screenings and experience the brand-new season of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS on the big screen. The day is jam-packed with sneak peeks and surprises, free concessions, giveaways and more! This is a can’t-miss event for long-time fans of STAR TREK and adult animation across the U.S., Canada and the UK.

All screenings are free to attend, and fans can register at STAR TREK ANIMATED CELEBRATION SCREENINGS on Thursday, August 24, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET. The special STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS fan screenings will take place in Canadian cities Vancouver and Calgary, as well as in Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and London.

SPECIAL “STAR TREK DAY” MERCHANDISE AND SALE

On September 8, fans can use the code STARTREKDAY for 25 percent off sitewide at https://shop.StarTrek.com, which includes curated “Star Trek Day” and STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED SERIES collections.

#SPOTTED: BILLY PORTER IN TORONTO FOR “THE BOW”

Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Billy Porter graced Toronto last night in celebration a new free LGBTQ+, ad-driven streaming platform, The Bow – coming soon.

The star of F/X‘s Pose, won much acclaim in the Broadway community starring on Kinky Boots and continues to thrive as a Red Carpet staple. Just this year, Porter was seen in amazing Super Bowl-set Comedy 80 FOR BRADY! 

Porter before the celebration at historic El Mocambo, says “The Bow streams queer content by queer artists, for queer people. There is a Social Media component to it. When we think of high-level queer content now, most of it is adult.  And most of it are behind pay walls.”. He adds, “When I was doing Pose, it was for my community and it was behind a paywall.  At first the people we made it for couldn’t even watch it. What I love about this idea is that not only does it allow people to create, there’s also a social media component to it. But it gives Advertisers the opportunity to step up. Not just in June, but 365 days a year.”.

While speaking to KISS 92.5′s Maurie Sherman, Porter expressed strong feelings about the SAG-AFTRA strike which has Hollywood at a standstill. “I won that company an Emmy and I’m getting six cent cheques. So yeah, I’m beyond pissed off.  Yeah I’m enraged”, he says. “I talk about the tiering. What the world needs to understand is that we’re not all Tom Cruise. Actors are blue collar workers. We have 160,000 Actors in our union. 2% of those people work regularly. 80% cannot meet the $27,000 to make their medical insurance. This is where we are. I said what I said and I mean exactly what I said. Eff them for real. This is not a game!”.

Also appearing at the affair were the likes of Matthew McLaughlin (The Bow Founder), Canada’s Next Emerging Artist Nano Talrose, Canada’s International Drag Sensation Sofonda Cox, Drag Artist Lucy Flawless, Toronto’s premier R&B Gospel Inkloosiv Voices, Actress Olunike Adeliyi (CBC’s The Porter), and Actress Rakhee Morzaria (CBC‘s Run the Burbs). 

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#FIRSTLOOK: “THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR”

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will be released on Netflix September 27, 2023. Today we get a first look at artwork for Venice, from this latest effort from Wes Anderson.

ABOUT:
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Wes Anderson
Producers: Wes Anderson, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
Co-Producers: Octavia Peissel, John Peet, Alice Dawson
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade
Runtime: 39 mins
Logline: A beloved Roald Dahl story about a rich man who learns about a guru who can see without using his eyes and then sets out to master the skill in order to cheat at gambling.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: “ROJEK” TO REPRESENT CANADA FOR INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

ROJEK is representing Canada in the nomination process for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards®, to be held on March 10, 2024. The film is directed and written by Zaynê Akyol, and produced by Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre, Sylvain Corbeil, and Zaynê Akyol of Métafilms. It is being distributed in Canada by Maison 4:3 and in the United States by Icarus Films.  International sales are handled by Andana Films. 

“In what may have been Canada’s most competitive year ever, ROJEK was selected by a jury of industry peers as the film to best represent Canada in the Oscar® race,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, of Telefilm Canada. “This announcement marks the beginning of an incredible journey and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for ROJEK to reach audiences around the world and give them just a taste of the quality of filmmaking that Canada has to offer. We wish Zaynê, Metafilms, and the entire creative team all the best of luck as they move forward.”

“Being chosen to represent Canada at the Oscars® with ROJEK is a tremendous honour,” said Zaynê Akyol, director, writer, and producer. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to the pan-Canadian selection committee for this recognition. Also, a sincere thank you to my dedicated team, who continually pushed the boundaries of creativity and excellence. This moment is the fruit of our shared passion and unwavering commitment to cinema and justice.”

The documentary is told in a mix of Arabic, English, French, and Kurdish. It opened in Canadian theatres on January 20, 2023, and is available for rental on all major platforms.

ROJEK premiered at the 2022 Visions du Réel Film Festival in Nyon, Switzerland. It has screened at festivals around the world, including winning the DGC Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature Documentary at the 2022 Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival.

As the appointed non-voting chair of the committee, Telefilm Canada organizes the annual pan-Canadian Selection Committee for Canada’s submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards®.

The vote was determined by a pan-Canadian committee of industry organizations and guilds, as well as filmmakers and industry professionals appointed to represent organizations. Overall, 28 films were submitted for consideration as Canada’s Choice this year. The committee met the morning of August 24 to select the film.

So far, seven countries have submitted their entries for the Best International Feature Film category. Last year, 93 countries submitted a film.

Key dates:

October 2, 2023 – Deadline for country submissions for the Best International Feature Film category
December 21, 2023 – Academy shortlist of 15 titles selected to move forward.
January 23, 2024 – Academy Award® nominations announced
March 10, 2024 – Academy Awards® ceremony

About ROJEK

Synopsis 

ROJEK encounters incarcerated members of the Islamic State from all over the world, as well as their wives detained in prison-camps, who are sharing a common dream: establishing a caliphate. Confronted with the fundamentalist beliefs of the jihadists, the film attempts to trace the beginning, the rise and fall of the Islamic State (ISIS) through their personal stories. These conversations are the thread along which the documentary evolves, as it is intertwined with various sequences depicting current, post-war Syrian Kurdistan.

ROJEK offers an intimate gaze at an unknown reality, testifying of pivotal moments experienced by the actors of this conflict. The film tackles how this ideological war is only the beginning of a new kind of threat.