#NEWMUSIC: FIRST ROUND OF SUMMER 2026 CNE CONCERTS ANNOUNCED

Summer music season is heating up and will soon be sizzling come August when the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) gets underway with what is shaping up to be one of its most electrifying concert billings to-date. CNE organizers have just dropped the first set of headliners who will be performing during the iconic 18-day fair that includes the likes of Grammy-winning Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco and global reggae-pop hitmaker Shaggy, as well as definitive Canadian artists whose songs such as “Life is a Highway,” and “Highway of Heroes,” have shaped generations of music lovers. Among the Canadian headliners announced is eight-time JUNO-winning rock icon and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Tom Cochrane; one of Canada’s most successful rock bands The Trews; platinum-selling singer songwriter and Billboard Canada’s inaugural 2025 Visionary Award recipient, Lights; and this year’s JUNO Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year nominees, Silverstein.

More artists will be announced in the coming months to round out the CNE’s concert line-up across its five music stages including the newly added NXNE Stage that will showcase breakout artists on the cusp of stardom, in partnership with the NXNE Music Festival & Conference; and the CNE Bandshell stage that is being renamed the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada. These landmark partnerships will amplify the CNE’s music programming for years to come, and with plans to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Bandshell – 2026 is going to be the Year of Music at the CNE.

“The Bandshell has been the heartbeat of Canadian music for 90 years. Nine decades of artists, genres, and generations, all on this one stage,” says Mark Holland, CNE CEO. “This summer, we’re not just celebrating that legacy, we’re expanding it. Partnering with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada to reimagine what this stage means is how we ensure music becomes an even bigger part of what the CNE means to Canadians. We can’t wait to welcome fans back to the grounds.”

“SOUNDSTAGE is a future-facing cultural platform launched by ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), designed to connect live experiences, culture, and music discovery through premium physical venues and large-scale stages,” says Mo Ghoneim, AMG Founder. “From the opening of our flagship SOUNDSTAGE venue in Toronto to the launch of the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Canadian National Exhibition in partnership with Billboard Canada and Rolling Stone Canada, we’re redefining the live music experience for the next generation while honouring the rich legacy of the Bandshell that helped shape it.”

All concerts are free with CNE admission. Advance ticket discounts are on sale now with savings up to 35% if purchased until August 20 at TheEx.com/tickets. New this year for music lovers, the CNE is offering a Front Row VIP Experience add-on option to their admission ticket with dynamic pricing that includes reserved front of stage viewing area of the Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, access to the VIP Lounge and amenities, a dedicated VIP bar and complimentary drink ticket.

The 2026 Canadian National Exhibition runs from August 21 to September 7. Stay tuned for more music announcements!

Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell – 2026 First Round of Performers:

Opening Day – Friday, August 21: LUPE FIASCO
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is a Chicago-born, Grammy award-winning American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Lupe emerged onto the scene 20 years ago with his critically acclaimed debut album, Food & Liquor (2006), earning him multiple Grammy nominations that quickly established him as one of hip-hop’s most distinct voices. Building on the momentum of his early success, his later albums garnered three Platinum singles, three RIAA Gold Certifications, 12 Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for his single, “Daydreamin’” (2008) featuring Jill Scott. Lupe’s other works, “Tetsuo & Youth” (2015) and “DROGAS Wave” (2018), pushed artistic boundaries and showcased his intricate lyricism, complex storytelling, and socially conscious themes.

Saturday, August 22: LIGHTS
As a singer, songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, comic book author, and DJ, Lights is a multi-talented force of nature. Her music blurs the lines between genres, such as indie, alternative, and dance. Lights has sold out tours globally, making headlines from Coachella to Comic-Con, and collaborating with artists like Travis Barker, deadmau5, Kaskade, Illenium, Steve Aoki, and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park. Her new era in support of her latest albums, A6 and A6EXTENDED, has her performing around the world with the Come Get Your Girl headline tour.

Sunday, August 23: SHAGGY
Born Orville Richard Burrell in Kingston, Jamaica, Shaggy rose to fame with his pioneering record “Oh Carolina” in 1993 and later with culture-shifting smashes such as “Boombastic” (1995), “In the Summertime” (1995), “Angel” (2000), and the iconic tune “It Wasn’t Me” in 2000. Shaggy’s recent projects include his Grammy-winning joint-album with Sting on “44/876” (2018), his worldwide dance floor banger “Go Down Deh” with Spice and “Hot Shot 2020” (2020). His single “Banana” (2020) with Conkarah, which he produced and co-wrote, earned over 2 billion digital streams through the viral #BananaDrop challenge. As the only Diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history, Shaggy has sold more than 40 million album units to date, with multiple Billboard Hot 100 hits and seven albums on the Billboard 200. He is the top-selling, living Jamaican artist of all time. His new album Lottery featuring duets with Sting, Aidonia, Robin Thicke and Akon, is set to be released May 15th.

Thursday, August 27: THE TREWS
As true rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights, The Trews have been a major force in the music industry. Earning 20 Top Ten Rock Radio singles, multiple Gold & Platinum certified albums, an Independent Music Award, and numerous JUNO Award nominations throughout their career, they have become one of Canada’s most successful rock bands of the past decade. Debuting with their 2003 full-length album House of Ill Fame (2003), The Trews took over Canadian radio with their iconic hit “Not Ready to Go” (2003). After playing thousands of shows worldwide on their own and as support for artists like The Rolling Stones, KISS, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen and more, the group is keeping it fresh with their newest album, The Bloody Light (2025), featuring the number one single “The Breakdown” released in October of last year.

Thursday, September 3: SILVERSTEIN
Formed in Ontario, Silverstein has solidified their spot as a defining force in Canadian rock, rising from underground roots to the top of the emo and post-hardcore genre. After more than 25 years in the industry, Silverstein is recognized as one of the most prolific rock and metal artists of the 21st century. With over one billion streams, three JUNO nominations, and two Gold Records, Silverstein shows no signs of slowing down. Classics like “My Heroine” (2005), “Smile in Your Sleep” (2005) and “The Afterglow” (2017) have become Silverstein anthems for generations of devoted fans, and in 2025, the group expanded their catalogue with two full-length albums – Antibloom and Pink Moon.

Saturday, September 5: TOM COCHRANE
Starting as a folk-based singer/songwriter, Tom Cochrane began his illustrious career playing the coffeehouses of Toronto’s Yorkville scene in the early ‘70s. In 1978, Cochrane joined the rock group Red Rider— creating nine albums with hits like “Lunatic Fringe” (1981), “Human Race” (1983), “Boy Inside the Man” (1986), and the chart-topper, “Big League” (1988). Launching his solo career with the release of the famous record “Life Is a Highway” (1991), Cochrane sold more than seven million copies worldwide, hitting certified Diamond status and receiving a Grammy nomination. As a Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Cochrane has won eight JUNO Awards throughout his career. His place as a Canadian music icon is honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and a 322km section of the Manitoba provincial highway named in tribute: Tom Cochrane’s Life Is a Highway.

#FIRSTLOOK: PRIME VIDEO “OBSESSION IS IN SESSION” INITIATIVE FIRST TEASER

Today, Prime Video announced Obsession is in Session, a new initiative marking the streamer’s bold commitment to being the leading destination for young adult audiences. The announcement arrives alongside a first look teaser trailer spotlighting Prime Video’s highly anticipated 2026 YA slate. The trailer ushers in a season-long celebration of young adult storytelling — featuring back-to-back premieres, immersive fan experiences, and cultural moments centred on the stories, creators, and communities shaping the next generation of entertainment.

The teaser trailer features first looks at Off Campus, Every Year After, Elle, Sterling Point, The Last Sunrise, The Love Hypothesis, The Devil’s Mouth, Maxton Hall Season 3, Drawn Together (Marfil), Your Fault: London, Perfectos Mentirosos, and Clashing Through the Snow.

Obsession is in Session brings together talent, creators, and the influential cultural voices defining today’s entertainment landscape to create an ecosystem of experiences that extends far beyond the screen—meeting YA audiences where they are and building meaningful connections between the stories they love and the communities they’ve created around them.

PRIME’S OBSESSED FEST

Anchoring the initiative is Obsessed Fest—an inaugural summer tentpole event that brings the internet’s most passionate fandoms to life. Taking place on June 27 at nya Studios in Los Angeles, this all-day immersive event transforms online fandom into a live, participatory celebration where fans can connect, discover, and engage like never before. Obsessed Fest will feature highly anticipated Prime Original YA titles including Every Year After, The Love Hypothesis, Elle, Off Campus, Overcompensating, Your Fault: London, Drawn Together and more—offering fans exclusive first looks, appearances from casts and creators and a range of fan focused access to the talent and creators behind the stories they obsess over.

Obsessed Fest programming includes:

Main Stage: A central programming hub featuring a Welcome Assembly and live, talent-led sessions with exclusive footage and interactive fan moments.

Book Club: A literary lounge designed for deep dives into fan-favourite adaptations, complete with author signings, live conversations, workshops, and curated bookshelves. Fans are encouraged to BYOB (Bring Your Own Book)!

Content Creation: A suite of cinematic content studios where fans can step into recreated scenes from key titles and capture personalized photo and video moments.

Screenings, Merch, and Concessions: From curated binges in a dedicated screening room to exclusive merch drops, food experiences inspired by on-screen moments, and communal fan spaces, every element at Obsessed Fest is thoughtfully designed to extend the viewing experience into real life.

PRIME BOOK CLUB

Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios will also spotlight Prime Book Club, a global program that extends the company’s book-to-screen storytelling pipeline, with Obsessed Fest serving as its first live activation. Designed to amplify the voices of authors, talent, and creators, Prime Book Club will offer curated reading recommendations, behind-the-scenes content, live experiences, and social-first storytelling. The program is expanding its reach with dedicated social accounts (@PrimeBookClub) and activating the passionate BookTok community that has become a driving force in entertainment discovery.

#FIRSTLOOK: BRITBOX CANADA MAY 2026 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

The Other Bennet Sister reimagines Jane Austen’s world through the eyes of Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri, Call the Midwife), placing the often-overlooked sister at the center of a fresh Regency-era story of love, ambition and self-discovery. A breakout hit in the UK, the series became the BBC’s biggest new drama launch in the past year, and now arrives in North America on BritBox. Featuring a standout ensemble cast including Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey) as Mrs. Bennet – also appearing on On the Box: The BritBox Podcast on May 4 – The Other Bennet Sister premieres May 6.

Twenty Twenty Six sees Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) reprise his beloved role as Ian Fletcher, returning to navigate another high-stakes, high-pressure chapter in this acclaimed satirical franchise. Continuing the story that began with Twenty Twelve and W1A, the new series brings its signature wit to an ambitious new setting: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bonneville is also the latest guest on On the Box: The BritBox Podcast, with his episode now streaming. Twenty Twenty Sixpremieres on BritBox May 1.
For more information and to access additional press materials, please visit the new BritBox Media Room and sign up here. S

On the Box: The BritBox Podcast:
Hosted by award-winning British radio and television personality Edith Bowman and American comedian, presenter and proud Anglophile Michelle Collins, On the Box: The BritBox Podcast is created in partnership with BBC Studios Audio and delivers exclusive cast interviews, behind-the-scenes stories and sharp, lively takes on the best of British television. With new episodes released every Monday, the weekly series is available wherever listeners enjoy their podcasts.

May 4, 2026: 1×09: Ruth Jones ON Mrs Bennet as the Greatest Villain
Do not miss this brilliant episode as the fantastic Ruth Jones stops by On The Box to talk about playing Mrs Bennet in the new BritBox original The Other Bennet Sister.

The Gavin & Stacey star joins Edith and Michelle to talk about her experience working with the magnetic new star Ella Bruccoleri, the awesome power of a costume corset, her writing process with James Corden as they work on upcoming Apple TV show The Choir, and how to perfect the lunchtime nap on set.

STREAMING NOW: 1×08: Hugh Bonneville ON Where’s Paddington?
A VERY special episode joined by bonafide A-lister and British national treasure, Hugh Bonneville! The star of Paddington sits down with Edith and Michelle to discuss the secret sauce that made Downton Abbey so popular around the globe, the return of Ian Fletcher to our screens in Twenty Twenty Six and he also reveals the one question that all school children always ask him. You do not want to miss this one.

STREAMING NOW: 1×07: Edith & Michelle ON There’s Been A Murder
From Sherlock to Father Brown, there’s just no beating a Great British Detective story. In this episode, Edith and Michelle revisit a pair of classic episodes of Taggartand Inspector Morse, the hosts uncover some serious 90s nostalgia, amongst the grit and toil of these weathered detectives.

STREAMING NOW: 1×06: Ed Speleers ON I Didn’t Want To Go The Jack Sparrow Route
Ed Speleers (You, Outlander, The Lady, Eragon) joins Edith and Michelle for a hilarious conversation about wild nights on the streets of Budapest, teasing and marvelling at Mia McKenna-Bruce on the set of The Lady, his best sources for pirate inspo, how he and Edith go way, way back, and why they cut out all his worst clumsiness from Downton Abbey.

ICYMI:

STREAMING NOW: A Taste For Murder | Worldwide Premiere, BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, | 6 x 45’ | Released Weekly
For connoisseur Detective Chief Inspector Joe Mottram (Warren Brown, Luther), the beautiful island of Capri was meant to be a place to grieve his deceased wife, reconnect with his troubled teenage daughter and get closer to his late wife’s Italian relatives. All he planned was a summer’s break and a chance to savor some delicious Italian produce. But Joe attracts murder cases like a wasp to a ripe peach and soon he finds himself involved in a case that is very close to home. The finale of A Taste For Murder premieres May 5 on BritBox.

STREAMING NOW: After the Flood S2 | North America Premiere, BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive | 6 x 60’ | Released Weekly
The second series of After the Flood finds newly-promoted detective Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundle, Peaky Blinders) on the trail of a baffling murder investigation. As tensions simmer in Waterside amid the rising threat of moorland fires and the subsequent risk of further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances. Jo’s race to stop the killer will put her in opposition to dark, influential forces within the town, and ultimately take her on a much more personal investigation. One that will require her to operate in secret if she is to have any hope of rooting out the corruption that has blighted the town’s police force – and her own family – for decades. The season two finale of After the Flood premieres May 28 on BritBox.

BritBox May Listings:

May 1, 2026: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) | New to BritBox | 1 x 120’ | Released All at Once | *US Only
Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger, Chicago) is a busy journalist and singleton lost amid a sea of smug-marrieds in London. After vowing to abandon her many vices, Bridget turns over a new page by channeling her opinions and insecurities in a journal that becomes a hilarious chronicle of her misadventures. Soon, Bridget finds herself stuck in the sights of not one, but two men: her dashing boss Daniel (Hugh Grant, Love Actually), who thrives on bad behavior; and the brooding Mark (Colin Firth, The King’s Speech), who she despises but somehow can’t get away from.

May 1, 2026: Twenty Twenty Six S1 | BritBox Co-Exclusive, North America Premiere | 6 x 30’ | Released All at Once
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) reprises his role as Ian Fletcher from acclaimed comedies W1A and Twenty Twelve. And this time he’s managing the biggest sporting event in history. The year 2026 will see the biggest football competition ever staged. Three host nations. Thousands of miles apart. And with five billion fans set to watch, someone needs to retain possession of this complex operation. What could possibly go wrong? Enter Ian Fletcher, former Head of Deliverance for the London 2012 Olympics. A man who’s got where he has because of a unique capacity to remain relentlessly positive – even when all available evidence suggests otherwise. From BAFTA winner John Morton (Twenty Twelve, W1A).

May 6, 2026: The Other Bennet Sister | North America Premiere, BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, | 10 x 30’ | Released 3x on Premiere, Then Weekly
Ella Bruccoleri (Ludwig, Call the Midwife) stars as one of Jane Austen’s most unassuming characters: Mary Bennet – the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The series follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters’ shadows in search of her own identity and purpose – finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way. Her journey will see her leave her family home in Meryton for the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love and reinvention.

May 11, 2026: I Literally Just Told You S3 | North America Premiere | 5 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Jimmy Carr (The Big Fat Quiz of the Year) presents a new gameshow with a unique twist – the contestants have to answer questions being written live as the show is being filmed

May 20, 2026: Howards End S1 | New to BritBox | 4 x 60’ | Released All at Once | *US Only
Academy Award winning screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan brings a fresh take to E.M. Forster’s classic novel with an adaptation starring Matthew Macfadyen (Succession, Pride & Prejudice) and Hayley Atwell (Rivals, Paddington in Peru). Howards End is a portrait of two imaginative and life-loving sisters in Edwardian England as they develop relationships within both the upper and lower classes.

May 25, 2026: QI (W) S24 | North America Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 14 x 30’ | Released All at Once
The nation’s most curious comedy quiz show is back. QI returns with Series W, promising another round of razor-sharp wit, unexpected facts and the very best in comedy talent. At the helm once again is Sandi Toksvig (No 73), joined by Alan Davies (Jonathan Creek) as they both lead a dazzling mix of first-time guests and returning favourites who wrestle with the Weird and Wonderful, dabble in Wordmongery, puzzle over Who, What, Why and unravel all manner of Whatnots.

BritBox 2026 Sneak Peek:
Coming Soon: A Woman of Substance S1 | BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, North America Premiere | 8 x 60’
From servant’s quarters to business empire, Emma Harte’s (Brenda Blethyn, Vera) indomitable spirit propels her rise from poverty to riches, yearning for one unattainable love.

Coming Soon: Gone S1 | BritBox Original, BritBox Exclusive, North America Premiere | 6 x 60’
David Morrissey (Sherwood) and Eve Myles (Torchwood) star in this gripping drama. When his wife disappears, an inscrutably composed headmaster finds himself under mounting suspicion.

BBC Select May Listings:
May 1, 2026: The Real Spies Among Friends | Available in North America | 1 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Uncovering the staggering extent of Kim Philby and his fellow traitors’ deception.

May 4, 2026: Queen Victoria: Secret Marriage Secret Child? | North America Premiere | 1 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Rob Rinder and Dr. Fern Riddell investigate scandal and rumor surrounding Queen Victoria.

May 5, 2026: The Race for Ancient Egypt in Colour | North America Premiere | 2 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Archaeology and politics collide as Egypt’s fight for independence shapes a fierce race to control its ancient past.

May 6, 2026: Mountains: Life Above the Clouds | Available in North America | 3 x 50’ | Released All at Once
An awe-inspiring journey to the three most iconic mountain ranges on the planet, the Rockies, Himalaya and Andes Mountains.

May 7, 2026: Matthew Perry and the Ketamine Queen | Available in Canada (already streaming in the US) | 1 x 50’ | Released All at Once
Investigating the events leading up to the shocking death of Friends star Matthew Perry.

May 7, 2026: Scotland: 1000 Years of History | Available in North America | 1 x 120’ | Released All at Once
How did a tiny nation like Scotland have such an influence on shaping the world today?

May 8, 2026: Clash of the Superpowers: America vs China | North America Premiere | 2 x 60’ | Released All at Once
From tariffs to TikTok, the inside story of Trump vs Xi and the pivotal moments that have shaped a world-changing battle for power and influence.

May 14, 2026: Fake or Fortune S13 | North America Premiere | 4 x 60’ | Released All at Once
A team of experts employ detective skills and the latest forensic testing to investigate mysteries behind works of art.

May 14, 2026: How to Build a Dinosaur | Available in North America | 1 x 50’ | Released All at Once
Dr. Alice Roberts discovers how scientists rebuild dinosaurs from incomplete fossils, revealing accurate skeletons, muscles, and even skin colour.

May 16, 2026: The Travel Show Vol. 8 | Available in North America | 8 x 25’ | Released Weekly
Explore new destinations around the globe with the latest travel stories and news.

May 21, 2026: Britain’s First Photo Album | Available in North America | 10 x 30’ | Released All at Once
John Sergeant retraces Victorian photographer Francis Frith’s 1860s quest to record Britain, revealing what has changed, endured or disappeared.

May 21, 2026: Stonehenge: The Lost Circle Revealed | North America Premiere | 1 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Dr. Alice Roberts follows a decade-long historical quest using cutting-edge research that reveals Stonehenge’s oldest secret.

May 28, 2026: How the Victorian’s Built Britain S1 | Available in North America | 4 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Travel the length and breadth of the country to find out how the Victorians built Britain.

May 28, 2026: Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India | North America Premiere | 3 x 60’ | Released All at Once
Rob and Rylan head to India to seek out its incredible art, religion, culture, and history.
Press Contact:
britboxca@thetarogroup.com

About BritBox
BritBox is the leading streaming destination for the best of British television, offering an unmatched collection of expertly curated entertainment. From critically acclaimed dramas and mysteries to comedies, documentaries, and lifestyle programming, BritBox invites audiences to step out of their everyday and into a world of exceptional British storytelling. Launched in 2017 and now owned by BBC Studios, BritBox is available in the US, Canada, Australia, and the Nordics. For more, visit britbox.com, or find the BritBox app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

For more information on upcoming titles, follow the conversation on our social channels – Instagram, X US, X Canada, TikTok, Facebook

About BBC Select
BBC Select is an ad-free, streaming service offering documentaries across history, travel, culture, true crime and more to audiences in the U.S. and Canada on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV, The Roku Channel and BritBox Premier. BBC Select is owned and run by BBC Studios – creator, producer and distributor of unparalleled British content globally.

For more information on upcoming titles, follow the conversation on our social channels – Instagram, Facebook

#FIRSTLOOK: TICKETS FOR “OBSESSION” NOW ON SALE

Buy your tickets TODAY!

It starts with a wish…Click HERE to find a showtime near you.

A twisted new horror film from Focus Features, executive produced by Jason Blum and written and directed by Curry Barker.

In case you missed it..the One Wish Willow could be yours

Back in Stock soon at OneWishWillow.com, The One Wish Willow is at the centre of OBSESSION and puts a chilling new spin on the classic monkey’s paw tale.

Want to see it for yourself? Check out the infomercial HERE.

And for those less-than-satisfied with their wish (though we guarantee results), additional support is available through our Help Hotline: call 1-323-747-7118.

Focus Features will release OBSESSION in theatres on May 15, 2026

Written and Directed by Curry Barker
Produced by James Harris (Teashop Productions), Haley Nicole Johnson (Under the Shell), Christian Mercuri (Capstone Pictures), Roman Viaris (Capstone Pictures)
Executive Produced by Jason Blum (Blumhouse), Leonora Darby (Teashop), Mark Lane (Teashop), David Haring (Capstone), Ruzanna Kegeyan (Capstone Pictures)
Starring Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter
After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

#FIRSTLOOK: INSIDE OUT 2SLGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 22-MAY 31, 2026

The Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival returns May 22 to May 31, 2026, with an expansive and vibrant program celebrating queer storytelling from around the world. Tickets are now on sale at Insideout.ca.

The 2026 lineup was revealed today during a media conference at Red Head Gallery in Toronto, where media, film lovers and industry insiders gathered for a first look at the upcoming program.

This year’s festival features 29 feature films and 72 shorts from more than 20 countries. Screenings will take place at TIFF Lightbox, with a selection of titles available to stream Ontario-wide.

Opening the festival is the Canadian premiere of the outrageous comedy Stop! That! Train! from Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner), starring Emmy Award-winner and cultural icon RuPaul, alongside Jujubee and Ginger Minj, two of RuPaul’s Drag Race’s standout Queens. The star-studded cast ensemble also includes Sarah Michelle Gellar, Monét X Change, Matt Rogers, Nicole Richie, Chris Parnell, and Lisa Rinna.

Closing the festival is Heals, an intimate documentary from Pailin Wedel (The Trapped 13: How We Survived the Thai Cave), that received funding through Inside Out’s RE:Focus Fund. The film traces the life of international drag star Pangina Heals, from a traumatic childhood to becoming Asia’s first drag queen with a Las Vegas residency. Adam Shankman, Jujubee and Pangina Heals will be making appearances at the festival.

“Stepping into this role, my goal was to further elevate the diverse voices that the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival champions, from established filmmakers to emerging talent. I’m incredibly proud of the lineup we’ve curated this year. It’s exciting, heartfelt and deeply entertaining and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it,” said Carly Beath, Executive Director of Inside Out. “The festival would not be possible without the continued support of our community and partners, whose contributions have been integral in bringing it to life”.

“This year’s lineup showcases not only a diversity of voices, but an incredible spectrum of storytelling styles. From absurd comedies to emotionally resonant documentaries to poignant horror, Inside Out highlights films from 2SLGBTQ+ communities across a wide range of forms and perspectives.,” said Jenna Dufton, Festival Director of Inside Out. “This program is a celebration of Queer viewpoints and the many ways we choose to express them.”

Among the festival’s marquee presentations is the RE:Focus Gala selection Give Me the Ball!, a documentary exploring the life and legacy of former World No. 1 tennis player and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, revealing her personal sacrifices beyond her global impact on sport and equality.

The Centrepiece Gala, I Come Home, marks the world premiere of the emotionally complex debut feature from Canadian director Glen Wood. The film follows a throuple as they navigate an unexpected pregnancy, shifting dynamics and family tensions, set against the backdrop of a wedding that brings everything to surface.

The festival also presents a dynamic slate of premiere features, including the Canadian debuts of the heartfelt Gugu’s World and the romantic drama Iván & Hadoum, both of which premiered at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival and received awards. Also making its Canadian premiere is the Special Presentation Leviticus, directed by Adrian Chiarella, a gripping entry into queer horror. Blending elements of psychological thriller and coming-of-age drama, the film confronts conversion therapy, religious fanaticism, and identity.

Screening for the first time in North America is the documentary Hunky Jesus, exploring the legacy of San Francisco’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s iconic Easter celebration. Making its International premiere is Perfect, an official selection of SXSW Film & TV 2026 and the feature film debut of music video director Millicent Hailes. The post-apocalyptic drama stars Ashley Moore (I Know What You Did Last Summer) and Julia Fox (Uncut Gems). Rounding out the program is the world premiere of Out of the Woods starring Frances Fisher, Mimi Kennedy, and Academy Award Nominee Bruce Davison, a reflective story about memory, friendship and change in a woman’s life.

The Spotlight on Canada program highlights bold and distinctive homegrown storytelling. Titles include Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions, a bold portrait of the queer rock icon as she reclaims her place in music history; the World premiere of In The Closet, a humorous and heartfelt docuseries following comedian Ajahnis Charley as they raid their non-binary besties closets looking to affirm both their identity and their hotness; Lunar Sway, a dark, quirky comedy, set in a small desert town; and Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West an offbeat mockumentary about two best friends from Cape Breton as they head to Alberta on tour only to find themselves at risk of getting stuck there for good.

Festival Director Jenna Dufton heads the programming team with programming staff Lu Linares and Claire Jarvis, and programmers Ferdosa Abdi, Syriah Bailey, Cailin Ball, Ashley Bodika, Ferrin Evans, Allia McLeod, Gabriel Souza Nunes, and Nik Redman.

Running from May 22 to May 31, 2026, the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival is one of the world’s leading platforms for queer cinema, championing bold voices and stories that resonate across borders. Please see the Inside Out’s programming highlights below. For the full Festival program, schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit insideout.ca.

OPENING GALA
*attending the festival

STOP! THAT! TRAIN!
Dir. Adam Shankman* | United States | 2026 | 90 mins | English | Comedy | Canadian Premiere
The wildly hilarious new film from Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner), Stop! That! Train! combines absurd comedy, outrageous drag, and high-speed disaster-movie chaos to deliver a nonstop thrill ride of action, glamour, and laugh-out-loud camp. DeeDee (Jujubee) and Tess (Ginger Minj) are grateful for their jobs as train stewardesses for Stank Rail, but they dream of the big time aboard the luxurious Glamazonian Express. When the chance comes to upgrade to those iconic red uniforms, they jump at it—only for their journey to be derailed by a massive “stormaganza” threatening everyone on board. As panic spreads among a train full of celebrities and elite passengers, DeeDee and Tess must step up to save the day. With help from President Gagwell (RuPaul) and a woman with glasses (Rachel Bloom), they just might pull it off.

Featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Monét X Change, Matt Rogers, Nicole Richie, Chris Parnell, and Lisa Rinna—among many, many others—Stop! That! Train! is a star-studded affair and guaranteed instant Queer classic.
FRI, MAY 22 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

CLOSING NIGHT GALA

HEALS
Dir. Pailin Wedel* | Thailand | 2026 | 102 mins | Thai and English with English subtitles | Documentary | World Premiere
Heals traces the life of international drag star Pangina Heals from a traumatic childhood to becoming Asia’s first drag queen with a Las Vegas residency.

Behind the lashes and laughter is Pan Pan Narkprasert, a Queer Thai artist who transformed pain into power. Once a lonely, bullied child, Pan Pan found refuge in drag—and through it, rose to become one of Asia’s most celebrated performers. This intimate documentary follows his journey from family turmoil to a groundbreaking Las Vegas residency, set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s Queer culture. Raw and emotionally charged, Heals explores how drag becomes more than performance: it is a means of healing intergenerational trauma, reclaiming identity within a traditional Thai-Chinese family, and building a chosen family of one’s own.
SAT, MAY 30 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

RE:FOCUS GALA

GIVE ME THE BALL!
Dir. Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff | United States | 2026 | 102 mins | English | Documentary | Toronto Premiere
Billie Jean King is a global icon whose impact on tennis and equality resonates around the world. But the personal turmoil behind this transformational figure has, in many ways, remained hidden from view. Give Me the Ball! shines an overdue spotlight on the sacrifices King was forced to make behind the scenes.

From struggling to escape an unhappy marriage and hiding her sexual orientation, to facing an eating disorder and staring down misogyny at every turn, her march to triumph was a long and often lonely one. The film reveals King as the relentless fighter she was compelled to become, taking on high-profile battles to professionalise her sport and demand equal treatment for women. Through a trove of rarely-seen archival material and powerfully honest interviews with King herself, this film explores the depths of agony she endured so that others might follow on a less painful path. It is the story of selflessness, struggle, and triumph that celebrates a figure who is widely admired but never properly understood —until now.
SAT, MAY 23 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

CENTREPIECE GALA

I COME HOME
Dir. Glen Wood* | Canada | 2026 | 97 mins | English and French | Drama | World Premiere
It’s stressful enough attending the wedding of your normie sister to the guy next door, especially when the event is presided over by your controlling and dysfunctional parents. Now try doing it with your two polyamorous partners in tow.

In Glen Wood’s honest and emotionally complex feature debut, we meet Christine (Hannah Cheesman) and longtime partner Alex (Carlos Gonzalez-Vio) as they’re finding their rhythm with a new, younger partner, Stephane (Ryan Ali). When Christine discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant, all three have very different reactions, causing tensions to arise. To make matters worse, much of this plays out at the wedding of Christine’s sister, Kat (Jordan Hayes), where the throuple must navigate judgmental relatives as well as their own, very complicated feelings.
TUE, MAY 26 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

LEVITICUS
Dir. Adrian Chiarella | Australian | 2026 | 88 mins | English | Horror | Canadian Premiere
It Follows meets Heated Rivalry: Adrian Chiarella’s Leviticus confronts conversion therapy, religious fanaticism, and the turbulence of coming of age, emerging as a thrilling, deeply poignant addition to the Queer horror genre.

In a small, isolated Australian town, little ever seems to happen— until it does. Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), seated with their families in church, communicate through stolen glances, guarding a secret that could cost them everything. When it’s exposed, their families intervene, determined to “save” them from a life they refuse to accept. But the ritual meant to cure them unleashes something far more dangerous. Now, hunted by a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most—in their case, each other—the boys must work together to break the curse or risk being torn apart forever.
FRI, MAY 29 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

PREMIERES

GUGU’S WORLD (FEITO PIPA)
Dir. Allan Deberton | Brazil | 2026 | 93 mins | Portuguese with English subtitles | Drama | Canadian Premiere
With a football at his feet and a heart that refuses to fit within the lines drawn for him, Gugu is a young boy with a larger-than life spirit. But as his grandmother’s health begins to decline, the dazzling inner world and support system that sustain him are at risk of slipping away.

Gugu (Yuri Gomes) is an almost 12-year-old who dreams of becoming a soccer player, living under the loving, open-minded care of his grandmother, Dilma (Teca Pereira), whose warmth allows him to simply be himself. In their small community by the Araújo Lima reservoir—now slowly drying up and revealing the ghostly remains of a submerged town—the two share a quiet yet powerful bond that shields them from the disapproval of Gugu’s father and those around them. As long-buried memories resurface, subtle shifts begin to unsettle their routine: Dilma grows increasingly fragile, and Gugu, determined to preserve their fragile world, is forced to confront the possibility of losing the only safe haven he has ever known
SUN, MAY 24 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

HUNKY JESUS
Dir. Jennifer M. Kroot | United States | 2026 | 85 mins | English | Drama | North American Premiere
Join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as San Franciscans gather to present their most creative interpretations of an iconic figure (twink Jesus, anyone?) where only one lucky contestant will be crowned the official Hunky Jesus.

For more than 45 years, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have served San Francisco’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities with compassion, activism, and bucket loads of joy. From producing one of the first community pamphlets about HIV/AIDS during the early days of the epidemic to championing education, outreach, and Queer visibility, the Sisters have long combined information with positivity for those who needed it most. Filmmaker Jennifer M. Kroot (To Be Takei, The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin) returns to shine a spotlight on one of the organisation’s most beloved traditions: its annual Easter celebration.
SUN, MAY 24 • 1:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

IVÁN & HADOUM
Dir. Ian de la Rosa | Spain, Germany, Belgium | 2026 | 100 mins | Spanish and Arabic with English subtitles | Drama | Canadian Premiere
In a greenhouse in southern Spain, Iván falls in love with newly hired coworker, Hadoum. However, his long-awaited promotion interferes with their relationship, forcing Iván to decide what kind of person he wants to be.

Iván’s (Silver Chicón) days always seem the same but newly-hired packer Hadoum (Herminia Loh), who has returned to Almería after years away, changes everything when a love without judgment blooms between them. But these star-crossed lovers are put under immediate strain as external forces—culture, identity, class, and economic aspirations—threaten to turn their dream into a nightmare. Ian de la Rosa’s feature directorial debut beautifully explores how romantic connection can triumph, even when faced with the mundane socioeconomic pressures and traditional mindsets that seek to pull us apart.
THU, MAY 28 • 9:15PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

PERFECT
Dir. Millicent Hailes* | United States | 2026 | 94 mins | English | Drama | International Premiere
In a world devastated by a contaminated water supply, Kai, a lost and guarded soul, finds herself living out of her car after a bad breakup. When a chance stop in a small town offers her a rare sense of shelter and connection, she’s faced with a choice: remain closed off, or risk opening herself to something new.

With both clean water and human connection in short supply, each day is a struggle for Kai (Ashley Moore) until her journey leads her to a hidden utopian lake, where the water is pure and life flourishes. At this secret haven, Kai encounters a band of eccentric misfits, each with their own stories of loss and hope. Among them is Mallory (Julia Fox), an enigmatic and wealthy pregnant woman living out an escapist fantasy. Despite their starkly different backgrounds, Kai and Mallory are drawn to each other, and a sudden, passionate romance ignites. As their bond deepens, it is also threatened as Kai begins to uncover the layers of Mallory’s life and the secrets she harbours.
SAT, MAY 23 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

OUT OF THE WOODS
Dir. Sal Bardo* | United States | 2026 | 92 mins | English | Documentary | World Premiere
Featuring stellar performances by Frances Fisher, Mimi Kennedy, and Bruce Davison, Out of the Woods follows Max at a pivotal turning point in her life. Just as her memory begins to fail, an old friend reenters her world, complicating an already uncertain time.

Max (Frances Fisher) is gradually losing her memory. As she struggles to confront and accept this new reality alongside her husband and daughter, the unexpected return of Diana (Mimi Kennedy) brings unresolved feelings back to the surface. Through fragments of memory and rediscovered letters, a hidden part of Max’s past begins to reemerge. As her condition progresses, Max is forced to make a difficult choice: spend the precious time she has left with the woman she has always loved, or remain loyal to the husband who has stood by her.
SUN MAY 24 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

SPOTLIGHT ON CANADA

ANTIDIVA: THE CAROLE POPE CONFESSIONS
Dir. Michelle Mama* | Canada | 2026 | 89 mins | English | Documentary
Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions is a raw, rollicking portrait of Carole Pope—music icon, provocateur, and queer trailblazer whose fearless voice and unapologetic sexuality reshaped rock ‘n’ roll. From the underground grit of 1970s Toronto to opening for David Bowie, Pope’s incendiary lyrics and magnetic presence shattered expectations of what a woman, let alone a lesbian, could be onstage.

More than a music doc, Antidiva is a time capsule of queer resistance and chosen family, charting Pope’s creative symbiosis with Kevan Staples, her complicated relationships, and the bittersweet realities of aging in an industry that sidelines outsiders. Through archival treasure, electrifying performances, and present-day vérité, director Michelle Mama captures Pope’s contradictions: tough yet tender, jaded yet vibrantly alive. Featuring k.d. lang, Peaches, Jann Arden, and Rufus Wainwright, Antidiva stands as a battle cry for self-expression, queer joy, and the artists who refuse to be tamed.
SAT, MAY 23 • 4:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

IN THE CLOSET
Dir. Ajahnis Charley* | Canada | 2026 | 72 mins | English | Drama | World Premiere
Figuring out who you are is messy—especially when the world is telling you that you’re “not non-binary enough”. In this equally hilarious and heartwarming docuseries, comedian and host Ajahnis Charley raids their enby besties’ closets looking to affirm both their identity and their hotness.

Ajahnis is joined by iconic comedian Bren D’Souza, and enables their use of psychedelics—psychedelic prints, that is. Actor Amanda Cordner challenges Ajahnis to a dance-off, and improviser to the stars D.J. Mausner breaks down their upscale-playful-masculine-sleazy style. Creator Meg MacKay brings dress-up back, and drag queen extraordinaire Chelazon Leroux explores the deeper meaning behind their iconic red dress. Clothing will be swapped, laughs will be had, and tears will be shed. That’s tears, not tears— no clothing was harmed in the making of this show!
SUN, MAY 24 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

LUNAR SWAY
Dir. Nick Butler* | Canada | 2026 | 98 mins | English | Drama | Canadian Premiere
In this dark, quirky comedy, we follow the handsome Cliff (Noah Parker) through a series of misadventures—sexual, romantic, familial, criminal, and otherwise—in the small desert town of Mooncrest.

Cliff spends his days making neon signs, thinking about his ex-boyfriend, quietly borrowing money from his parents, and sparring with his therapist. His routine is upended when a woman (Liza Weil) arrives in town claiming to be his birth mother. Close behind her comes another woman (Grace Glowicki), who claims to be a bounty hunter and warns Cliff that nothing is as it seems. What follows is a coming-of-age story with a surreal, dreamlike edge, drifting through a world of seedy motels, unexpected sexual encounters, low-level scams, and some truly stellar fringed cowboy shirts.
SAT, MAY 23 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3
Digital screening available

TRACY & MARTINA: GOIN’ OUT WEST
Dir. Brendan Lyle* | Canada | 2025 | 77 mins | English | Comedy | Toronto Premiere
If Barb and Star were headed to the West Edmonton Mall instead of Vista Del Mar, this offbeat and wildly entertaining mockumentary would be the result.

If you’ve ever prepared for a trip by cashing in your empties or packing your clothes into a Sobeys bag, you may have found your people in Tracy (Justine Williamson) and Martina (Greg Vardy), two best friends from Cape Breton who got famous online by documenting their distinctly East Coast lifestyles. Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West follows the duo as they head to Alberta on tour to open for a local band. But when plans fall through and resentments rise to the surface, they must band together to find a way home or risk being stuck in Alberta forever (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
WED, MAY 27 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

ICONS

A DEEPER LOVE: THE STORY OF MISS PEPPERMINT
Dir. Oriel Pe’er | United States | 2025 | 86 mins | English | Documentary | Toronto Premiere
A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint follows trailblazing performer and activist Peppermint across nearly a decade of her life and career, capturing her journey from the underground stages of nightlife to global visibility through RuPaul’s Drag Race and her groundbreaking appearances on Broadway.

Moving between intimate private moments and major public milestones, this highly entertaining and insightful documentary reveals the realities behind the spotlight: the struggle to survive as a working artist, the pressure of becoming a symbol, and the friendships that sustain her along the way. Executive produced by Elliot Page and Bob the Drag Queen, and featuring appearances from icons including Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Sasha Velour, the film expands beyond a single biography to explore the vibrant Queer community that surrounds and inspires Peppermint. At its heart, A Deeper Love is a story about persistence, chosen family, and the power of Queer artists to shape culture while fighting to live authentically
SAT, MAY 23 • 11:45 AM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

THE BRITTNEY GRINER STORY
Dir. Alexandria Stapleton | United States | 2026 | 105 mins | English | Documentary | Canadian Premiere
This personal and profound odyssey follows basketball star Brittney Griner from her playing career, harrowing imprisonment in Russia, and through the extraordinary geopolitical battle to bring her home.

Like so many talents of women’s basketball before her, U.S. star Brittney Griner pursues a better financial opportunity by playing in Russia. In 2022, she was detained by Russian authorities, and her high-profile imprisonment set off a far-ranging geopolitical struggle, one that would reach the highest levels of power in Washington, D.C. and Moscow. This extraordinary odyssey tells the tumultuous story of a towering presence on and off the court, including the circumstances that led her to Russia, the unwavering determination to return home, and her renewed perspective upon securing her freedom.
SUN, MAY 24 • 11:45 AM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

OUT LAWS
Dir. James Lewis, Lexi Powner | United Kingdom, Namibia | 2026 | 79 mins | English | Documentary | International Premiere
One part striking Queer history lesson and one part introduction to some of the most courageous activists of our time, Out Laws follows three litigants putting their own lives at risk to make their countries safer places for 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Friedel Dausab is at the heart of a battle centuries in the making. Challenging Namibia’s criminalization of same-sex love, Friedel becomes a beacon of hope for countless Queer Namibians who long for freedom and safety. Amid death threats, relentless public scrutiny, and the chilling spectre of a serial killer, Friedel takes his country to court. The film traces the roots of this injustice: an ancient and enduring legacy born in Tudor England, spread through colonialism, and amplified by contemporary Christian evangelism. Prominent Queer historians illuminate this history as Friedel joins fellow activists Rosanna (Sri Lanka) and Raven (Barbados) in London, where they prepare to deliver a rousing speech at Pride, and await Friedel’s judgment
SAT, MAY 30 • 2:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

THE ROAD TO SYDNEY
Dir. Benito Bautista* | United States, Canada, Philippines | 2026 | 100 mins | English and Tagalog | Documentary | International Premiere
Filmmaker Benito Bautista introduces us to Sydney, a renowned choreographer who left the Philippines to follow her dreams as a dancer. After years of putting her own needs on the back burner, she has finally transitioned into the woman she always knew she was—though this journey comes with its own set of challenges.

The Road to Sydney follows Filipina choreographer Sydney Loyola, who found refuge and happiness in dance while navigating a difficult childhood in Palawan. Now living in San Francisco, Sydney has finally decided to put herself first, beginning her medical transition with the support of her chosen family. However, her path is soon complicated by the harsh realities of job loss and eviction. Seeking a way forward, Sydney travels back to her hometown in Palawan, returning as her true self for the first time. Her journey proves that no matter the obstacles, following your heart will always lead you to the right destination.
SAT, MAY 23 • 4:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

WE ARE PAT
Dir. Rowan Haber | United States | 2025 | 92 mins | English | Documentary | Toronto Premiere
Many iconic Saturday Night Live characters made the leap to the big screen in the 1990s: Mary Katherine Gallagher, the Roxbury Guys, Wayne and Garth, and, of course, Pat. These films are unmistakably products of their time, but We Are Pat confronts the aging of comedy head-on.

We Are Pat explores the evolution of gender identity and comedy from the ’90s to the present day through the lens of the iconic Saturday Night Live sketch, It’s Pat. The film examines Pat’s origins as a joke rooted in the cultural anxiety of the ’90s while drawing striking parallels to today’s culture wars. To work through its findings, trans and non-binary comedians and culture-makers reimagine the original Pat sketches, using camp and humour in an attempt to reclaim the iconic character. Through these reinterpretations, alongside interviews with Julia Sweeney herself, the film ultimately asks: is Pat worth saving?
SUN, MAY 24 • 4:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

INTERNATIONAL

A SECOND LIFE
Dir. Laurent Slama | France | 2025 | 77 mins | English and French with English subtitles | Drama | Toronto Premiere
On the opening day of the Olympic Games, we meet Elisabeth as she performs the thankless job of taking rich tourists to their apartment rentals across Paris. In one such tourist, she meets her foil, a free spirit who threatens to find fault in her jaded worldview.

Elisabeth (Agathe Rousselle) is barely holding it together under the weight of a deep depression. She finds solace losing herself in Monet’s Waterlilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie, but as tourists flock to Paris, her oasis turns foul. Her last respite from the chaos and overwhelming noise of the city is removing her hearing aids and retreating into silence and herself, but when a rental gets double-booked, and she has to babysit the anything but quiet Elijah (Alex Lawther) until his room is ready, that, too, is now out of reach. While at first glance this appears to be just another obstacle, the brief encounter turns into an unexpected, but vital, connection. Shot almost exclusively on location during the 2024 Olympics, A Second Life captures the vibrancy of Paris in full bloom.
FRI, MAY 29 • 9:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3
Digital screening available

BLACK BURNS FAST
Dir. Sandulela Asanda | South Africa | 2026 | 96 mins | English and Xhosa with English subtitles | Romantic Comedy | Canadian Premiere
A film about the joy that comes from owning one’s own story and identity, Black Burns Fast follows a bookish scholarship student at a prestigious boarding school whose rigid life is upended by the arrival of a magnetic new student.

Behind the doors of a prestigious all-girls boarding school in South Africa, another year of academic politics, cliques, and head-scratching teenage shenanigans is afoot, and 17-year-old Luthando (Esihle Ndleleni) is unfortunately getting wrapped up in it. As the poster child and designated gifted scholarship girl of the school, Luthando is determined to not make a splash; meet her overzealous religious mother’s expectation; and succeed with little notice from the sharks. However, that hope is thrown out the window when new student Ayanda (Muadi Ilung) steps onto campus. A budding romance sparks an internal change that is expressed boldly in Sandulela Asanda’s vibrant, funny, and wholesome coming-of-age teen romcom.
SUN, MAY 24 • 4:00PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

DRUNKEN NOODLES
Dir. Lucio Castro | United States, Argentina | 2025 | 81 mins | English and Spanish with English subtitles | Drama | Toronto Premiere
Drunken Noodles follows an art student through space and time in this collection of intimate encounters ranging from the mundane to the magical.

Adnan (Laith Khalifeh) finds himself alone in Brooklyn, but a clandestine meeting on a warm summer night with a delivery driver-cum-poet brings the echo of past lovers to the forefront of his mind. Set across two summers, we join Adnan on an odyssey through memory as he meets the alluring men of his past, whose influence still lingers in his present. In Drunken Noodles, director Lucio Castro expertly captures the dreamlike sensuality of midsummer’s twilight. Alive with a sense of freedom and possibility, this film is as savoury and sweet as its namesake.
FRI, MAY 29 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

MADDIE’S SECRET
Dir. John Early | United States | 2025 | 98 mins | English | Drama
Maddie’s Secret, comedian John Early’s debut feature, masterfully blends the campy tone and aesthetic of a 1980s movie-of-the- week with a deeply affecting portrait of a young woman struggling with an eating disorder.

From the outside, Maddie Ralph (John Early) seems to have it all: a solid partner (Eric Rahill); a career she loves creating food-related content; and a supportive, loving best friend (Kate Berlant). But beneath this carefully curated life lies a dark history of self-harm and disordered eating that now threatens to resurface. As her struggle inches closer to the surface, Maddie enters a treatment program where she is forced to confront the person at the root of many of her issues: her mother (Kristen Johnston). Expertly balancing sharp comedy with emotional depth, and elevated by nuanced, pitch-perfect performances from some of today’s most compelling comedic actors, the film is an experience you truly have to see to believe.
THU, MAY 28 • 7:00PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

MY BROTHERS KILLER
Dir. Rachel Mason | United States | 2026 | 95 mins | English | Documentary | Canadian Premiere
Just before Halloween of 1990, the decapitated head of Billy London, a gay adult film actor, was found in a West Hollywood dumpster. For over 30 years, Billy’s unsolved murder has haunted his family, friends, and police investigators. Could new clues finally solve the mystery?

This gripping true crime documentary chronicles the quest to find out who killed 25-year-old William Arnold Newton. Under the name Billy London, he worked both in front of and behind the camera in Los Angeles’s gay adult video industry. Several people connected to the industry were once suspects, including Billy’s ex-boyfriend, Marc Rabins, and Jeffrey Dahmer. But the lack of concrete evidence continued to stump the LA Police Department—until relentless amateur investigation uncovered some promising new leads. Director Rachel Mason (Circus of Books) mixes archival footage and new interviews to show how those who cared about Billy never stopped trying to bring him justice.
SAT, MAY 23 • 1:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

ON THE SEA
Dir. Helen Walsh | United Kingdom | 2025 | 111 mins | English | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Middle-aged Jack (Barry Ward) is faced with a dilemma: should he continue his life with his wife and son, or start a new one with Daniel, a charming younger man he recently met?

Set in a remote fishing village in North Wales, this atmospheric and moving film follows Jack as he faces a difficult choice. Jack is married to Maggie (Liz White) and a father to teenage Tom (Henry Lawfull), who Jack hopes will follow him into the family mussel business. When Daniel (Lorne MacFadyen), a deckhand, arrives in town, Jack’s long buried desire to be with a man surfaces, and the two begin a steamy and tender affair. As the affair grows, Daniel wants more but Jack is reluctant to give it. He still values his married life but also wants to explore living openly with a man. Which will he choose and what will he have to give up in the process?
SAT, MAY 23 • 9:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SHE’S THE HE
Dir. Siobhan McCarthy | United States | 2025 | 81 mins | English | Comedy | Canadian Premiere
Siobhan McCarthy’s feature debut brings us the high school coming-of-age comedy you knew you needed. With authenticity and joy both behind and in front of the lens, She’s The He delivers a refreshing, warm, and hilarious story about acceptance, friendship, and trans joy.

One week before their high school graduation, best friends Alex (Nico Carney) and Ethan (Misha Osherovich) concoct a plan to finally dispel the rumours that they’re gay… By coming out as trans women. With newfound access to the girls’ locker room, Alex’s goal to lose his virginity before college seems to be on track, while Ethan slowly realises that her new identity is starting to feel more real than the one she left behind. The two must reckon with their changing friendship, coming out, and coming of age.
TUE, MAY 26 • 6:45PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SKIFF
Dir. Cecilia Verheyden | Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden | 2025 | 106 mins | French and Flemish with English subtitles | Drama | Toronto Premiere
SKIFF captures the volatile intensity of coming-of-age, unfolding over a summer that feels both liberating and tense. With sensitivity and restraint, the film traces 15-year-old Malou’s journey through self-discovery, where innocence gives way to experience, and every decision carries a deeper consequence.

Malou (Femke Vanhove) lives in a small town where she struggles to make friends but excels in the local rowing club. Growing up with a mother who is often absent, and bullied by her teammates, Malou sees her brother Max (Wout Vleugels) as the only person with whom she can truly be herself. When Max brings home his new girlfriend, Nouria (Lina Miftah), Malou finds herself drawn to her and, as the two spend more time together, it begins to appear that the feeling is mutual. Plunged into a complex and turbulent love triangle over the course of the summer, Malou will have to accept herself as she truly is, but can she do so without hurting her beloved brother?
SAT, MAY 30 • 6:45PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

WHAT WILL I BECOME?
Dir. Lexie Bean, Logan Rozos | United States | 2026 | 86 mins | English | Documentary | Canadian Premiere
In a world where trans rights remain fragile, directors Lexie Bean and Logan Rozos use a lens of love and honesty to delve into the harsh reality of the high suicide rate within the transmasculine community.

What Will I Become? intertwines the personal experiences of directors Lexie and Logan with the stories of two young trans men who died by suicide. Homecoming king Blake Brockington and animal lover Kyler Prescott were poets, musicians, and community advocates. The film traces their joys and challenges, their deaths, and the aftermath within their communities. What Will I Become? asks why transmasculine people are particularly vulnerable to living briefly and dying quietly, while providing hope that community, prevention practices, and genuine care can change the future for those who remain.
SAT, MAY 30 • 4:15PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
Digital screening available

WHISPERINGS OF THE MOON
Dir. Yuqing Lai | Cambodia,China, Hong Kong, India | 2025 | 87 mins | Khmer and English with English subtitles | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Whisperings of the Moon, the debut feature from late filmmaker Yuqing Lai, is a tender, time-shifting portrait of love, memory, and loss from a singular artistic voice whose vision knew no bounds.

Following her father’s death, theatre actor Nisay (Sopheanith Thong) returns from New York to Phnom Penh, where she is unexpectedly reunited with Thida (Deka Nine), her former lover. As past and present intertwine, the film traces the quiet intensity of their secret relationship and the forces that drove them apart. Now, under the weight of family and societal expectations, can their passion endure beyond memory and performance—or is it destined to fade once more?
SUN, MAY 24 • 9:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3
Digital screening available

SHORTS
Information on this year’s shorts lineup can be found here.

Inside Out 2026 Digital Program Guide here.
Inside Out 2026 Downloadable Digital Program Guide here.

Inside Out is made possible by the generous and steadfast support of funders, donors, and sponsors including Lead Sponsor RBC, Presenting Sponsor Netflix, and Premier Sponsor Crave. We are grateful for the support of numerous Major Sponsors, Supporting Sponsors and in-kind partners who help bring the Festival to life, as well as public funders the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, the City of Toronto, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Creates, and Telefilm Canada.

For more information, visit insideout.ca.

Inside Out Film Festival
Inside Out is Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ film festival and the single largest promoter and distributor of 2SLGBTQ+ content in Canada. Founded in 1991, Inside Out is committed to representing the interests of 2SLGBTQ+ voices within the Canadian film industry. We are dedicated to developing, presenting, and promoting 2SLGBTQ+ content that showcases and supports the broad diversity of voices and identities within our communities, and ensuring that authentic and positive representation of 2SLGBTQ+ people is central in that content.

Annually, Inside Out presents the 10-day Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival (Toronto’s third largest festival after TIFF and Hot Docs), a year-round screening and event series, and innovative professional development initiatives including the world’s only 2SLGBTQ+ Feature Film Financing Forum and the RE:Focus Fund. Inside Out is a Canadian Academy qualifying festival.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW “THE SHEEP DETECTIVES” FEATURETTES

Today we get new Featurettes from THE SHEEP DETECTIVES!

Only in Theatres May 8, 2026
Tickets on sale now

Amazon MGM Studios presents

a Working Titles Film, Three Strange Angels production

Only in Theatres May 8, 2026

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

Directed by: Kyle Balda

Screenplay and Screen Story by: Craig Mazin

Based on the novel by: “Three Bags Full” by Leonie Swann

Produced by: Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Executive Producers: Sarah-Jane Wright, Amelia Granger, Aditya Sood, Tyson Hesse, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Tim Wellspring

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon with Hong Chau and Emma Thompson

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby

Genre: Family, Mystery, Comedy

Rating: PG for thematic material, some violent content and brief language

#FOOD: TAKJA INTRODUCE NEW HANSANG EXPERIENCE FOR SPRING/SUMMER

Takja on College West is Toronto’s destination for modern Korean dining. This summer season, chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang return with an updated Hansang and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot, a Korean cast iron pot representing over 100 years of craftsmanship, widely used by Michelin-starred restaurants in New York. Takja is currently the only restaurant in Canada cooking with it.

“There’s no reason Canadian diners should have to go to New York or Seoul for this level of
Korean food. That’s what we’re building at Takja.”
Jeff Kang, chef and co-owner, Takja BBQ

The space blends natural wood, jade green accents, and traditional Korean design details, from
mother-of-pearl cabinetry to moon jar-inspired ceramics. Each of the ten booths features a
brass-covered built-in grill with a ventilation system engineered specifically for the space, one of
the strongest in the city. Takja’s staff handle all the grilling, so guests can focus on the food and
the company.

New This Season: The Seafood Platter
An upgraded, Korean-inspired seafood selection and seafood platter is now part of the Hansang
and includes:
● Oysters with perilla mignonette
● Scallops with pine nut and black sesame sauce
● Seabass with gyeoja (mustard) and Valentine radish
● Bluefin Tuna with dashima soy (kelp-infused soy sauce) and pickled cucumber
● Shrimp with chojang (tangy, spicy dipping sauce) and puffed rice

In Korean homes, Hansang means a full table of food, prepared when a special guest arrives. At
Takja, it is the fullest expression of what chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang do best.

The Hansang opens with the Seafood Platter and a Seafood Pancake with Caviar before moving
into the BBQ course:
● Iberico Pluma from Leon, Spain
● Hanger Steak from Creekstone Farm in Kansas, US
● A5 Wagyu from Hyogo, Japan
● Galbi from Guelph, Ontario

Served alongside scallion salad, ssam vegetables, and banchan: white kimchi, mustard kimchi,
ssam mu, and spicy pickled jalapeño. The meal closes with a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice
prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot, featuring morel, maitake, shiitake, shimeji, and
portobello

“Every dish we put on the table tells a story about where we come from, what we’ve learned, and
what we believe great Korean food can be. When a guest sits down at Takja, we want them to
feel like they’ve been invited into our home.”
Edward Bang, chef and co-owner, Takja BBQ

ON THE GLASS
The Spicy Omija Margarita, tequila and mezcal with Omija berry and a Gochugaru rim, returns
for the spring and summer, alongside a wine list spanning biodynamic to classic selections.
New to the menu this season is the Baek Kimchi Martini (White Kimchi Martini), Takja’s take on
a Vesper Martini made with their famous white kimchi. Takja also pours a house-brewed
makgeolli made exclusively for the restaurant, and a selection of traditional Korean spirits
imported by the team, unavailable anywhere else in Toronto.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Takja will offer full dinner service on Mother’s Day, with special drinks for moms. Reservations
are encouraged.

This June 3, Takja will partner with Pearl Morissette Winery for a bar collaboration, bringing
together two names defined by precision and a shared commitment to what’s in the glass and on
the table. This summer, Takja will also join Langdon Hall for its 2026 BBQ Series. More details
to follow.

#NEWMUSIC: DJ BLACK COFFEE TO PLAY SOLO SHOW JULY 6, 2026 IN TORONTO

9 Full Circle Presents, in association with Future, and Puzzle Entertainment are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new music showcase series, debuting with a landmark event: globally celebrated South African DJ and producer Black Coffee, performing live in Toronto on July 6th.

This is not a club night. This is not a festival. This is a redefined live experience, anchored by a venue format unlike anything typically seen in Toronto. The event marks the first instalment of an ongoing series designed to bring the world’s most iconic artists to Toronto in a format that matches their stature with the kind of production, atmosphere, and attention to detail typically reserved for the stages of Ibiza’s legendary venues. Think UNVRS and Ushuaïa in Ibiza, brought to life through a level of production design and experience that sets a new benchmark for the city.

The creative and production vision is led by High Scream, the internationally acclaimed production company behind some of the most visually stunning and technically complex events on the global circuit. Known for transforming spaces into immersive worlds, High Scream brings its signature universe to Toronto for the first time, raising the bar for what a live music experience can be.

The event will be held at the Port Lands on July 6th from 3 PM–11 PM EST in an open space venue built for thousands of fans. One of the most important artists in contemporary dance music, Black Coffee has redefined what it means to be a DJ and producer on the world stage. From Afro house to global festival main stages and his own curated showcases, his sound is singular and draws audiences of hundreds of thousands worldwide.

At the heart of the experience is a completely reimagined venue format. The event includes 90 tables across multiple elevated VIP platforms in a 360-degree format, as well as various hospitality partner lounges. This showcase has been designed with intention at every touchpoint. Guests can expect:

An arena-style experience design: The venue is transformed into a custom-built environment where the main stage is surrounded by multiple elevated VIP platforms and curated hospitality spaces, creating a 360-degree atmosphere with the dancefloor at its core. This format, inspired by similar festivals in Ibiza and Dubai, redefines the traditional concert layout, placing guests inside the energy rather than in front of it.

Multiple VIP tiers: Elevated, curated experiences that go far beyond the traditional VIP model, offering genuine exclusivity and access.

A world-class production environment: Lighting, sound, and design at a scale and sophistication Toronto’s events deserve.

An Ibiza-style presentation: The energy, the intention, and the production language of the world’s greatest open-air clubs, reimagined for Toronto.

A custom culinary component curated by The Food Dudes, one of Canada’s most respected food and hospitality brands, brings an elevated food experience seamlessly integrated into the night.

Pre-sale registration begins April 29th at 12 PM EST. Tickets for the pre-registered individuals go on private sale on May 5th at 12 PM EST. Tickets for the general public go on sale May 6th at 12 PM EST. Additional supporting artists will be announced shortly. General Admission tickets start at $75 CAD and VIP tickets at $150 CAD.

July 6th is only the beginning. This showcase is the launch of a recurring series committed to bringing the world’s most sought-after artists to Toronto. Each event will be its own production, its own world built around a single artist and a singular vision.

EVENT DETAILS:
Black Coffee in Toronto
Date: Monday, July 6th
Presented by: Full Circle Presents in association with Future & Puzzle Entertainment
Production by: High Scream
Culinary Experience by: The Food Dudes
Pre-Sale Registration: https://laylo.com/laylo-fxzcycp/6CygGE
VIP Table Service: https://v2.themrblack.com/m/embed/10932/event?date=2026-07-06&eventId=56479&referrerId=9

Pre-sale registration begins April 29th at 12PM EST.

Tickets for pre-registered individuals go on private sale on May 5th 12PM EST.

Tickets for general public go on sale May 6th at 12PM EST.

Media accreditation is available as of May 30, 2026

#FIRSTLOOK: BARBARA WILLIAMS TO BE HONOURED AT THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA GALA

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada will welcome one of the most respected and influential figures in Canadian broadcasting as Barbara Williams, former Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada takes part in a featured conversation at at the 2026 Summit & Awards Gala, taking place May 28 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

More than a retrospective, this conversation will offer candor, insights and inspiration about legacy, the enduring mark that Williams leaves on the industry, and the path she has helped to pave for the women who follow.

As one of the industry’s most repsected and influential figures, Williams has not only guided some of the country’s most important media organizations, but also helped break barriers for women at the highest levels of leadership.

Williams enjoyed an extraordinary 40-year career in Canadian media, opening doors and setting new standards along the way.

Most recently Williams served as Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada, a position she held from 2019 until her recent departure.

Before that, Williams served as Shaw Media’s President, overseeing all aspects of the company’s business.

Prior to that role, she was Senior Vice President of Content for Shaw Media, responsible for the creation of Canadian original producitons, acquisition deals of top U.S. and international series, and scheduling for the company’s conventional network and 19 specialty channels.

Williams also served as Executive Vice President Content at Canwest Broadcasting, Vice-President and General Manager of Toronto 1, and Senior Vice-President of Lifestyle Programming at Alliance Atlantis.

Williams is an award-winning executive who has been recognized with numerous prestigious industry accolades including being a two-time The Hollywood Reporter Canadian Women in Power List Honouree (2024, 2025).

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the Canadian industry together across film, television, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Previously announced honourees include Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award, Malin Akerman who will receive the Impact Award to be presented byThe Hunting Wives co-star, Brittany Snow, Rachel Reid who will participate in a main stage feature interview and receive the Changemaker Award, and North of North co-creatorsAlethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald who will receive the Breakthrough Award at the May 28 event.

Additional announcements to follow.

For tickets and more information, including schedule and programming details, visit womeninentertainment.ca. Early-bird pricing ends on April 30.

#FOOD: SILENT H CHEF GERARDO ALVAREZ X CHEF RODRIGO RIVERA-RIO COLLABORATION

A special two-night culinary collaboration is happening at Silent H. On May 6 and 7, 2026, Chef Gerardo Álvarez will welcome Chef Rodrigo Rivera-Río of Koli Cocina de Origen, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Monterrey, for an intimate eight-course dining experience. Each chef will present four courses from their own kitchen, served side by side, offering two distinct expressions of Northern Mexican cuisine without fusion or compromise.

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With Cinco de Mayo approaching, this is an opportunity to celebrate it with some authentic Mexican cuisine, the evolution of fine dining from Mexico to Toronto, and a unique dining experience in the city.

Reservations here.