#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANDA ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR 21 NEW FILMS

With a funding commitment of $12.8 million, Telefilm Canada today have announced the support of 21 upcoming English and other language films. After 300 applications were considered, these are the Films to be part of the commitment in their objective of a balanced portfolio, representing diverse voices.

Akashi (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Mayumi Yoshida

Production: Musubi Arts Inc. and Experimental Forest Films Inc.

Province: British Columbia

Languages: Japanese and English

Aversion (horror)

Director and screenwriter: Thom Fitzgerald

Production: Emotion Pictures Incorporated

Province: Nova Scotia

Language: English

Backspot (drama)

Director: D.W. Waterson

Screenwriter: Joanne Sarazen

Production: Plausible Communications Corporation

Province: Ontario

Language: English

The Bearded Girl (science fiction/fantasy/tale)

Director and screenwriter: Jody Wilson

Production: Goodbye Productions Inc.

Province: British Columbia

Languages: English

Best Boy (thriller)

Director and screenwriter: Jesse Noah Klein

Production:
9342-2947 QUÉBEC INC.

Province: Quebec

Language: English

Drive Back Home (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Michael Clowater

Production: Woods Entertainment Canada Inc. and Mason Films Inc.

Province: Ontario

Language: English

The Invisibles (drama)

Director: Andrew Currie

Screenwriters: Andrew Currie and Colin Aussant

Production: Quadrant Motion Pictures

Province: Ontario

Language: English

La Estrella al Lado de la Luna
(historical drama)

Director and screenwriter: Andrea Alvarez

Production: Studio 104 Entertainment Inc. (Canada) and Imaginer Films (Colombia)

Province: British Columbia

Languages: Spanish Castillian and English

Loya (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Sibel Guvenc

Co-production: Kybele Films Inc. and Cedar Island Films Inc. (Canada) and Tradewind Pictures (Germany)

Provinces: Ontario and British Columbia

Languages: English and Turkish

Monica’s News (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Pamela Gallant

Production: Picture Plant Limited

Province: Nova Scotia

Language: English

Motherhood (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Meryam Joobeur

Co-production: Leona Films Inc. (Canada) and Tanit Films (France)

Province: Quebec

Languages: Arabic

The Music Box (science fiction/fantasy/tale)

Director: Jay Dahl

Screenwriters: Jay Dahl, Kristin Langille

Production: Black Dog Films Inc. and Connections Productions Inc.

Province: Nova Scotia

Language: English

Paying For It (romantic comedy)

Director: Sook-Yin Lee

Screenwriters: Sook-Yin Lee and Joanne Sarazen

Production: Wildling Pictures Inc. and Hawkeye Pictures Inc.

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Replacer (horror)

Director: Randall Okita

Screenwriter: Zac Thompson

Production: Play Management Media Inc.

Province: Ontario

Language: English

Re: Uniting (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Laura Adkin

Production: Re Uniting Productions Inc.

Province: British Columbia

Language: English

Sacred Creatures (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Frieda Luk

Production: Frirange Films Inc. (Canada) and Doppio Nodo Double Bind (Italy)

Province: British Columbia

Languages: English and Italian

Shook (drama)

Director: Amar Wala

Screenwriters: Amar Wala and Adnan Khan

Production: Scarborough Pictures Inc. and Film Forge Productions Inc.

Province: Ontario

Languages: English and Hindi

Sweet Angel Baby (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Melanie Oates

Production: Relatable Films Inc.

Province: Newfoundland and Labrador

Language: English

There, There (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Heather Young

Production: Houseplant Films Inc. and Brass Door Productions Inc.

Province: Nova Scotia

Language: English

This Too Shall Pass
(drama)

Director and screenwriter: Rob Grant

Production: Peterson Polaris Corp.

Province: Alberta

Language: English

Une langue universelle (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Matthew Rankin

Production: Metafilms Inc.

Province: Quebec

Language: Persian, French and English

#FIRSTLOOK: “KEEP BREATHING”

Melissa Barrera‘s star continues to rise. With starring roles in IN THE HEIGHTS and this year’s SCREAM, it’s safe to say this has been a career year for the up-and-coming Actress. Up next is B.C.-filmed KEEP BREATHING, which has her starring as Liv, a successful Lawyer who in an out-of-character move taking time off, suddenly decides she has to get to Inuvit. Of course her flight gets cancelled – not naming airlines here – and she finds herself desperate, convincing some strangers to let her fly with them. The plane crashes in the wilderness, and it’s a fight to survive.

As the six episodes (a highly-digestible 30 minutes each) unfold in this Limited Series, in flashbacks we learn just a little bit more about Liv‘s past, pain and trauma including her relationship with her ailing father (Juan Pablo Espinosa) and her on-again-off-again co-worker boyfriend (Jeff Wilbusch). When reduced to survival mode, we see Liv navigate her past and the rage she is experiencing in her dire circumstances. All the while, she uncovers the truth about the people she was flying with and this could change her life forever. She just has to survive.

Directed by Maggie Kiley and Rebecca Rodriguez, the Series manages to throw just the right amount of scares at us and never give away too much, to keep us invested in Liv‘s mysterious story. Most of all, Barrera delivers a fantastic performance with range – nuanced, but also full throttle when required and we can’t wait to see more from her ahead.

KEEP BREATHING arrives July 28, 2022 only on Netflix.

#SPOTTED: ANDRE DE GRASSE IN TORONTO FOR ADG X PUMA COLLECTION

Such an incredible honour meeting this legend, Canada’s pride and joy, Andre De Grasse. The reigning 200m Sprint Gold Medallist at the 2020 Olympics, still holds the distinction of being the only Canadian athlete ever to win three medals at one single Olympics.

De Grasse is back home in Toronto to promote his new collaboration with Puma Performance: ADG X PUMA. Puma have been supporting him for the past seven years. And it’s been a winning partnership as the Sprinter is stil at the top of his game, fresh off a win this past weekend at the World Championships in the 4x100m Men’s Relay! Sorry, America, it’s Canada’s time!

So awesome getting a snap with DeGrasse, while out doing promo. We asked his comfort level posing for a Snap and he was accommodating, standing just a bit back. We totally get it, safety.first especially when he has so much on the line and just having gotten well. Appreciative 🙏

See De Grasse‘s collabo with Puma, which includes Limited Edition T-Shirts and Hoodies here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “UNCOUPLED”

Michael Lawson (Neil Patrick Harris) is a successful NYC Realtor. He has it all – career, money, a long-term partner Colin (Tuc Watkins). His world is shattered when his partner decides to leave him without reason and he’s left to pick-up the pieces and he begins to learn about himself as a 40+ year-old single gay man who hasn’t dated in years. He navigates the dating scene, the new lingo and finding love once again, as he consolidates this with his feelings of hurt and rejection.

Brought to us by the great Creator Darren Star, UNCOUPLED gives a voice to those who have been forced to start again later in life. In many ways, echoing the Dramedy of Star’s hits Sex and the City and Emily in Paris – maybe without as much emphasis on Fashion and more so on sex – the Series explores what life is like for a gay man re-discovering himself through adventure and his friends, old and new.

Supporting Harris’ Michael are a trio of best friends: fellow Suzanne (Tisha Campbell), Stanley (Brooks Ashmanskas) and Billy (Emerson Brooks) and they all are deeply-involved with each other’s lives as their trials and tribulations become intertwined. Michael is unafraid of getting messy, becoming involved with an array of new love interests, but also having to for the first time face the truth about himself. Yes, he can be a bit overbearing. We’re here for messes.

Some fantastic performances on display here and this is the daring late-night storytelling we love and are drawn to. We admit it takes a bit of patience for things to get going here, but if you’re willing to give it your time, the story progresses, so does our attachment to Michael.

All eight episodes (30 minute seach) of UNCOUPLED arrive July 29, 2022 on Netflix.

#SPOTTED: CLAIRO IN TORONTO FOR “SLING” TOUR AT HISTORY

Massachusetts Singer-Songwriter Clairo (Claire Cottrill) has been an icon in the making for quite some time now, but with the release of her two albums IMMUNITY and Billboard Hot 200 Top 20-charting SLING, she really has connected to a huge fan base. Known best for her hits “Sofia“, “Bubble Gum“, “Pretty Girl“, “Flamin Hot Cheetos” and “Amoeba“, her Lo-Fi, introspective Bedroom Pop really has connected on deep level with her fans. Enough to sell out brand-new venue HISTORY two consecutive nights in Toronto as part of her SLING Tour.

Playing just under 90 minutes, Clairo delighted a packed house. Fans were delighted to hear “Flamin Hot Cheetos” live not knowing if it would make the Setlist.

Following the Show, Clairo came out to say “hi” to a crowd of fans, including one who was in a wheelchair and rightfully she went to her first. So sweet hearing how much her Music meant to her fans, and hearing some fans stress about missing the last train home but knowing it was worth it for a chance to meet Clairo!

Some Snaps and Video:

Check out some Clairo:

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

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILL FROM “A JAZZMAN’S BLUES”

Writer/Director Tyler Perry is back with A JAZZMAN’S BLUES, arriving this September on Netflix. Above is a new Still from the Film.

Synopsis: 

A sweeping tale of forbidden love, A JAZZMAN’S BLUES unspools forty years of secrets and lies soundtracked by juke joint blues in the deep South. Written, directed and produced by Academy Award honoree Tyler Perry, the film stars Joshua Boone and Solea Pfeiffer as star-crossed lovers Bayou and Leanne alongside an ensemble cast that includes Amirah Vann, Austin Scott, Milauna Jemai Jackson, Brent Antonello, Brad Benedict, Kario Marcel, Lana Young and Ryan Eggold. The film features an original song performed by Ruth B., songs arranged and produced by multi-Grammy winner & two-time Academy Award nominee Terence Blanchard, music by Aaron Zigman and choreography by Debbie Allen.

A JAZZMAN’S BLUES arrives September 23, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION RETURNS!

We are so excited about this! After a two-year break, the CNE is back August 19 to September 5, 2022 for 18 fun-filled days of all-new features and returning events expected to attract more than 1.4 million visitors through the iconic Princes’ Gates.

This year, the CNE has raised the bar sky-high (literally) with a dazzling nightly Drone Show, created for The EX featuring 100 drones that will light up the night with precise formations and colourful images. Drones also play a role in the CNE’s new multimedia show, NEVAEH & The NorthStar presented by VinFast, that merges the most cutting-edge theatrical technology, pyrotechnics, and augmented reality, to take audiences on an immersive odyssey through time, land, sea and galaxies.

A quick highlight of some of the new and returning things you can expect this year!

NEW: Nightly Drone Show – Watch the skies above the Food Building come to life in a spectacle of 100 dancing drones! (Nightly, above the Food Building)

Festival season culminates at the CNE with special events including a Mardi Gras Food Truck Festival (Aug. 20 – 23, evenings), Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest (Aug. 25 – 28), and new Celtic Food Truck Festival (Sept. 1 – 5) celebrating Celtic heritage, music and food. Fan favourites return with new twists such as a new SuperDogs show “PAWVENGERS,” the 2022 Canadian International Air Show featuring the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team & Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and Gaming Garage Powered by AMD is back for all 18 days of the fair in a new expanded location inside Hall B of the Enercare Centre with more tournaments, prizes, and free play games. The Celebrity Kitchen Stage is also back for the first time since 2017, to dish up some inspiring meal ideas from chefs Claudio Aprile (MasterChef Canada), Corbin Tomaszeski (Dinner Party Wars), Bob Blumer (Surreal Gourmet), and Matt Dean Pettit (Rock Lobster Food Co.) to name a few.

There has never been a shortage of photo opportunities at The EX, whether it’s in front of the illuminated CNE Sign, or overlooking the fair on the Sky Ride (celebrating its 10th anniversary) – and NEW this year on the Midway, it will be hard to miss the 34ft tall Double-Decker Merry-Go-Round, a picturesque menagerie of lights and colours offering a new Instagram-worthy POV of the CNE. Whether capturing the views, creating new memories, or enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the CNE, there are plenty of reasons to say, “Let’s Go (Back) To The EX!”

NEW RIDE:
The Double-Decker Merry-Go-Round that is 40ft wide and 34ft tall for a bird’s eye view of the CNE Midway!

2022 HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE

NEW: Nightly Drone Show – Cap off a fun-filled day at the fair with a colourfully dynamic Drone Show featuring 100 drones that will illuminate the night with an array of stunning images. The show is designed by Canadian company and leading drone formation specialists, North Star Entertainment, who have wowed audiences at major events for the NFL, NBA and NASCAR. (Aug. 19 – Sept. 4, at 10:45pm above the Food Building)

NEW: NEVAEH & The NorthStar presented by VinFast – Making its stunning debut at this year’s CNE, “NEVAEH” and her trusty drone “NorthStar” embark on a never-before-seen odyssey through time and space featuring ground-breaking projection mapping, augmented reality, laser, pyrotechnics and indoor drones. Cutting-edge theatrical technology takes audiences on an epic journey in this spectacular new multimedia show. (3 Shows Daily, Coca-Cola Coliseum)

NEW: Celtic Food Truck Festival – To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses, a new festival takes over Princes’ Boulevard for a rousing weekend that celebrates Celtic culture with music, entertainment and food. (Sept. 1 – 5, Princes’ Blvd)

4th Annual Gaming Garage Powered by AMD – Back by popular demand, the CNE’s Gaming Garage Powered by AMD & Innovation Garage are bigger and better than ever! New this year, the gaming extravaganza will run throughout all 18 days of the fair featuring everything from esports and pinball tournaments to Dungeons and Dragons, board games, VR, Video Game Dance Floor, and more. As well, The Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition takes place Aug. 28, convening Canada’s brightest innovators to pitch their inventions and compete for cash prizes; and a Robotics Competition takes place Sept. 2 – 4, where contestants and their creators will spar head-to-head to determine which bot will take the crown. (Daily, 2 & 5 pm Enercare Centre Hall B)

Celebrity Kitchen Stage – Celebrity chefs are back for the first time since 2017! The CNE’s Celebrity Kitchen Stage will feature a roster of renowned chefs, Canadian culinarians, and mixologists such as MasterChef Canada’s Claudio Aprile, Corbin Tomaszeski of Dinner Party Wars, and Food Network star Bob Blumer. Get inspiring meal ideas with Caribbean-inspired flavours from La-Toya Fagon or learn how to properly cook with seafood from Rock Lobster’s Matt Dean Pettit. (Daily, Enercare Centre Hall A)

73rd Annual Canadian International Air Show – Canada’s largest and longest running air show returns with its soaring aerial spectacle! The beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds are back to dazzle crowds; and new this year, Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team, the Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks, will electrify audiences with an awe-inspiring show. (Sept. 3 – 5, Waterfront)
Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest – Everyone’s favourite food truck festival is back! Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Beer Fest will feature more than 20 vendors offering global fare from perogies to Egyptian street food, Caribbean roti to pho dumplings. Wash it all down with a selection of icy cold craft brews. (Aug. 25 – 28, Princes’ Blvd)

SuperDogs – Get ready for a paw-some good time with the SuperDogs! Celebrating their 40th anniversary, these incredible canines will unleash their superpowers in a high-energy, high-flying adventure show, PAWVENGERS. (Daily, Enercare Centre Hall D)

Celebrating CNE Heritage – Step into Doorways to the Past displayed throughout the grounds for an interactive journey of The EX through the eras; travel back in time and walk through the iconic history of the CNE and its storied grounds with the CNE Heritage Immersive Experience (Enercare Centre Heritage Court Gallery); or join the CNE Ghost Walks to learn about the fair’s haunted history and legendary spirits.

CNE Bandshell – Enjoy summer nights outdoors while rocking out with Tom Cochrane or Marianas Trench; jammin’ to the reggae tunes of Jay Douglas; singing along to Gordon Lightfoot’s greatest hits — or discover new music from JUNO-winning artists including Indigenous singer-songwriter iskwē and 2022 Breakthrough Group of the Year MONOWHALES, and more! All concerts and performances are FREE with CNE admission. New this year, the Bandshell is shining the spotlight on some of Canada’s funniest acts, headlined by America’s Got Talent judge and one of the most successful comedians in the world, Howie Mandel, on Aug. 19.

Kids’ World – Families can enjoy the mini-Midway for kids, interactive programs such as the Pizza Nova Pizza-Making Shop, and plenty of entertainment on the Kids World Stage from characters such as Bob the Builder, Dorothy & Wags from The Wiggles, and more! NEW this year in Kids World is a topsy turvy cirque-tacular show, Cirque Wonderland; a Dino Dig – where aspiring paleontologists can dig for prehistoric artefacts; and Chalkmaster Dave who will be creating amazing chalk art in Kids World.
Art at the CNE

Turn Off the Plastic Tap – Famed Canadian artist, activist, and photographer Benjamin Von Wong presents #TurnOffThePlasticTap, a massive 25’ x 30’ art installation that comments on the overuse of plastics by using discarded plastic. Best known for his environmental art installations and hyper-realistic art style, Von Wong’s masterpiece hopes to inspire audiences to “turn off the tap” on their plastic use. (Daily, Enercare Centre Hall A)

National Geographic’s The Greatest Wildlife Photos Exhibit – The world’s most striking wildlife images will be on display at the CNE. For 115 years, National Geographic has pioneered and championed the art of wildlife photography, and captivated generations of audiences with a steady stream of extraordinary images of animals in nature. (Daily, Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Pavilion & Enercare Centre, Hall A)

Charles Pachter (aka Johnnie at the Fair) Exhibit: A Romance with Canada – The CNE is honouring the work of esteemed Canadian painter Charles Pachter and his unique connection to the fair. Pachter starred in the National Film Board of Canada’s Johnnie at the Fair, which celebrated a five-year old child’s experience at the 1947 CNE after the fair had been closed from 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War. Some of his most renowned works and favourite subject matter will be on display including The Queen & Moose series. (Daily, Withrow Common Gallery)

Voitek Pendrak Immersive Projections – Toronto-based photographer and multimedia artist Voitek Pendrak presents an all-new 360° immersive experience titled, A Trip Through 103: Therapy for the Soul, that combines his vibrant kaleidoscope-like imagery and cinematography with an original soundtrack to create a truly mind-bending show. (Daily, 1pm – 7pm, Enercare Centre Salon 103)

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Exhibit – The CNE invites fairgoers to learn more about the land in which we gather, that is part of the Treaty 13 Lands and the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat. This important exhibit showcases the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit through art, storytelling, and a variety of interactive experiences. (Daily, Enercare Centre)

General Admission
$20: Advance Tickets (purchased before Aug. 18)
$25: General Admission (14 to 64 years)
$20: Adults 65 & Better
$20: Children (ages 5 to 13)
FREE: Children 4 & under
$75: CNE Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children)

*Plus HST and applicable fees

To purchase tickets, ride passes, and for more information on discounts and promotions, go to www.TheEx.com

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE GRAY MAN” FRANCHISE CONFIRMED

It’s a hit! THE GRAY MAN is confirmed as the #1 Film in Netflix, and hot on the news of this is confirmation that the Film will be developed into a Franchise!

More below:

• Following the immensely successful release of The Gray Man this weekend, where it debuted as the #1 movie in 92 countries, Netflix is cementing plans for the IP to become a major spy franchise.
• A sequel to The Gray Man, which is already a fan favorite with a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, is now in development with star Ryan Gosling and directors Joe and Anthony Russo set to return. The Russos and AGBO’s Mike Larocca will produce along with Joe Roth and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum for Roth Kirschenbaum Films.
• The Gray Man co-writer Stephen McFeely (The Electric State, Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War) is writing.
• A spin-off film, written by acclaimed screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese (Deadpool, Zombieland) is set to explore a different element of The Gray Man universe. The logline is being kept under wraps.
• The Gray Man is based on the best-selling book series by Mark Greaney.
• The Gray Man is the third film from AGBO to premiere on Netflix, and the company’s second consecutive debut at #1 worldwide, with a sequel to follow. AGBO’s, 2020’s Extraction starring Chris Hemsworth, [is the 5th most popular film on Netflix] has a sequel to be released on Netflix in 2023.
• Quote from Joe and Anthony Russo: “The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are so appreciative of the enthusiasm that fans across the world have had for this film. With so many amazing characters in the movie, we had always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we are thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan, as well as a second script that we’re excited to talk about soon.”
• Quote from Scott Stuber, Head of Global Film: “With The Gray Man, the Russos delivered an edge-of-your-seat spectacle that audiences around the world are loving. We’re excited to continue to partner with them and the team at AGBO as they build out The Gray Man universe

(Photo credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW CLIP FROM “BARBARIAN”

Check-out this new Clip from terrifying Thriller, BARBARIAN, in theatres this September.

Synopsis:

In “Barbarian,” a young woman traveling to Detroit for a job interview books a rental home. But when she arrives late at night, she discovers that the house is double booked, and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the evening, but soon discovers that there’s a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest.

From 20th Century Studios and New Regency, “Barbarian” stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, Matthew Patrick Davis, Richard Brake, Jaymes Butler and Kurt Braunohler. The film was written and directed by Zach Cregger. The producers are Arnon Milchan, Roy Lee, Raphael Margules and J.D. Lifshitz. Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Danny Chan, Alex Lebovici and Bill Skarsgård are the film’s executive producers.

BARBARIAN arrives September 9, 2022 via 20th Century Studios Canada.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ME TIME”

Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart team-up on upcoming Comedy ME TIME! Here’s the brand-new Trailer!

Logline:
When a stay-at-home dad finds himself with some “me time” for the first time in years while his wife and kids are away, he reconnects with his former best friend for a wild weekend that nearly upends his life.

ME TIME arrives August 26, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)