The Departure Festival + Conference from Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) today announced the relaunch of the Scotiabank Arena & Coca-Cola Coliseum Departure Bursary Program, which will support 15 aspiring music industry professionals in 2026. Originally created by Canadian Music Week and MLSE, Departure continues the legacy of introducing new talent into the live entertainment industry.
Intended for post-secondary students pursuing careers in the music industry, the Scotiabank Arena & Coca-Cola Coliseum Departure Bursary Program aims to break barriers, providing an opportunity for live music’s brightest aspiring artists to attend Departure for the first time, learn more about this ever-growing and changing industry as well as build their network.
“With Scotiabank Arena and Coca-Cola Coliseum being the center of live entertainment in Toronto, we are thrilled to open our doors in a unique way once again through this bursary program,” said Neil Claydon, Vice President, Ticketing and Music & Live Entertainment, MLSE. “Over the past few years, we’ve been able to give dozens of young leaders unprecedented access and opportunity to get a glimpse into our amazing and thriving industry, and we look forward to welcoming even more participants this year alongside our partners at Departure.”
Each recipient’s 2026 Departure Conference pass provides access to a variety of educational discussions and opportunities.Through meetings with a diverse cross-section of members in the music community, participants get to expand their networks and accelerate their career paths. Recipients will also connect directly with MLSE representatives at an exclusive industry meet-and-greet, including one-on-one meetings in the Departure Mentors Lounge.
“Opening doors for emerging talent is essential to the future of the music industry,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Director, Departure Festival + Conference. “With the relaunch of this bursary program, we’re proud to support the next generation of professionals by creating meaningful access to mentorship, education, and industry connections at a pivotal moment in their careers.”
Applications are now open until April 19, 2026 and recipients will be determined on April 27, 2026.
The Scotiabank Arena & Coca-Cola Coliseum Bursary Program is open to Canadian residents and encourages applications from equity-seeking groups. To apply for the Bursary Program, applicants can complete the application form online to explain who they are and why they want to attend Departure. MLSE will have access to all applications to determine the appropriate recipients. Details of all successful applicants will remain strictly confidential.
Apply online at departureto.com/bursary
Hot Docs is thrilled to welcome intriguing film subjects, filmmakers and special guests to its 2026 Festival, taking place in Toronto April 23 to May 3. Special guests include Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Kenny Loggins, artist and disability advocate April Hubbard, MySpace co-founder Chris DeWolfe, and as previously announced, investigative journalist and co-founder and host of Democracy Now! Amy Goodman, and award-winning queer rock icon Carole Pope.
Featured guests are listed below. In most cases, the guests will be present at one or more screenings.
Carole Pope from ANTIDIVA: THE CAROLE POPE CONFESSIONS (D: Michelle Mama | P: Bill Taylor | Canada | 2025 | 89 min) – Canadian singer songwriter, queer rock icon and lead singer of Rough Trade.
Kenny Loggins from KENNY LOGGINS: CONVICTION OF THE HEART (D: Dori Berinstein | P: Dori Berinstein | USA | 2025 | 96 min) – Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter.
April Hubbard from THE LAST DAYS OF APRIL (D: Ree Wright, Meaghan Wright | P: Ree Wright, Meaghan Wright, Melani Wood | Canada | 2026 | 75 min) – Halifax artist and disability advocate.
Chris DeWolfe from MYSPACE (D: Tommy Avallone | P: Van Toffler, Trent Johnson | USA | 2025 | 96 min) – Co-founder and former chief executive officer of MySpace.
Amy Goodman from STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! (D: Carl Deal, Tia Lessin | P: Carl Deal, Tia Lessin, Karen Ranucci, Diana Cohn, Caren Spruch | USA | 2026 | 102 min) – investigative journalist and co-founder and host of Democracy Now!
The 2026 Festival will also host over 200 of the world’s top documentary filmmakers and producers to introduce their films and participate in post-screening audience Q&As. Among those filmmakers in attendance are those listed below.
Michelle Mama, director of ANTIDIVA: THE CAROLE POPE CONFESSIONS (D: Michelle Mama | P: Bill Taylor | Canada | 2025 | 89 min)
Poh Si Teng, director of AMERICAN DOCTOR (D: Poh Si Teng | P: Poh Si Teng, Kirstine Barfod, Reem Haddad | USA, Palestine, Denmark, Malaysia, Qatar | 2026 | 93 min)
Sam Dunn, director of THE BALLAD OF JUDAS PRIEST (D: Tom Morello, Sam Dunn | P: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | USA | 2026 | 98 min)
Maya Annik Bedward, director of BLACK ZOMBIE (D: Maya Annik Bedward | P: Maya Annik Bedward, Kate Fraser, Hannah Donegan | Canada | 2026 | 90 min)
Jeffrey McHale, director of IT’S DOROTHY! (D: Jeffrey McHale | P: Ariana Garfinkel, Zel McCarthy, Suzanne Zionts | USA | 2025 | 97 min)
Dori Berinstein, director of KENNY LOGGINS: CONVICTION OF THE HEART (D: Dori Berinstein | P: Dori Berinstein | USA | 2025 | 96 min)
Shalini Kantayya, director of LOVE APPTUALLY (D: Shalini Kantayya | P: Elizabeth Woodward | USA, Australia | 2026 | 81 min)
Tommy Avallone, director of MYSPACE (D: Tommy Avallone | P: Van Toffler, Trent Johnson | USA | 2025 | 96 min)
Kim Nguyen, director of SAIGON STORY: TWO SHOOTINGS IN THE FOREST KINGDOM (D: Kim Nguyen | P: Nabil Mehchi, Robert Vroom, Ariel Nasr | Canada | 2026 | 91 min)
Tia Lessin, director of STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! (D: Carl Deal, Tia Lessin | P: Carl Deal, Tia Lessin, Karen Ranucci, Diana Cohn, Caren Spruch | USA | 2026 | 102 min)
Monica Henriquez and Louis Massiah, directors of TCB – THE TONI CADE BAMBARA SCHOOL OF ORGANIZING (D: Louis Massiah, Monica Henriquez | P: Louis Massiah | USA, UK, Canada, France, Senegal | 2025 | 105 min)
Barry Avrich, director of THIS ABOVE ALL: THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF ANTONI CIMOLINO (D: Barry Avrich | P: Mark Selby, Barry Avrich | Canada | 2026 | 78 min)
Sara Dosa, director of TIME AND WATER (D: Sara Dosa | P: Shane Boris, Elijah Stevens, Jameka Autry, Sara Dosa | USA, Iceland | 2026 | 90 min)
Mark Myers, director of THE TOWER THAT BUILT A CITY (D: Mark Myers | P: Mark Myers, Luke Myers | Canada | 2026 | 92 min)
Raha Shirazi, director of A WAR ON WOMEN (D: Raha Shirazi | P: Marco Serrecchia, Marica Stocchi, Beatrice Bordone Bulgari, Gianluca Curti, Daniele Occhipinti, Luca Bradamante | Italy | 2026 | 102 min)
Dawn Porter, director of WHEN A WITNESS RECANTS (D: Dawn Porter | P: Dawn Porter, Jennifer Oko, Miriam Weintraub | 2026 | USA | 117 min)
For more information on Hot Docs, visit hotdocs.ca
Hot Docs (hotdocs.ca) is North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers, Hot Docs will present its 33rd annual edition in Toronto from April 23 to May 3, 2026. Hot Docs will also mount a dynamic series of knowledge sessions, networking opportunities and market programs for documentary practitioners and industry delegates, including the renowned Hot Docs Forum and Hot Docs Deal Maker. Since its inception in 1993, Hot Docs has supported the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs, production fund portfolio, and valuable professional development programs. The organization fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs also operates the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.
Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased and used online at www.hotdocs.ca or in person at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Box Office, located at 506 Bloor Street West (hours vary daily in accordance with cinema screenings). Single tickets are $22 ($20 member) for regular screenings, and $27 ($24 member) for Opening Night and Big Ideas screenings. A Festival 12-Pack is $228 and a Festival 20-Pack is $340 ($216 and $320 members). Hot Docs offers free tickets for regular screenings before 4:00 p.m. to patrons 60+ and students with valid photo I.D., available in-person at the venue on the day of the screening, subject to availability.
Hot Docs is proud to include Rogers as its Founding Partner and Telefilm Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Canada Media Fund as its Major Supporters.
Farpoint Films and Super Channel, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), are joining forces on RCMP FILES, a new 20 x 1-hour documentary series that goes behind the scenes of real police work as investigators tackle some of the most compelling cases across Canada. Currently in production in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Season 1 will premiere on Super Channel and Super Channel+ in 2027.
Each episode profiles a historical case, featuring interviews with RCMP officers and specialists directly involved in the investigations. Drawing on more than 150 years of service in communities across Canada and abroad, the storytelling is informed by series consultants including Retired Commissioner Senator Beverley Busson and current Commissioner Mike Duhme.
“RCMP FILES brings together extraordinary access, compelling real-life cases, and thoughtful storytelling,” said Kim Ball, EVP, Content & Communications, Super Channel. “This collaboration with Farpoint Films and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police allows Super Channel to present a series that is as informative as it is engaging – exactly the kind of premium storytelling we’re proud to champion.”
“Few institutions are as deeply connected to Canada’s history and identity as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” said Don McDonald, President & CEO, Super Channel. “RCMP FILES provides a rare window into that legacy, highlight the service, professionalism, and values that have defined the organization for generations and earned respect worldwide.”
Commissioner Duhme believes it is important to share these stories and offer Canadians greater insight into modern policing. He says, “I am proud of the work RCMP employees do every single day in service to our communities. Law enforcement is demanding, and time and again our people respond with professionalism and compassion. This television series is our opportunity to tell these stories and show Canadians the tenacity of our investigative teams and the service excellence that goes into every single investigation.”
Farpoint’s CEO Kyle Boranis added: “I am very proud that we get to tell these stories and look forward to bringing them to both a Canadian audience as well as an international audience through our company Farpoint Distribution.”
The RCMP’s reputation for tirelessly preventing and solving crime is known all over the world. As Canada’s national police service, the RCMP provides their renowned services in every province and territory. This includes, but is not limited to, cutting edge forensic work, national and border security, gang enforcement and major crimes.
The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) is dialling up the suspense with the announcement that the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival will return for its fifth year, from June 5-7, 2026 at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Celebrating a milestone year, MOTIVE 2026 unveils its most expansive and riveting programme to date, featuring more than 55 events, author talks, and immersive workshops designed to captivate crime and mystery lovers of all kinds.
This year’s lineup brings together an exceptional collection of bestselling authors and literary heavyweights, including former UK police officer Clare Mackintosh, in conversation with the award-winning author of The Maid, Nita Prose. In Canada Bleeds, acclaimed writers Shari Lapena, Margaret Cannon, and Steven Beattie dive into the evolution of Canadian crime fiction, while renowned British novelist and biographer Nicholas Shakespeare leads a fascinating re-examination of the works of literary icon Graham Greene.
MOTIVE 2026 goes beyond the page with an expanded slate of interactive experiences, including hands-on workshops presented by the University of Toronto Mississauga Forensic Science Program; fiction masterclasses with acclaimed crime and mystery writers Hannah Mary McKinnon, Doug Johnstone, Maureen Jennings, Robyn Harding, and Lilja Sigurdardottir; morning yoga classes to get attendees blood flowing; a Godfather-themed murder mystery dinner; and the return of the delicious Tea, Cake and Murder conversations.
The festival proudly showcases an outstanding roster of Canadian talent including Shari Lapena, Nita Prose, Maureen Jennings, Robyn Harding, Genevieve Graham, Karma Brown, Uzma Jalaluddin, Hannah Mary McKinnon, Roz Nay, and Sharon Bala.
Internationally, MOTIVE 2026 shines a spotlight on the dynamic world of French ‘Polar’ crime writing with Crime Scene: France, featuring major voices such as Hannelore Cayre, Olivier Norek, Sophie Hénaff, and Johana Gustawsson. Presented in partnership with the Quais du Polar Festival in Lyon.
This landmark edition of MOTIVE comes at an especially exciting moment for TIFA, following its recent transition to a fully independent organization.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for TIFA and for MOTIVE,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director & recently appointed CEO of the Toronto International Festival of Authors. “As an independent organization, we have the opportunity to dream bigger and push boundaries with MOTIVE 2026. From world-class authors to creative one-of-a-kind experiences, we’re inviting audiences to dive deeper into the stories they love and discover new voices from Canada and around the globe.”
With its bold pramming, international scope, and immersive experiences, MOTIVE 2026 promises an unmissable weekend for fans of crime, mystery, and storytelling.
Passes for MOTIVE are on sale now, starting at $24
Tickets and more information available at https://festivalofauthors.ca/motive/
About TIFA:
The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) has been inspiring readers and celebrating books and storytelling for over 50 years. Since 1974, TIFA has produced Canada’s longest-running book festival, the Toronto International Festival of Authors (formerly known as IFOA). TIFA has grown to offer year-round programming, including the TIFA Presents series of high-profile author talks, the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival, Ever After, TIFA’s Romance Festival, and the International Visitor’s Programme. Since 1974, TIFA has welcomed thousands of authors from more than 100 countries, including many Nobel Laureates and countless award winners. TIFA is a not-for-profit organization, one of the world’s founding book festivals, and a proud member of the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF) and the Global Alliance of Literary Festivals (GAoLF).
TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; our Global Authors Club, for providing philanthropic support; the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who understand that great literature is worth investing in.
Follow along on social:
Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/
Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/
YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC
Peloton (NASDAQ: PTON) today announced the latest expansion of its “Let Yourself Go” brand platform, a cinematic collaboration featuring Hudson Williams alongside Peloton Instructors Tunde Oyeneyin and Adrian Williams, to celebrate the simple joy of movement. The platform serves as a cultural antidote to fitness fatigue, shifting the conversation from the obligation of exercise to the unleashing of a powerful sense of personal freedom. Directed by breakout creative force Bethany Vargas, choreographed by Tyrik Patterson, and set to David Bowie’s “Fame,” the hero film subverts the double meaning of “let yourself go.” Through Hudson’s performance, the phrase is reframed as a liberating invitation to break free from rigid expectations and move with unbridled authenticity.
“At Peloton, we’ve always known that movement is at its best when it feels like a release rather than a chore,” said Megan Imbres, Peloton’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our goal with this campaign was to capture that feeling of total freedom. By reclaiming ‘Let Yourself Go,’ we’re reminding the world that when you move with us, you aren’t just hitting a goal, you’re finding a sense of personal joy that is entirely unique to Peloton.”
The hero film, which will be aired across the U.S. and Canada, follows Hudson as he transitions fluidly from running on the Peloton Tread+ to the floor, swiveling the screen to access Peloton IQ-powered strength training. In this theatrical reimagining of a workout, Hudson’s movement blends athleticism with choreography, serving as a metaphor for the mental release of a workout, as he loses himself in the rhythm of the moment. By weaving a diverse range of exercises into a single narrative, the film showcases the true scale of Peloton’s 15+ modalities—positioning the Tread+ not just as a piece of cardio equipment, but as a gateway to a complete cross-training suite. The film transcends the digital barrier, placing Tunde into Hudson’s physical world to mirror the intimate relationships formed by members with their favorite Instructors.
“‘Let yourself go’ feels very in line with my beliefs. It’s amazing what fitness can do for your life. I think everyone needs a form of movement that liberates them,” said Hudson Williams. “Movement is the quickest way to get out of sticky feelings. Whether that’s dancing or exercise …I think it’s just a key component, especially to how I live.”
“My personal passion is empowering others to be bold and embrace radical self-love,” said Peloton Instructor Tunde Oyeneyin. “Teaming up with Hudson was truly magical because we both live out-loud and share a common goal – encouraging others to move with joy and embrace living in the moment. This campaign is a reminder that when you show up for yourself with intention and a bit of play, you don’t just change your workout—you can change your life.
Launching today, the campaign utilizes a scalable “Let Yourself __” (Run, Lift, Push, Fail, Try, Go) construct, highlighting how Peloton empowers Members to move in whatever way feels most authentic to them in the moment. The rollout features the :60 hero film supported by :30 and :15 cutdowns across TVC, OTT, OLV, Paid Digital, Paid + Organic Social and Digital OOH.
For more information, visit onepeloton.com.
130 MILLION PEOPLE TAKE ROAD TRIPS EVERY YEAR.
15,400 OF THEM ARE NEVER SEEN AGAIN.
We get a new Trailer for PASSENGER, starring Jacob Scipio. In theatres May 22, 2026 via Paramount Pictures Canada.
SYNOPSIS:
After a young couple witnesses a gruesome highway accident, they soon realize they did not leave the crash scene alone, as a demonic presence called the Passenger that won’t stop until it claims them both turns their van life adventure into a nightmare.
Paramount Pictures Presents
In Association with Domain Entertainment
An 18Hz / Coin Operated Production
“PASSENGER”
Executive Producers
Jenny Hinkey, Nathan Samdahl, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary
Produced by
Walter Hamada, p.g.a., Gary Dauberman, p.g.a.
Written by
Zachary Donohue & T.W. Burgess
Directed by
André Øvredal
Cast:
Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell and Melissa Leo
THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED
Little House on the Prairie, based on the beloved books, premieres July 9, 2026, only on Netflix (All Episodes). Today, we get a new Teaser.
More About Little House on the Prairie
Logline: Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier
Showrunner / Executive Producer: Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Boys, Vampire Diaries, Archive 81)
Executive Producers: Joy Gorman Wettels for Joy Coalition, Trip Friendly for Friendly Family Productions, Dana Fox
Directors: Sarah Adina Smith (101), Julie Anne Robinson (102, 103), Kat Candler (104, 105), Erica Tremblay (106), Sydney Freeland (107, 108)
Studio: Produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content
Follow along the Little House on the Prairie journey online: Tudum.com, Little House on the Prairie Website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, X
Blue Fox Entertainment and Mr. Will are giving Toronto readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of I SWEAR on April 20, 2026.
Synopsis: Funny, honest, and deeply human, I Swear tells the inspirational true story of John Davidson, a trailblazer who refused to be defined by Tourette Syndrome and instead used his honesty and humour to help the world better understand what it means to live with it. From the remarkable true story of a young man who carved a path of his own, director Kirk Jones brings this powerful and uplifting film—an unforgettable blend of humour, heart, and humanity
Starring: Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, Peter Mullan

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Tag 1 friend in the comments you are going with. Multiple entries allowed.
Rules and regulations here.
Blue Fox Entertainment release I SWEAR Friday, April 24, 2026.
(Photo/video credit: Blue Fox Entertainment)
Paramount+ has today announced MEET THE FISHERS (W/T), a new reality docusoap following one of Britain’s most viral families.
Rising to fame on social media in 2022, Big John and his family quickly captured the nation’s attention with his epic Chinese takeaway orders, his now famous catchphrase “BOSH!” and the family’s infectious energy.
The series will follow John and his wife Charlotte – the heart and backbone of the family – alongside their children, including rising boxing star Johnny “The Romford Bull”. Packed with surprise celebrity appearances, the series will offer an unfiltered, laugh‑out‑loud glimpse into the everyday chaos that propelled this larger‑than‑life family into a national phenomenon.
On the new reality series, Big John said “If you’d told me a few years ago that our daft videos and family chaos would lead to our own Paramount+ series, I’d never have believed you. We can’t wait to let people into the loud, funny and real-life madness of the Fisher household.
MEET THE FISHERS (W/T) has been commissioned by Paramount+, and is being produced by Objective Entertainment. The 6 X 60-minute series will record and air in 2026 on Paramount+ in Canada, the UK, US and Australia. Objective Entertainment, part of Objective Media Group, an All3Media Company, is the production powerhouse behind reality hits including The Only Way Is Essex and Paramount’s very own GEORDIE SHORE.
About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Paramount’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Paramount TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, visit paramount.com.
Today, we get a new Trailer for NEMESIS, arriving May 14, 2026 on Netflix.
ABOUT NEMESIS:
Logline: Nemesis is the story of two men on either side of the law, the tale of what happens when an unstoppable force (an expert criminal) meets an immovable object (a brilliant police detective). What starts as a series that aims to subvert the heist genre at every turn, amped with thrilling life-or-death stakes, family dynamics and explosive action, actually gives birth to an exploration of what drives us, sustains us, and ultimately destroys us.
Format: Drama Series; 8 Episodes x 60 Minutes
Showrunner/Creator/ Executive Producer: Courtney A. Kemp
Co-Creator/Executive Producer: Tani Marole
Directors: Mario Van Peebles (101/102 and also serve as executive producer on those episodes); Millicent Shelton (103/104), Rob Hardy (105/106), Ruben Garcia (107/108)
Executive Producers: Chris Selak (End of Episode), Philipp Barnett
Series Regulars: Matthew Law, Y’lan Noel, Cleopatra Coleman, Tre Hale, Domenick Lombardozzi, Jonnie Park, Ariana Guerra, Gabrielle Dennis, Michael Potts, Sophina Brown, Cedric Joe, Jeff Pierre
Guest Stars: Moe Irvin, Quincy Isaiah, Jay Reeves, Mike O’Malley, Stephanie Sigman, Khalilah Joi, Shane Johnson, Siua Ikale’o, Dawnn Lewis, Mark Feuerstein, Chris Bauer
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