The Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF) today announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art production hub inside TIFF Lightbox. The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio will enhance TIFF’s in-house content team’s ability to produce, capture, and amplify world-class content featuring established and emerging talent for audiences around the world. The studio is made possible through a generous philanthropic gift from the Toronto-based Ibrahim Family Foundation.

“We are grateful to Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung for their extraordinary generosity and belief in TIFF’s mission,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Sam’s journey, from arriving in Toronto as part of an immigrant family to building businesses from scratch alongside Melissa, reflects a remarkable ‘Scarborough grit’ that continues to shape their success. We look forward to inviting local and international talent into this incredible new space.”

“Their story embodies the creativity, ambition, and resilience that define this city, and this gift exemplifies a new generation of philanthropists committed to giving back,” added Jennifer Frees, TIFF’s Chief Business & Marketing Officer. “We hope Sam and Melissa’s leadership inspires others to join us by investing in the storytellers that project our city’s unique spirit onto the world stage.”

“We chose to make this gift because we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of creating space for emerging voices to be seen and celebrated,” said Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung. “TIFF has always represented excellence in film and culture, and contributing to the TIFF Melissa Chung Studio felt like a meaningful way to support creativity, community, and the next generation of artists. Toronto is home for us and where we are raising our family and building our work, and supporting TIFF is a natural extension of our commitment to giving back to our city.”

The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio is a fully equipped, flexible production hub located off the Gallery space on the main floor of the Lightbox, with windows facing south onto King St. W. Outfitted by Atriani Interiors and equipped by Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, it was designed to support a wide range of creative uses: from podcast recordings and filmed interviews, to a photography studio, social media, premium digital series, and long-form video production. Built with versatility in mind, The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio enhances TIFF’s capacity to collaborate with filmmakers, talent, and industry partners while also serving as a premium venue rental space for external clients seeking a state-of-the-art production facility right in the heart of the entertainment district. Over the years, TIFF’s content platforms have featured conversations and appearances from some of the most influential voices in film and culture.

This investment recognizes and supports the growing importance of digital storytelling, highlighting emerging Canadian creators, in-depth conversations with filmmakers, and building a year-round bridge between audiences and the films they love. With a combined social audience of more than 2.8 million global followers and 900 million impressions in 2025 alone, TIFF continues to engage film lovers, creators, and industry leaders at an unprecedented scale.

This transformational gift reflects the vital role philanthropy plays in advancing TIFF’s mission. To learn more about supporting TIFF and The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, visit tiff.net/give.

To learn more about the space and rental opportunities at The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, please visit tiff.net/studio.

Meevee, the Amsterdam-based children’s media company redefining how young children experience digital content, will launch its preschool streaming platform on April 25, 2026 on iOS, offering families an alternative to endless, algorithm-driven screen time. The newly released teaser trailer provides a first-look at the platform’s design to provide families an alternative to endless, algorithm-driven screen time.

Meevee’s core philosophy is a shift from infinite, engagement-based viewing toward finite, intentional sessions built around children’s developmental needs and parents’ desire for guided control. The teaser trailer highlights the growing concerns many families face today, between the convenience of digital content and the lack of clear boundaries within it.

Built for children aged two to six, Meevee is being developed as an alternative to mainstream platforms that rely on autoplay, infinite feeds and algorithmic engagement. Instead, the platform is designed around structured viewing sessions with clear beginnings and endings, helping children transition away from screens without conflict and emphasizes a limited content library that has been thoughtfully curated.

“Children today engage with content shaped by systems designed to maximize viewership,” said Mikey Casalaina, co-founder of Meevee. “With Meevee, we’re asking a different question: what would children’s media look like if it were designed to help kids get off the screen.”

Meevee introduces a thoughtful, parent-first approach to children’s content, with features designed to support healthier screen habits and more intentional viewing experiences:

Personalized programming tailored to each child’s age, interests, and viewing habits

Parent companion app with direct-to-parent chat for real-time communication and insights

Parent-controlled screen time settings, giving families full control over how long children watch

Wind-down mode that helps children transition off screens more smoothly

Suggested off-screen activities to encourage play and learning beyond the device

The launch of Meevee comes at a time of increasing concern among parents, educators and advocates about the design of children’s digital environments. As discussions around screen time, AI-generated content and platform responsibility continue to evolve, Meevee is positioning itself as a deliberate alternative, one that prioritizes well-being over watch time.

“This is not about removing screens,” said D Alcausin, co-founder of Meevee. “It’s about redesigning the experience around what’s actually good for kids. That means building a different system, built on different incentives.”

The teaser trailer serves as an early expression of Meevee’s approach and sets the stage for its upcoming launch. The company is currently working with a group of “founding families” and academic partners to refine the platform ahead of its planned release later this year.

Parents and caregivers interested in early access can join the waitlist at https://meev.ee.

ABOUT MEEVEE

Meevee is an Amsterdam-based children’s media company developing a well-being-first platform for preschool-aged children. Designed for families navigating the challenges of modern screen time, Meevee offers an alternative to algorithm-driven kids content by focusing on curated, story-led viewing sessions with clear beginnings and endings.

Built for children aged two to six, Meevee prioritizes intentional media experiences over engagement-based consumption. The platform replaces autoplay and infinite feeds with structured sessions shaped by parent input and informed by child development principles.

Founded by a team with experience across technology and creative industries, Meevee is working with academic partners to support an evidence-based approach to children’s media. The company is currently preparing for its launch across iOS, with Android and connected TV to follow.

Learn more at https://meev.ee

BLUE HERON HAS GARNERED SEVEN CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD NOMINATIONS:

BEST MOTION PICTURE
ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTION – SOPHY ROMVARI
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – SOPHY ROMVARI
ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING – KURT WALKER
ACHIEVEMENT IN CASTING – ANGELA QUINN, KATRIN BRAGA
PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE, DRAMA – EDIK BEDDOS
JOHN DUNNING BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM AWARD – SOPHY ROMVARI

UPDATE: CANADIAN THEATRICAL RELEASE ROLLOUT

BEGINNING IN TORONTO ON APRIL 24, 2026 – CINEPLEX CINEMAS VARSITY AND VIP
WITH AN EXCLUSIVE ONE-EVENING ONLY POST-SCREENING Q&A
AT THE VARSITY ON APRIL 24, 2026
WITH SOPHY ROMVARI
MODERATED BY
CELEBRATED WRITER-DIRECTOR DAVID CRONENBERG

OPENING MAY 1, 2026 – MONTRÉAL
WITH PLANNED POST-SCREENING Q&AS WITH SOPHY ROMVARI IN ATTENDANCE

OPENING MAY 8, 2026 – VANCOUVER AND REST OF CANADA
SOPHY ROMVARI IN ATTENDANCE AT VARIOUS POST-SCREENING Q&AS IN VANCOUVER

Selected Festivals and Awards:
-Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025’s Best Canadian Discovery Award; TIFF Canada’s Top 10 of 2025
-Locarno Film Festival 2025’s Swatch First Feature Award
-Montreal Festival of New Cinema’s Best Feature Film – National Competition
-International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg 2025’s Rainer Werner Fassbinder Award – Best Screenplay (Sophy Romvari)
-Vancouver International Film Festival 2025’s Horizon Award (Best First Feature) and Arbutus Award (Best BC Film)
-Toronto Film Critics Association 2025’s Rogers Award for Best Canadian Feature and Best First Feature
Indiewire Critics’ Poll’s Best Films Opening in 2026.

BLUE HERON follows a family of six settling into their new home on Vancouver Island as internal dynamics are slowly revealed through the eyes of the youngest child.

“Blue Heron is a film that stays with you—quietly powerful, visually stunning, and deeply human. Sophy brings a singular sensitivity and vision to the story and we are both honored and proud to bring her beautiful film to audiences across Canada,” said Blue Fox Entertainment Canada’s President Dave Hudakoc.

“I’m so grateful to be working with the team at Blue Fox Entertainment Canada to bring this film to Canadian audiences. Their love of cinema and their dedication to preserving the theatrical experience is extremely refreshing and exciting. We know we are in great hands. Blue Heron was made in collaboration with many incredible artists and some of my dearest friends — I can’t wait for everyone to see their talent viewed on the big screen. See you at the cinema!” adds Sophy Romvari, BLUE HERON’s Writer-Director-Producer.

Director: Sophy Romvari
Writer: Sophy Romvari

Cast:
Eylul Guven (feature film debut) as Sasha
Amy Zimmer (Fantasmas, Stress Positions) as Adult Sasha
Iringó Réti (The Last Image, Halo) as Mother
Edik Beddoes (feature film debut) as Jeremy
Adam Tompa (On Falling, Baptiste) as Father
Liam Serg (Sight Unseen, The Watchful Eye) as Henry
Preston Drabble (Guiding Emily, Siren) as Felix

Cinematographer: Maya Bankovic
Editor: Kurt Walker
Production Designer: Victoria Furuya

Producers:
Ryan Bobkin
Gábor Osváth
Sophy Romvari
Sara Wylie
Executive Producers:
Neil Champagne
Leah CL
Veronica Diaferia
Sara Eolin
Jasmin Karibzhanova
Lauren Melinda
Riel Roch Decter
Sam Sutcliffe
Countries: Canada, Hungary
Runtime: 90 minutes
Language: English and Hungarian (with English subtitles)

Canadian Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment Canada

U.S. Distributor: Janus Films

Note: Janus Films will be releasing the film on April 17 in the U.S. In Canada, Blue Fox Entertainment Canada will be releasing BLUE HERON in theatres beginning on April 24, 2026.

BLUE HERON was produced by Nine Behind Productions (Canada) and Boddah (Hungary) in association with Memory, Simbelle Productions, Tinygiant, and Ursa Major, with funding from Telefilm Canada and the National Film Institute Hungary.

ABOUT BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT CANADA
Blue Fox Entertainment Canada launched in advance of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, spearheaded by seasoned industry executives Dave Hudakoc, Ian Goggins and Michael Baker . The company has quickly established itself through the strategic acquisition of Unobstructed View Entertainment—a boutique label specializing in Blu-rays, 4K restorations, and prestige home video releases. With partners such as The Criterion Collection, Arrow Video, and Kino Lorber, Blue Fox Canada brings cinephiles and collectors access to some of the most celebrated and hard-to-find titles in contemporary and classic cinema.
Upcoming releases include Janus Films’ Two Prosecutors, directed by Sergei Loznitsa which won the François Chalais Prize at Cannes and Kirk Jones’ multiple BAFTA-winning film I SWEAR later this spring.

Connect:
Instagram: @bluefoxca
Facebook: Blue Fox Entertainment Canada
www.bluefoxentertainment.ca

Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) returns from April 8-12, 2026 at TIFF Lightbox, bringing together global creators, studios, and audiences for a five-day celebration of animation, industry, and career development.

The festival will showcase more than 100 animated films from around the world, alongside a
robust slate of programming designed to help creators navigate a competitive and rapidly
changing industry. At its core, TAAFI is committed to supporting creators through access,
education, and meaningful industry connections.

“The animation industry is evolving quickly, and creators need more than exposure to succeed,”
said Louis-Philippe Vermette, Co-Chair of TAAFI. “TAAFI is designed to connect artists with
real opportunities, practical knowledge, and the people who can help move their careers
forward.”

Now in its latest edition, TAAFI continues to evolve beyond a traditional festival, positioning itself
as a central meeting point for the international animation community where storytelling meets
opportunity.

TAAFI’s integrated “mega fest” experience includes:
● A film festival spotlighting global animation talent
● The Toronto Animation Industry Conference (TAIC), featuring panels, talks, and
workshops
● Networking events and job opportunities connecting artists with studios
● Signature programs such as Perfect Pitch and Speed Pitching, offering direct access to
decision-makers

This year’s festival features industry-leading voices including Bobby Chiu, Suzanne Wilson,
Mark Edwards, and Nic Cabana of Claynosaurz, reflecting TAAFI’s growing role as a hub for
both creative and professional development.

The Toronto Animation Industry Conference anchors the festival’s professional programming,
delivering two days of curated sessions that bridge the creative and business sides of
animation, gaming, and VFX. Attendees gain direct access to industry leaders and opportunities
to build relationships through targeted networking events.

TAAFI also looks ahead to the future of animation with programming exploring emerging
technologies and creator-led ecosystems, including discussions on AI tools and artist-focused
strategies.

Founded as a not-for-profit, TAAFI has grown into a recognized player on the global animation
stage, what it describes as a “local reunion for global animation.” By uniting its festival,
conference, and career programming under one roof, TAAFI continues to champion discovery,
collaboration, and the next generation of creative talent.

Event Details
Location: TIFF Lightbox
Dates: April 8-12, 2026
Tickets: https://taafi.com

Festival Programming
https://taafi.com/film-festival-2026

Conference Programming
https://taafi.com/conference-2026

Fresh off the release of the latest North America’s 50 Best Bars list, which saw both Toronto’s No Vacancy and Cry Baby Gallery recognized, No Vacancy will host a one-night-only guest shift on Tuesday, April 14, welcoming Cry Baby Gallery as the evening’s guest bar. A rising sensation in Toronto’s cocktail scene, Yuki Kuroiwa of Cry Baby Gallery will step behind the bar as guest bartender, bringing one of the city’s most in-demand cocktail perspectives to No Vacancy alongside resident bartender Kat Yu for a collaborative service from 6:00 PM to late. Guests can expect a menu of cocktails that reflects both bars’ distinct approaches, coming together in a night that highlights women shaping Toronto’s hospitality scene. Reservations are available via No Vacancy’s OpenTable HERE.

A Meeting of Two of Toronto’s Most Celebrated Bars

The collaboration brings Cry Baby Gallery, one of Canada’s most internationally recognized cocktail bars, into No Vacancy’s intimate Ossington space. Ranked No. 11 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars (2025) and No. 69 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, Cry Baby has built a reputation for precise, technique-driven drinks and a strong cultural identity.

No Vacancy, ranked #82 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, is known for a cocktail program shaped by global influences, with ingredients like yuzu, shiso, pandan, and ume woven throughout the menu. For one night, these perspectives come together in a shared format, presenting cocktails that balance technical precision with expressive flavour.

The Talent Behind the Bar

The evening will spotlight guest bartender Yuki Kuroiwa, a rising force in the cocktail world. Based in Canada since 2010, Yuki has spent over a decade in hospitality and has been bartending professionally at Cry Baby Gallery since 2021. Known for her curiosity and precision, she brings a deep passion for spirits and innovation to every drink she creates. Her featured cocktails for the evening will reflect her signature style, thoughtful, globally inspired, and meticulously crafted.

Working alongside her will be No Vacancy’s Kat Yu: A rising talent in Toronto’s cocktail scene and a key member of the team at No Vacancy. Though early in her tenure, she has quickly earned recognition for her confident approach and strong point of view behind the bar. Her debut cocktail, Golden Hour, has become a standout on the menu, resonating with guests and signalling her instinct for balanced, memorable drinks. With a sharp palate and a clear creative voice, Kat is quickly establishing herself as one to watch.

Together, the duo will create unique cocktails that highlight both individuality and shared creativity, showcasing the power of women-led talent behind the bar. Designed to celebrate and elevate female voices in hospitality, the event creates space for connection, creativity, and recognition within Toronto’s thriving bar community. The evening is proudly supported by Perrier and The House of Suntory, two globally respected names synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in the beverage world.

Reservations available via No Vacancy’s OpenTable HERE.

About No Vacancy
No Vacancy is a vibrant cocktail bar where nostalgia meets modern edge. Located on Ossington, the space blends retro charm with a contemporary spirit. Known for its craft cocktails, cozy-chic interiors, and lively atmosphere, it’s a go-to destination for locals, industry insiders, and first-time visitors alike.
With a beverage program inspired by global flavours, featuring ingredients like yuzu, pandan, shiso, and ume, No Vacancy delivers a cocktail experience that is both innovative and approachable. Paired with its moody, design-forward interior and commitment to showcasing local art, the bar offers an immersive and memorable night out in Toronto.

About Cry Baby Gallery
Cry Baby Gallery is a Toronto cocktail bar known for its creative, technique-driven drinks and strong cultural identity. Ranked No. 11 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars (2025) and No. 69 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, it has quickly gained recognition on the global stage.

The bar combines precise mixology with a focus on music, art, and community, creating a space that is both intimate and energetic. Its program emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a modern approach to hospitality.

PHOTON FILMS PRESENTS
A FILM BY GRAMMY-NOMINATED ANDY HINES

LITTLE LORRAINE’S CANADIAN THEATRICAL RELEASE BEGINNING APRIL 17, 2026

SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE

APRIL 15, 2026 – TORONTO
LITTLE LORRAINE ADVANCE SCREENING AS PART OF
NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY

Talent in attendance:
WRITER-DIRECTOR ANDY HINES
CAST: STEPHEN MCHATTIE, AUDEN THORNTON, DAX RAVINA, SUGAR LYN BEARD
PRODUCERS: TIM DOIRON, JAMES VAN DER WOERD, MICHAEL VOLPE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: VANESSA AMODEO

HOSTED BY RICHARD CROUSE

APRIL 17 AND APRIL 18, 2026 – SYDNEY (NS)
LITTLE LORRAINE OPENING WEEKEND POST-SCREENING Q&AS AT
CINEPLEX CINEMAS SYDNEY

Talent in attendance April 17 and April 18 in Sydney (NS):
WRITER-DIRECTOR ANDY HINES
WRITER ADAM BALDWIN
CAST: AUDEN THORNTON
PRODUCERS: TIM DOIRON, MICHAEL VOLPE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: VANESSA AMODEO, NIC NEARY

APRIL 18, 2026 – SYDNEY (NS)
LITTLE LORRAINE: KEEP THE LIGHT ON
SPECIAL OPENING WEEKEND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
AT THE MEMBERTOU TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE

Talent in attendance:
WRITER-DIRECTOR ANDY HINES
WRITER ADAM BALDWIN
CAST: AUDEN THORNTON
PRODUCERS: TIM DOIRON, MICHAEL VOLPE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: VANESSA AMODEO, NIC NEARY

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS, INCLUDING PERFORMANCES BY ADAM BALDWIN, THE MEN OF THE DEEPS, AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Photo Courtesy of Photon Films
“‘Little Lorraine’ has it ALL and it’s based on a true crime story that happened right here in Cape Breton” – Tyrone Edwards, ETALK

“Little Lorraine” places a gritty crime story against Cape Breton’s economic struggles post-coal mining to create a story that authentically portrays the moral dilemmas of the lengths desperate people will go to in order to provide for their families.” – Richard Crouse, Bell Media

“McHattie is a great villain. He radiates a shady quality even when he’s trying to be nice.” – Sarah Gopaul, Digital Journal

Selected Official Selections:
Toronto International Film Festival 2025 – world premiere
Atlantic International Film Festival 2025 – Best Director (Andy Hines) and Best Actor (Stephen McHattie)
Calgary International Film Festival 2025
Windsor International Film Festival 2025
Whistler Film Festival 2025
Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026

Synopsis:
Directed by Grammy-nominated Andy Hines (feature film debut), based on a true story and Adam Baldwin’s song “Lighthouse in Little Lorraine”. Between 1986 and 1990, Little Lorraine (Cape Breton) became embroiled in an international cocaine smuggling operation under the noses of multiple governments and federal agencies, distributing drugs and money in coffins driven around in hearses by a network of funeral homes. Experienced through the eyes of three entrapped best friends (Stephen Amell, Joshua Close, Steve Lund), LITTLE LORRAINE tells the gripping true tale of how this unlikely story was born, prospered and imploded over a season in the life of this township.

Principal Cast:
Stephen Amell (Arrow, The Flash, The Borderline) as Jimmy
Auden Thornton (Broke, This is Us, Beauty Mark) as Emma
J Balvin (feature film debut – best-selling Latin artist, winner of 11 Billboard Latin Music Awards; 4 Grammy Award nominations; Guinness World Records acknowledged him as a “leader of a second-generation reggaeton revolution”) as Lozano
Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings Film Series, Stranger Things, The Conners) as Father Williams
Matt Walsh (Vladimir, Veep, Ghosts) as Captain Douglas
Rhys Darby (Guns Akimbo, Wrecked, Flight of the Conchords) as Tim
Stephen McHattie (My Animal, Orphan Black, Pontypool) as Huey
Joshua Close (Wayward, American Solitaire, A Breed Apart) as Tommy
Kaelen Ohm (From, Hit & Run, Last County) as Alice
Hugh Thompson (What We Dreamed of Then, Sullivan’s Crossing, Reacher) as Gordy
Steve Lund (Sullivan’s Crossing, Schitt’s Creek, Bitten) as Jake
Directed by: Andy Hines (feature film debut)
Screenplay by: Andy Hines, Adam Baldwin
Based on a song by Adam Baldwin called “Lighthouse in Little Lorraine”.

Editors: Jeff Betancourt, Anna Hauger, Yoni Reiss
Cinematographer: Jeff Powers
Composer: Blain Morris
Production Designers: Krystyna Byers
Costume Designer: Olivia Hines

Producers: Tim Doiron, James van der Woerd, Michael Volpe
Executive Producers: Nic Neary, Vanessa Amodeo, April Mullen

Country: Canada
Runtime: 115 minutes
Language: English

Canadian Distributor: Photon Films

Follow @littlelorrainefilm

ABOUT PHOTON FILMS AND MEDIA
Launched in 2010, Photon Films and Media (photonfilms.ca), formerly Pacific Northwest Pictures, is a leading Canadian entertainment company specializing in the development, financing, production and distribution of feature films for the domestic and international marketplace. With an emphasis on high quality films from leading filmmakers in diverse genres, Photon Films brings those films to consumers with innovative forms of marketing and distribution across all distribution platforms.

Recent theatrical releases include Richard Linklater’s Golden Globe nominated Nouvelle Vague starring Spirit Award nominated Zoey Deutch for her role as Jane Seberg and Guillaume Marbeck, the SXSW Grand Jury and Audience Award Winner Bob Trevino Likes It from writer/director Tracie Laymon and starring Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, Tribeca Audience Award Winner Bad Shabbos with Kyra Sedgwick, David Paymer and Method Man, and the critically acclaimed documentary One to One: John & Yoko from directors Kevin Macdonald and Sam Rice-Edwards. Upcoming films include Youngblood from director Hubert Davis and starring Blair Underwood and Ashton James, and Little Lorraine from director Andy Hines and starring Stephen Amell, Sean Astin, J Balvin, Matt Walsh, Rhys Darby and Stephen McHattie.

Contrada announces the appointment of Lifni Kalikutty as Executive Chef, alongside the introduction of a refreshed menu with a more focused, distinctly Italian approach in the kitchen. A longtime member of the team, Kalikutty now leads the kitchen with a clear point of view and renewed momentum.

Kalikutty’s approach is defined by discipline and clarity, with a strong foundation in pasta-making and a detail-driven style that brings a sharper focus to the menu. He has worked in leading kitchens including Enoteca Sociale, Ascari, Montecito, Giulietta and the Michelin-starred Giulia, and was mentored by respected Italian chefs including Rob Rossi of Giulietta and Osteria Giulia.

“Contrada has always been about great ingredients and a certain kind of energy in the room,” said Lifni Kalikutty, Executive Chef at Contrada. “I’m excited to build on that and keep pushing the food forward.”

The refreshed menu introduces several standout additions, including vitello tonnato with prosciutto di san daniele, picked mushrooms and watercress, ricotta gnocchi with morels and asparagus, and a vibrant dish of beets with Jimmy nardello pepper sauce and stracciatella. Primi offerings are further elevated by tagliatelle with a white rabbit ragu and stinging nettle, alongside a seafood risotto with shrimp, crab, and scallop, finished with a touch of mascarpone and espelette pepper. These new dishes represent a confident, seasonal take on modern Italian cooking.

Alongside these new additions, guests will continue to find several Contrada classics on the menu, including the restaurant’s signature pork chop alla Milanese and duck agnolotti, ensuring that longtime favourites remain part of the dining experience.

“Lif brings a strong point of view and a real sense of momentum to the kitchen,” said Patrick Groves, Sommelier and General Manager of Contrada. “There’s a lot of excitement around what he’s doing, you can feel it the moment the food hits the table.”

Beginning April, the refreshed menu will roll out over the coming months, featuring new dishes that are precise, seasonal and grounded in a modern Italian approach. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.contradarestaurant.com.

CONNECT
Instagram: contrada.to
Web: www.contradarestaurant.com

ABOUT CONTRADA
Located in Toronto’s Little Italy, Contrada is a modern Italian-Canadian restaurant focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, low-intervention and neo-classical Italian wines and modern Italian cocktails served in a warm, intimate setting. The name Contrada, Italian for “district,” reflects both the historic districts of Siena and the single-contrada vineyards of Mount Etna in Sicily, celebrating a sense of place and the restaurant’s connection to neighbourhood and tradition.

It may be cold outside, but it’s getting swicy at DQ® Canada.

Spring has never been so hot with the release of DQ’s NEW Swicy Menu: a bold lineup of sweet-meets-heat menu items for Canadians ready to tap into those warm-weather vibes ahead of schedule.

From a spicy chicken and soft serve dip duo to beverages with Tajín®, DQ’s new menu is proving heat has never been so sweet. Here’s a look at the swiciest launches of the season:

FlameThrower® Chicken Strip Basket

Crispy chicken strips with a fiery kick, the FlameThrower Chicken Strip Basket for $9.99 and is served with a side of DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve for dipping. “Canadians have been dipping chicken strips into soft serve for years, so we made it official as the ultimate cool‑down to the heat,” said Candida Ness, Vice President of Marketing for DQ Canada.

DQ Sparklers & Coolers

A bold, swicy lemonade line that’s citrusy, refreshing, spicy and sweet, featuring the Pineapple Lemonade DQ Sparklers with Tajin and DQ Coolers with Tajin.

Blizzard® Double Flip BOGO

DQ is currently offering its fan-favourite BOGO $1.99 Blizzard® deal, giving fans even more reason to treat themselves. For a limited time, Canadians can enjoy a Buy One Blizzard Treat, Get One for $1.99 offer, available exclusively through the DQ Mobile App until April 19. The best part: the offer refreshes daily, giving even more chances to indulge.

Stay tuned for upcoming menu items, deals and promotions by downloading the DQ Mobile App and signing up for a DQ® Rewards account.

Apple TV’s acclaimed drama “Your Friends & Neighbours” returns for season two this week. In the new season, Andrew Cooper (Jon Hamm) doubles down on his life as an unlikely suburban thief, until the arrival of a new neighbour threatens to expose his secrets and place his family at risk.

Today, Apple TV released the teaser for “Cape Fear,” the new psychological horror thriller showrun and executive produced by Nick Antosca and executive produced by Academy Award winners Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, with both Academy Award nominee Amy Adams and Academy Award winner Javier Bardem starring and executive producing. The 10-episode limited series will make its global debut on Friday, June 5, 2026 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through July 31, 2026.

Plus, new episodes of “For All Mankind,” “Imperfect Women,” “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” “Shrinking” and “The Last Thing He Told Me” also premiere this week.

“Your Friends & Neighbours” – season two
“Your Friends & Neighbours” is the acclaimed drama from creator Jonathan Tropper (“See,” “Warrior,” “Banshee”) and starring and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” “Fargo”).
After being fired in disgrace, Andrew “Coop” Cooper (Hamm), a hedge fund manager still grappling with his recent divorce, resorts to stealing from his neighbours’ homes in the exceedingly affluent Vestment Village, only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined.

In season two, Andrew Cooper doubles down on his life as an unlikely suburban thief, until the arrival of a new neighbour threatens to expose his secrets and place his family at risk. Emmy Award-nominee James Marsden joins the cast for season two, alongside returning stars Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, Lena Hall, Aimee Carrero, Eunice Bae, Isabel Gravitt and Donovan Colan.

Hailing from Apple Studios and produced by Tropper Ink, the series is created by bestselling author Tropper, who serves as showrunner and executive producer under his overall deal with Apple TV. Additionally, Hamm executive produces alongside Connie Tavel and Craig Gillespie.

The second season of “Your Friends & Neighbours” will make its global debut on Apple TV with one episode on Friday, April 3, 2026, followed by one new episode weekly through Friday, June 5, 2026.

Coming Soon

“Outcome” – New Apple Original Film
“Outcome” is a dark comedy that centres on Reef Hawk (Keanu Reeves), a beloved Hollywood star who must dive into the depths of his hidden demons after he is extorted with a mysterious video that’s sure to shatter his image and end his career. With the support of his lifelong besties Kyle (Cameron Diaz) and Xander (Matt Bomer), along with his crisis lawyer Ira (Jonah Hill), Reef embarks on a soul-searching journey to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer. Co-writer and director Hill brings a unique lens to Reef’s wild but spiritually cleansing, nostalgic and eye-opening trip down memory lane, where confronting his past might be the only way to rescue his future.

Alongside Reeves, Diaz, Bomer and Hill, the ensemble cast includes Martin Scorsese, Susan Lucci, Laverne Cox, David Spade, Atsuko Okatsuka, Roy Wood Jr., Kaia Gerber, Ivy Wolk and more.

Written by Hill and Ezra Woods, “Outcome” hails from Apple Studios, and is produced by Matt Dines, Alison Goodwin and Hill under their Strong Baby banner, with Adam Merims serving as executive producer.

“Outcome” will premiere globally on Apple TV on Friday, April 10.

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
Hailing from multi-Emmy Award winner David E. Kelley, and starring and executive produced by Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Elle Fanning and Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Michelle Pfeiffer, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is a bold, heartwarming and comedic family drama following recent college dropout and aspiring writer, Margo (Fanning), the daughter of an ex-Hooter’s waitress (Pfeiffer) and ex-pro wrestler (Nick Offerman), as she’s forced to make her way with a new baby, a mounting pile of bills and a dwindling amount of ways to pay them. The series also stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty and Lindsey Normington.

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is produced for Apple TV by A24. Kelley serves as showrunner and writer, and executive produces alongside Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning and Brittany Kahan Ward for Lewellen Pictures; Kidman and Per Saari of Blossom Films; and Matthew Tinker for David E. Kelley Productions. Pfeiffer, Thorpe, Eva Anderson and Boo Killebrew also executive produce. BAFTA and Emmy Award winner Dearbhla Walsh directs the pilot and serves as an executive producer. Additional directors include Kate Herron and Alice Seabright.

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” will premiere globally on Wednesday April 15, 2026 with three episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 20, 2026.

“Criminal Record” season two
From BAFTA Award nominee Paul Rutman, “Criminal Record” is the critically hailed crime thriller starring Academy Award winner and BAFTA Award winner Peter Capaldi, and Laurence Olivier Award nominee and Critics Choice Award nominee Cush Jumbo. A powerful, character-driven drama set in the heart of contemporary London, the series explores the impossibility of policing when the truth is up for grabs.

In season two, when a young man is stabbed to death at a political rally, rival police officers June Lenker (Jumbo) and Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi) are forced into an uneasy alliance. But what starts as a hunt for a murderer escalates into an undercover operation to foil a far-right bomb plot in the heart of London.

Season two reunites Capaldi as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty and Jumbo as Detective Sergeant June Lenker. Dustin Demri-Burns, Luca Pasqualino, Luther Ford, Lyndsey Marshal and Peter Sullivan join the cast in addition to the returning ensemble that includes Shaun Dooley, Stephen Campbell Moore and Charlie Creed-Miles.

“Criminal Record” is produced for Apple TV by Tod Productions and STV Studios, and executive produced by BAFTA Scotland Award winner Elaine Collins, Rutman, Capaldi and Jumbo. The series is directed by Ben A. Williams and Joelle Mae David.

The eight-episode second season of “Criminal Record” will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first episode on Wednesday, April 22, followed by new episodes weekly through Wednesday, June 10.

“Widow’s Bay”
Led by Emmy Award winner Matthew Rhys, who also serves as executive producer, Widow’s Bay is a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface. Mayor Tom Loftis (Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no Wi-Fi, spotty cellular reception and he must contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed. He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. Miraculously, he succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again. “Widow’s Bay” blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy. Rhys stars alongside an ensemble cast led by Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll and Dale Dickey.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Widow’s Bay” hails from creator Katie Dippold, and is directed and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Hiro Murai through his banner Chum Films alongside Carver Karaszewski, Claudia Shin and Rhys. Murai directs five episodes this season, in addition to directors Ti West, Sam Donovan and Andrew DeYoung.

“Widow’s Bay” will make its global debut on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with the first three episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through June 17, 2026,

“Unconditional”
“Unconditional” is an eight-episode thriller that follows a mother-daughter vacation-turned-nightmare when 23-year-old Gali (Ronn) is arrested for drug smuggling in Moscow. Her mother, Orna (Chamami), refuses to accept the charges — but her fight for Gali’s freedom pulls her into a deadly web of crime and corruption.

In addition to Ronn and Chamami, the ensemble cast includes French-Israeli singer-songwriter Amir Haddad (“La Belle et Le Boulanger”), Yossi Marshek (“Yellow Peppers,” “Manpower”), Evgenia Dodina (“Invisible,” “Virgins”) and Vladimir Friedman (“Bad Boy”).

“Unconditional” is written by Bizanski and directed by Johnathan Gurfinkel (“The Accursed”). The series is produced for Keshet 12 by Spiro Films’ Eitan Mansuri and Jonathan Doweck (“No Man’s Land,” “When Heroes Fly”), who also executive produce alongside Bizanski, Idisis, Keshet Media Group’s Avi Nir, Keshet International’s Keren Shahar, and Keshet 12’s Karni Ziv, Yuval Horowitz and Eze Sakson. Keshet International is the international distributor for “Unconditional.”

“Unconditional” will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Friday, May 8, 2026, followed by new episodes every Friday through June 19.

“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” – new series
Apple TV’s highly “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” is a new stars Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany and Jake Johnson. The half-hour, 10-episode season from creator and showrunner David J. Rosen will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Wednesday, May 20, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through July 15.

A new darkly comedic thriller starring Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany and Jake Johnson, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” follows newly divorced mom Paula (Maslany), who falls down a dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder and youth soccer. Convinced she witnessed a murder — while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis — Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self. The series also stars Brandon Flynn, Murray Bartlett, Dolly De Leon, Jessy Hodges, Jon Michael Hill, Charlie Hall, Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg and Nola Wallace.

Hailing from Apple Studios and Counterpart Studios, the series is written and executive produced by creator and showrunner David J. Rosen, and directed and executive produced by David Gordon Green. The series is also developed by and executive produced by Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon for Genre Films under their first-look deal with Apple TV, and Bard Dorros for Anonymous Content.

“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Wednesday, May 20, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through July 15.

“Star City” – new series
“Star City” is the new, highly anticipated drama from award-winning creators Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert and Ronald D. Moore, which expands the world of “For All Mankind.” A bold new chapter inspired by the critically acclaimed space-race drama, “Star City” is a propulsive paranoid thriller that takes us back to the key moment in the alt-history retelling of the space race — when the Soviet Union became the first nation to put a man on the moon. But this time, we explore the story from behind the Iron Curtain, showing the lives of the cosmonauts, the engineers and the intelligence officers embedded among them in the Soviet space program, and the risks they all took to propel humankind forward.

The series stars Rhys Ifans, Anna Maxwell Martin, Agnes O’Casey, Alice Englert, Solly McLeod, Adam Nagaitis, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Josef Davies and Priya Kansara.

“Star City” is created by Nedivi, Wolpert and Moore. Wolpert and Nedivi serve as showrunners and executive produce alongside Moore and Maril Davis of Tall Ship Productions, and Andrew Chambliss and Steve Oster.

“Star City” will debut globally on Apple TV with two episodes on Friday, May 29, followed by one new episode every Friday through July 10.

“Cape Fear” – new series
In “Cape Fear,” inspired by the 1991 remake directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg, a storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna (Amy Adams) and Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson) when Max Cady (Javier Bardem), the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison — and he wants vengeance.

The highly anticipated new series is created, showrun and executive produced by Nick Antosca, with Academy Award winners Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg serving as executive producers. Academy Award winner Bardem stars alongside Academy Award nominee Adams, who also executive produces. Patrick Wilson, CCH Pounder, Joe Anders, Lily Collias, Jamie Hector, Malia Pyles and Anna Baryshnikov round out the ensemble cast.

Hailing from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Amblin Television, “Cape Fear” is based on both the novel “The Executioners,” which inspired Gregory Peck’s 1962 Universal Pictures feature of the same name, as well as the acclaimed 1991 remake directed by Scorsese. The series is executive produced by Spielberg, who produced the 1991 film alongside Scorsese. Creator Antosca showruns and produces alongside Alex Hedlund for Eat The Cat; and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey produce alongside Spielberg for Amblin Television. Academy Award nominee Morten Tyldum will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer. The series is developed and produced through Antosca’s overall deal at UCP, where he’s been based since 2017.

“Cape Fear” will make its global debut on Friday, June 5, 2026 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through July 31, 2026.

“Sugar” – new season
Starring and executive produced by Colin Farrell, the second season of “Sugar” ushers in the return of Los Angeles’ iconic private detective and film connoisseur John Sugar. Emmy Award nominee Farrell returns for a new case, tracking the troubled older brother of an up-and-coming local boxer as his search for his beloved missing sister continues. As the investigation expands into a citywide conspiracy with sinister intentions, Sugar must reckon with himself to answer the question — how far will he go to do what’s right?

In addition to Farrell, the second season of “Sugar” introduces a brand-new cast including Jin Ha, Raymond Lee, Tony Dalton, Laura Donnelly, Sasha Calle and special guest star Shea Wingham.

Season two of “Sugar” is showrun by Sam Catlin, who also executive produces under his Short Drive Entertainment banner. Audrey Chon and Simon Kinberg executive produce for Genre Films under Kinberg’s overall deal with Apple TV. Farrell, Scott Greenberg and Chip Vucelich also serve as executive producers. “Sugar” is created by Mark Protosevich.

Season two of “Sugar” will make its global return on Friday, June 19 on Apple TV with one episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through August 7.

“Lucky” – new series
A new limited series starring Golden Globe Award winner, SAG Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Anya Taylor-Joy, who also serves as executive producer, “Lucky” is based on the New York Times bestselling novel and Reese’s Book Club pick of the same name by Marissa Stapley. The series stars Taylor-Joy as a young woman who left behind the life of crime she was raised in years ago, but must now embrace her darker, criminal side one final time in a desperate attempt to escape her past. The star-studded ensemble cast also includes Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Drew Starkey, Clifton Collins Jr. and William Fichtner,

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Lucky” is created, co-showrun, written and executive produced by Jonathan Tropper through his Tropper Ink banner and under his overall deal with Apple TV, and co-showrun, written and executive produced by Cassie Pappas. The series is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine, a part of Candle Media. Taylor-Joy will executive produce through her production banner, LadyKiller.

“Lucky” will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Wednesday, July 15, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through August 19.

“The Dink” – New Apple Original Film
Washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

Alongside Johnson, Steenburgen, Harris and Roddick, the all-star cast includes Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell and Aaron Chen, as well as Ben Stiller.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, “The Dink” is a laugh-out-loud underdog story produced by Stiller and John Lesher for Red Hour Films, and Rob Paris and Mike Witherill for Rivulet Entertainment. In addition to starring, Johnson serves as producer. The film is written by Sean Clements and executive produced by Rick Steele, Clements, Greenbaum, Joe Hardesty, Jonathan McCoy and Daniel Crosser.

“The Dink” will debut globally on Apple TV on July 24, 2026.

“Mayday” – New Apple Original Film
Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up in “Mayday,” a genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy that flips the spy thriller on its head. When hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Reynolds) is sent on a top-secret mission into Russian territory at the height of the Cold War, the operation implodes, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines. Discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent with a penchant for American culture, Troy thinks he’s toast — but could an unlikely alliance between the two lead to Troy’s rescue and a bond neither saw coming?

Alongside Reynolds and Branagh, the ensemble cast includes Marcin Dorocinski, Maria Bakalova, David Morse and more.

An Apple Original Film hailing from Skydance Media, “Mayday” is written, directed and produced by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger produce for Skydance, alongside Maximum Effort’s Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau. Reynolds and George Dewey, through Maximum Effort, along with John G. Scotti, serve as executive producers.

“Mayday” will debut globally on Apple TV on September 4, 2026.

“Ted Lasso” season four
Returning for its highly anticipated fourth season this summer, “Ted Lasso” is one of the most celebrated comedies in history with back-to-back Emmy Award wins for Outstanding Comedy Series for its freshman and sophomore seasons. Fan favourites including Emmy Award winner Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Emmy Award winner Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jeremy Swift are all set to return as their celebrated characters, alongside new season four additions Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern and Grant Feely.

In season four, Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.

“Ted Lasso” season four adds Emmy Award winner Jack Burditt (“Nobody Wants This,” “Modern Family,” “30 Rock”) as executive producer under a new overall deal with Apple TV. Sudeikis stars and executive produces alongside Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee and Bill Wrubel. Goldstein serves as writer and executive producer alongside Leann Bowen. Sarah Walker and Phoebe Walsh will serve as writers and producers for season four, and Sasha Garron co-produces. Julia Lindon will write for season four, and Dylan Marron will serve as story editor. Bill Lawrence executive produces via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television Studios and Universal Television, a division of NBCUniversal content. Doozer’s Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer also serve as executive producers. The series was developed by Sudeikis, Lawrence, Kelly and Hunt, and is based on the preexisting format and characters from NBC Sports.

Season four of “Ted Lasso” will make its global debut this summer on Apple TV.

“Matchbox The Movie” – New Apple Original Film
Inspired by the iconic Mattel toys, “Matchbox The Movie” is an action-packed, globetrotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (John Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world.

Alongside Cena, the film stars Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris and Arturo Castro. Additional ensemble cast includes Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, Golshifteh Faranhani and more.

An Apple Original Film hailing from Skydance Media and Mattel Films, “Matchbox The Movie” is directed and executive produced by Sam Hargrave and written by David Coggeshall. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger produce for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz through Mattel Films as well as Jules Daly. Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin serve as executive producers.

“Mayday” will debut globally on Apple TV on October 9, 2026.

“Way of the Warrior Kid” – New Apple Original Film
Middle school has been a nightmare for Marc (Jude Hill), a good kid who’s bullied by his classmates and feels like he’s behind in everything, from academics to P.E. to just making friends. That changes when his injured Uncle Jake (Chris Pratt), a decorated Navy SEAL, comes to spend the summer and recuperate with Marc and his mom, Sarah (Linda Cardellini). To help Marc defend himself, Jake devises an ambitious program he calls “Operation Warrior Kid” based on his SEAL training. Instead of teaching his nephew how to fight, Jake shows Marc what real courage is, facing down his own demons along the way. Based on the bestselling novel by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, “Way of the Warrior Kid” is directed by McG from a screenplay by Will Staples. Alongside Pratt, Cardellini, Hill and Willink, the cast also includes Ava Torres, Levi McConaughey, Darien Sills-Evans, Carl McDowell, Parker Young and more.

Hailing from Apple and Skydance Media, “Way of the Warrior Kid” is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, alongside McG and Mary Viola for Wonderland Sound, Chris Pratt for Indivisible Productions, Ben Everard for Everard Entertainment, Bruce Wayne Gillies and author Willink. Staples, Steven Bello and Cliff Lanning serve as executive producers.

“Way of the Warrior Kid” will debut globally on Apple TV on November 20, 2026.

Acclaimed film and television actor Brittany Snow will take the stage at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada to present the IMPACT Award to Malin Ȧkerman in what promises to be one of the most memorable moments of the May 28, 2026 event at Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Known for her dynamic performances across film and television, Snow brings both star power and a deep connection to the honouree, making her an especially meaningful presenter for this prestigious recognition.

Snow and Akerman co-star in the Netflix, Lionsgate and 3 Arts smash hit The Hunting Wives, where their on-screen chemistry and compelling performances have generated significant buzz and turned the series into a cultural phenomenon.

Their collaboration adds a personal dimension to the IMPACT Award presentation, underscoring a shared commitment to bold, character-driven storytelling and the kind of creative partnership that continues to propel the series’ unbridled success. The Hunting Wives season one is available for streaming on Crave in Canada, and will be released on Netflix in Canada on April 21, 2026.

The IMPACT Award recognizes Akerman’s outstanding career and influence across film and television, as well as her ability to lead with authenticity, versatility, and global appeal, while maintaining her Canadian roots.

As the Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada continues to spotlight the voices defining the entertainment industry, Snow’s participation further elevates the gala — bringing together two accomplished artists in a celebration of talent, impact, and enduring creative influence on the world stage.

The IMPACT Award is presented in partnership with Lionsgate.

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

Honourees announced to date include Akerman and Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award at the May 28 gala. Additional honourees and special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

For tickets and more information including all schedule and programming details visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.

(Photo credit: Hunter Moreno)