TONY IS IN CANADIAN THEATRES AUGUST 14, 2026 via A24.

Directed by Matt Johnson (BlackBerry), TONY, is the electric origin story of one of the modern era’s most beloved icons, Anthony Bourdain.

Provincetown in 1975. A kid from New Jersey crashes into the heat of a kitchen alongside a renegade crew of cooks, pirates, and degenerates – restless, reckless, and hungry for something he couldn’t yet name. TONY is a raw portrait of a young man becoming someone the world would never forget. In Canadian theatres on August 14, 2026.

Synopsis: A 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that will shape the course of his life.

Directed by: Matt Johnson (BlackBerry, Nirvanna the Band the Show)

Starring: Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers), Emilia Jones (CODA), Dagmara Domińczyk (Succession), Rich Sommer (Mad Men), Stavros Halkias (Bugonia), with Leo Woodall (Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) and Antonio Banderas (Babygirl)

Written by: Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels and Lou Howe

Produced by: Tim White, Trevor White, Matthew Miller, Matt Johnson

Director of Photography: Michael Bauman

Production Design by: Ryan Warren Smith

Editing by: Curt Lobb and Robert Upchurch

Costume Design by: Chloe Karmin

Music by: Jay McCarrol

TONY releases in Canadian theatres August 14, 2026.

ABOUT A24:

A24 is an acclaimed global entertainment company known for producing and distributing films, television series, documentaries, music, publishing, and consumer products. Established in New York in 2012, A24 has cultivated a library of over 190 films and 50 TV series, earning critical and commercial acclaim with more than 21 Oscars, 20 Golden Globes, and 19 Emmys. Renowned for groundbreaking hits like Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Uncut Gems, The Brutalist and Backrooms, A24 has developed a passionate fanbase and expanded into ventures like Half Magic and the Cherry Lane Theater. Upcoming projects include Primetime starring Robert Pattison, The Debut directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starring Julianne Moore, Club Kid directed and starring Jordan Firstman and Elden Ring starring Kit Connor.

Mary Brown’s Chicken, Canada’s largest Canadian-owned chicken QSR, is proud to announce the opening of its newest Toronto location at 10 Dundas Street East, in the heart of Sankofa Square, in partnership with former Toronto Blue Jays star José Bautista.

Opening to the public on June 23, 2026, this highly anticipated flagship store places both Mary Brown’s Chicken and José Bautista at one of Canada’s most recognizable intersections – strengthening its brand presence in the heart of Toronto, while bringing a signature chicken experience to residents, students, workers and visitors alike.

Over the past two years, Bautista has partnered with Mary Brown’s on a series of successful campaigns and initiatives, developing a genuine connection with the brand and its food.

“Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to get to know the Mary Brown’s team and see firsthand how passionate they are about quality and community. Being part of this flagship opening at such an iconic Toronto location is exciting for me, and I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone into the store to experience the great food and atmosphere” – José Bautista”- José Bautista

For Mary Brown’s President Karen Tam, the opening is about more than a prime location, it’s a celebration of a partnership that has continued to grow organically.

“This opening marks a special moment for Mary Brown’s, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating it with José Bautista. What started as a partnership has grown into a genuine relationship built on shared values and a mutual love for the brand. This restaurant places Mary Brown’s at the centre of one of Canada’s most dynamic destinations and allows us to introduce even more guests to the quality, freshness and hospitality that have made us a Canadian favourite for more than 55 years.” – Karen Tam, President, Mary Brown’s Chicken

The opening represents another significant milestone in Mary Brown’s rapid national expansion. Following the recent opening of its 300th restaurant in New Brunswick, the brand continues to invest in strategic locations across Canada while bringing its uniquely Canadian approach to quality chicken and hospitality to new communities.

For CEO and Owner Gregory Roberts, the Sankofa Square restaurant is both a reflection of the brand’s growth and a reminder of its roots.

“From our beginnings in Newfoundland more than five decades ago to opening a flagship restaurant at one of the busiest and most recognizable intersections in Canada, this is a proud moment for our brand. This location reflects how far Mary Brown’s has come while staying true to the quality, hospitality and Canadian roots that have defined us from the start.” – Gregory Roberts, Owner, Mary Brown’s Chicken

The restaurant will officially open its doors on June 23 at 12:00 p.m. at 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto, with community members, fans and guests invited to celebrate the store open

Highlights from the grand opening:

About Mary Brown’s Chicken

Mary Brown’s Chicken has over 300 locations across Canada and is growing. The brand is 100 per cent Canadian-owned, being first established in St. John’s Newfoundland in 1969. Mary Brown’s is renowned for its Big Mary®, named Canada’s Best Chicken Sandwich, and made-fresh methodology including hand cutting and hand breading its Signature Chicken and Taters from farm-fresh Canadian ingredients. Mary Brown’s Chicken has achieved 19 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, earned the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees’ Choice Designation for 15 straight years, and holds a Platinum designation with Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The company’s first international locations opened in 2024, and outside of Canada, Mary Brown’s Chicken operates in Mexico, the UK, India, and Pakistan.

Connect with Mary Brown’s Chicken on social:

YouTube: @marybrownsofficial

Instagram: @marybrownsofficial

Facebook: @marybrowns

TikTok: @marybrownschicken

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

As Pride Weekend kicks off in Toronto, bars and restaurants across the city are launching special events, fundraisers, and community initiatives in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations. From Minami’s Pride-themed mascot to Odd Duck’s ongoing pay-it-forward program, businesses are finding different ways to mark the occasion.

Odd Duck
IG. @oddduckwandp
📍93 Ontario St S

In the spirit of Pride Weekend, Odd Duck is launching a pay‑it‑forward initiative in partnership with Land Back Camp, aiming to extend support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities well beyond June. Guests can now add a donation at checkout to benefit the Indigiqueer and Two-Spirit-led community space, building on the restaurant’s previous campaigns, including its recent support for the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. Set to run for three months, the initiative turns a visit to Odd Duck into a simple, ongoing way to back queer and Indigenous‑led community work and reflects Odd Duck’s continued support for the communities that shape them.

Minami Toronto
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

From June 22 to 30, Minami Toronto is celebrating Pride Weekend with an exclusive giveaway featuring their Pride mascot, Ponzu the Penguin. Guests can snap a photo with Ponzu and share it on Instagram (stories or in-feed) while tagging @minamitoronto to be automatically entered for a chance to win a dinner for two at the restaurant.
Alongside the giveaway, Minami Toronto will also make a donation to CANFAR (The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research), supporting their ongoing work in research, education, advocacy, and community care. The initiative blends celebration with meaningful impact, offering guests a fun way to engage with Pride while contributing to an important cause.

Minami Giveaway Details

• June 22–30, 2026 (giveaway closes at 5pm June 30)
• Take a photo with Ponzu the Penguin and tag @minamitoronto (stories and in-feed content both applicable)
• Instagram account must be public at the time of entry and winner notification
• Winner will be contacted via Instagram DM
• Prize: Dinner for two at Minami Toronto
• No cash value. Non-transferable.
  *This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

Amazon MGM Studios officially took over Manhattan’s Hall des Lumières yesterday for “Elle World.” The one-day-only immersive fan playground celebrated the upcoming July 1 premiere of the Prime Video prequel series Elle alongside the milestone 25th anniversary of the iconic 2001 film Legally Blonde.

The pink-soaked experience, which sold out immediately when it was announced, drew thousands of passionate fans throughout the day including those who eagerly waited in the onsite standby line, who were transported directly into the universe of Elle Woods. Guests explored a multi-level experience featuring live improv, a runway, a “Bend & Snap” drag showcase, Legally Blonde trivia games, a nostalgic yearbook photo studio, and custom brand activations powered by L’Oréal Paris, Nexxus, Dove, T-Mobile, Shopbop, and uniball.

The cast of Prime Video’s highly anticipated upcoming series Elle, including Lexi Minetree and June Diane Raphael, joined fans to explore the immersive experience, featuring iconic costumes from the film, themed installations, exclusive photo opportunities, and dreamy cloud-inspired visuals throughout the space. Fans and cast alike arrived in their best pink flair, while Reese Witherspoon and members of the original film’s cast revisited the world of Legally Blonde in celebration of the franchise’s enduring legacy.

EXCLUSIVE CLIPS & CONVERSATION MODERATED BY BOWEN YANG & MATT ROGERS
The highlight of the exclusive evening presentation featured a historic reunion on stage. Original film stars Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Coolidge, Selma Blair, Ali Larter, Matthew Davis, and Victor Garber appeared for the first time together since the film’s release for an intimate look back at the franchise’s legacy and a sneak peek at its future.

The panel was moderated by Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, who guided the cast through hilarious behind-the-scenes memories from the 2001 classic and discussed the generation-spanning impact of Elle Woods’ message of optimism and ambition.

Highlights include:

-Reese getting emotional reminiscing on the film and what it means to audiences as the cast reunites together for the first time in 25 years
-The cast shared which line is quoted to them the most by fans, including Jennifer Coolidge sharing Paulette’s iconic line, “I want a hot dog real bad.”
-Jennifer Coolidge tears up talking about how lucky she was to be cast in the film and had the audience laughing, saying she thought she was auditioning for the part of Elle
-Reese shared details of her first Zoom call with up-and-comer Lexi Minetree, where they discussed the responsibility of playing Elle and the “passing of the pink baton” as she steps into this role

SURPRISE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY VANESSA CARLTON AND HOKU
To close out the celebration, Amazon MGM Studios shocked the audience with two unannounced, high-energy musical performances featuring the legendary voices behind the franchise’s most nostalgic musical moments.

Pop icon Hoku took the stage to perform her upbeat, multi-platinum anthem “Perfect Day,” instantly transporting the crowd back to the iconic opening sequence of the original 2001 film. Following a massive wave of applause, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton surprised the room with an intimate performance of her timeless hit “A Thousand Miles,” culminating in an unforgettable finale to the event.

ABOUT ELLE (PREMIERES JULY 1 ON PRIME VIDEO)

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Hello Sunshine, Elle follows Elle Woods in 1995 as she navigates the tumultuous waters of high school. The coming-of-age series explores the formative life experiences that shaped her into the iconic trailblazer audiences first met 25 years ago.

Central to the immersive playground were custom brand activations that brought the franchise’s most iconic motifs to life.

Brand: L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris brings Elle’s most glamorous era to life with an immersive beauty experience – straight out of the 90s. Guests are invited to sit down for a mini glam session featuring L’Oreal Paris products like Colour Riche Lipstick, before they step in front of the lens for their retro ‘yearbook portrait’. Each guest leaves with an exclusive L’Oréal Paris gift and a keepsake record of their perfect day.

Scene Stealer

Brand: Shopbop

Inspired by Elle’s most iconic ensembles, Shopbop will present an exclusive first look at their show-inspired capsule collection which will be available to shop only on Shopbop.com and The Shop by Shopbop on Amazon starting July 1st. Featuring looks from eleven ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories brands, each vignette is anchored by designer quotes reflecting on their Legally Blonde inspiration. Guests can also try on Elle’s chicest pink looks from past films within a nostalgic photo moment and will be treated to fun Shopbop giveaways to continue channeling their inner Elle at home.

Travel Perks

Brand: T-Mobile

T-Mobile takes flight up and into the blue sky of Elle’s perfect day. Inspired by her bi-coastal lifestyle, guests check in to a T-Mobile travel experience that’s accessorized with an array of perfect magenta branded boarding passes, eye masks, and co-branded luggage tags, with exclusive customizations for T-Mobile members.

The Style Vault

Brand: Nexxus

Nexxus takes guests from the campus hallways into an immersive content experience in homage to the many styles of Elle’s crowning glory: her hair. Moving through a locker installation stocked with Nexxus must-haves, like the Keraphix Liquid Crystallizer, and production design inspired by Elle & Legally Blonde, guests are immersed within the Elle World style vault, a uniquely cinematic experience, discovering the power of Nexxus to achieve their own iconic hair moments.

The Confidence Corner

Brand: Dove
Dove brings one of Legally Blonde’s most unforgettable scenes to life with an immersive activation inspired by Elle’s unapologetically confident, pink, scented resume and the Dove Pink Beauty Bar – because yes, both are pink… and scented! The space is a playful take on the scene, anchored by a larger-than-life resume photo moment made for main-character energy. In celebration of Elle’s signature self-assurance, guests are invited to step into Dove’s Confidence Corner to build their own Confidence Kits – packed with Dove beauty favorites to keep you feeling fresh, confident, and ready for anything on the go. Because in the words of Elle Woods, “What, like it’s hard?”

Brand: uniball

uniball makes its mark as the exclusive ink partner of Elle World, ensuring every signature moment is a uniball moment. Guests will find Pink Puff Pens tucked into their curated tote bags, a playful and puffy nod to Elle’s pen of choice in Legally Blonde and the new series. Later, the pens will put the perfect finishing touch on fan encounters.

Kalamansi Fest is back and bigger than ever.

Presented by Kalamansi Collective and Barkada Mrkt, Kalamansi Fest returns to Toronto for its second year this August, transforming STACKT Market into a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, food, music, creativity, and community.

As North America’s first and only festival dedicated to celebrating the greatest citrus of all time, Kalamansi Fest brings together local entrepreneurs, artists, chefs, performers, and community members for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience inspired by the beloved Filipino citrus fruit.

New this year, the festival expands to two days. Saturday, August 8 will feature a lively night market experience, while Sunday, August 9 will host a full day market packed with food vendors, local businesses, live entertainment, cultural programming, and family-friendly activities.

“What started as a celebration of a humble citrus fruit has grown into something much bigger,” said Kris Pangilinan, Founder of Kalamansi Collective. “Kalamansi Fest is really about celebrating Filipino creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. Last year’s response showed us there’s a strong appetite for experiences that bring people together through culture, food, and storytelling. Expanding to two days allows us to showcase even more of the incredible talent and energy that exists within our community.”
Since its founding, Kalamansi Collective has become more than just a clothing and lifestyle brand, it has become a leading force in Filipino-Canadian cultural programming and storytelling. Beyond Kalamansi Fest, the team produces Kalamansi Chats, a conversation series highlighting Filipino stories and perspectives, and partners on community initiatives across Canada. Kalamansi Collective also curated Seafood City Canada’s popular Late Night Madness events in Scarborough, helping create experiences that celebrate Filipino culture while supporting young local DJs from Toronto.

“At a time when people are looking for authentic ways to connect, culture has the power to bring communities together,” added Pangilinan. “Kalamansi Fest creates a space where people can learn more about the fruit and the Filipino culture while supporting local businesses, and celebrate together. Whether you’re Filipino or experiencing the taste of kalamansi for the first time, everyone is welcome.”

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural festival, organizers expect an even larger turnout this year.
“Kalamansi Fest represents everything we love about community markets,” said Izzie Santiago, Co-Founder of Barkada Mrkt. “It’s a place where local businesses, artists, and food creators can thrive while introducing people to new experiences and cultures. The energy last year was incredible, and we’re excited to make this year’s festival even bigger.”

“The growth of Kalamansi Fest reflects the growing visibility and influence of Filipino entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders across Canada,” added Aiza Panganiban, Co-Founder of Barkada Mrkt. “We’re proud to help create a platform that celebrates that momentum while bringing people together through food, music, and culture.”

Festival attendees can expect a vibrant weekend filled with live music, DJs, local vendors, cultural experiences, family-friendly programming, and an incredible lineup of Filipino and Asian food vendors serving unique kalamansi-inspired offerings. From shopping and community activations to discovering new flavours and supporting local entrepreneurs, Kalamansi Fest offers something for everyone while celebrating the versatility and cultural significance of kalamansi.

KALAMANSI FEST
Presented by Kalamansi Collective & Barkada Mrkt
Stackt Market
28 Bathurst Street, Toronto

August 8, 2026 4pm-10pm
August 9, 2026 11am-5pm

Additional vendor announcements, programming details, and performer lineups will be announced in the coming weeks.

his summer’s must-watch British drama follows one woman’s extraordinary rise from penniless housemaid to global business powerhouse in a sweeping saga of ambition, resilience, and reinvention.

The eight-episode BritBox Original series debuts Wednesday, June 24 with two episodes, followed by a weekly episodic rollout. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE, A Woman of Substance finds Emma in 1911, an impoverished ambitious maid in Yorkshire, England, who goes on a dizzying journey to become the world’s richest woman, gazing down from a sprawling luxury New York penthouse. A rags-to-riches tale of women through the 20th century, Emma defies the expectations of her society, fearlessly challenging the roles she’s given, smashing glass ceilings, and never, ever deviating from her masterplan: Get to the top. Whatever it takes.

A Woman of Substance stars Brenda Blethyn (Vera, Little Voice) and Jessica Reynolds (House of Guinness, Outlander) as the two versions of the iconic character Emma Harte. Additional cast include Emmett J. Scanlan (MobLand), Lydia Leonard (Ten Percent), Leanne Best (The Walk-In), Ewan Horrocks (The Last Kingdom), Harry Cadby (Everything Now), Will Mellor (Broadchurch), Lenny Rush (Am I Being Unreasonable?), Niall Wright (Slow Horses), Robert Wilfort (Gavin & Stacey) Mara Huf (Tetris) and Toby Regbo (Outrageous).

About BritBox

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

Elevation Pictures release THE DEBUT, coming soon! Below we have a new Trailer!

Written & Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg
Starring: Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg

When Mona Friedman is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role—even if it means waging war against the show’s domineering director.

Below, check out this DIGGER – Tom Cruise Retrospective. The retrospective showcases Tom’s filmography, highlighting the depth and impact of his 40+ year career. As an added end button, the piece features a surprise sneak peek of DIGGER. New artwork above.

DIGGER is only in theatres and IMAXⓇ starting October 2, 2026, from Warner Bros. Pictures.

ABOUT DIGGER
Shot entirely in VistaVision, DIGGER tells the tale of the most powerful man in the world as he embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.

Tom Cruise stars in the title role as Digger Rockwell, alongside Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu directs from a screenplay by Iñárritu and Alexander Dinelaris & Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman. The film is produced by Iñárritu, Mary Parent, Cruise and Michael Sharp, and executive produced by Joshua Grode.

Prime Video has unveiled the teaser trailer of Drawn Together, its upcoming International Original film based on the successful duology Enfrentados (Drawn Together and Drawn Apart) written by Mercedes Ron. In addition, new images from this romantic thriller have been released, starring Ester Expósito (Venus) and Hugo Diego García (The Substance). Drawn Together will release exclusively on Prime Video on September 9 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The cast is completed by Eric Masip (Through My Window) as Iván, Pablo Molinero (A Private Affair) as Alejandro, Zoe Bonafonte (The 47) as Gabriela, Lluís Homar (Los Abrazos Rotos) as Logan, and Joaquín Ferreira (Club de Cuervos) as Ray.

Marfil Cortés, daughter of a Spanish business tycoon, sees her perfect New York life shattered when she’s suddenly kidnapped and mysteriously released. As a result, her father assigns the enigmatic Sebastian Moore as her bodyguard. Despite her fierce independence and his professional distance, they find themselves drawn to each other. Sebastian’s mysterious and reserved nature and her untamed spirit and noble heart will start to breach their carefully guarded walls. As they return to Spain and dangerous threats emerge, they must navigate a world where nothing–and no one–is what they seem.

Drawn Together and Drawn Apart are produced by Pokeepsie Films (Banijay Iberia) (Veneciafrenia, 30 monedas, El bar) with Álex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang as producers, Óscar Pedraza (Patria, Vivir Sin Permiso) as director, and Sofía Cuenca (Culpa Tuya, Culpa Nuestra) as screenwriter.

Drawn Together and Drawn Apart mark the third stage of collaboration between Prime Video and bestselling author Mercedes Ron, following the adaptations of her popular Culpables trilogy and Tell Me Softly. Drawn Together will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on September 9 as part of the Prime subscription.

About Prime Video

Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favourite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports, including Prime Monday Night Hockey, and also Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, and The Boys; and programming from channels such as Sportsnet, TSN, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ, AMC+, Super Channel, BritBox, Hayu, and STACKTV, a multi-channel service featuring 16 top-tier networks (Global, Flavour Network, Home Network, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles via the Prime Video Store. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.primevideo.com

Toronto cinephiles have much to look forward to this summer as Hot Docs shares the July programming lineup for Hot Docs Cinema, with special guests, new release documentaries, cinema classics and Festival favourites all on offer at the historic movie theatre at 506 Bloor Street. Highlights of July’s programming include the return of the Truth and Dare series and an intriguing range of Hot Docs Festival 2026 official selections, plus several classic titles by acclaimed filmmakers spanning decades of cinema history. In addition, Hot Docs Cinema will welcome some special guests to participate in post-screening Q&As.

The Truth and Dare series brings cutting-edge documentaries that challenge the idea of what a doc needs to be, and is curated by Nick Armstrong, Adam Bovoletis and Sacha Kingston-Wayne. The series is back in July at Hot Docs Cinema with the international premiere of director Marcus Batto’s collage-tornado of a film There’ll Likely Be Michael Jackson Vigils Throughout the Night, followed by a post-screening Q&A with the filmmaker. Remixing early YouTube vlogs, news coverage, song fragments and more, There’ll Likely Be Michael Jackson Vigils Throughout the Night is both a potent exercise in modern internet archiving and a time capsule for a bygone era of the world wide web. More honest than any traditional MJ biopic could ever aspire to be, Batto’s film defines Jackson through a web of the world’s wide-ranging POV’s in this one very specific moment in time: eschewing valourization while exploring the idea of celebrity deification. The feature will be preceded by the Toronto premiere of the short film Take a Look Around by local filmmaker Colby Richardson, an experimental doc about a video artist who brings a power drill camera contraption to the CNE.

July will also see the return of four recent official selections from the 2026 Hot Docs Festival, works that showcase the intriguing range of the documentary medium and non-fiction filmmaking. From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sara Dosa (Fire of Love) and National Geographic Documentary Films comes Time and Water, a powerful documentary that explores the intimate connection between humans and the natural world through the lenses of personal memories, archival footage, and the monumental movements of glaciers. Oscar-nominated filmmakers Tia Lessin and Carl Deal (Trouble the Water) share the compelling and highly entertaining story of journalist Amy Goodman in Steal this Story, Please!, which follows Goodman’s three decades long career as an essential voice highlighting global issues and pursuing truth in an era of “alternative” facts. The film was voted by 2026 Hot Docs Festival audiences as their #2 Audience Favourite. Tia Lessin and Carl Deal will be in attendance for the first screening to take part in a Q&A. One of the most talked about titles from the Festival and the Grand Prize winner at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Better Go Mad in the Wild from filmmaker Miro Remo is a wildly original portrait of twin brothers Franta and Ondra, blurring the boundaries between documentary observation and dreamlike invention, and demanding to be seen on the big screen. The #4 Audience Favourite from the 2026 Hot Docs Festival, the crowdpleaser 32 Meters by filmmaker Morteza Atabaki follows the determined effort to organize a women’s shooting competition in a rural Turkish village where tradition still imposes strict boundaries between men’s and women’s roles.

Hot Docs Cinema’s July programming will also welcome several classic titles by acclaimed filmmakers spanning decades of cinema history. Abbas Kiarostami’s 1990 masterpiece Close-Up blurs the lines between documentary and fiction and uses a real-life event—the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf—as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves. Penelope Spheeris’s The Decline of Western Civilization is a riveting, unflinching account of the punk rock phenomenon and its alienated, reactionary subculture, and comes to the Jukedocs series for a special 45th anniversary screening. Travel back in time to The Midtown with a special Midtown Matinees 75th anniversary screening of a true Hollywood classic, An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly and directed by Vincente Minnelli. Returning in July after launching the Stories We Told series earlier this year, Peter Lynch’s Canadian classic Project Grizzly was a cultural phenomenon and gets a 30th anniversary screening with director Peter Lynch in attendance. Stories We Told is back with Roman Kroitor and Wolf Koenig’s pioneering use of cinema vérité in 1959’s Glenn Gould: On and Off the Record, two classic Canadian documentaries that show different sides of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 1987 Sundance Film Festival, director Ross McElwee’s wryly hilarious road movie Sherman’s March gets a 40th anniversary screening to celebrate its enduring reputation as one of the great comedic masterpieces of documentary’s history.

The above films join the full line-up of screenings and events taking place this month at Hot Docs Cinema. For more of what’s on at Hot Docs Cinema in July, visit hotdocs.ca

Operated by Hot Docs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is the world’s largest documentary cinema. A historic, century-old landmark located in Toronto’s vibrant Annex neighbourhood, the Cinema is a year-round home for non-fiction film and storytelling, presenting first-run international and Canadian documentaries, curated film and speakers series, signature events including Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, as well as hosting for some of the city’s premier festivals and events.

Hot Docs (www.hotdocs.ca), North America’s leading documentary festival, conference and market, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and to creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs presented its 33rd Hot Docs Festival April 23 to May 3, 2026, in Toronto. Since its inception in 1993, Hot Docs has supported the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and production fund portfolio, including the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Fund, CrossCurrents Doc Funds, Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund and Hot Docs Partners, and valuable professional development programs, including Doc Ignite and Hot Docs Incubator.