Taking place between Friday, February 12 and Sunday, February 14, the NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL gives Toronto’s youth something fun an exciting to experience. And the coolest part – it’s curated and programmed by their own peers!  The Festival, held at TIFF Bell Lightbox promises amazing guests and Q&A sessions, industry workshops and panels, a 24-Hour Film Challenge and a Battle of the Scores!

We had the pleasure of speaking to one of the Festival’s Programmers, 17-year-old Macy Armstrong and together over tea at CANTEEN we chat about some of our fondest memories of TIFF and what to expect from this year’s NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL. I learned that after being canvassed by a Teacher last year for an opportunity to work with the City’s most important Film institution, she would then go through a round of questions and essays.  Eventually, the Arts School student was plucked and placed among an exclusive group of young, taste-making Film experts.

Armstrong describes for us the spirit of Next Wave and why we need a Festival for young Movie Lovers. “There’s a group of us, all in high school, and we get to program and watch all Films at the Festival. We think about what would be beneficial and valuable for our generation to watch.”, she says.  She brings up an interesting point adding,”A lot of times Films are made about teenagers, but not for teenagers. We want Movies that can be enjoyed by teenagers and also about teenagers.”.

On the selection process of Films that screen at Next Wave, Armstrong reveals “We’d see a Film or two a day. After each Film, we wrote down and articulated our thoughts on it. We’d have a casual conversation about what we thought of each Film in relation to our message about teenagers. From that, our top Films emerged.”.

When she was selected to join the panel of Programmers for the Festival, Armstrong already had been attending TIFF for four years already. Like me, we share a similar adoration for the greatest Film Festival in the world. “I’m obsessed with TIFF”, she admits. “I have a James Franco obsession. He was doing an interview and art installation in partnership with TIFF, so I went to that. I remember I brought him some Fan Art”.  “He wanted to buy it and it became a thing.  I also made a painting of 127 Hours – my favourite Movie.”.

We both agree that we miss a certain Canadian heartthrob.  “I remember waiting in line and saw Ryan Gosling wave at me. That was so exciting!”.  I forgot to share with her the time I was getting groceries on Christmas Eve at the grocery story under my old condo and ran into him there!

Armstrong highlights three absolute Must-Sees at Next Wave.

“I really love SONGS MY BROTHER TAUGHT ME. It is so beautiful and intimate, covering some universal themes of how environment shapes us and the relationships you develop in those communities.”

“You meet interesting characters in TAKIN’ PLACE.  It is another film about community and a genuine Film.”

“FLOCKING is a fictional story about a girl who accuses someone of sexual assault. It addresses how we treat accusations.”.

For those interested, the SPACE JAM LIVE READ (coinciding with NBA All Star Weekend in Toronto!)  takes place Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 1:00 PM with names of voice talent just being announced.  More here.

Many also are talking about Elevation Pictures’ SING STREET, for which Actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo will be visiting!

With the Oscars coming up, we both peg the same choice for Best Picture.  “ROOM is the most emotional rollercoaster. I read somewhere that it is an exercise for your tear ducts”, says Armstrong.  AGREE. 

Learn more about TIFF‘s NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL including synopses and schedule right here.  

Tickets are free.

Our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/TIFF)

As XXX: The Return of Xander Cage continues throughout the City, with star Vin Diesel spotted filming around St. Lawrence Market today, we caught-up with some related arrivals.  Orange is the New Black star Ruby Rose, who stars in this Franchise’s upcoming third installment was spotted flying-in on little rest after wrapping the Sequel to John Wick yesterday in Rome.

After an extended two-hour wait after landing, the Model/Actress wasn’t in best spirits understandably, covering her face with a scarf and sunglasses, also covering her face.  Despite being a huge fan of hers and even offering a gift which I thought she would’ve loved, she replied “No, I’m good.” before shielding her face from Paparazzi.  We hear some wonderful things about the Australian beauty from other Fans who met her at TIFF ’15. Perhaps it just wasn’t the right time?

Sad one of my new faves #RubyRose wanted nothing to do with my gift to her. Hope to catch her on a better day as she begins work on #XXX: #TheReturnofXanderCage in #The6ix. #OITNB

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 10, 2016 at 8:30pm PST

Earlier in the day, we also spotted Ranveer Singh, boyfriend of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, who has settled-in already beginning work on XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, after arriving last week.  Tipped off right away by Flight Attendants queueing for Selfies with him after he arrived in Toronto, we joined-in on the Fun!  The 30-year-old Indiana University graduate is a huge star in his own right in his native India sweeping multiple Awards since his debut in 2011. He also is closely-related to the powerful Kapoor Family.  To be honest, he was amazingly-nice and hope he enjoys his quality time with his dear Deepika Valentine’s Day weekend!

XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films through May in Toronto.

See our Snap:

Awesome meeting major #Bollywood star and boyfriend of #DeepikaPadukone, #RanveerSingh. He is visiting #Toronto for Valetine’s Day weekens with his love, who films #XXX: #TheReturnofXanderCage in #The6ix.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 10, 2016 at 8:33pm PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Red Carpet was rolled out for one of HBO‘s most-anticipated new Series tonight at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Although there were rumours circulating that creators of new Series VINYL, Martin Scorcese and Mick Jagger would be coming out, alas Toronto Fans at the bustling Red Carpet received the news that the former while confirmed, had fallen ill. The latter currently is in South America touring. Stars Bobby Cannavale and Max Casella had walked the Carpet at the Event, along with Writer Terence Winter.

Synopsis:
Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale, BOARDWALK EMPIRE), the founder and president of American Century Records, is trying to save his company and soul without destroying everyone in his path. With his passion for music and discovering talent gone by the wayside, and American Century on the precipice of being sold, he has a life-altering event that reignites his love of music, but severely damages his personal life.

While swinging by, we crossed paths with Casella, whom many known on legacied HBO series, The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. Casella plays an A&R executive in VINYL named Julian Silver.

See our Snap!

With #MaxCasella, star of #VINYLHBO from Martin Scorcese and Mick Jagger. #TheSopranos star in #Toronto for Red Carpet Premiere of Series.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 10, 2016 at 8:05pm PST

See a Snap of Casella, Cannavale and Winter:

The men of the hour. @bobbycannavale, #TerenceWinter and #MaxCasella at the Canadian premiere of #Vinyl. pic.twitter.com/iFtwuWtkGA

— HBO Canada (@HBOCanada) February 10, 2016

The Series also stars Olivia Wilde, Juno Temple, Ray Romano and more.

VINYL premieres on HBO Canada Sunday, February 14, 2016 9 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/HBO)

You guys know how much I love Conrad Sewell, so it was amazing catching wind of a surprise visit to the City today for Coca-Cola.  The Soft Drink giant in support of their latest “Taste the Feeling” campaign, have brought in the ARIA Award-winning Singer/Songwriter  to celebrate its launch here in Toronto. Avicii even has remixed the Track!  The Campaign is promoting the philosophy that Coca Cola Soft Drinks globally, are a simple pleasure which make everyday moments that much more special.

In addition to some visits to the local Morning Show circuit including Breakfast Television and The Morning Show (National Edition), Sewell made an appearance at The Distillery‘s Fermenting Cellar in support of the occasion performing for a crowd of Tastemakers and Influencers. Montreal’s Sam Roberts also appeared and performed an hours’ worth of his repertoire also.

Coca Cola-inspired cocktails were served right out-of-the-bottle.  Coke-marinated dishes including Peking Duck Tacos, Pork Belly Skewers, Tuna Custards and more were on the menu.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, here is a TV Spot for the Campaign!

Full Track:

Listen to Sewell perform his hit HOLD ME UP:

See some Snaps:

Just one of many visual installations for Coca Cola’s TASTE THE FEELING event.

Artist Andrea Bolley.

Bloggers Sonya Davidson (AZN Modern/Toronto Guardian) + Joallore Alon (CLICK FLICK CA).

Actor Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black).

Songs & Cigarettes’ Braden Rosner + Guest.

With local Fashion Heroines, The Beckerman Twins.

Touchwood PR’s Andréa Grau + Jennifer Rashwan

THE Shinan Govani dancing to “Sorry” by Justin Bieber. He declares this needs to be the next Canadian anthem, as apologizing is our national pastime.

Natalie’s Nosh + Me

These Cola-flavoured Helium Bubbles made my voice rather chipmunk-esque.

Sam Roberts.

Channeling Danny Zuko of Grease.

Artist Manager Brock McLaughlin + Luke Austin.

INK Entertainment’s Elaine Quan + Toronto Guardian/AZN Modern’s Sonya Davidson.

Luke Austin + Conrad Sewell.

Conrad Sewell:

My new fave, Australian sensation #ConradSewell at an intimate gig for #TastetheFeeling campaign by #CocaCola in #Toronto! #The6ix (@conradofficial)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 9, 2016 at 7:44pm PST

Conrad Sewell + Mr. Will. Hugs were exchanged. TWICE.

We’re anxiously awaiting Sewell‘s debut Disc via Warner Music Canada.

For now you can get his ALL I KNOW EP on iTunes!

More on #TASTETHEFEELING here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Coca-Cola)

20th Century Fox Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto to attend a once in a lifetime event, a Red Carpet Premiere of EDDIE THE EAGLE with Director Dexter Fletcher and stars Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman in attendance! Everybody loves an underdog and EDDIE THE EAGLE is exactly this. The Premiere takes place in Toronto on Monday, February 15, 2016.

Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself – even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. From producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude.

EDDIE THE EAGLE also stars Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Tim McInnerny and Jo Hartley.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  For an extra chance, click “share” on his Post from there or Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/eddietheeagle @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to the Red Carpet Premiere of #EDDIETHEEAGLE!  Out 2.26.

G’luck.

20th Century Fox Canada release EDDIE THE EAGLE on Friday, February 26, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)

Who doesn’t love Tina Fey?!  Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 to see the delightfully-witty WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT!

Synopsis:
When reporter Kim Barker’s (Tina Fey) life needs something more, she decides to ‘shake it all up’ by taking an assignment in a war zone. There, in the midst of chaos, she finds the strength she never knew she had. Sometimes it takes saying ‘WTF’ to find the life you were always destined to have. Also starring Margo Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina and Billy Bob Thornton, the film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”) from a screenplay by Robert Carlock  (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”).

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City. Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet out the below too:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/whiskeytangofoxtrot @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #WHISKEYTANGOFOXTROT. Opens 3/4!

G’luck.

Paramount Pictures Canada release WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT Friday, March 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

After winning the coveted TIFF 2015 Midnight Madness Award, HARDCORE HENRY (formerly known as Hardcore), soon will get a theatrical release!

Synopsis:
Strap in. Hardcore Henry is an original film that was shot completely from the hero’s perspective. You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…

Official Artwork:

The Trailer for HARDCORE HENRY debuts during a special two-hour live event on Wednesday, February 10th between 9-11 PM (EST). The event will air on summit1g‘s Twitch channel (http://www.twitch.tv/summit1g).

VVS Films release HARDCORE HENRY Friday, April 8, 2016.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

We got a huge surprise tonight during the Super Bowl as the latest installment of the BOURNE franchise got a quick unveiling! See this high-octane new Teaser for JASON BOURNE!

Synopsis:
Matt Damon returns to his most iconic role in Jason Bourne. Paul Greengrass, the director of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, once again joins Damon for the next chapter of Universal Pictures’ Bourne franchise, which finds the CIA’s most lethal former operative drawn out of the shadows.

Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Stiles also star.

See the Spot:

Universal Pictures Canada release JASON BOURNE on Friday, July 29, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

While we admit we know little about Football, we still love to partake in the festivity and we were thrilled to see not only a National Anthem for the records by Lady Gaga before a mesmerized Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, we also witness headliner Coldplay,  and Bruno Mars rock the crowd in dazzling technicolour Halftime Show!

It was even announced the Beyoncé, in addition to dropping a new Track yesterday in FORMATION, will be going on a  Summer Stadium Tour!

Lady Gaga performing the National Anthem:

Halftime Show with Coldplay, Bruno Mars + Beyoncé

Until next year!

(Photo/video credit: CBS/Getty Images)

The turtles return for a crazy adventure, this time out of the shadows. Did you catch the Super Bowl TV Spot for TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS?

Megan Fox, Stephen Amell, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Laura Linney, Alan Ritchson, Noel Fisher, Stephen Farrelly, Johnny Knoxville and more star.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS on Friday, June 3, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)