Elevation Pictures release TOGETHER, starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco! Today we get a new Trailer.

Directed by: Michael Shanks
Starring: Alison Brie, Dave Franco

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

The third and final season of Squid Game is approaching, and the newly released teaser trailer offers fans a first glimpse at the dramatic culmination of Netflix’s most popular show.

The series remains Netflix’s most popular show to date and continues to captivate global audiences, smashing multiple records with its Season 2 return in December 2024. It broke the record for most views for a show in its premiere week and entered the Most Popular Non-English TV list in just three days—currently ranked #2 with 192.6 million views, second only to Season 1’s 265.2 million. Season 2 also became the third most-watched season on Netflix ever, further solidifying the franchise’s global impact

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Toronto’s most iconic restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for Mom. This year, celebrate this special day with experiences that go far beyond the bouquet.

Step into the world of flame-seared perfection at Miku, offering both a one-day-only artistic Japanese lunch experience that pairs floral inspiration with refined culinary craftsmanship and an exquisite multi-course Kaiseki dinner.

For those who prefer classic indulgence, Harbour Sixty delivers a lavish steakhouse lunch set with an opulent backdrop of white linen, chandeliers, and timeless glamour. Just steps away,

Arianna—Harbour Sixty’s new contemporary Italian gem—offers a bold, modern take on traditional dishes, set within a beautifully designed space where moody lighting and sculptural details create an intimate, immersive dining experience.

If Mom loves a refined afternoon, W Toronto is hosting an elegant Mother’s Day High Tea featuring Mokable, bringing together artful sips and decadent sweets in one of the city’s most stylish hotel lounges.

For a bold, flavourful experience, The Kettle offers a vibrant Indian feast dinner with contemporary flair—featuring spice-forward dishes, vegetarian-friendly options, and a brunch twist on Mother’s Day itself.

Miku Toronto
IG: @mikutoronto
This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to an unforgettable Japanese experience at Miku Toronto, famed for its flame-seared Aburi sushi and premium seafood offerings. On May 11, Miku Toronto is hosting a one-day-only Ikebana Luncheon with celebrated Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, taking guests on a multi-sensory journey through floral art and Japanese fine dining. Tickets are $150 per person (plus tax and gratuity), and includes a guided 1-hour Ikebana session (includes vase, florals, materials) and a beautifully curated Ikebana-inspired lunch by Chef de Cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa.

This extraordinary collaboration of culinary and cultural expression is a unique way to celebrate Mom with elegance and creativity. And the celebrations don’t end there — on May 12, Miku is also offering an exclusive Mother’s Day Kaiseki Menu for $175, a six-course culinary showcase highlighting dishes like sous vide Quebec duck with yakinasu truffle vinaigrette sunomono, premium sushi platter featuring foie gras oshi, anago don, and salmon oshi bite. For just $40, elevate the special lady in your life with the four-course wine pairing ($40) or indulge in the six-course wine and sake pairing ($55). See the full menu below.

Mother’s Day Kaiseki Menu – $175
Six-course wine and sake pairing – $55
Four-course wine pairing – $40

Amuse
Wagyu tartare, Japanese wafer, Canadian Acadian caviar, gold flakes, sushi rice, hanaho
Cave Spring Sparkling Riesling Brut VQA
Sashimi
Chef’s selection of traditional and aburi-style sashimi
Chateau de Maligny Carré de César Chablis
Hassun
Yakinasu truffle vinaigrette sunomono, clam egg tofu, sous vide Quebec duck with rapini ohitashi
Fish
King salmon sakekasu yaki, shungiku dashi foam, scallop lemon risotto, aosa dashi cream, salmon skin chips
Piero Mancini Vermentino
Sushi
Foie gras oshi, anago don, salmon oshi bite, two pieces of premium nigiri
Kuheiji ‘Eau Du Désir’ Junmai Daiginjo
Japanese Wagyu
Sansho soy marinated wagyu, wafu salsa, shishito asparagus, baby carrot, zucchini, charcoal oil
Marques de Murrieta Reserva Tempranillo
Dessert
Elderflower lychee sorbet, citrus fruit compote, kalamansi ganache, sake foam, green tea sponge cake, candied yuzu

Reservations can be made HERE.

Harbour Sixty
IG: @harboursixty

Harbour Sixty is Toronto’s premier fine dining steakhouse, renowned for its opulent setting, exceptional service, and uncompromising quality. Housed in a historic 1917 Harbour Commission building, this iconic destination is known for its ultra-luxe ambiance—white linen tables, gleaming chandeliers, and an exceptional wine cellar, all paired with a menu that celebrates premium cuts, fresh seafood, and timeless classics.
On the heels of a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion, Harbour Sixty invites guests on May 11th to indulge in a one-day-only three-course lunch menu for $89 or a two-course option for $75, offering refined comfort in every bite. Guests can mark their special celebration with features like bluefin otoro tuna tartare, followed by refined entrées like steak and eggs with a 7oz tenderloin or the Harbour 60 Burger with smoked cheddar. For a sweet finale, enjoy dreamy desserts such as olive oil cake with blood orange or indulgent French toast with Tamarack Farms maple syrup.
Mother’s Day Lunch 3-course menu – $89

Starter
Bluefin Otoro Tuna Tartare
French breakfast radish, beet, oxalis, gem lettuce
or
Steak Tartare
Quail egg, parmesan, caper, cornichon, toast
or
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, almond, seasonal berries
or
Fiddle Foot Farm greens
Snap pea, chabichou, la villa vinegar
or
Avocado Toast
Sourdough, ramps, dill, pistachio
$4 – to add a poached egg

Entree
Steak and Egg
7oz tenderloin, Conestoga egg, bacon béchamel, roasted potato
or
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Poached egg, English muffin, smoked salmon, capers, hollandaise, roasted potato
or
Classic Eggs Benedict
Poached egg, English muffin, peameal bacon, hollandaise, roasted potato
or
Quiche Lorraine
Bacon, conestoga eggs, arugula salad
or
Harbour 60 Burger
8oz patty, smoked cheddar, pickles, shredded lettuce, caramelized onion, fries

Dessert
Olive Oil Cake
Bergamot, blood orange
or
French Toast
Vanilla ice cream, Tamarack Farms maple syrup
or
Hot Cinnabon Bun
Candied orange, crème anglaise
or
Coconut Cream Pie
White chocolate, toasted coconut

Add on
Double-thick maple bacon $14
Smoked salmon plate $24
Fried egg $6
Add on a-la-carte options
6-piece oyster
12-piece oyster
3-piece shrimp cocktail
To Take Home
Dessert
Reservations can be made HERE.

Arianna
IG: @arianna.harboursixty
Looking to treat Mom to something truly special this Mother’s Day? Enter Arianna — the newly opened gem atop Harbour Sixty, offering a bold, modern spin on Italian dining in an elevated, design-forward space. With its moody lighting, sculptural interiors, and immersive ambiance, Arianna offers a fresh and elevated take on traditional Italian fare, making it a perfect choice for celebrating Mother’s Day in style.

The menu blends heritage with originality through dishes that are as artful as they are indulgent. The Carpaccio di Bresaola is sure to delight mom, featuring delicately cured beef topped with creamy ricotta, pickled green tomato, Marcona almonds, and arugula, creating a perfect balance of richness, texture, and brightness. Other signature dishes include the vibrant Sicilian crudo, a trio of bluefin tuna, Hawaiian Kanpachi, and the decadent pepperoni bolognese pinwheel lasagna, a whimsical twist on a comfort classic.

Arianna is open exclusively for dinner service, offering an ideal setting for an elegant evening celebration. For those looking to celebrate Mom with contemporary Italian elegance and expressive flavour, Arianna offers a dining experience that’s as unforgettable as she is.
Reservations can be made HERE.

W Toronto
IG: @wtoronto | @mokable.na
This Mother’s Day, treat the remarkable women in your life to an elevated celebration with W Toronto’s Mother’s Day High Tea featuring Mokable – a sophisticated twist on the timeless afternoon ritual. On May 10th and 11th from 12-3pm, experience a Mother’s Day High Tea like no other — a beautifully curated celebration with Mother’s Day-themed delights and exclusive creations infused with Mokable, the award-winning culinary innovation. Priced at $95 per guest, with optional beverage enhancements including a $20 tea-infused cocktail and a $100 Fiol Prosecco bubbly package, it’s the perfect way to show Mom just how special she is.
Guests will enjoy Mother’s Day-themed savouries and sweets—from truffle egg salad brioche and smoked salmon with trout caviar, to cranberry scones and the show-stopping Mokable bonbons and Mokable Fruity éclair—all crafted by W’s celebrated pastry team. Mokable, a Japanese-born micro-ground whole coffee bean innovation, blends specialty beans with cocoa butter to create a smooth, aromatic treat used by MICHELIN-recognized restaurants like Miku and DaNico. Though not yet available to the public, this is a rare chance to experience both of Mokable’s signature flavours: Roasted (Nicaraguan) and Fruity (Ethiopian).

The experience also includes access to W’s curated tea-tasting station featuring premium selections from Toronto’s Genuine Tea, including sencha Kyoto green tea, elderberry hibiscus tisane, and more. Cocktail lovers can opt for the Rosetta, a tea-infused botanical cocktail made with Empress gin and housemade bitters. See the full menu below.
Mother’s Day High Tea Menu $95 per person

Savoury
Lobster salad on poppy roll, fennel, tobiko
Smoked salmon, dill cream, rye, trout caviar
Smoked turkey, Granny Smith apple, citrus aioli
Truffle egg salade on brioche
Hot house cucumber & cream cheese, cranberry, black lava salt
Cranberry scones with butter, housemade clotted cream, berry jam

Sweet
Mokable Nicaraugan bonbons
Kalamansi meringue tartlets
French macaroons
Mokable éclair, Ethiopian ganache
Raspberry cheesecake bites
Honey cookies

Tea Highlights
Cream of early grey
Organic Assam breakfast
Masala chai
Sencha Kyoto green tea
Imperial green tea
Herbal Tisanes
Moringa mint
Chamomile lemongrass
Organic elderberry hibiscus
Lemon ginger rooibos

Beverage Additions: Tea-Infused Cocktails
Rosetta $20
Empress elderflower rose gin, St. Germain, hibiscus-elderberry tea, lavender-infused lemonade, housemade botanical blossom bitters
Allan’s Gardens Mocktail $15
Hibiscus-elderberry tea, lavender-infused lemonade

Reservations can be made HERE.

About Mokable
Mokable (pronounced “Moke-Ah-Bull”) is a standalone category that tackles two pressing issues head-on: the inefficient use of coffee beans and the sustainability challenges within the coffee industry. While traditional coffee preparation discards up to 70% of its aroma and flavour, Mokable aims to change that narrative by transforming whole coffee beans into a much more palatable micro-ground form that captures every rich note and aromatic nuance. By blending premium specialty coffee beans with cocoa butter, Mokable achieves a smooth, versatile texture that shines in both sweet and savoury dishes and cocktails.
For more information about Mokable, visit HERE.

The Kettle
IG: @thekettlee
Celebrate Mother’s Day with warmth, flavour, and flair at The Kettle, a chic and contemporary Indian restaurant nestled in Downtown Toronto. Known for its modern, upscale takes on traditional dishes, The Kettle offers a thoughtful menu that blends vibrant Indian spices with globally inspired techniques with many of their dishes being offered as vegetarian and gluten-free.
From May 10–12, The Kettle invites families to enjoy their Mother’s Day set menu for $45 per person (including one starter, one main, and one dessert). Some features include okra fries (vegan & gluten-friendly), malai broccoli tikka (vegetarian & gluten-friendly), spiced bone marrow curry and almond + rose paneer kofta (stuffed with cottage cheese and rose jam).
The Kettle: Mother’s Day Menu – $45

Starter
Dahi Puri
Yogurt mousse, signature chutney trio (vegetarian)
or
Okra Fries
Tongue-tinglingly tasty street food snack (vegan & gluten-friendly)
or
Malai Broccoli Tikka
Cashew cream cheese and yogurt marinade (gluten-friendly, vegetarian)
or
Chicken Croquettes
Vermicelli-coated chicken spicy mayo

Mains
Tandoori Pumpkin Curry
South Indian tempered spiced coconut curry (vegan, gluten-free)
or
Almond + Rose Paneer Kofta
Stuffed almond & rose jam cottage cheese curry (vegetarian)
or
Vegan Butter Chicken
The Kettle’s take on classic butter chicken (vegan, gluten-free)
or
Smoked Chicken Curry
The Kettle’s signature must try (gluten-free)
or
Spiced Bone-Marrow
Slow-cooked beef curry
or
Kerala Fish Curry
Sea bass, tempered coconut, lime sauce (gluten-free)

Dessert
Gulab Jamun Bread Pudding
Contains nuts
or
Malai Kulfi Sundae
Contains nuts, gluten-free
or
Coconut Panna Cotta
Vegan, gluten-free

On May 11, The Kettle will also offer extended brunch hours, featuring favourites like Masala Egg Benny and Masala Avocado Toast, which are perfect for a midday Mother’s Day celebration.

Reservations can be made HERE.

By Justin Waldman

The Departure Festival + Conference is kicking off its first year this year and it is starting with a bang! Formerly known as Canadian Music Week, Departure Festival is combining Music, Comedy, Tech, and the Arts, to bring forth an incredible first year with talks, performances, and must see events and awards. We are going to highlight five events we cannot wait for. In no particular order here are our top events to look forward to at the Departure Festival to look forward to.

DAVE CHAPPELLE
Does this man need any introduction. Despite his outspoken comments that certainly make him a polarizing figure, there is no denying how influential and massive of a name Dave Chapelle is, he is arguably on the “Mount Rushmore” for most people when it comes to Comedy, so having him be part of the inaugural Departure Festival is a huge feet.

MATTY MATHESON
If you don’t know the name Matty Matheson, where have you been? He is a multifaceted Entrepreneur who does everything from launch restaurants or be partners in them (Bar Clams, Prime Seafood Palace, Maker Pizza, Ca Phe Rang, Rizzo’s House of Parm) and is going to be sitting back and talking at the conference, he is also an Actor whose been part of principal Cast in F/X‘s The Bear.

BRYAN ADAMS/DALLAS GREEN/MAX KERMAN/SHAGGY CONVERSATIONS
I don’t think any of these men need an introduction at all, Green who is the co-lead singer of Alexisonfire and the lead of City and Colour, as well as Max Kerman whose on a book tour of his newest book and the frontman of The Arkells, and then Shaggy and legendary Canadian Bryan Adams do not need an introduction, they’re iconic in their own right and have multiple acclaims and having the privilege to hear them talk about their careers would be a highlight.

HOW DID THIS GET MADE?
If you’ve never heard of this podcast then you’ve been missing out, it’s a dynamic trio of Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael and they discuss how some of the most baffling and questionable movies ever got made. It’s a hilarious insightful podcast that simply cannot be missed.

DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979/QUAVO SHOWS
Two of the premium music events happening as part of Departure Festival this year, with Death From Above 1979 playing two incredibly intimate shows at Lee’s Palace and Quavo playing History. These two shows are must see and a great inclusion and the incredible line up of talent that is part of Departure Festival.

The 2025 Departure Festival + Conference runs from May 6th to May 11th and all information can be found here: https://www.departureto.com, so get ready to take flight!

The rain couldn’t dampen the excitement last night for the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s most buzz-worthy spectacle, OVO, as more than 2500 guests including Lights, Shawn Desman, Alex Sampson and Kiesza, packed The Pavilion to experience one of the most beloved shows by Cirque du Soleil in the world’s largest mobile arena.

Guests were treated to a colourful journey into the life of insects, and a non-stop riot of energy and movement through show-stopping acrobatics. The evening culminated with an enthusiastic standing ovation for the 53 international artists who took the final bow.

The OVO colony will continue to perform in Toronto through June 28, 2025 at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W. under a new mobile arena, The Pavilion. Don’t miss your chance to find out what all the buzz is about and get your tickets at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo. For a few days only, treat mom to this fantastic Cirque du Soleil experience with a 30% Mother’s Day offer!

ABOUT OVO
From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful, OVO charms our inner child with its sweet exuberance. Comprised of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 53 artists, OVO (“egg” in Portuguese) brings to the stage high-level acrobatic acts redefining the limits of the human body.

SPONSORS / PARTNERS
OVO is presented by Sun Life, principal partner of the Canadian tour. Cirque du Soleil also wishes to thank its official partners Air Canada and Mastercard.

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Follow #OVOCirque and #cirquedusoleil on social media: 
Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

In Toronto theatres July 4, 2025, in Montreal & Vancouver theatres July 11, 2025. Further expansion July 18, 2025 onwards.

Watch the new trailer for Sorry, Baby, the achingly funny and heartfelt debut from writer, director and star, Eva Victor.

Synopsis:

Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on…for everyone around her, at least. When a beloved friend visits on the brink of a major milestone, Agnes starts to realize just how stuck she’s been, and begins to work through how to move forward.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Alice Halsey (she/her) (Lessons in Chemistry, Days of Our Lives) will play Laura Ingalls. Everyone sees themselves in Laura. That’s why these books endure. Laura is a disruptor. Honest to a fault. Questions authority. She’s our window into this adventure. An American icon in waiting. Forget your modern ideas of childhood — the stakes are high for children living in the 19th century. They have responsibilities — and freedoms — that seem extraordinary in this era of helicopter parenting. Mixed in with small pleasures and petty disputes with her older sister are true feats of survival and bravery. She is observant, tender, strong-willed, hot-tempered. She resists the bounds of 19th-century ladylike behavior — she likes to run barefoot and feel the sun on her face. She is curious and optimistic and fearless, like her father; resourceful and hardworking and honest, like her mother. She is quick to call out anyone who is cruel or unjust. She loves fiercely and unapologetically and is utterly devoted to her dog, Jack. She rubs some adults the wrong way — too many hard questions, too much personality, too much energy — but to the people who matter, she’s a bright light. She absorbs every detail she sees around her, collecting them for stories she will someday share with the world. (Series Regular)

Alice Halsey Bio

About Little House on the Prairie

Logline: Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier

Showrunner/Executive Producer: Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Boys, Vampire Diaries, Archive 81)

Executive Producers: Joy Gorman Wettels for Joy Coalition, Trip Friendly for Friendly Family Productions, Dana Fox, Susanna Fogel

Directors: Sarah Adina Smith is set to direct the first episode.

Studio: Produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content Studio

Since its original publication in the 1930s, the LITTLE HOUSE book series and brand has remained a constant in the global zeitgeist. The classic novels have sold over 73 million copies in more than 100 countries, translated into at least 27 languages. Most recently, 50 years after the 1974 show first debuted, Nielsen reports that fans of all generations have embraced the nostalgic show garnering an astonishing 13.25 billion minutes of viewing in 2024 alone.

Follow along the Little House on the Prairie journey online: Tudum.com, Little House Website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, Youtube, X.

(Photo credit: Joanna Degeneres)

The Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival returns this May 23 to June 1, 2025, marking 35 years of celebrating bold, brilliant and trailblazing queer cinema from Canada and around the world.

The festival’s milestone edition was unveiled last night at a special launch event at Toronto’s historic Paradise Theatre. A full house of film lovers and industry insiders gathered to get a first look at this year’s programming.

Inside Out 2025 promises a rich cinematic journey with 28 feature films and 69 shorts representing over 20 countries. Screenings will be held at TIFF Lightbox, and films will also be available online across Ontario.

Opening this year’s festival is the Canadian Premiere of Outerlands, the striking debut feature from Elena Oxman, fresh off its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival where it earned a coveted Grand Jury Award nomination. This deeply resonant drama follows Cass, who finds themself unexpectedly caring for their longtime crush’s 11-year-old daughter, an experience that forces them to confront the unresolved trauma of their own turbulent childhood. Closing out the festival is the Canadian Premiere of The Best Friend, a heartfelt Brazilian gem that explores the quiet ache of reconnection, as two best friends reunite after five years apart. Amid the swirl of change, the spark of an old feeling flickers back to life.

“We are thrilled to welcome audiences back for the 35th annual Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.” said Elie Chivi, Executive Director of Inside Out. “In a challenging landscape for film festivals and queer organizations, we are profoundly grateful to our members, donors, and partners. Their unwavering loyalty and support make this festival possible and help propel us into the future.”

“For our anniversary, we looked back to move forward—honouring the iconic films and filmmakers that shaped us, while championing bold new voices from around the world,” said Jenna Dufton, Festival Director of Inside Out. “After 35 years, one thing remains true: Inside Out is where we come together to reflect, to advocate, and to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ stories are seen. This year’s Festival—and the films it showcases—serve as a powerful reminder of that truth, and of why Queer spaces continue to matter.”

This year, Inside Out brings two Emmy® contenders to the big screen. One of the festival’s most anticipated documentaries, Enigma, directed by Emmy® nominated filmmaker Zackary Drucker, takes the spotlight at this year’s Re:Focus Gala. Following its acclaimed premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Enigma dives deep into the lives and legacies of icons—Amanda Lear and April Ashley—whose identities were contested throughout their lives. Enigma is a mesmerizing portrayal of gender, fame and reclamation. Festival goers will also have the chance to attend the Season Finale Watch Party of the Emmy® Award-winning comedy Hacks presented in partnership with Crave. This special event invites fans to gather, laugh and revel in one of television’s sharpest and most beloved series.

The festival’s Centrepiece Gala is Cactus Pears, a romantic drama that marks the feature directorial debut of Rohan Parashuram Kanawade. This compelling co-production between India, Canada and the United Kingdom, won the 2025 Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize. The film follows Anand, a man returning to his hometown after a family loss, and reconnects with his childhood friend Balya in a tender love story.

Among this year’s standout selections are a wave of must-see films, including the World Premiere of the dazzling Canadian IndigiQueer musical Starwalker; the Canadian Premieres of The Crowd, a candid portrayal of Gen-Z/Millennial social dynamics; SALLY, National Geographic’s award-winning documentary about pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, and the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival award nominees Dreams in Nightmares and The Nature of Invisible Things.

Also, not to be missed are the International Showcase films, including the International Premiere of Chris Coats first feature documentary Flamingo Camp and Kimberly Reed’s Paris is Burning follow up I’m Your Venus; the Canadian Premieres of the Sundance hit Rains Over Babel and the multi-award winning thriller Ponyboi; and notable Canadian documentaries featured in the Icons section, the undeniable Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance and the thought-provoking World Premiere of Unlabelled.

Festival Director Jenna Dufton heads the programming team with programming staff Lu Linares and Claire Jarvis, and programmers Ferdosa Abdi, Syriah Bailey, Rasheed Bailey, Cailin Ball, Ashley Bodika, Ferrin Evans, Allia McLeod, Nik Redman, Raphael Sanchez, and Scott Smart.

Please see the Inside Out’s programming highlights below. For the full Festival program, schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit insideout.ca.

OPENING GALA

OUTERLANDS
Dir Elena Oxman | United States 2025 | 100 mins | English | Drama/Family | Canadian Premiere
This emotionally resonant film follows Cass juggling multiple jobs, both legal and illegal, to keep their head above water in San Francisco. Soon after Cass hooks up with their crush, Kalli, they are asked to watch Kalli’s daughter, Ari, for a couple days. A smitten Cass agrees. But when days pass with no sign of Kalli, Cass worries that Ari has been abandoned, bringing up Cass’s unresolved feelings about their own childhood abandonment. Featuring an outstanding cast, including Asia Kate Dillon and Lea Delaria in a small but pivotal role, Outerlands empowers its characters to have the complex, and at times contradictory, emotions we all experience.
FRI, MAY 23 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

CLOSING NIGHT GALA

THE BEST FRIEND
Dir Allan Deberton | Brazil 2024 | 96 mins | Portuguese | Musical | Canadian Premiere
Spooked by his long-term boyfriend’s very public proposal, Lucas flees to the resort town of Canoa Quebrada. It’s here, walking the white sand beaches, that he’s reunited with his unrequited college crush, Felipe. The tall and tan and young and lovely Felipe, a self-proclaimed professional lover, helps the shy and timid Lucas out of his shell and reignites his feelings in the process. Lucas is forced to decide: will he continue to live life ruled by insecurities or will he succumb to his burning passions? Just like From Justin to Kelly and Mamma Mia, this campy resort musical will have you dancing in the aisles and bouncing in your seats.
SAT, MAY 31 • 7:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

CENTREPIECE GALA

CACTUS PEARS
Dir Rohan Kanawade | India 2025 | 112 mins | Marathi | Drama| Canadian Premiere
Anand leaves his rural hometown in western India to seek a free and uncomplicated life in Mumbai. However, when his father falls ill and passes away, he reluctantly returns home to fulfill his obligations during the mourning period. He finds comfort in the presence of his mother but is quickly confronted by relatives eager to question his life choices, especially his unmarried status. When he reconnects with Balya, an old childhood friend, who, like Anand, has resisted the pressure to marry, the two bond over their shared experiences and mutual understanding. Yet, as they rekindle their relationship, they must confront a deeper question: can they set aside their families’ expectations and create the lives they’ve always dreamed of? Rohan Kanawade’s debut feature, which won the World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance, is a profoundly tender exploration of love and personal freedom under the weight of familial and societal pressures.
TUE, MAY 27 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

RE:FOCUS GALA

ENIGMA
Dir Zackary Drucker | United States 2024 | 94 mins | English | Documentary | Canadian Premiere
April Ashley and Amanda Lear began their journeys on strikingly similar paths in the 1950s, dazzling Paris’s cabaret scene and mingling with celebrity elites. Both were rising stars—radiant, magnetic, and seemingly unstoppable—until their trajectories suddenly diverged. April Ashley faced a wave of transphobic backlash during a highly publicized divorce, while Amanda Lear sidestepped scrutiny, reinventing herself as a disco icon known as much for her enigmatic allure as for her refusal to clarify the mysteries surrounding her past and identity. Enigma, true to its title, is a layered exploration of two icons, examining the delicate balance of living in the spotlight while staying true to oneself and the complexities of legacy. With sensitivity and insight, Zackary Drucker weaves a story rich with remarkable moments, guiding this journey with the care and brilliance it deserves.
SAT, MAY 24 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

PREMIERES

THE CROWD
Dir Sahand Kabiri | Iran 2024 | 70 mins | Persian | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Throwing a party for a partner or friend may seem to many an easy task, but not in Tehran, and especially not for Hamed and his friends. As they attempt to throw good friend Raman a going away party, they do so at the risk of their freedom. Nonetheless, they get to work cleaning out an abandoned garage owned by Hamed’s family, booking DJs, and working on a guest list, but when Hamed’s religious brother appears, they must band together and fight for their right to party. Based on the filmmaker’s own experience with his community and their fight for individual freedoms, the film was self-funded and shot independently over just 12 days. The very existence of the film is miraculous, and as a tale of the importance of the chosen family, is essential viewing.
FRI, MAY 30 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

DREAMS IN NIGHTMARES
Dir Shatara Michelle Ford | United States 2024 | 120 mins | English | Drama | Canadian Premiere
After losing their jobs, Z and Tasha pull in their friend Lauren to embark on a road trip searching for their missing friend, Kel. The trio begin their journey with a clear goal in mind, to find a dearest friend, a member of their chosen family. However, the road through the Midwestern landscape offers them a chance to confront what it means to be Black Queer femmes in contemporary America. Shatara Michelle Ford’s sophomore film confronts the constricting ideals of society with an overtly aspirational take that asserts that Black women have agency over their identity.
SAT, MAY 24 • 9:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

THE NATURE OF INVISIBLE THINGS
Dir Rafaela Camelo | Brazil, Chile 2025 | 90 mins | Drama | Canadian Premiere
During the summer holidays, 10-year-old Gloria accompanies her mother, Antônia, a dedicated nurse, to work. As Gloria wanders the sterile hallways, she meets Sofia, a spirited girl convinced that her great-grandmother, Bisa, is growing weaker because of her time in the hospital. United by a longing to escape, the two girls form a deep connection, one that soon extends to their single mothers, Antônia and Simone. As the shadow of Bisa’s passing draws near, the families retreat to the countryside, where Antônia assumes responsibility for her final care. Surrounded by nature and tradition, they find a community ready to honor Bisa’s life and guide her spirit onward. In this sacred place, where endings and beginnings intertwine, the cycle of death and rebirth gains profound meaning for Gloria, Sofia, and the women who raise them.
SUN, MAY 25 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SALLY
Dir Cristina Costantini | United States 2025 | 103 mins | English | Documentary| Canadian Premiere
In 1983 Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, catapulting her into the spotlight as a household name and feminist icon. Beneath her unflappable composure, however, she carried a secret. Through present day interviews and incredible archival footage, Sally’s life partner Tam O’Shaugnessy, reveals the romance and sacrifices of their 27 years together, telling for the first time the full story behind Ride’s public journey. In addition to interviews with Tam O’ Shaughnessy, SALLY features acclaimed tennis star and groundbreaking advocate for women and LGBTQ+ rights, Billie Jean King, as well as celebrated astronauts from Sally Ride’s NASA class of 1978: Kathy Sullivan, Anna Fisher, John Fabian, and Steve Hawley.
SAT, MAY 31 • 2:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

STARWALKER
Dir Corey Payette |Canada 2025 | 116 mins | English | Musical | World Premiere
Star, an IndigiQueer Two-Spirit callboy, finds themselves newly entranced by the world of drag after being introduced to The House of Borealis, a vibrant drag house led by the charismatic Mother Borealis. As Star immerses themselves in this newfound passion, they are confronted with a cultural past they once neglected. But when painful memories resurface, their love for drag and their chosen family is put to the test. Director Corey Payette infuses Starwalker with deep authenticity and personal connection, making every frame resonate with heart and purpose. This charming musical is a testament to the life-changing moments that come when we embrace who we are without looking back.
FRI, MAY 23 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
SAT, MAY 24 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

SPOTLIGHT ON CANADA

LAKEVIEW
Dir Tara Thorne | Canada 2024 | 100 mins | English | Comedy
Set against Nova Scotia’s scenic eastern shore, Lakeview brings together a group of Queer friends, opening the doors to both fun and chaos. During a girls’ weekend celebrating a divorce, old feelings, new relationships, and shifting dynamics collide in the fading glow of summer. Tara Thorne’s sophomore feature captures both the thrill of newfound freedom and the bittersweet nostalgia of letting go. Lakeview is a refreshing take on modern relationships, lesbian drama, and the havoc a few too many drinks can wreak on a friend group. A warm, laugh-inducing, and authentic story about friendship—the queer kind, at least.
SUN, MAY 25 • 4:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
MON, MAY 26 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

REALLY HAPPY SOMEDAY
Dir J Stevens | Canada 2024 | 90 mins | English | Drama
Before he transitioned, Z was a rising star in Toronto’s theatre scene. But now, with testosterone affecting his voice, he must learn to navigate his evolving body in order to return to his passion—without sacrificing his present. Along the way, Z finds support in Shelly, a vocal coach helping him reconnect with his voice, and Santi, a bar owner who offers both a barback job and a listening ear, sharing in Z’s experiences. Really Happy Someday is a labour of love and community. Director J Stevens and lead actor Breton Lalama, who stars as Z, collaborated at every stage of the film’s production, drawing from their own experiences. The result is a deeply authentic and tender work, rich with understanding in both its performances and visuals.
TUE, MAY 27 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SWEET ANGEL BABY
Dir Melanie Oates | Canada 2024 | 96 mins | English | Drama
Life in Eliza’s small Newfoundland fishing community is simple and tranquil. She participates in church activities, organizes fundraisers, and appears to be fully integrated into her tight-knit town. Yet, beneath this peaceful exterior, Eliza harbors a secret: a social media alter ego who wears a ski mask and poses provocatively amidst the rugged landscape. In addition to this, she is involved in a clandestine relationship with Toni, the town’s only openly lesbian resident. Eliza’s life teeters on a delicate balance, as she strives to keep her two worlds from colliding. When her secrets are inevitably exposed, Eliza is forced to confront how she is now seen by her community, and decide what she is willing to sacrifice in order to live the life she truly desires.
SAT, MAY 31 • 4:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
SUN, JUN 01 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

TWO WOMEN
Dir Chloé Robichaud | Canada 2024 | 100 mins | French | Comedy
When Violette invites her neighbour Florence over for tea, they realise they have a lot in common. They’re both mothers, they both feel trapped in their apartments, and they’re both not having sex. Their shared dissatisfaction unites them, creating a duo that sits somewhere between Thelma & Louise and Dumb and Dumber. After Florence has an eye-opening affair with the cable guy, Violette decides to follow suit, booking an exterminator, a painter, and a cleaning service. With each fling their to-do lists get shorter, but their relationships are still in disrepair. Chloé Robichaud’s playful remake of Claude Fournier’s comedy classic, Two Women in Gold, explores how to exist in a world when your realities don’t align with your expectations.
SUN, MAY 25 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

ICONS

M​​OVE YA BODY: THE BIRTH OF HOUSE
Dir Elegance Bratton | United States 2025 | 92 mins | English | Documentary
In the 1970s, disco democratized the dancefloor, putting Black, brown and queer music at the top of the charts. When the industry and some of the white public turned against the genre (“Disco sucks”), that talent, energy and feeling of community had to go somewhere. House music, born in a Chicago gay club, answered the call. Director Elegance Bratton tells the story of house—the parties, the feuds, the exploitation and the legacy—through the story of Vince Lawrence. As a teenager, Lawrence was at the infamous 1979 Disco Demolition Night and went on to be one of the forces behind influential house label Trax Records. With commentary from Kevin Aviance, Lena Waithe and other queer cultural figures, the doc argues that “house history is queer history”.
THU, MAY 29 • 6:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

PARADE: QUEER ACTS OF LOVE & RESISTANCE
Dir Noam Gonick | Canada 2025 | 96 mins | English | Documentary
If there was ever a necessary time for an authoritative no-more-shit documentary about the history of Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ activism, it’s right now. Parade is that documentary. Featuring interviews with the who’s who of six decades of Canadian queer activism, along with astonishing archival footage—including crowds at the 1970s drag balls on Yonge Street—it’s a far-reaching and thoughtful film that should be taught in schools (sorry, not sorry, Anita Bryant). But its heft doesn’t make Parade any less inspiring for casual viewers. If history is repeating, this documentary will give audiences the hope (and ideas and anger and empathy) to carry them through whatever comes next.
SAT, MAY 31 • 11:45 AM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

ROW OF LIFE
Dir Soraya Simi | United States 2025 | 82 mins | English | Documentary
Row of Life tells the story of one woman’s irrepressible ambition to defy all odds, a journey that led her from the Marine Corps to three Paralympic Games and 14 Guinness World Records. In 2020, at the age of 60, Angela Madsen embarked on her most ambitious challenge yet: rowing 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles to Hawaii. As if this feat weren’t already remarkable, Madsen became the first paraplegic and the oldest woman to attempt this solo, unassisted ocean row. As we follow her journey, we discover a poetic tale of bravery, resilience, and—perhaps most importantly—love. Throughout her quest, Madsen and her wife, Deb, support each other’s dreams, despite being separated by the vast expanse of the ocean and risking what would ultimately become the greatest cost.
SUN, MAY 25 • 1:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
MON, MAY 26 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

SPEAK.
Dir Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman | United States 2024 | 103 mins | English | Documentary
SPEAK. follows five of the nation’s top teenage speech competitors, capturing the euphoria of victory and the devastation of defeat as they craft and perform original oratories over the course of a 9-month season. Their dream is simple: To win the Super Bowl of public speaking, the NSDA Nationals. We witness these five competitors, their coaches and their parents as they fight to keep school speech programs alive amid budget cuts, book bans, and censorship efforts that reach a fevered pitch during the 2024 election year. SPEAK. captures the passion, joy, and courage of unforgettable teens using their voices to change hearts and minds.
SAT, MAY 24 • 1:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
SUN, MAY 25 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

UNLABELLED
Dir Colette Johnson-Vosberg | Canada 2025 | 83 mins | English | Documentary | World Premiere
Unlabelled follows the lives of three members of the trans community in Toronto—Lucah, Emery, and Lucy—who graciously take us on a journey through their experiences, both joyful and painful, as they navigate their own paths in the world. This documentary thoughtfully explores the diversity of trans experiences, the importance of community, and the power of being patient with yourself in a society that often rejects your identity. With care and honesty, Johnson-Vosberg presents Unlabelled as a moving portrait of extraordinary individuals who too often go unnoticed in everyday life. The film invites us to reflect on the role of identity and poses a bold question: what if we imagined a future without labels?
SUN, MAY 25 • 3:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
MON, MAY 26 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE

BABY
Dir Marcelo Caetano | Brazil 2024 | 107 mins | Portuguese | Drama
São Paulo’s streets can offer both danger and opportunity and, for Wellington, they deliver both. After being released from a juvenile detention center, he finds himself alone and adrift, with no contact from his parents. While wandering the city, he encounters Ronaldo, an experienced and charming older man who takes him under his wing, teaching him new ways to survive. Their romance is fiery, vibrant, dizzying, and tumultuous—turning from a fairytale to a nightmare in the blink of an eye. Nominated for the Queer Palm at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Baby is an exhilarating exploration of self-discovery, desire, and the precarious nature of love and survival in an unforgiving city
FRI, MAY 23 • 9:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

FLAMINGO CAMP
Dir Chris Coats | United States 2025 | 80 mins | English | Documentary | International Premiere
In the near-lawless squatter town of Slab City, a group of young queer and trans anarchists create a thriving safe space for themselves known as Flamingo Camp. Out in the harsh Sonoran Desert, the camp flourishes through the mild winter months under the leadership of its founder, Nova. But when Nova departs for the summer and the brutal heat sets in, the unthinkable happens–fracturing this once close-knit chosen family.
SAT, MAY 24 • 3:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2
SUN, MAY 25 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

SEASON FINALE WATCH PARTY: HACKS
Dir Lucia Aniello | United States 2025 | 25 mins | English | Comedy
In Season 4 of the multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning Max Original comedy series Hacks, tensions rise as Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) endeavor to get their late night show off the ground and make history doing it. Stream Season 4 of Hacks Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Crave, then join Inside Out for an unforgettable Season Finale Watch Party on May 29th.
THU, MAY 29 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

I’M YOUR VENUS
Dir Kimberly Reed | United States 2024 | 85 mins | English | Documentary
One of the most memorable real-life characters in Paris Is Burning, the monumental 1990 documentary about New York’s drag ball scene, was aspiring model and complete spitfire, Venus Xtravaganza. In 1988, before the film was finished, Venus was found dead in a hotel room. Now, almost 35 years later, three of her biological brothers are working with members of her ballroom family to honour Venus’s legacy, in part by trying to have her murder case reopened. Mixing new and archival footage, award-winning director Kimberly Reed touchingly captures what made Venus so magical and the emotional journey of two families.
SAT, MAY 31 • 4:45 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 1

IN ASHES
Dir Ludvig Christian Næsted Poulsen | Denmark 2025 | 82 mins | Danish | Drama| Canadian Premiere
After getting dumped by his first love, Christian is spiralling. The breakup was brutal, one-sided, and he’s still stuck—mentally replaying every moment of their romance. Desperate for connection, he dives headfirst into hookup apps, but finds himself caught in a cycle of fleeting, awkward encounters that only leave him feeling emptier. In the chaos of heartbreak, sex, and self-sabotage, he’s forced to ask: can he finally let go of the past, or is he too far gone to find something real? Director Ludvig C. Poulsen’s striking debut feature is raw, unapologetically intimate, and an emotionally resonant portrait of what it takes to crawl out from under heartbreak, and start again.
FRI, MAY 30 • 9:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

LUCKY, APARTMENT
Dir Garam Kangyu | South Korea 2024 | 95 mins | Korean | Drama | North American Premiere
Seonwoo and Heeseo’s dream of safe and secure housing becomes a reality when they put everything they have into purchasing a small apartment. The shine quickly comes off of their newly renovated apartment when Seonwoo loses her job and breaks her leg, leaving Heeseo solely responsible for paying their mortgage. Unable to find work and confined to their apartment, Seonwoo becomes obsessed with finding the source of a foul odour coming from downstairs. When it’s discovered that their elderly neighbour has passed, Seonwoo takes it upon herself to find their estranged family. Seonwoo’s investigation into the life of their solitary neighbour brings light to the cracks forming in her own relationship with Heeseo. Will they be able to weather this storm together, or will outside forces push them apart?
FRI, MAY 30 • 9:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

PONYBOI
Dir Esteban Arango | United States 2024 | 100 mins | English | Coming of Age/Drama | Canadian Premiere
Based on River Gallo’s award-winning short film, Ponyboi takes audiences on a wild, neon-lit ride through the underbelly of New Jersey. Unfolding over the course of Valentine’s Day, Ponyboi is just trying to get through the day when a drug deal goes horribly wrong. As chaos and violence erupt, Ponyboi is forced to confront both personal and existential trials. Laundromats, handsome cowboys, 24-hour diners, and neon lights all come together in this exhilarating tale that asks: how far can one go when their life is at stake? Director Esteban Arango brings this extraordinary story to life with an outstanding ensemble cast, including Dylan O’Brien, Indya Moore, Victoria Pedretti, and Murray Bartlett. Thrilling and unrelenting, Ponyboi mesmerizes with its fearless storytelling, blending suspense, sensuality, high-stakes conflict, and nonstop action.
SAT, MAY 24 • 9:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

RAINS OVER BABEL
Dir Gala del Sol | Colombia/United States/Spain 2025 | 110 mins | Spanish | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Step into a world where the living and the dead share the stage for one unforgettable night at Babel, a mythical bar pulsing with secrets, spirits, and second chances. This darkly imaginative riff on Dante’s Inferno blends the surreal with the spiritual, the sacred with the profane, and the tragic with the transcendent. As drag queens, fallen angels, and restless souls collide with Death herself, stories of love, identity, and transformation emerge from the shadows. Gala del Sol brings a genre-bending journey into the afterlife that’s infused with dark humor, unspoken truths, and flashes of defiant, Queer joy. Through grief, desire, and glitter-stained resistance, Babel becomes more than a bar—a portal to what we’re willing to risk for the people, passions, and parts of ourselves we refuse to let die.
SAT, MAY 31 • 7:15 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 2

SANDBAG DAM
Dir Čejen Černić Čanak | Croatia 2024 | 90 mins | Croatian | Drama | Canadian Premiere
A story about a forbidden love, set in a village threatened by the swollen rivers. Upon his return home for his father’s funeral, Slaven revives relationship with his childhood friend, a young sportsman Marko, his teenage love and the reason his father kicked him out of the house. Now tempted to reunite, they need to make peace with their own decisions and struggle against the family restraints.
SAT, MAY 24 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

SAUNA
Dir Mathias Broe | Denmark 2025 | 105 mins | Danish | Drama| Canadian Premiere
Johan has been living a carefree life. Bars, parties, Grindr hookups, and steamy bathhouse encounters. But when William, a transgender man, enters his world, everything shifts. Sauna explores the transformative power of love, revealing both its tenderness and its madness. Based on the novel of the same name by Mads Ananda Lodahl, the film delves deep into the complexities of desire, identity, and community. Through Johan and William’s relationship, director Mathias Broe crafts an intimate and raw portrayal of contemporary Queer romance. With striking visuals and an unflinching gaze, Sauna immerses us in a world where passion and vulnerability collide.
SUN, MAY 25 • 9:30 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3

SOME NIGHTS I FEEL LIKE WALKING
Dir Petersen Vargas | Philippines 2024 | 103 mins | Tagalog | Drama | Canadian Premiere
Manila at night is teeming with possibility—of danger but also of tenderness. Uno meets distressed teenager Zion in a bus terminal and they bond in their brief encounter. Two years later, they meet again as hustlers booked by the same client. The night turns sour when Uno’s friend, Miguelito, is found overdosing after being with a client. Zion reveals to Uno and his buddies, Bayani and Rush, Miguelito’s dying wish: to take him home. Together, they lug Miguelito’s body around the city and into the countryside, via buses and highways. With each step, the conclusion becomes clearer: there is no place in the world for these kids, except with each other. Despite their differences, they have been forged into a singular pack of brothers.
SUN, MAY 25 • 7:00 PM • TIFF LIGHTBOX 3
MON, MAY 26 • 12:00 PM • VIRTUAL

SHORTS

Information on this year’s shorts lineup can be found here.

Inside Out 2025 Digital Programme Book here.

In a year of economic uncertainty and declining support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and arts organizations, Inside Out is grateful for the returning sponsors for its 35th anniversary festival. RBC returns for the 17th year as Lead Sponsor, with Netflix and Crave back as Premier Sponsors. New this year—and making a strong impact—are Hinge, LCBO, and DoorDash. Inside Out is especially thankful to our returning public funders for their steadfast support, including: the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Creates, and Telefilm Canada.

For more information, visit insideout.ca

Inside Out Film Festival

Inside Out is Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ film festival and the single largest promoter and distributor of 2SLGBTQ+ content in Canada. Founded in 1991, Inside Out is committed to representing the interests of 2SLGBTQ+ voices within the Canadian film industry. We are dedicated to developing, presenting, and promoting 2SLGBTQ+ content that showcases and supports the broad diversity of voices and identities within our communities, and ensuring that authentic and positive representation of 2SLGBTQ+ people is central in that content.

Annually, Inside Out presents the 10-day Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival (Toronto’s third largest festival after TIFF and Hot Docs), a year-round screening and event series, and innovative professional development initiatives including the world’s only 2SLGBTQ+ Feature Film Financing Forum and the RE:Focus Fund. Inside Out is a Canadian Academy qualifying festival.

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. Universal Pictures Canada release in theatres June 13, 2025.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

Genre: Epic Action-Adventure

Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois

Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel

Gilda’s Toronto, a cancer support community named in honour of beloved comedian Gilda Radner, has announced its upcoming fundraiser: It’s Always Something: Open Mike. The comedy event, hosted by David Shore, featuring Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, and Monkey Toast: The Improvised Talk Show will take place at The Second City Toronto on Monday, May 12, 2025.

“At Gilda’s Toronto, we believe laughter connects us all, even in the hardest moments,” said Elizabeth Dalgleish, Executive Director Gilda’s Toronto. “It’s Always Something: Open Mike isn’t just a comedy event, it’s a celebration of what Gilda Radner stood for – that no one should face cancer alone. To bring this event to The Second City Toronto, where her comedy journey began, is a powerful tribute to her legacy.”

Gilda’s Toronto stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families facing cancer, providing a welcoming space where no one has to navigate the journey alone. Inspired by the legacy of comedian Gilda Radner, the organization offers free social and emotional support, ensuring that those affected by cancer can find strength, connection, and community during challenging times.

“We are honoured that Gilda’s Toronto approached us to host It’s Always Something: Open Mike at The Second City Toronto,” said Reem Farag, General Manager, The Second City Toronto. “Bringing people together to enjoy a night of laughter for Gilda Radner’s cause with comedy giants Mike Myers and Colin Mochrie, felt not only fitting, but truly special.”

It’s Always Something: Open Mike marks Mike Myers’ first performance at The Second City Toronto in over 30 years and reunites him with fellow alum Colin Mochrie on the iconic comedy stage. Proceeds from this special evening will help Gilda’s Toronto continue to provide resources to those impacted by cancer.

About Gilda’s Toronto
Gilda’s Toronto helps people live, while living with cancer. Comedy legend Gilda Radner believed that no one should have to face cancer alone. Instead, they should have access to complete psychosocial cancer support from communities with shared experiences. Led by highly qualified experts, our innovative programs and services offer personalized and specialized support to those suffering the emotional and psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis. This would not be possible without the support of a diverse group of professionals, partners and communities who share our vision. With the help of cancer care partners and providers, Gilda’s Toronto continues to foster diversity, equity and inclusion to support growing communities in the GTA and beyond. That’s why we have been a leader in innovative psychosocial cancer support for more than 20 years. And we are just getting started. Learn more visit gildasclubtoronto.org.

About The Second City
The Second City first brought its iconic improv and sketch comedy to Toronto in 1963 for a week of performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. After a decade of sold out shows at the 1200-seat theatre, The Second City established a permanent home in the city with the opening of “The Old Firehall” on Lombard Street. In 1976, The Second City Toronto further solidified its place in comedy history by creating the groundbreaking television show SCTV.

In December 2022, The Second City began an exciting new chapter by relocating to its state-of-the-art facility at One York Street. This move introduced three distinct theatres: The Mainstage, Theatre ’73, and The John Candy Box Theatre, each offering nightly performances that continue The Second City’s tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.

Since making a home in Toronto over 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Kevin Vidal, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.