#INTERVIEW: “GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN” SEASON TWO

CBC and Blue Ant Studios’ GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN is back for its second season, dropping March 21, 2025 only on CBC GEM and CBC‘s YouTube Channel!

This time around our charismatic hosts Hutchie and Finlan go cross-country, uncovering humorously whether Canada’s most notoriously spooky spots are in fact, haunted! So many celebrity guests including Percy Hynes White, Nikki Roumel, Humberly González, Priyanka, and several more!

This season’s haunts include:

The Caribou Hotel with Joel Oulette (Carcross, YT) – Star of Trickster, Joel Oulette fully understands the meaning of everything is not what it seems. From the caribou gold rush, to mysterious deaths, and now the ghosts of talking birds, Joel will step into one of Canada’s most historic, and haunted, buildings with Luke and Matthew in hopes of finally getting answers to hundred-year-old questions at the Caribou Hotel in Carcross, Yukon.

The Tuckett Mansion with Priyanka (Hamilton, ON) – Canada’s Drag Race Winner to pop music royalty, Priyanka is a force to be reckoned with. Visiting a mansion originally built for the founder of a tobacco empire and later turned into the home of a freemason brotherhood, Priyanka will use her own empire building skills to investigate alongside Luke and Matthew the mysterious legacy of Tuckett Mansion in Hamilton, Ontario.

The Bell Island Mines with Veronika Slowikowska (Bell Island, NL) – From shadows to portals, Veronika Slowikowska has truly been to space and back in her career. The Davey and Jonesie’s Locker actress and global comedy sensation, will need to forget all she knows about being above ground as she ventures four hundred meters into the earth with Luke and Matthew to explore one of the country’s most hidden and haunted landmarks, the Bell Island Mines on Bell Island, Newfoundland.

Craigdarroch Castle with Percy Hynes White (Victoria, BC) – Stepping into Canada’s most haunted castle, Percy Hynes White is more than familiar with things that go bump in the night. Between evil monsters and ghostly storylines in Wednesday, Percy will step into the dark with Luke and Matthew to investigate the infamous haunting of Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia.

Lunenburg Academy with Nikki Roumel (Lunenburg NS) – Teen drama and a little bit of danger is no stranger to Ginny & Georgia’s Nikki Roumel. A Victorian school built on what was once the town’s gallows hill, this paranormal hotspot is filled with the spirits of those executed there, and more. As Nikki steps back into class with Luke and Matthew, they will explore one of Canada’s oldest schools, in one of the country’s first settlements, Lunenburg Academy in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Fulford Place with Humberly González (Brockville, ON) – Horoscopes read and deadly fortunes told, Tarot’s Humberly González has more than enough fictional experience with the occult. In a house built for one of the wealthiest families in Canada at the time, Humberly will join Luke and Matthew as they investigate the tales of deceit, scandal, and witchcraft at Canada’s very own seance house, historically known as Fulford Place in Brockville, Ontario.

Fort Henry with Jordan Connor (Kingston, ON) – Constantly in battle from being on the wrong side of the tracks in Riverdale, Jordan Connor will have to go back to war for the night as he steps into one of Canada’s most historic landmarks. A military fort filled with tragedy and rage, Jordan will march right into the investigation with Luke and Matthew as they investigate the hauntings of Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village with Krista Nazaire (Bobcaygeon, ON) – Solving mysteries is second nature to Hardy Boys’ Krista Nazaire, but can her fictional skills help her uncover the truth of a real life crime. Dead farmers, possessed bears, and a murderous gay love triangle bring Krista, Luke, and Matthew to investigate one of Canada’s most historically preserved pioneer villages, Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

A Sesaon Two Premiere of the Series was held at HOT DOCS TED ROGERS Cinema and even some of Season 1’s alumni came out to show support! We chat with Hutchie, Finlan, plus guest stars Humberly González, Percy Hynes White, Priyanka, Nikki Roumel, and more! We chat about how their experiences on this Series changed how they perceive the paranormal.

Highlights below:

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#FIRSTLOOK: PAUL SUN HYUNG-LEE, JEAN-MARC VALLEE AND PRIYANKA HONOURED WITH MURALS

In a tribute to Canadian excellence, three striking portrait-style murals will celebrate drag superstar Priyanka, award-winning Canadian actor Paul Sun Hyung-Lee, and one of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers, the late Jean-Marc Vallée, whose visionary work left an indelible mark on cinema.

Starting today, the murals will appear in each of these culture figures’ hometowns: Priyanka’s vibrant tribute now brightens the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village at the corner of Church and Wellesley, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s mural brings fresh energy to Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood at The Blue Store (1344 9 Ave SE). To be unveiled later this week, Jean-Marc Vallée is immortalized with a stunning tribute on the Real by Fake building (1455 Rue Saint-Timothée) in Montreal, home to the special effects company that worked on many of his projects.

The mural series, part of the MADE | NOUS Hometown Hero campaign, celebrates the profound influence and achievements of these individuals who have shaped Canadian culture and inspire future generations of creative talent. Through their artistic contributions, Priyanka, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Jean-Marc Vallée have left their distinct mark on their hometown cities while making a lasting impact on the national and international stage. The presence of the murals aims to uplift the communities they have touched, fostering creativity and inspiration across the country.

“I remember thinking as a kid, I cannot WAIT to move to Toronto to be a big star! My life changed when I moved to the Gay Village,” said Priyanka. “As someone who found their voice and passion in the heart of Toronto, seeing myself on a mural in the Gay Village feels surreal! It’s a celebration of not just my journey, but of the entire LGBTQ+ community that has supported me every step of the way. I hope this mural inspires others to embrace their uniqueness, live their passion, and remember that anything is possible when you are your true self.”

“Growing up in Calgary, I never imagined I’d be part of something like this,” said Paul Sun Hyung-Lee. “It’s incredibly humbling to see my story reflected in the streets of my hometown. I hope this mural serves as a reminder to everyone that no goal is too big, and no journey is too small to make a lasting impact. Canada’s strength is in our diversity and our stories, and I’m proud to be part of that narrative.”

A statement from Alex & Émile Vallée, the sons of Jean-Marc Vallée: “Our father always believed that storytelling had the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deeply emotional level. This mural honors his spirit and his unwavering commitment to his craft. It’s a beautiful tribute to his roots here in Montreal, a city that shaped his vision and where his journey as a filmmaker began. We know he would be deeply moved by this gesture, and we hope it inspires future generations of artists to follow their passion.”

“As Canadians, we’re united by a shared pride of where we come from and the stories only we can tell. By recognizing these hometown heroes in the cities where their journeys began, we can inspire others to pursue their dreams and tell their stories, no matter where they start or where they land,” said Mathieu Chantelois, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs, Canada Media Fund. “These murals stand as powerful reminders that greatness can come from anywhere, and that the next wave of Canadian talent is already rising in communities across our country.”

In addition to the murals, MADE | NOUS will donate $5,000 to local charities chosen by each Hometown Hero. Priyanka has selected ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention) and 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, with the donation being split between the two organizations. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has chosen the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, and a donation in Jean-Marc Vallées honour will be made to the Jean-Marc Vallée Memorial Fund.

The murals were designed by Étienne Dicaire (Priyanka), Charmaine Wong (Paul Sun Hyung-Lee) and Zek (Jean-Marc Vallée).

#NEWMUSIC: THE RAINBOW COLLECTIVE – “THIS LITTLE LIGHT”

“This Little Light” by The Rainbow Collective is out today via Hidden Pony Records/Universal Music Canada, along with the official music video. Comprising over 20 Canadian vocalists of diverse genres, identities, ages, races and genders brought together by singer/songwriter/advocate Theo Tams, The Rainbow Collective stands as a testament to strength, courage and pride. “This Little Light” is an anthem of hope that speaks to the struggles the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces in an increasingly divided world. All proceeds from the song will support The 519 Community Centre’s Pay It No Mind Fund, which provides emergency financial aid to racialized Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary community members to cover essentials.

After facing months of homophobic messages and comments on his social media platforms, Tams wrote the song with Andrew (Marty) Martino and Liz Rodrigues. Tams recognized the privilege of having a support network he could turn to, but others around the globe aren’t so fortunate. It is a criminal offense to be gay in a third of countries in the world and 64 UN member states, and in six of these, being LGBTQ is punishable by the death penalty. In the U.S., Florida has passed a “don’t say gay” bill, making it illegal to talk about other sexual orientations in the school system. Alberta just passed legislation that directly puts trans/non-binary kids and teens in potentially unsafe environments.

Tams had originally planned to release the song as a solo single, but he felt compelled to expand his vision and began reaching out to fellow Canadian queer artists to join him in bringing the song to life. Soon enough, the Rainbow Collective was born.

“This is the story of all of us. We are artists. We are songwriters. We are queer and we are advocates in our community for the right to simply exist, to shine in the way we were all meant to,” says Tams. “I truly believe that every person who identifies under the rainbow umbrella will hear themselves in this song. We are up against some of the scariest legislature and proposed bills that we have seen in decades and all of this threatens not only our happiness but our safety as well. This song is an anthem, it is a message, it is a declaration, for every person who has ever felt silenced and pushed to the fringe of our society simply for being who they were meant to be. Some may feel silenced, but we are a whole collective willing to speak on their behaves until they have the confidence or find the safety needed to do so themselves. I want these kids and teens and young adults to know that being their authentic selves isn’t wrong; that they are enough, and worthy of a life of peace, happiness, respect and contentment.”

The Rainbow Collective includes:

Theo Tams (he/him; Coaldale, AB; Pop/R&B)
Amanda Rheaume (she/her; Métis Nation; Ottawa, ON; folk)
BAYLA (she/her; Montreal, QC; pop)
Billy Newton-Davis (he/him; Cleveland, OH; jazz)
Bryn (she/her; Toronto, ON; pop)
Chrisy Hurn of Basement Revolver (they/them; Hamilton, ON; indie rock)
Erica Fox (she/her/they; Toronto, ON; pop/rock)
Iskwē (she/her; Métis Nation; Winnipeg, MB; singer-songwriter)
Jeffery Straker (he/him; Punnichy, SK; folk/roots)
Kayla Diamond (she/her; Toronto, ON; dance/pop)
memyself&vi (she/her; Qatar; alt-pop)
Micah Barnes (he/him; Vienna, Austria; jazz)
Priyanka (she/her when in drag; Whitby, ON; dance-pop)
Ralph (she/her; Toronto, ON; alt-pop)
Raymond Salgado (he/him; Vancouver, BC; pop)
Ryland James (he/him; Deseronto, ON; pop)
Sebastian Gaskin (they/them/he/him; Tataskweyak Cree Nation; Toronto, ON; singer-songwriter)
Steven Taetz (he/him; AB; contemporary roots/jazz)
T. Thomason (he/him; Halifax, NS; pop)
Tafari Anthony (he/him; Toronto, ON; pop)
Your Hunni (they/them; Toronto, ON; indie pop)
Zenon (they/them; Calgary, AB; alt-R&B)

#TIFF: 2024 NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED

TIFF is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the Next Wave Film Festival, supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto back for its 13th edition, which invites young audiences and cinephiles for a weekend of exciting new films and special events. This year, TIFF Next Wave will open the weekend with Battle of the Scores, during which four up-and-coming bands score the silent short film Moontime, directed by Julia Harris and Adlyn Gilbert, and compete for a grand prize. From April 11–14, audiences can expect an electrifying showcase of emerging talent and innovative storytelling. Programmed for youth, by youth, the Next Wave Film Festival offers free Official Selection films for anyone under 25. Tickets are available starting March 13 for TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass holders, and to the general public on March 15.

“At the heart of TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival lies our profound commitment to nurturing emerging talents and igniting a love for cinema among the next generation,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “As an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusivity, TIFF’s impact reverberates far beyond the silver screen, shaping the cultural landscape and inspiring communities worldwide. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of film at the 2024 edition of New Wave.”

This year’s Official Selection promotes nine debut and sophomore features ― from Canada, China, Sweden, Madagascar, India, Brazil, USA, and the United Kingdom ― that explore gripping and authentic stories of teenagehood and coming of age in communities across the globe. Highlights include: Luna Carmoon’s 2023 directorial debut Hoard, which follows a close bond between mother and daughter while exploring the intricate layers of human attachment and the emotional weight of possessions; Swedish director Mika Gustafson’s Paradise Is Burning, an intimate portrait of three sisters and the growing pains that come with transitioning from girlhood to womanhood; She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones, directed by Youjia Qu, follows Zhuang, a laid back high school senior whose life becomes intertwined with his classmate Meng after taking the blame for her theft of a starting pistol; Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls, a thrilling depiction of 16-year-old Mira’s journey to maturity navigating love, desire, and rebellion at a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas; and director Luck Razanajaona’s first feature Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story, the story of a 20-year-old sapphire miner that returns home after an unforeseen tragedy and must grapple with questions of grief, loyalty, and revolution.

“TIFF Next Wave is all about sharing youth stories from all over the world! I hope everyone who catches a film feels that much more connected to young people everywhere,” said Serena Hao, TIFF Next Wave Committee Member.

Alongside film screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to attend special events at TIFF Lightbox, notably Loved It: Priyanka on Hustlers, during which the winner of the first-ever season of Canada’s Drag Race, joins us to dissect the 2019 film starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu; and a special screening of The Concierge, directed by Yoshimi Itazu, who’s known for his work on popular anime films Paprika (2006) and Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises (2013).

Ranging in age from 15 to 18, the TIFF Next Wave Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee is charged with planning major teen-oriented events year-round at TIFF Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, a one-of-a-kind talent incubator.

TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass Holders receive access to year-round TIFF benefits, including free access to more than 300 Cinematheque screenings. To learn more and join as a TIFF Member, visit tiff.net/join.

• Free tickets for TIFF Next Wave Film Festival are limited to 1 ticket per film screening for anyone under 25

2024 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection — April 11 to 14

She Sat There Like All Ordinary Ones (Kai Shi De Qiang) dir. Youjia Qu –
Intro and Q&A with the filmmaker
China | 2024 | Mandarin

Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story dir. Luck Razanajaona – Virtual Q&A with the filmmaker
Madagascar/France/Germany/Mauritius/Qatar | 2024 | Malagasy

Power Alley dir. Lillah Halla – Virtual Q&A with the filmmaker
Brazil/Uruguay/France | 2023 | Portuguese

Hoard dir. Luna Carmoon
UK | 2023 | English

Les Rayons Gamma (Gamma Rays) dir. Henry Bernadet
Canada | 2023 | French

Paradise Is Burning (Paradiset Brinner), dir. Mika Gustafson
Denmark/Finland/Italy/Sweden | 2023 | Swedish

Girls Will Be Girls , dir. Shuchi Talati
India | 2024 | Hindi, English

A Song Sung Blue (Xiao Bai Chuan), dir. Zihan Geng
China | 2023 | Mandarin, Korean

Big Boys dir. Corey Sherman – Open-captioned screening
USA | 2023 | English

Loved It: Priyanka on Hustlers — April 11, 6:30pm
Multi-talented pop sensation, musical artist, and winner of Canada’s Drag Race Priyanka joins us to present Hustlers, one of the most dazzling and fun pop movies of all time. Priyanka will be joined by drag performer and host Allysin Chaynes to discuss the film’s cultural relevance and why it holds a place as one of her favourites.

Opening Night: Battle of the Scores — April 12, 7pm
Battle of the Scores challenges four up-and-coming bands to score a silent short film — and the audience picks the winner. See the bands perform their music LIVE in-cinema and kick off the festival weekend in style. Co-programmed by Insomniac Film Festival, this year’s competition features the bands Mifune Moods, The Sedges, Life Sized, and RoadKill, all scoring Moontime, directed by Julia Harris and Adlyn Gilbert. Visit @TIFF_NET on Instagram starting April 1 to see the films, hear the scores, and to cast a vote.

Young Creators Co-Lab — April 13, 9am
The Young Creators Co-Lab is a gathering space for young and emerging artists in Toronto to connect with industry professionals and hear about all things film. Develop your craft, meet like-minded peers, and learn how to build a career in the media arts. The Co-Lab offers a full day of connective and engaging programming for filmmakers and creatives, 9am–3pm on April 13 at TIFF Lightbox. Session topics include Thriving as an Artist presented by ArtWorksTO, featuring panelists Dwayne Holness (CEO, Corex Creative), Sid Naidu (Photographer, ScarboroughMade), Cristal Buemi (Animator/Educator, Frame by Frame), and V.T. Nayani (Writer-Director, This Place), moderated by career coach and film producer Betty Xie; Low-Budget Filmmaking: Do It Yourself – writer-directors Ethan Eng (Therapy Dogs), Minerva Navasca (Guardians, Desync) and Prajj Rajawat (AbsAbsAbs) break down their low-budget practice and take us behind the scenes of their productions; and Breakout Sessions with industry professionals discussing their experience navigating the film landscape within their current roles, from production and costume design, to editing and VFX.

The Young Creators Co-Lab is presented by the City of Toronto. The Supporting Educational Partner is Toronto Film School.

TIFF Next Wave x Family Films Presents: The Concierge — April 14, 1pm
We all know the customer is always right, but what about when your customers are anthropomorphic animals shopping for new clothes? For Akino, an anxious and eager-to-please trainee at the Hokkyoku department store, it makes no difference! With stunning art and animation, The Concierge offers a vibrant and light-hearted story for audiences of all ages.

Closing Night: Young Creators Showcase — April 14, 7:30pm
Discover the next wave of Canadian filmmakers in this series of shorts created for youth, by youth. Celebrating the work of young and emerging filmmakers, this programme focuses on themes of community, belonging, and altered realities. From animation to documentary, these films feature a dynamic mix of voices, visions, and methods of storytelling. They showcase daring new ways youth are engaging in film to create honest, intersectional stories about their experiences.

Young Creators Showcase Awards: Presented by Cineplex
New this year, the Young Creators Showcase films are eligible for awards for Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Writing, and Best Editing, presented by Cineplex in support of the next generation of Canadian filmmakers. The winners will be selected by jury members, Matt Devuono (Executive Director, Event Cinema – Cineplex), Shasha Nakhai (TIFF 2021 Official Selection Scarborough, Compy Films), and Winnie Wang (Next Wave alumni and winner of Telefilm Canada’s 2023 Emerging Critic Award). Awards will be presented in-cinema as part of the Young Creators Showcase event.

Additional information is available at tiff.net/nextwave.

TIFF prefers Visa.

#SPOTTED: PRIYANKA PREMIERES VIDEO FOR “SNATCH (FT. CHERYL HOLE)” AT TORONTO’S REC ROOM

It isn’t enough that Canada’s Drag Race Season One champion PRIYANKA take the damn crown, she now is dominating Pop Music! Her debut EP was released in 2021 and saw huge numbers. Third single “Come Through (ft. Lemon)” has 1.6 million views on YouTube and reached Top Five on iTunes right away! The EP has achieved 10 million+ streams already!

She just released the fourth and final single off the EP, “SNATCH (ft. Cheryl Hole)” and to celebrate the occasion for the Video directed by Caroline Torti, she threw a bash at Toronto’s The Rec Room the premiere the Clip! Fitting, considering the Video has a Video Game theme.

Priyanka‘s House of Love Drag Mother Xtacy Love even hosted.

A v. pregant Torti came out to show support, and she actually is due any day now! Also starring in the Video are Canadian Drag Stars Kendall Gender, Gia Metric, Lemon, Synthia Kiss, Tynomi Banks and more.

Previous collaborator and BFF Lemon made a surprise appearance as well, performing their single “Come Through” together.

Hollywood Jade whom you might remember from Canada’s Drag Race, showed some love too. Jade did all the Choreography for “SNATCH“.

And now for the actual Video of “SNATCH (ft. Cheryl Hole)”! OMG. There’s a Super Mario Dance Battle! Are you Team Cheryl Hole or Team Priyanka? Who wins??

Previous Videos from the TASTE TEST EP:

So proud of Priyanka! We remember her from her days as a fellow Blogger on the scene, before her success at YTV and now THIS international recognition!

Some Snaps from the event, sponsored by VIZZY:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Priyanka)

#SPOTTED: “WAR ON THE CATWALK” IN TORONTO AT MERIDIAN HALL

Presented by Murray and Peter, WAR ON THE CATWALK took place tonight at Toronto’s Meridian Hall. While the Pandemic limited opportunities to see the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the re-opening of Ontario has allowed fans finally a chance to see them in-person.

Hosted by Miz Cracker from Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Show brought-out Canada’s Drag Race Season One and Two champions Priyanka, and Icesis respectively, RuPaul All Stars Season Six winner Kylie Sonique Love, plus fan faves Jimbo, Crystal Methyd, Heidi N Closet, Olivia Lux and Kandy Muse.

We love RuPaul’s Drag Race so much and the Pandemic really gave us a chance to get obsessed!

So thrilled to get Snaps with some of our favourites tonight, Jimbo, Kandy Muse and All Stars Season Six winner Kylie Sonique Love, after admiring them so much over the past couple years!

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Crystal Methyd Icesis Couture Jimbo Kandy Muse Kylie Sonique Love Priyanka Rupaul's Drag Race