CBC today unveiled the trailer for original feature documentary and 2026 Toronto International Film Festival official selection Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple. The trailer offers a first look at the film’s intimate exploration of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, featuring rare archival footage, personal reflections, and extraordinary live performances from some of the world’s most acclaimed drummers.

Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn and produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple explores the artistry and enduring influence of Rush’s enigmatic drummer and lyricist. An all-star lineup of drummers, including Danny Carey of Tool, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Gavin Harrison of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, joins Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to tackle Peart’s notoriously demanding drum parts, revealing the musicianship behind one of rock’s most original artists. Republic Pictures has acquired the film outside of Canada.

TIFF 2026 WORLD PREMIERE

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:30 PM (EDT)

VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

BROADCAST AND STREAMING PREMIERE

Wednesday, September 23, 8:00 PM (8:30 NT)

CBC and CBC Gem in Canada

The CBC original feature documentary Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple explores the artistry and enduring influence of Rush’s enigmatic drummer and lyricist through rare archival footage, intimate reflections and extraordinary live performances. An all-star lineup of acclaimed drummers, including Danny Carey of Tool, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Gavin Harrison of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, joins Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to tackle Peart’s notoriously demanding drum parts, revealing the musicianship behind one of rock’s most original artists. Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn and produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures. Republic Pictures has acquired the film outside of Canada.

WORLD PREMIERE

Wednesday, September 16 at 9:30 PM (EDT)

VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

300 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J2

An intimate live performance, featured in Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, sees Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush accompanied by Chad Smith, drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers. (Courtesy of CBC/Banger Films)

Following the TIFF World Premiere, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple will have its broadcast premiere as part of CBC’s The Passionate Eye, Wednesday September 23 at 8 PM (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

It’s not every day you get to see a Rock God up close and intimate! RUSH frontman Geddy Lee attended a special screening and Q&A for his new four-part Paramount+ Docu-Series GEDDY LEE ASKS: ARE BASS PLAYERS HUMAN TOO? along with Toronto Director Sam Dunn. 

The Series sees Lee chatting candidly with some of Rock’s most legendary Bassists of all time, including members of Hole and Nirvana. Series streams now.

A Recap of the night with appearance by Lee:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Paramount+)

Taking place at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena tonight, the 47th annual JUNO Awards took place, celebrating the best in Canadian achievements on a national and international stage. The themes of truth and reconciliation were front and center tonight in light of recent social movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo.

The late Gord Downie was honoured winning Artist of the Year. Brothers Patrick and Mike accepted the Award on his behalf, stating “All this love and support is really helping the healing. This is Gord‘s Award. He’s Artist of the Year but he was our man of a lifetime.”. He was paid tribute to also by friends Dallas Green (City and Colour) and Sarah Harmer via song during the CBC Broadcast. Downie himself was awarded post-humously alongside Kevin Drew as Songwriter of the Year for their work on A Natural, Introduce Yerself and The North on his Album Introduce Yerself, released October 2017. He also won for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

“I left your house this morning” 🎶 @cityandcolour and @sarah_harmer perform an amazing tribute to Gord Downie #JUNOS pic.twitter.com/ZktmUPKeLK

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 26, 2018

Receiving major recognition tonight also was Montreal’s Arcade Fire winning Album of the Year for Everything Now. The Band also were recognized for their body of contributions, receiving the International Achievement Award.

Everything RIGHT NOW! 🌐 @arcadefire https://t.co/tsEGnDry4i pic.twitter.com/rqTtZxLJUS

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 26, 2018

Michael Bublé, who prior to tonight had won 12 JUNOs, filled hosting duties after being unable to do so last year due to his son Noah falling ill.

He won for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for Nobody But Me and confirmed earlier in the evening that he and his wife Luisana Lopiloto are expecting a second child. Fellow Vancouver native Diana Krall who won Vocal Jazz Album and Producer of the Year for her Album Turn Up the Quiet would join him on-stage in a duet of Nat King Cole‘s Love.

We L-O-V-E @DianaKrall and @michaelbuble performing together! ❤ #JUNOS https://t.co/ORKYyA7mNM pic.twitter.com/66TC3rtqxF

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 26, 2018

Another major highlight was Canadian Outfit Barenaked Ladies coming together on-stage for a one-night-only reunion, marking the Band’s 30th anniversary. The Band this year are inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Steven Page had embarked on a solo career in 2009 and joined his Bandmates on-stage and each of them individually thanked those who were a part of their success in a comical song which drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

.@barenakedladies with @stevenpage are officially inducted into the @CANMusicHF! #JUNOS pic.twitter.com/Crd4B1I0Sw

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 26, 2018

Pickering’s Shawn Mendes won Single of the Year for There’s Nothing Holdin’ me Back and also the Fan Choice Award, although he wasn’t in attendance as he preps his upcoming Album.

Kendrick Lamar won International Album of the Year for DAMN.

Toronto’s LIGHTS was awarded Pop Album of the Year for her Disc, Skin & Earth.

Brampton’s Jessie Reyez scored for Breakthrough Artist. Her hit Figures reached #58 on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100, which she performed live on the Broadcast joined by fellow Torontonian Daniel Caesar, who won R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for his Track, Freudian.

No words ❤ @Jessiereyez @DanielCaesar #JUNOS pic.twitter.com/dtPDdB4mdI

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 26, 2018

See some of the talent back in Toronto from the JUNOs festivities! Hover cursor left and right to navigate.

With Canada’s new It-Boy, #DanielCaesar, a winner at this weekend’s #JUNOs. Swipe left to see some of the names back from the festivities. 🍁 1. Daniel Caesar 2. Daniel Caesar 3. #GeddyLee of #RUSH 4. #ScottHelman 5. #JimCuddy of #BlueRodeo #juno2018 #junoawards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 26, 2018 at 6:59pm PDT

For a complete list of winners, click here.

The Awards will take place in London, Ontario in 2019.

(Photo/video credit: The JUNO Awards)

Nominees for the 2015 JUNO Awards were announced earlier today at Danforth Music Hall.  After already what has been a smashing year internationally for Toronto Band MAGIC!, it all comes back full circle as the Quartet lead the way at the 2015 JUNO Awards with five nominations including Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Breakthrough Group of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Pop Album of the Year.

Not far behind with four nominations apiece were Canadian Dance-Pop Queen Kiesza getting nods for Single of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Dance Recording of the Year and Video of the Year thanks to the success of her hit Single, Hideaway. Canadian Icon Leonard Cohen also received four nominations: JUNO Fan Choice, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

Up for International Album of the Year is a star-studded list including One Direction, Sam Smith, Katy Perry, Lorde and Taylor Swift.

The Breakthrough Artist of the Year Category also boasts an eclectic mix of new Talent including massively-popular Shawn Mendes, Glenn Morrison, Jess Moskaluke, Kiesza and Mac DeMarco.

Confirmed to perform thus far at the Ceremony include Hedley, Shawn Mendes, Kiesza and The Arkells. Rush will be receiving the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award.

The 2015 JUNO Awards take place Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.

See the complete list of Nominees here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

For a third consecutive week, Gravity  continues to push Moviegoers to the Theatres as it continues its dominant reign atop the Box Office with $29.3 million this weekend. The Sci-Fi Flick starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney cumulatively has grossed $168 million to date for Warner Bros., from 3,820 theatres.  According to Variety some of these astronomical numbers are from repeat Viewers – it genuinely is that great a Film!

Despite opening right in-time for Halloween when Moviegoers are thirsty for Horror, Carrie debuts in second spot with $18 million from 3,157 theatres for Sony Pictures. Filmed in Toronto, the Remake of Brian De Palma‘s 1976 Stephen King Adaptation, garnered mixed Reviews from Critics with a 50% rating on the Tomatometer. Audiences however gave it a B- CinemaScore, which might not really help in terms of word-of-mouth, but hopefully there will be a hold next week as we edge closer to Halloween.

Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks, continues to garner tons of Oscar buzz and in its second week with a great $16.9 million. To date the  fact-based Drama has grossed $53 million for Sony Pictures.

Escape Plan starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone merges some Heavyweights together on-screen, but still couldn’t draw the Moviegoers in big numbers as it debuts with $9.8 million for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Films/eOne Films from 2,883 theatres. Audiences however did respond well with a B+ CinemaScore, although Critics didn’t think much of it with a 45% rating on the Tomatometer.

After its Premiere at TIFF ’13, The Fifth Estate debuts in sixth with $2 million from 1,769 theatres. The Drama based on the rise of WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange was panned by Critics with a 40% rating on the Tomatometer. Audiences did however give it a B- CinemaScore, but overall the Bill Condon-directed Film starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brühl, has received a less-than-ideal reception.

Also premiering at TIFF ’13 and starring Brühl alongside Chris Hemsworth, rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.5 million. To date in North America it has earned $24 million, while overseas it has fared much better with $47.5 million garnered to date.

Sandra Bullock continues to prove herself as a major Box Office Megastar with her latest Film, Sci-Fi Flick Gravity which premiered at TIFF ’13 to raves, debuting on-top with a stellar $55 million from 3,575 theatres. Other recent Blockbusters featuring her front and center include The Blind Side, The Heat and The Proposal.  Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, the Film not only won praise from Audiences with an A- CinemaScore, but Critics universally adored the Film, it receiving a rating of 98% on the Tomatometer.  With the buzz continuing to spill-over via word-of-mouth, look for a possible #1 repeat next weekend, although certainly it faces stiff competition from Captain Phillips.

Last week’s Champ Cloud with a Chance of Meatballs 2 continues to go strong for Sony Pictures, landing in number two this weekend with $21.5 million, for a cumulative total of $60 million in two weeks.

In third spot with $7.6 million from 3,024 theatres, is Runner Runner which debuts to both lackluster numbers for 20th Century Fox, getting a paltry 8% on the Tomatometer and not-so-great C- CinemaScore for the Thriller-Drama starring Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Gemma Arterton.

Prisoners in its third week performs respectable in fourth spot with $5.7 million from 3,236 theatres for Warner Bros. also. It grows closer to the $50 million mark.

Rush in its second week lands in fifth spot with $4.4 million from 2,308 theatres for Universal Pictures/Imagine/eOne Films. To date it has grossed over $18 million in its second week of wide release.

Pulling Strings opens in ninth spot for Lionsgate Films, the Comedy earning $2.5 million from only 387 theatres.  The Film stars Laura Ramsey, Jaime Camil, Stockard Channing and Tom Arnold, still yet to see a Canadian release.

Rounding-out the Top Ten for Fox Searchlight is the excellent Rom-Com, Enough Said, which in its third week earns $2.1 million from only 437 theatres. Critics have given the Film, one of the last from the late James Gandolfini, universal praise with a 95% rating on the Tomatometer.

Besting its 2009 Predecessor by about $5 million in its debut, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 gave Families a clear-cut choice at the Movies this weekend and they responded huge, placing it on-top of the Box Office for Sony Pictures this weekend with an astounding $35 million from 4,001 theatres. Made for $78 million, the Animated-Feature received a coveted A- CinemaScore, although Critics overall weren’t as responsive with 58% on the Tomatometer.

Debuting in second and certainly not disgraced is Ron Howard‘s Racing Drama Rush, which premiered here a couple weeks back at TIFF ’13. Expanding to 2,297 theatres in its second week for eOne Films/Imagine/Universal Pictures with $10.8 million, the Oscar Contender has received critical praise with 88% on the Tomatometer and above this, Audiences loved the Film starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel  Brühl just as much with an A- CinemaScore.

Prisoners after debuting on-top last weekend, slips to third with $11.2 million for Warner Bros., grossing $38 million to-date. Following closely behind in third in its debut is Don Jon. The Comedy, written, produced, directed and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, opens with $9.5 million from 2,422 theatres for Relativity Media and Remstar Films in Canada.

Baggage Claim, starring Paula Patton, debuts in fifth for Fox Searchlight with a decent $9.5 million also from 2,027 theatres. Critics panned the Romantic-Comedy with 14% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences praised it with an A- CinemaScore.

Debuting Documentary Metallica: Through the Never 3-D, another TIFF ’13 Film, opens in ninth with $2.9 million from only 308 theatres. Rounding-out the Top Ten is We’re the Millers, still going strong in this its eighth week of release with $2.8 million.

With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF.  And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold.  Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more!  I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.

Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:

MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10

Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!

1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson

MR. WILL’S  SUCCESSFUL 6

These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns.  Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.

1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush

MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5

These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13.  This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling

MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST

Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year.  Little things like picking-up a  Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step.  In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke

MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5

These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!

1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain

And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?

Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.

To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.

To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here.  More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.

…until next year, Wongsters!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

It was an extremely hectic day of Star-gazing and Star-chasing around the City today on Day Four of TIFF ’13.  Please pardon my extreme exhaustion as tonight’s Post will be simply a Photo Dump, with more details to come once I’ve caught-up on my rest.  Tired is an understatement (!), but I’m driven to give my Readers and Followers my absolute best.  The day was capped-off late with a Red Carpet Afterparty for Ron Howard‘s Rush, at the Thompson Hotel.  Without further a do here they are!

Steve Coogan at the Princess of Wales Theatre Premiere of hotly-buzzed Drama, Philomena, directed by Stephen Frears. Unfortunately Dame Judi Dench was absent:

British Thespian Richard E. Grant  attending the Philomena Premiere earlier today. Even Movie Stars have to go through protocol just like us, to get into TIFF Screenings as you can see!  The Actor is here for his Film, Dom Hemingway.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus signing Autographs at the Press Conference for her new Rom-Com, Enough Said, also known as James Gandolfini‘s last Film:

The handsome Taylor Kitsch looking impeccable in gray, heading to the Premiere of his Film The Grand Seduction, by Canadian Filmmaker Don McKellar:

I must admit the biggest Winner at TIFF ’13 thus far are definitely Toni Collette‘s amazing Bangs. Love ’em and I am glad she’s had a change of heart of late, now taking Photos with Fans unlike in prior years! The Actress is here for Enough Said.

Kim Cattrall just about surprised us all today picking-up her Buddy Don McKellar at his Hotel before they head off together to the Premiere of his latest, The Grand Seduction.

Academy Award Nominee Demián Bichir at the Pre-Party for his Film Dom Hemingway, which premiered tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre. Those who aren’t familiar with him, he starred recently in the hilarious Comedy, The HEAT.

Few Actresses have been as Fan-inaccessible at TIFF ’13 as Emilia Clarke, known best for her work on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The Actress avoided Fans tonight at the Pre-Party for the Film and Afterparty also. We can at least agree that she looks stunning in Mustard Yellow!

Although Twilight Director Bill Condon was here just a few days ago for the Festival, it was only a matter of time before a Dreamgirl showed up! Anika Noni Rose was amazing to Fans earlier today in Yorkville who spotted her as she head out to her Premiere for Half of a Yellow Sun!

Model Madeleina Ghenea might be known for her ties to Gerard Butler in Tabloids of late but she too is building a name for herself as an Actress, starring in Dom Hemingway at TIFF ’13.

Dakota Fanning easily was one of the People I must looked forward to seeing at TIFF ’13 and my how she’s grown! The Actress looked beautiful in a two-piece shimmery Ensemble. I may have even gotten a Photo with her at the Ryerson Theatre Premiere of Night Moves!

Jesse Eisenberg was amazing with Fans at the Ryerson Theatre Red Carpet Premiere of Night Moves. The Actor was in Toronto not too long ago visiting Girlfriend Mia Wasikowska who filmed here this Summer.

Liam Hemsworth certainly wasn’t expected to come out to the TIFF ’13 Premiere of Ron Howard’s Rush, but the Actor flew to Toronto yesterday to support his older Brother Chris tonight (sans Miley Cyrus unfortunately). Here he is at the Afterparty of the Film:

Chris Hemsworth and Wife Elsa Pataky arrived together at tonight’s Rush Premiere at Roy Thomson Hall and Afterparty, both looking impeccable.

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis are just perfect for one another and their chemistry was full on display as they gazed into each other’s eyes at the Red Carpet for the Rush Official Afterparty.

Harry Potter Star Tom Felton, in-town for his Film Therese, also showed-up to one of the hottest Tickets in Toronto tonight, the Premiere for Rush.

Rush Star Daniel Bruhl and the real Niki Lauda, Formula 1 Champion, even showed-up and walked tonight’s Red Carpet together!

 

And of course the Afterparty for Rush wouldn’t be complete with a mention of the legendary Ron Howard!

Just as I am about to doze off over my Laptop… Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos shot on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5