#TIFF: CANADA’S TOP TEN FILMS OF 2024 ANNOUNCED

TIFF today announced Canada’s Top Ten, the nation’s top 10 feature films and top 10 shorts of 2024, honouring the best in Canadian cinema. The 24th Canada’s Top Ten showcase, presented by MUBI, runs February 5–9, 2025 at the Lightbox and is curated by TIFF programmers in consultation with festival programmers from across Canada. This year’s features selection includes the directorial debuts of R.T. Thorne (2016 Filmmaker Lab, 2018 Writers’ Studio) with 40 Acres, and Kaniehtiio Horn (2023 Every Story Accelerator participant) with Seeds. The spotlight also includes established filmmakers and past honourees: David Cronenberg, Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson, and Michael Mabbott; with second showings from Ann Marie Fleming, Kazik Radwanski (2009 Filmmaker Lab, 2017 Pitch This, 2018 Writers’ Studio), Sophie Deraspe, and Matthew Rankin (2007 Filmmaker Lab); plus first showings for Sook-Yin Lee (2005 Filmmaker Lab, 2019 Pitch This) with Paying For It, and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, co-director of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story.

“This year’s Canada’s Top Ten celebrates the very best of Canadian cinema, showcasing the bold artistry of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers and the fresh perspectives of emerging voices,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “The selection reflects Canada’s eclectic cultural landscape and a renaissance in risk-taking cinema. We are also honoured to present the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award, which recognizes a filmmaker whose impact continues to resonate profoundly with TIFF and the broader Canadian film community.”

On February 5, the opening ceremony for Canada’s Top Ten showcase will celebrate this year’s selections, followed by a presentation of the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award by TIFF Industry and CBC. Announced in 2023, the award recognizes a Black Canadian director and/or writer whose body of work exemplifies the creative excellence, strong point of view, and community-mindedness of the award-winning filmmaker.

A special screening of Don McKellar’s 1998 apocalyptic dramedy Last Night will take place on February 6, preceded by A Look Back at Last Night. An extended Q&A with the award-winning Toronto actor, writer, and director will take place following the screening. A classic of the Toronto New Wave, Last Night has an iconically Canadian cast including Sandra Oh, Sarah Polley, and even a cameo by David Cronenberg. Its critical accolades include TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature Film, Cannes’ Prix de la jeunesse, and three Genies (now Canadian Screen Awards).

Canada’s Top Ten Official Selections 2024
Representing a diverse range of new voices in fiction and documentary, the 24th annual showcase of Canadian films celebrates some of our most storied and award-winning filmmakers. These selections offer audiences a variety of perspectives, insights, and experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s Canada’s Top Ten Features and Shorts are:
Canada’s Top Ten Feature Films

40 Acres | dir. R.T. Thorne | 113 minutes | English and Cree

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story | dirs. Michael Mabbott, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee | 98 minutes | English

Can I Get a Witness? | dir. Ann Marie Fleming | 110 minutes | English

Matt and Mara | dir. Kazik Radwanski | 80 minutes | English

Paying For It | dir. Sook-Yin Lee | 85 minutes | English

Rumours | dirs. Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson | 103 minutes | English, French, Swedish, and German

Seeds | dir. Kaniehtiio Horn | 82 minutes | English and Kanien’kéha

Shepherds (Bergers) | dir. Sophie Deraspe |113 minutes | French

The Shrouds | dir. David Cronenberg | 119 minutes | English

Universal Language (Une langue universelle) | dir. Matthew Rankin | 89 minutes | Farsi and French

Canada’s Top Ten Short Films

Are You Scared to Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail? | dir. Bec Pecaut | 17 minutes | English

EarthWorm | dir. Phillip Barker | 16 minutes | English

Inkwo for When the Starving Return | dir. Amanda Strong | 18 minutes | English and Tlicho

Julian and the Wind | dir. Connor Jessup | 15 minutes | English

Maybe Elephants | dir. Torill Kove | 17 minutes | English

Mercenaire | dir. Pier-Philippe Chevigny | 15 minutes | French

On a Sunday at Eleven | dir. Alicia K. Harris | 9 minutes | English

One Day This Kid | dir. Alexander Farah | 18 minutes | Dari/Farsi and English

perfectly a strangeness | dir. Alison McAlpine | 15 minutes | No dialogue

Who Loves the Sun | dir. Arshia Shakiba | 20 minutes | Arabic

A selection of Canada’s Top Ten films will also be featured in TIFF’s popular Film Circuit programme. Film Circuit provides access to 100+ Circuit locations in rural, remote, and under-served communities that otherwise would not have an opportunity to see these films, extending their theatrical life beyond their initial release.

Canada’s Top Ten selections were determined by TIFF’s Canadian programmers and the Senior Programming team, taking into consideration the recommendations of consultant programmers across the country including:

Feature Films
Safia Abdigir, Program Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Pahull Bains, Communications Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Vincent Brulotte, Artistic Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Vincent Georgie, Executive Director & Chief Programmer, Windsor International Film Festival
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Brenda Lieberman, Lead Programmer & Jury Coordinator, Calgary International Film Festival
Zoé Protat, Director of Programming, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Emily Reid, Artistic and Executive Director, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Aram Sui Wai Collier, Artistic Director, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Eric Tisch, Manager, Programming & National Canadian Film Day, Reel Canada

Short Films
Mélissa Bouchard, Programming Director, REGARD: Le Festival international du court métrage au Saguenay
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Adam Keresztes, Programmer (Shorts, Generation), Calgary International Film Festival
Kelly Lui, Shorts Programmer, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Sydney Moule, Executive Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Émilie Poirier, Head of Short Films, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Casey Wei, Short Forum Programmer, Vancouver International Film Festival

TIFF Members have early access to tickets starting January 15 at 10am, and public tickets go on sale on January 17 at 10am.

Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum returns with a panel featuring a leading director, producer, distributor, community builder to join a moderated onstage discussion on the future of Canadian cinema. “Perspectives on the Future of the Canadian Film Industry” will take place on February 5, from 4pm–6pm. The discussion will challenge panelists to think differently about our next 50 years, as they will share their vision and role in defining the future of the screen sector in Canada.

This year, TIFF marks a historic milestone with the 50th edition of the Festival. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for an announcement about special events, retrospectives, and new initiatives planned to honour five decades of cinematic excellence, cultural impact, and unforgettable stories.

For additional programming information and screening details, visit tiff.net.

#SPOTTED: BRADY CORBET IN TORONTO FOR “THE BRUTALIST”

Toronto got a very special treat this past week with an Advance Screening, with Q&A, of Oscar contender THE BRUTALIST by Actor/Writer/Director Brady Corbet (pronounced “cor-bay”) in 70mm at TIFF Lightbox. One of the few places which can support the format.

This sweeping epic of a film, despite being three-and-a-half hours plus intermission, certainly doesn’t feel its length.

Corbet, who also has starred in acclaimed films like The Clouds of Sils-Maria, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Melancholia, crafts a sublime feast for the senses, visually and sonically.

Academy Award winner Adrien Brody taps into soul of a Hungarian architect named László Tóth and the sacrifices he made rebuilding his life in America, escaping war and being separated from his wife.

The Film is an unfiltered look at the relationship between art and its consumers, and extremes of compromise in committing to one’s artistic vision.

The Film showcases a brilliant ensemble including a ferocious Guy Pearce as Tóth’s patron, Felicity Jones as Tóth‘s wife Erzsebet and Alessandro Nivola as Tóth’s cousin.

THE BRUTALIST opens in theatres Christmas Day in Toronto and everywhere January 2025.

Highlights from the night:

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#TIFF: TIFF ANNOUNCE WINTER 2025 PROGRAMMING

TIFF is starting the new year with a slate of awards season contenders from TIFF ’24 including Vermiglio, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and I’m Still Here, Italy’s, Germany’s, and Brazil’s respective Oscar submissions for Best International Feature. TIFF Cinematheque will feature retrospectives on Marco Bellocchio and Pema Tseden, plus special events and screenings celebrating Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day throughout January and February.

Information is subject to change. Please visit tiff.net for up-to-date programming details. Tickets for January Programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, December 18 and to the public on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark
January 10–29
Kidnapped (2023)

TIFF Cinematheque is presenting the works of veteran Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. With a career spanning an extraordinary six decades, Marco Bellocchio is one of Italy’s — and the world’s — great, adventurous filmmakers. This long-overdue retrospective arises during a particularly fertile time in Bellocchio’s career, marked by a string of masterworks including Kidnapped (TIFF ’23). Since making one of the greatest debuts in film history, the exhilarating Fists in the Pocket in 1965, Bellocchio has, with varying styles, delved head-on into the complexities of recent Italian history, fearlessly exploring the impacts of institutions — family, state, and church — upon the individual, and political subversion. While quintessentially Italian in their subjects, his films are also deeply personal and universal in their appeal.

Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark will launch with special guest Pier Giorgio Bellocchio (Buongiorno, notte, My Brilliant Friend), Marco Bellocchio’s son, an actor who appears in many of the director’s films and will also be in attendance for post-show Q&As. This 14-film major retrospective will also be accompanied by a free publication, Marco Bellocchio, published by Cinecittà with support from the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. Programmed by TIFF Cinematheque Senior Curator Andréa Picard, Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark is a collaboration with Cinecittà and presented by Istituto Italiano di Cultura (ICI) in Toronto with the Cinémathèque québécoise in Montréal.

Compassionate Light: Stories of Tibet by Pema Tseden
January 31 – February 26

Balloon (2019)
One of the most exciting and inspiring filmmakers working in the 21st century, Tibetan director and novelist Pema Tseden (1969–2023) was the first director in China to foreground Tibetan language and culture, presenting a realistic, multifaceted depiction of Tibetan life that garnered international acclaim. Pema Tseden made eight features, many of which screened at TIFF, including Snow Leopard (TIFF ’23), Balloon (TIFF ’19), and Jinpa (TIFF ’18). Compassionate Light: Stories of Tibet by Pema Tseden is curated by Guest Programmer Shelly Kraicer and comes to TIFF Lightbox after a successful run at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City.

Black History Month
February 2025
Rocks (2019)

TIFF offers programming that reflects Black voices and stories year-round. The inspirational documentary Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story will make its Toronto Premiere with a live performance from a special guest. Rocks, the vibrant coming-of-age directed by Sarah Gavron, will be presented by TIFF Next Wave in collaboration with Vibrant Visions: The Art of Black Girlhood in Canada, a free exhibition in the TIFF Lightbox atrium gallery. Cultural Rememory: The Films of Christopher Harris, a shorts programme from the award-winning filmmaker whose work explores African American historiography through experimental cinema, will screen as part of TIFF Wavelengths.

Valentine’s Day
February 2025
A Woman Is a Woman (1961)

TIFF Cinematheque is presenting the Canadian Premiere of a new 4K restoration of Jean-Luc Godard’s A Woman Is a Woman to mark the season of love. Romantic highlights include a new 60th anniversary 4K restoration of Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, starring Catherine Deneuve, Anne Vernon, Nino Castelnuovo, and Marc Michel. Plus, TIFF Cinematheque will feature Special Screenings of David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie; George Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story; and Cheryl Dunye’s classic queer rom-com, The Watermelon Woman.

Canada’s Top Ten
TIFF’s annual showcase celebrating features and shorts across the country, will take place February 5–9, honouring some of Canada’s most beloved and storied filmmakers. Stay tuned for the full programming details on January 8.

Tickets for February programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, January 15 and to the public on Friday, January 17.

TIFF Winter Programming Highlights: Special Events
Lunar New Year
Double Happiness (1994)
February 1, 4pm: Silver Screenings: Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity dir. Mina Shum | 35mm print! | FREE
Drop-in featuring Mahjong, artmaking, and food in the TIFF Lightbox atrium from 1:30pm, co-created with Asian Arts and Culture Trust (AACT).

Mina Shum’s heartwarming third feature weaves together three interconnected stories set in Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian community. It features an intergenerational cast that includes Sandra Oh, who broke out in Shum’s 1994 feature debut Double Happiness.

Black History Month
January 30, 6:30pm: Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story dir. Alison Duke | Toronto Premiere! | FREE
Introduction by director and co-producer Alison Duke and co-producer Ngardy Conteh George, and on-stage performance by a Special Guest following the screening.

Featuring dynamic tour performances, interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, this inspirational documentary illuminates legendary Dancehall artist Sister Nancy’s resilience and enduring contribution to the music industry.

February 19, 6:30pm: TIFF Next Wave Presents: Rocks dir. Sarah Gavron
This screening of Gavron’s Rocks (TIFF ’19), an empowering portrait of women’s friendship made with a cast of young non-professional actors, is presented in collaboration with Vibrant Visions: The Art of Black Girlhood in Canada, a free exhibition taking place February 9–22 in the TIFF Lightbox atrium.

New Releases
Vermiglio (2024)
Opens January 3: Vermiglio dir. Maura Delpero (filmswelike)

2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award – Best Italian Film Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – La Pellicola d’Oro Award Winner

Opens January 10: The Seed of the Sacred Fig dir. Mohammad Rasoulof (Elevation Pictures)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Centrepiece programme
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Palme d’Or Nominee
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Jury Special Prize Winner
2024 Cannes Film Festival – FIPRESCI Prize Winner

Opens January 10: Nickel Boys dir. RaMell Ross (Warner Brothers)
2024 Gotham Independent Film Awards – Best Director Winner
2024 Gotham Independent Film Awards – Breakthrough Performer Winner

​Opens January 17: Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat dir. Johan Grimonprez (filmswelike)
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Grand Jury Prize Winner – World Cinema – Documentary
2024 Cannes Film Festival – World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award

​Opens January 17: The Room Next Door dir. Pedro Almodóvar (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Lion Winner – Best Director
2024 Venice Film Festival – Brian Award Winner

Opens January 17: The Last Showgirl dir. Gia Coppola (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations

Opens​ January 24: Hard Truths dir. Mike Leigh (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations

Opens January 31: I’m Still Here dir. Walter Salles (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Lion Nominee – Best Film
2024 Venice Film Festival – SIGNIS Award Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Osella Winner – Best Screenplay

Learn more at tiff.net.

#TIFF: HOLIDAY 2024 GIFT IDEAS FROM TIFF

TIFF present gift ideas to inspire shoppers this holiday season – whether they’re looking to gift an experience, spend time with a loved one, find a unique item for the hard-to-shop-for person on their list, or looking for a new stocking stuffer idea – TIFF has something for everyone on your list.

Varda Café-Bar Gift Card

A perfect gift for any cinephile to treat themselves to a pre/post film cocktail and bite! TIFF gift cards can be purchased in-person at our Box Office, for any amount, and may be used for in-person purchases at Varda

Café-Bar, the Box Office, Concessions, or the TIFF Shop. Menu, hours, location: https://tiff.net/varda

The perfect gift for: the social butterfly, the cocktail and conversation enthusiast, the film lover, the foodie, the office bestie

TIFF Lightbox gift cards

TIFF Lightbox gift cards are available for purchase in-person at our Box Office. Gift cards may be purchased for any denomination and may be used for in-person purchases at TIFF’s Box Office, Concessions, or TIFF Shop.

Give the film lovers in your life a night at the movies or stuff their stockings with a gift card to cover their TIFF tix and concessions obsessions.

More details: https://tiff.net/ticket-pricing

Perfect gift for: the film lover, the office bestie, the kids of all ages, the family gift exchange, the stocking stuffer

Give the gift of film! With our special BOGO Membership offer, buy one TIFF Membership and get one FREE to gift to a friend. Share the experience of unforgettable films all year long, including free tickets, pre-sales,

Festival perks, and TIFF Lightbox discounts. It’s our best deal of the year! Pays for itself in as few as four visits. More details: https://tiff.net/membership (a dedicated BOGO Membership page will be active on Nov 29) The perfect gift for: the film lover, the event attender, your BFF that you want to spend more time with in 2025!

TIFF 50/50 tickets

Support film and you could win! One blockbuster jackpot, 18 weekly early bird prizes including $10,000 in cash and almost $20,000 in one-of-a-kind experiences. Licensed by the AGCO, 50% of the pot goes to the winner,

50% supports TIFF. Ticket bundles start at just $10. Makes a great gift! More details: tiff5050.net (link will be active end of November) Perfect gift for: yourself, the film lover, the lucky one

TIFF Shop Gift Ideas

Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Stop by the TIFF Shop for Official TIFF merchandise and curated products for the film lover in your life! The TIFF Shop has rounded up a list of unique items available in-store located inside TIFF Lightbox (350 King Street West, Toronto, ON) and online at tiff.net/shop for ordering from the comfort of home.

TIFF Pedro Almodovar Mug

Introducing the TIFF Pedro Almodovar Mug. Featuring an exclusive design and TIFF logo on the back. Dishwasher safe for everyday use, holding 11 oz.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/pedro-almodovar-mug Price: $24.00 Perfect gift for: the film lover, the coffee/tea/hot cocoa addict, the cult cinema fan

Calcifer Kitchen Tool Spatula

Take your kitchen arsenal to the next level with the Calcifer Kitchen Tool Spatula! With this spatula inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle’s beloved character, you can easily remove tough messes. Say hello to effortless cooking!

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/calcifer-kitchen-tool-spatula Price: $31.00

Perfect gift for: the Studio Ghibli fan, the stocking stuffer, the person who has everything, the young-at-heart one, the at-home chef, the foodie

Midsommar Screenplay Book

The Midsommar (Screenplay) features an introduction by Park Chan-wook, an essay by anthropologist Matthew Engelke, and an illustrated Hårga choral primer by vocal artist Jessika Kenney.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/midsommar-screenplay Price: $90.00 Perfect gift for: the film lover, the A24 aficionado, the student of cinema

Movie Tarot Cards

by Diana McMahon Collis (Author), Natalie Foss (Illustrator) Are you ready for your close-up? Be guided by the stars in this unique new tarot deck inspired by iconic film characters. Each character embodies the qualities of the archetype they represent. Movie Tarot contains 78 cards that work as a fully functional tarot deck, plus a booklet which explains the choice of movie stars and the deeper personality traits they embody, as well as information on how to interpret the cards and conduct your own readings.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/movie-tarot-a-heros-journey-in-78-cards Price: $26.99

Perfect gift for: the tarot enthusiast, gift exchanges, the film lover, the stocking stuffer

Studio Ghlbli Towel

Studio Ghibli charm comes alive in your home with the Small White Totoro Marushin Silhouette Bath Towel. Featuring a plush texture, this towel is sure to add a touch of fun to your bathroom. Complete the set with our matching face towel!

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/small-white-totoro-marushin-silhouette-bath-towel Price: $67.00 Perfect gift for: the Studio Ghibli fan, the person who has everything, the film lover, the

TIFF Baggu Bag

It’s here -your new favourite bag for style and functionality, the Baggu Duck Bag. Fits a 15″ laptop with 40″ adjustable strap and top carry handles.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/member-exclusive-baggu-duck-bag-2-colours Price: $60.00 Perfect gift for: the person who has everything

TIFF Clip Label Toque

Our cozy new headpiece has an adjustable cuff with a 12″ knit. 100% Acrylic. More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/tiff-toque Price: $32.00 Perfect gift for: the film lover, the hiker

TIFF Crewneck

Get cozy in our stylish logo crewneck fleece. 50/50 combed ring spun cotton/polyester.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/tiff-logo-crewneck Price: $59.00 Perfect gift for: the film lover

TIFF Ornament

Add a little sparkle as you show off your love of film with a TIFF-branded ornament on your tree!

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/ Perfect gift for: the film lover, the stocking stuffer, the holiday party host

TIFF24 Hat

Our #TIFF24 Hat (3 colours) features our classic “Toronto International Film Festival” embroidered on the front. An adjustable strap and unstructured cotton provide a perfect fit.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/tiff24-hat Price: $36.00 Perfect gift for: the film lover, the person who has everything

VHS Ornament

Be kind, rewind! This nostalgic hand-blown glass VHS tape captures all the charm of the original, complete with a hand-painted slipcase and a playful “do not tape over” sticker. It’s the ideal gift for anyone who cherishes physical media. Each ornament is beautifully packaged in a custom box featuring a retro holiday design that’s too lovely to conceal with wrapping paper.

More details: https://shop.tiff.net/products/vhs-christmas-ornament Price: $26.00

Perfect gift for: the film lover, the stocking stuffer, the retro collector

All prices are in CAD. Visit tiff.net/shop to discover more gift ideas and exclusive items from fan-favourite films.

Shipping Info

• Recommended shipping deadlines to prioritize arrival by December 25:
  • ○ December 14 (North America)
  • ○ December 10 (Canada)
• TIFF Shop delivery is at the discretion of a third-party courier and cannot guarantee exact arrival dates. For more information, visit https://shop.tiff.net/pages/shipping-returns

**In light of the Canada Post strike, customers can expect longer than normal wait times for order delivery. Once the strike has ended, we will return to our regular estimated delivery timelines, as outlined in the link.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ELTON JOHN: NEVER TOO LATE”

Disney+ debuted the official trailer for the upcoming original documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late.” With iconic concert footage from his career, the trailer features Elton John as he reflects on his extraordinary rise to success, the personal challenges he faced, and how his family has changed him. The original documentary will premiere December 13, 2024 on Disney+. 

The original documentary from Disney Branded Television is produced by Rocket Entertainment and This Machine Filmworks (a part of Sony Pictures Television). Directors Cutler and Furnish also serve as producers alongside Trevor Smith. Elise Pearlstein, Mark Blatty, Luke Lloyd Davies, Rachael Paley, Jane Cha Cutler and John Battsek serve as executive producers.

Elton John’s final North American concert, the Emmy®-winning “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” is available to stream now on Disney+.

SOCIAL MEDIA

X: @DisneyPlusCA

Instagram: @DisneyPlusCA

Facebook: @DisneyPlusCA

Hashtag: #DisneyPlus

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In Canada, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

ABOUT DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION

Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences.

ABOUT THIS MACHINE

This Machine (a part of Sony Pictures Television) was founded in 2020 and has quickly established itself as one of the premier producers of documentary film and television in the world. Headed by Award-winning filmmaker and non-fiction pioneer R.J. Cutler, This Machine is a filmmaker-driven company that explores the times in which we live through non-fiction storytelling in all media.

Recent This Machine projects include the PGA Award-nominated theatrical documentary The Disappearance of Shere Hite (IFC), the Emmy-nominated hit documentary series Big Vape (Netflix), the HBO feature doc South to Black Power, the award-winning docuseries Murf the Surf (MGM), the celebrated history of women of color in the fashion industry, Supreme Models (YouTube Originals) and the feature documentary Anthem (Disney+). This Machine is also behind the Academy Award-shortlisted Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, the multi-award winning BELUSHI, and the cult-hit Dear… (Apple TV). Upcoming projects include the feature documentaries Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+), Martha (Netflix), and Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop (Amazon Prime Video).

This Machine’s team includes Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning producer and executive Elise Pearlstein, Cutler’s long-time producing partner Trevor Smith, COO Mark Blatty, and our development team of Sally Rosen Phillips and Alisa Cacho-Sousa.

This Machine’s team has decades of experience creating the highest quality and most popular non-fiction films and series, as well as scripted series, feature films, and podcasts.

#FIRSTLOOK: “ROAD DIARY: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND” NEW TRAILER

Today, Disney+ released the trailer for the highly anticipated, upcoming Original documentary film “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band,” premiering Friday, October 25, 2024 exclusively on Disney+ in Canada.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band offer the most in-depth look ever at the creation of their legendary live performances – sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage – as well as hearing directly from Springsteen on the topic. Fans get the chance to experience professionally shot footage from the 2023-2024 tour for the first time ever – while following the band through their one-of-a-kind preparation process, and onto performances for tens-of-thousands across continents.

“Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band” was directed by Springsteen’s longtime collaborator, Emmy® and GRAMMY® Award winner Thom Zimny, and produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Thom Zimny, Adrienne Gerard, and Sean Stuart.

Now through September 27, new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the fall with Disney+ Standard With Ads for only $1.99/month for three months. To learn more or sign-up visit www.disneyplus.com.

#TIFF24: 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL THANK-YOUS AND HIGHLIGHTS

And that’s a wrap! What a wonderful TIFF this was! We’re quickly going to drop a line to say thank you to all of you for your amazing support, and also the generosity of our partners at the Festival who make it all possible for us! Also so grateful to our Team of Contributors: David Baldwin, Amanda Gilmore and Nicholas Porteous for their awesome reviews.

We’re crawling past the finish line and straight to the sauna for some overdue rest and relaxation. We were at it every single day of the Fest.

Our Official Partners

CP24 – For a 15th year in-a-row, we were a subject matter expert on films and star sightings at TIFF at the widely-watched news network, which also streams worldwide for free on their website CP24.com. In case you missed it, here’s a couple appearances we did:

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HONDA CANADA – We were thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with our friends at HONDA CANADA, allowing us to travel in style this TIFF in the 2024 Passport Trail Sport. In addition to getting us there every day safe and efficiently, it also served as a quiet oasis for us to take a quick nap, collect our thoughts and do our posts privately. So grateful for this powerful machine.

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STARBUCKS CANADA – Starbucks Canada has been there for us for several TIFFs. So grateful to be fuelled by their Fall Menu selections, keeping us awake! While our fave always will be the Pumpkin Spice Latte, their Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, Baked Apple Croissant and Raccoon Cake Pops also are must-tries! Thrilled to give away gift cards to our Readers and Followers this TIFF, who were following our journey.

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NIKON CANADA – We were thrilled to use the Nikon Z-30, a superb compact mirrorless camera with a range of lens options. We shot with a 50-250mm lens, helping us reach that bit closer to the stars. While we shoot on the go a lot on our phone, nothing beats the clarity and precision of actual camera on the red carpet!

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OEB BREAKFAST CO. – Hands down, one of our favourite Brunch spots in the City, with two locations in Toronto. Two of our lucky Readers and Followers got to win gift cards to enjoy for themselves their greatness! They also now are an offcial TIFF Hospitality Partner too.

MINAMI TORONTO – Minami are an official TIFF Hospitality partner and did you know our queen Cate Blanchett was spotted there having lunch? There is no higher endorsement for their elevated, sophisticated Japanese fare. One of our Readers and Followers won a $100 gift card to enjoy a meal here.

LITTLE SISTER – With two beautiful locations in Toronto, this marriage of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine, with a phenomenal drink list is pure innovation. One of our Readers and Followers also won a $100 gift card to enjoy a meal.

SANDBANKS WINERY – Hailling from Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Winery  were a perfect way to wind down after this feverish dream of a Festival. Their Sparkling Rosé is perfect for evenings and this time of year I find myself gravitating to a nice sweet Riesling!

ETIKET – The goal of this luxurious beauty and wellness boutique is to provide everyone with a personalized, educational and friendly experience offering results oriented skin care and treatment services, niche fragrances, and luxury beauty products. We got to enjoy a freshening right before the Festival and also near the end. While we’re a little sleepy on the inside, you cannot deny that we LOOK rejuvenated!

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UNIQLO CANADA – We are a huge fan of Uniqlo‘s style, comfort and quality, so it made perfect sense to partner with them. For all our TV appearances, we sported Uniqlo and Uniqlo only. Clothing that makes our lives better.

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Congratulations to Ashley Smart who won our TIFF ’24 Surival Pack, featuring goodies from our partners!

-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-$50 Gift Card to OEB Breakfast Co.
-$100 Gift Card to MINAMI Toronto
-$100 Gift Card to LITTLE SISTER Portland St.
-3 bottles of Sandbanks Winery wines
-1 Uniqlo Quilted Shoulder Bag

Be following us! We’re here year-round with reviews, star-sightings, giveaways and so much more!

IG: mrwillwong
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FB: mrwillwongblog
TikTok: mrwillwong

Till next TIFF!

Mr. Will

#TIFF24: DAY TEN – REBEL WILSON AND THE CAST OF “THE DEB”

One final lap! This was an outstanding year for us! Rebel Wilson and the Cast of Closing Night Gala THE DEB (which she directs), made it so much sweeter! Others spotted from this very Australian Cast include Karis Oka, Amanda Kour, Sophea Pennington and the Film’s star Charlote MacInnes. Wilson did the rounds and his been here for a bit taking-in the Festival including attending the premieres and parties for EMILIA PEREZ and BETTER MAN.

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#TIFF24: “THE LIFE OF CHUCK” TAKES PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

After 11 days of cinematic magic, moments, and memories, TIFF officially concludes the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, by celebrating the best of the fest with its annual awards slate. A total of 10 awards were handed out at the awards ceremony today, including jury-awarded prizes and the renowned People’s Choice Awards, also presented by Rogers, that signals the official start to awards season.

“As we conclude this year’s Festival and present these 10 awards today, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated juries, our TIFF programmers, and all of the filmmakers who have shared their work with us,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Most importantly, I want to thank our audience, who are truly the best in the world. Their passion and enthusiasm bring this festival to life every year, and we couldn’t do it without them. To The Life of Chuck, The Substance, and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, this year’s winners of the People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, I can’t wait to see the future awards and accolades that await your incredible films.”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD PRESENTED BY ROGERS
The 47th edition of TIFF’s People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, has been distinguished as the audience’s top title at the Festival as voted by the viewing public. All feature films and series in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible.

People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award presented by Rogers is: The Substance, dir. Coralie Fargeat | United Kingdom/USA/France
The first runner-up is: Dead Talents Society, dir. John Hsu | Taiwan
The second runner-up is: Friendship, dir. Andrew DeYoung | USA

People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers is: The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, dir. Mike Downie | Canada
The first runner-up is: Will & Harper, dir. Josh Greenbaum | USA
The second runner-up is: Your Tomorrow, dir. Ali Weinstein | Canada

People’s Choice Award presented by Rogers is: The Life of Chuck, dir. Mike Flanagan | USA
The first runner-up is: Emilia Pérez, dir. Jacques Audiard | France/USA/Mexico
The second runner-up is: Anora, dir. Sean Baker | USA
SHORT CUTS AWARDS
Short Cuts Awards are for Best International Film and Best Canadian Film. Each of the two winning films will receive a bursary of $10,000 CAD. The 2024 jurors for the Short Cuts Awards were Luis De Filippis, Micah Kernan, and Shane Smith.

Short Cuts Award for Best International Film:
Deck 5B, dir. Malin Ingrid Johansson | Sweden

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “By subverting narrative expectations at every turn, while adding layers of insight and potent emotional truths that evocatively illustrate the tensions between motherhood and desire, this deeply moving film enthralled the jury, staying with us long after we’d watched it. Helmed by a gifted filmmaker, skillfully eliciting an exceptional performance from her lead actress, in service of a nuanced, heartbreaking story, the jury is thrilled to present the award for Best International Short Film to Deck 5B, directed by Malin Ingrid Johansson.”

Honourable Mention:
Quota, dir. Job Roggeveen, Joris Oprins, Marieke Blaauw | Netherlands

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “In its three-minute runtime, this inventive animation does exactly what the best shorts do: make us ask big questions in little timeframes. The work tackles the timely issue of the cost of human invention and innovation on our tired planet. In a world where going viral has become synonymous with success, it asks if perhaps the real virus is us and our unquenchable need for more. The jury is pleased to present an honourable mention to the filmmaking team of Job, Joris & Marieke for their short Quota. We also applaud the filmmakers for practicing what they preach by choosing not to attend the Festival this year as a way to limit their carbon footprint and stay within their ‘quota.’”

Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film:
Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?, dir. Bec Pecaut | Canada

Short Cut Jury’s statement: “This filmmaker was able to capture a moment in life with such authenticity in an effortless way. The jury was inspired to join these characters on a heartful expedition through decisions that were scary, funny, challenging, and ultimately real. The exploration of familial bonds and how they shift during adulthood resulted in an emotional journey from start to finish. The jury is thrilled to award the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Short Film to director Bec Pecault for Are You Scared To Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail?”
FIPRESCI AWARD
The FIPRESCI jury is awarding the Prize of International Critics, dedicated to emerging filmmakers, to a debut feature film having its World Premiere in TIFF’s Discovery programme. The 2024 FIPRESCI jury members are Li Cheuk-to, Pierre-Simon Gutman, Azadeh Jafari, Saffron Maeve, and Wilfred Okiche.

FIPRESCI Award:
Mother Mother, dir. K’naan Warsame | Somalia

#TIFF24: DAY NINE – LUCY LIU AND STEVEN SODERBERGH

In all a very fulfilling and successful TIFF ’24 for us! This will be the final daily of the Fest for us and we hope you had fun! Some sightings from Day Nine:

•Lucy Liu
•Steven Soderbergh
•Callina Liang
•Chris Sullivan

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