Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a rebel and outsider. She is in her last year of Catholic high school and insists people call her Lady Bird. She dreams of escaping her family in Sacramento, but her grades need a massive improvement.

Lady Bird is a delight from start to finish. It taps into the same adolescent angst as TIFF ’16 Closing Night Film The Edge of Seventeen, but feels a little more introspective and nostalgic – no doubt due to Gerwig’s hilarious and touching screenplay. The first-time Director shows a real knack for honing-in on great character moments – no matter how ordinary they might be. She has also assembled a terrific Cast, highlighted by magnificent performances from Laurie Metcalf and Beanie Feldstein (Jonah Hill’s younger sister!).

But Ronan is the one who is the true knockout, alternating between scathing humour and teenage melodrama with ease. She disappears into Lady Bird, giving us yet another reason to continue watching this spectacular young talent.

Lady Bird screens TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Friday, September 8 9:00 p.m. Ryerson Theatre
Saturday, September 9 7:00 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre 2
Saturday, September 16 8:45 p.m. Elgin Theatre

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

The Boston Marathon bombing of April 2013 impacted many people but perhaps few so drastically as Jeff Bauman. Director David Gordon Green’s latest effort Stronger, follows Bauman on his path toward recovery and redemption.

Hailing from the working-class suburb of Chelmsford, Jeff (Jake Gyllenhaal) was standing near the marathon’s finish line ready to cheer on his on-again/off-again girlfriend Erin (Canadian Tatiana Maslany). Moments before bombing he saw a young man in a baseball cap and looked him in the eyes. When Jeff awoke in hospital the next day he learned he had lost both his legs. His mother (played by Miranda Richardson) and guilt-ridden girlfriend try to help on the road to recovery as he wrestles with PTSD and the weight of the expectations thrust upon by a nation desperate for a hero.

In order to make the audience feel more connected with Bauman and his trauma, Green relies rather heavily on close-ups but this does not detract from the stellar performances, particularly from Maslany. Although formulaic, Stronger does its best to recreate the rather unlikable Bauman and paint him as a modern, if highly flawed, hero.

eOne Films will screen Stronger at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Friday, September 8 6:30 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall
Saturday, September 9 10:45 a.m. Winter Garden Theatre

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Coming-of-age stories are hardly anything new. Neither are stories about young men learning to accept their sexuality. What makes Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name unique is its dedication to expressing its young protagonist’s story in a way that is no way exploitative while still being completely honest about the struggles of the 17-year-old.

Elio (Timothée Chalamet) lives “somewhere in Northern Italy” with his parents (Amira Casar and Michael Stuhlbarg, whose emotional Third Act soliloquy is a highlight of the Film). Every year the Perlmans invite an American university student to study with them for the summer. This year’s guest, Oliver (Armie Hammer), has caught the attention of all the girls in the village. Stuck on the sidelines, Elio isn’t sure if he’s jealous of Oliver or the girls. As the summer draws to a close, Elio makes the first move and changes the power dynamic in his relationship with Oliver leaving both emotionally vulnerable.

Standing as a servant to the Film but never overtaking the action, the music, highlighted with original songs by Sufjan Stevens, is nothing short of perfection. Perhaps the least well known of the cast, Chalamet’s performance is astonishing even in scenes where Guadagnino’s imagery leans toward becoming too heavy-handed. Call Me By Your Name is an absolute must-see during the Festival.

Mongrel Media will screen Call Me By Your Name at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Thursday, September 7 7:15 p.m. Ryerson Theatre
Friday, September 8 9:30 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox

We don’t believe TIFF ’17 at last has arrived and although we’re feeling a bit sink or swim about it, we choose to dive on in and conquer!  Running today, Thursday September 7 through Sunday, September 17, year after year we show the world why it is our Film Festival is the world’s greatest.  The star power is beginning to pour in and around town tonight we spotted a few high profile arrivals!

See who we saw:

We love Charlie Hunnam and just seem to have the best luck with him. Although we’ve met him more than half a dozen times now, he is just as amazing every time to his Fans. Trying to make an incognito escape out of Pearson Airport, he right away was spotted by several eager Fans whom he promised to stop and greet after he put away his luggage in his SUV. Despite his best efforts to have everyone form a line, that fan excitement got the best of them but he still was amazingly accommodating. Hunnam is here for Papillon from Director Michael Noer. More here.

#TIFF17: Sons of Anarchy fan fave #CharlieHunnam arriving in #Toronto tonight for #TIFF2017 for #Papillon. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF #SoA #SonsofAnarchy

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

Even a week after seeing Luca Guadagnino‘s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME we still are mesmerized by the Oscar-caliber performances of its two leads Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet. Hammer arrived in Toronto bundle in a ski sweater and was more than nice to fans who surrounded him. Even two handlers blocking him wasn’t enough to stop Hammer from showing his giving side. You must see this Film. We can’t stop thinking about it! More here.

#TIFF17: #ArmieHammer getting major #Oscars buzz for a phenomenal performance in #CallMeByYourName. Please see this Film. #TIFF2017. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

She’s certainly a visionary and an Icon of the Fashion and Music realms. Multi-talented Grace Jones makes a rare appearance at TIFF ’17 in Sophie Fiennes‘ (sister of Joseph and Ralph) Documentary, GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI. We spotted both in town tonight and we are over the moon about getting photo with Jones. She rarely does this. More here.

(Swipe left!) #TIFF17: Fashion and Music Icon #GraceJones arriving in #Toronto tonight for #TIFF2017. Sophie Fiennes directs Documentary #GraceJonesMoonlightandBami. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF *Thanks @spottedbyserena for this snap! Blessed!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT

While he is here to film Christoph Waltz‘s GEORGETOWN, Straight Outta Compton and 24: LEGACY star Corey Hawkins surely will be seen this weekend celebrating TIFF. The Actor was spotted arriving in town tonight and amazingly gracious with a growing crowd of Fans hoping to get a snap with him. For one, his Compton Co-Star Jason Mitchell appears in Mudbound from Netflix, premiering at the Festival!

You loved him in #StraightOuttaCompton and recently #24Legacy. #CoreyHawkins in Toronto #TIFF17 weekend filming #Georgetown.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:44pm PDT

We’re only just beginning. You ain’t seen nothing yet! Keep checking our Social Media channels for updates throughout the day on all the TIFF ’17 buzz and sightings!

Twitter @mrwillw
Instagram @mrwillwong
Snapchat mrwillwong
Facebook mrwillwongblog

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We live for TIFF and our hearts are filled with gratitude that we live in the City with the greatest Film Festival in the world!  Team Mr. Will break-down for you their top Films to look-out for at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.  With single tickets going on sale to the public Monday, September 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM EST, perhaps you could use a bit of inspiration for your own Festival picks?

From our Family to yours…

Siobhán Rich (@Typo_Eh)

Pop culture played a big part in my picks this year with The Room, Barack Obama and Wonder Woman playing key roles in three of my selections. The other two premiered at festivals earlier this year to wide acclaim are are sure to be on everyone’s top Films of 2017.

BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Call Me By Your Name
The Disaster Artist
The Final Year
Professor Marston and the Women

Jonathan Godfrey (@Skot_Somers)

This year I’m sticking to Indies! First off there’s Cannes darling, The Square. A satirical look at the Post-Modern Art World and all of its troubling social issues. Second is Jane, a Documentary about the beloved primatologist Jane Goodall. Third, The Lodgers, is an Irish Horror that was shot in one of the country’s most harrowing haunted houses. Fourth, Apostasy. The aptly-titled Film focuses on a rebellious youth within a controlling cult. Lastly, my only non-Indie, The Shape of Water. The latest Monster Movie from Toronto’s adopted son, Guillermo del Toro. All good and hopefully great. Time will tell. Have a happy Festival!

The Square
Jane
The Lodgers
Apostasy
The Shape of Water

Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews)

The Disaster Artist
James Franco tackles The Room in adapting the Book written by Greg Sestero who played “Mark” in arguably one of the worst movies ever made, The Room.

Unicorn Store
Brie Larson makes her directorial debut with an extraordinary cast.

The Florida Project
From the director of Tangerine this small Indie film will be one of the standouts from the Festival as well without a doubt.

Molly’s Game
Aaron Sorkin script. Aaron Sorkin directing.

mother!
Early reviews and buzz out of Venice, alleviate all rumours surrounding its changed release date.

Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda)

The Disaster Artist

This Film is hilarious from beginning to end and James Franco gives the performance of his career as Tommy Wiseau. It will delight Midnight Madness fans, The Room fans and everyone else that sees it.

Call Me By Your Name

Since Sundance, this Film has received rave reviews for the story, direction, and acting. It’s sure to garner multiple award nominations and possibly some wins come Awards Season.

Downsizing

As soon as it screened at the Venice Film Festival it was a sure fire hit calling it Alexander Payne’s finest work.

The Florida Project

Sean Baker impressed audiences with his directorial debut Tangerine and now he’s back with this touching examination of familial love. Set around a daughter and her young mother living in a motel, this will be the tearjerker of the Festival.

Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig has written some brilliant female roles over the past few years. Now she’s making her directorial debut with her latest script starring Saoirse Ronan.

David Baldwin (@DaveMABaldwin)

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

I saw the Trailer for this Movie back in March and was on-board immediately. Frances McDormand looks like the perfect match for Martin McDonagh‘s spectacular writing.

The Disaster Artist

I love The Room, and the behind the scenes story is the most fascinating, hilarious, ludicrous and absolutely insane thing I have ever read. I have been waiting ever so patiently since SXSW to experience the madness — and bonus points because it will be at Midnight Madness with the maestro himself, Tommy Wiseau, in the audience.

mother!

I know literally nothing about this Film beyond it starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, and that it is directed by Darren Aronofsky. That’s more than enough to get me excited. The posters have been cryptic at best, so I’m really hoping that I’m rewarded for going in blind.

Mom and Dad

The premise of parents killing their kids for 24 hours had my curiosity. Having Nicolas Cage in the leading role got my attention.

Manhunt

John Woo‘s return to the kind of action movies that influenced a generation of Filmmakers and film fans. If there aren’t any doves or dual wielding pistols, I’m rioting.

Mr. Will (@mrwillw)

Having seen a handful of the key TIFF ’17 titles, I am the greatest champion for Sundance favourite CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. I love Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love, A Bigger Splash)‘s work and once again he pushes the boundaries and our perceptions of love in this beautifully-told Novel adaptation. It is gorgeous, a bit dangerous and emotional – everything a TIFF Film should be.  I have yet to see I, Tonya and mother! but both have great pedigrees and with that come high hopes. The Disaster Artist was magical, Battle of the Sexes was superb. That being said, my Top Five are as follows:

Call Me By Your Name
I, Tonya
mother!
The Disaster Artist
Battle of the Sexes

Although still with more to come here is the official Talent List for who will be in the City for the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival! In addition to this In Conversations-With featuring Angelina Jolie, Javier Bardem, Gael Garcia Bernal and Helen Mirren also have been announced!

Who are you most excited for? This truly is star-studded! ⭐

Navigate the list of Talent by hovering left and right over gallery below:

(Swipe left!) The official #TIFF17 Talent List. This. Is. Huge. #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Aug 22, 2017 at 7:44am PDT

#TIFF17 runs Thursday, September 7 through September 16, 2017.

The complete schedule for the Festival now is live and you can view it right here.

(Photo credit: TIFF)

By Siobhán Rich and Mr. Will Wong

Now in its 42th edition, the Toronto International Film Festival is set to go Thursday, September 7 – Sunday, September 17, 2017. Normally seen as a major precursor to Awards Season culminating in the Academy Awards, the Festival showcases several of the Films that will go on to prominence and glory in the coming months and also rare Films which may not ever be seen again outside the festival circuit. Cinema Lovers had plenty to rejoice today as the first batch of TIFF ’17 Films were announced this morning at TIFF Bell Lightbox! Several highly-buzzed Films and their stars will be gracing the Festival this year which takes over the City post-Labour Day.

International star of silver screen and television Priyanka Chopra has the honour of being this year’s TIFF Soiree Guest.  The Gala is held on the Festival’s opening night. The Closing Night Gala has been unveiled as SHEIKH JACKSON starring Ahmad El-Fishawi and Ahmed Malek.

Cameron Bailey TIFF Artistic Director (sans pocket square) says, “You may have noticed we love movies in Toronto. And the world has noticed also.”. “If you’re somewhere in public and hear a titile you’re excited for, don’t squeal.”. And we certainly have much to squeal for this year!

TIFF ’17 will play host to several high-profile Films and many are talking about Angelina Jolie‘s two Films at the Festival. She serves as Director on FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER and Producer on THE BREADWINNER. Could we be seeing her this year?

Megastar George Clooney returns to TIFF with Crime Comedy SUBURBICON, this time as Director. The Film stars Matt Damon, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin and Julianne Moore. 

Matt Damon stars also in Toronto-made DOWNSIZING from Alexander Payne (Sideways) which also appears at the Festival.

Margot Robbie and Allison Janney are getting tons of Oscar buzz for I, TONYA, a Biopic about disgraced Figure Skater Tonya Harding and the controversy surrounding her conspired attack against opponent Nancy Kerrigan.

SUBMERGENCE is a Thriller from Win Wenders, based on J.M. Ledgard‘s Novel of the same name and stars Academy Award-winner Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy. 

Andy Serkis makes his directorial debut with romantic drama BREATHE starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy.

THE CURRENT WAR stars red-hot Tom Holland and fan favourite Benedict Cumberbatch, centering on Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse‘s competing to create a sustainable power system and marketing it to Americans.

Stars don’t come more accomplished than Glenn Close who costars with Christian Slater in THE WIFE about a woman who makes the difficult decision to leave her husband.

Elle Fanning and Maisie Williams star in the highly-anticipated biopic about the first lady of horror fiction MARY SHELLEY.

From the director of TIFF ’15’s Mustangs comes KINGS starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig about a foster family in South Central in the aftermath of the Rodney King trial.

Fans of the incredible Annette Benning will be sure to line-up early to see her in FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL co-starring Jamie Bell about a young actor who falls for his leading lady.

Starring Guy Pearce and Paul Rudd THE CATCHER WAS A SPY marks the triumphant return of Director Ben Lewin to TIFF.

Directed by Indie darling Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, LADY BIRD will open the Special Presentations section.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL reunites Judi Dench with her TIFF ’13 selection Philomena Director Stephen Frears.

THE SQUARE is sure to be a big with fans of Elisabeth Moss and director Ruben Östlund as they visit the issue of more courage and egocentricity.

HOSTILES brings Black Mass Director Scott Cooper back to TIFF with powerhouse actors Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike.

DISOBEDIENCE Rachel Weisz produces and stars along with Torontonian Rachel McAdams in this story about a woman returning to her Orthodox Jewish home.

THE CHILDREN ACT from the pen of Atonement Scribe Ian McEwan and starring Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci comes a Movie that feels very relatable with headlines in the UK right now.

MOM AND DAD (stars Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair) – a pair of siblings must survive the mass hysteria that ensues over 24 hours as their parents inexplicably attack them.

REVENGE (stars Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz and Jevin Janssens)

GREAT CHOICE (stars Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector) – a woman gets stuck in a Red Lobster commercial.

LET THE CORPSES TAN (Elina Löwensohn and Stéphane Ferrara), an Adaptation of the 1971 Crime Thriller by Jean-Patrick Manchette and Jean-Pierre Bastid.

Untitled Kevin Hart/Bryan Cranston Project also stars Nicole Kidman and is rumoured to be a remake of the massive 2011 hit The Intouchables.

Emma Stone, who attended last year for La La Land en route to winning an Oscar, and Steve Carrell join forces in BATTLE OF THE SEXES, based on the true story of the famed 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Some Trailers from this year’s Films:

BORG/MCENROE (stars Shia LaBoeuf and Sverrir Gudnason) – OPENING NIGHT GALA

BATTLE OF THE SEXES (stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell)

SUBURBICON (directed by George Clooney)

MOTHER! (stars Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem) 

BRAD’S STATUS (stars Ben Stiller and Austin Abrams)

THE BREADWINNER (produced by Angelina Jolie)

THE SHAPE OF WATER (stars Sally Hawkins and Michael Shannon)

BREATHE (stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy)

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (stars Armie Hammer)

TIFF’s Documentary Programme also was highlighted today and some higher-profile titles include Opening Night Film GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI, BOOM FOR REAL: THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, THE FINAL YEAR (features Barack Obama and John Kerry), THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ (as in André Leon-Talley), JIM & ANDY: THE GREAT BEYOND (centes on Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman),  JANE (on conservationist Jane Goodall), SAMMY DAVIS JR. I’VE GOTTA BE ME and SUPER SIZE ME 2: HOLY CHICKEN!. The Programme’s Closing Night Film is MAKALA.

UPDATE 8/9/17:
Canadian titles have been announced for TIFF ’17 and they include: Alanis Obomsawin’s Our People Will Be Healed, Alan Zweig’s There is a House Here, Simon Lavoie’s The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches (La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes, Mina Shum’s Meditation Park; Robin Aubert’s Les Affamés, Ingrid Veninger’s Porcupine Lake; Pat Mills’ Don’t Talk to Irene; Oscar nominee Kim Nguyen’s Eye on Juliet; Adam MacDonald’s Pyewacket; Denis Côté’s Ta peau si lisse (A Skin So Soft); and Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier’s Long Time Running.

An announcement also was made on TIFF ’17‘s Rising Stars and they are: Daniel Doheny, Mary Galloway, Théodore Pellerin and Ellen Wong.

UPDATE 8/15/17:

Some additional Galas and Special Presentations for TIFF ’17 were announced today and there definitely are some great ones including Toronto-made directorial debut for Oscar-winning Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, MOLLY’S GAME and KODACHROME from Director Mark Raso.

GALAS added include:

55 STEPS is a patients’ rights Drama starring Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank.

CHAPPAQUIDDICK follows the derailment of Ted Kennedy’s political career after the death of political strategist Mary Jo Kopechne, starring Jason Clarke and Kate Mara.

THE LEISURE SEEKER follows a couple who go on an unforgettable journey in their RV of the same name as the Film’s title, starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland.

THREE CHRISTS stars Richard Gere and Peter Dinklage, centering on a doctor treating three paranoid schizophrenic patients, each believing they are Jesus Christ.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS added include:

THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER follows a teenager’s attempts to bring a brilliant surgeon into his dysfunctional family. It stars Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Barry Keoghan and Colin Farrell.

KODACHROME (made in Toronto) is set in the final days of the photo development system of the same name. Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis.

JOURNEY’S END stars Sam Claflin and Asa Butterfield, about a group of British officers in World War I, led a young officer who is mentally disintegrating.

I LOVE YOU, DADDY, Funnyman Louis C.K.’s first feature Film in over 16 years, also stars him as a Producer and Writer. Chloë Moretz also stars in the black and white Film.

THE FLORIDA PROJECT is about a six-year-old and her friends and their wonder-filled summer. It stars Willem Dafoe a Brooklynn Prince.

THE ESCAPE follows an ordinary woman who makes an extraordinary decision one day that changes her life. Stars Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.

THE CURED is about a disease that turned people into zombies having been cured. The once-infected zombies then get rejected from society and their families. Stars Ellen Page and Sam Keeley.

LEAN ON PETE is about a boy who moves to Oregon to begin a new life and befriends a horse trainer and failing racehorse.  Stars Steve Buscemi, Chloe Sevigny and Travis Fimmel.

LOVING PABLO has real-life couple Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz playing Pablo Escobar and Virginia Vallejo.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER 3D, preceded by MAKING OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.

MOLLY’S GAME (made in Toronto) is about an Olympic skier who ran the most exclusive high-stakes poker game, becoming an FBI target. Stars Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.

MARK FELT – THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE is about the man who went by the name “Deep Throat” to help journalists uncover the Watergate Scandal. Stars Julian Morris, Liam Neeson and Diane Lane.

ON CHESIL BEACH centers on a young couple’s honeymoon, set in the ‘60s. Stars Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle.

OUTSIDE IN has Laggies and Your Sister’s Sister Director Lynn Shelton returning to TIFF ’17 with her latest effort.

REDOUBTABLE centers on French Director Jean-Luc Godard’s romance with 17-year-old Anne Wiazemsky. From Oscar-winning Director Michel Hazanvicius.

UNICORN STORE has Oscar-winner Brie Larson making her directorial debut. She also stars in it and it is about a woman who receives a mysterious invitation which fulfills her childhood dreams.

WHO WE ARE NOW is about a woman sentenced to ten years in prison and she hires a young public defence lawyer to help her children. Stars Zachary Quinto and Emma Roberts.

What didn’t make the cut or yet get announced? 

We heard a lot of great titles but not all the Movies on our Wish List were mentioned. The most anticipated and buzzed-about Movie this morning was the Denis Villeneuve-directed Blade Runner 2049. With a Canadian Director and Canadian Ryan Gosling as its star, Blade Runner 2049 seems like a strong guess for future TIFF ’17 announcements. Staying strong on the Can-Con front we were surprised not to hear Xavier Dolan’s The Death and Life of John F Donovan at today’s press conference. What is TIFF without a Movie starring Ethan Hawke? To check that TIFF Bingo box we’d like to suggest Paul Schrader’s First Reformed costarring Amanda Seyfried. Already in town for the Festival will be Julianne Moore who stars in Todd Haynes’ Wonderstruck, based on the book by Hugo scribe Brian Selznick. Wonder Wheel from Director Woody Allen starring Kate Winslet (who is in town for The Mountain Between Us) and Justin Timberlake.

Stay tuned. There definitely will be more…

For more, visit the Toronto International Film Festival website here.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures/Fox Searchlight/Elevation Pictures)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see TIFF ’16 selection, GIANTS OF AFRICA! Included with the win are official T-Shirts from the Film!

Synopsis:
A native of Nigeria, Masai Ujiri’s love for basketball paved his way to becoming the first African- born General Manager for a major North American sports team and he never forgot his roots, or the opportunities presented to him. Giants of Africa exists to create those same opportunities for not only African youth, but also for coaches and mentors who go back to their own homeland to influence future generations. What began simply as a basketball camp in one African country has now spread across four nations: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

The Prize Pack:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.  This giveaway is open to Toronto only.

Elevation Pictures release GIANTS OF AFRICA exclusively at Cineplex Events Cinema (Yonge & Dundas, Toronto) Friday, April 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes in Canada to see PERSONAL SHOPPER starring Kristen Stewart.  The TIFF ’16 selection was one of our favourites of the Festival.

Synopsis:
Kristen Stewart reunites with director Olivier Assayas (Clouds of Sils Maria) for this artful ghost story about a young woman trying to reconnect with the spirit of her departed brother.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.

Mongrel Media release PERSONAL SHOPPER in select cities Friday, March 24, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Filmed right here in Vancouver, COLOSSAL won big raves at TIFF ’16. Since then it has gotten distribution in the U.S. from newly-created NEON and it premiered at Sundance yesterday where it won more accolades.  An April release date has been set for the Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller/Comedy starring Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens and Anne Hathaway.

Synopsis:
After losing her job and boyfriend in New York, Gloria (Hathaway) moves back to her home town and is shocked to discover that the catastrophic events hitting Earth are somehow connected to her mental state.

See the Trailer:

Cannot wait to see this!

We’ll NEVER forget meeting Hathaway at TIFF ’16!

Anne. #TIFF16 #COLOSSAL #AnneHathaway

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2016 at 11:50am PDT

Amazing Anne. #AnneHathaway #Colossal #TIFF16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2016 at 4:44pm PDT

NEON release COLOSSAL Friday, April 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: NEON)