POWER IN A UNION
Hot Docs revisits Barbara Kopple’s Oscar winner at a special screening,
MONDAY
James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction
Watch this if: You want to explore one of entertainment’s most popular genres with the man who made Titanic and Avatar. If you love sci-fi, there’s plenty of eye and ear candy in this six-part docuseries. Cameron commands an A-list of directors, actors, authors and others as interview subjects. The premiere, which focuses on how pop culture portrays alien life, includes guests such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Ridley Scott, and revisits movies such as E.T., Independence Day, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Arrival and, of course, Avatar. (AMC at 10 p.m.) — Debra Yeo
TUESDAY
A Taste of Empire Watch this if: You’ve got an appetite for theatre. Food makes any event even better. So check out A Taste of Empire, a Rice & Beans Theatre production presented by Cahoots Theatre, especially if you crave the Filipino dish rellenong bangus. Actor Derek Chan will make the dish as he performs the script, written by director Jovanni Sy, revealing truths about colonial histories behind the ingredients. It’s in Cantonese with subtitles in English and simplified Chinese. (Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St., 8 p.m., until May 6) — Carly Maga
WEDNESDAY
Elvis & The Man in Black
Watch this if: You want old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll fused with contemporary dance. In 2014, Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie presented a double bill about two iconic musicians: Elvis Presley, channelled through Laurence Lemieux’s choreogra- phy for five men and two women to a mix of song and interview segments; and Johnny Cash, represented in James Kudelka’s acclaimed piece for three men and one woman. Both pieces are a reflection on the legacies of musicians. They’re being remounted by Citadel + Compagnie. (The Citadel, 304 Parliament St., 8 p.m., on until May 12) — CM
THURSDAY
Promise at Dawn at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival
Watch this if: You want literary flair in your film fest-going. The opening night film for the 26thannual TJFF is a handsome drama about French literary giant Romain Gary. Pierre Niney stars in this portrait of the writer as a young student and pilot in the Second World War. A Skype Q&A with director Eric Barbier follows the screening, which launches a slate of features, docs and more, including tributes to folks such as writer Morley Torgov and Barney Miller himself, Hal Linden. The TJFF runs to May 13. (Cineplex Odeon Varsity and VIP Cinemas, 55 Bloor St. W., 7 p.m.) — Jason Anderson
Opera Pub
Watch this if: You want a pub night, open mic and evening at the opera. Placing opera in a bar put Against the Grain Theatre on the artistic map of Toronto and Canada. Yet while creating works for the Banff Centre and Harbourfront Centre Theatre, where its Orphée just closed, Against the Grain has maintained its monthly pub night. The final one of the season offers patrons one more chance to drink with some talented singers. (Amsterdam Bicycle Club, 54 The Esplanade, 9 p.m.) — CM
FRIDAY
Barbara Kopple’s Harlan County, USA
Watch this if: You want to see proof there’s power in a union.
Harlan County, USA established Barbara Kopple as a documentary form master over 40 years ago. As part of its retrospective on Kopple — this year’s recipient of the festival’s Outstanding Achievement Award — Hot Docs presents a screening of her 1976 Oscar winner, plus a conversation with the director and one of her subjects, Bernie Aronson, and a special performance of music from the film by Appalachian musician Jack Morris. (TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 1:15 p.m.) — JA A Little Help With Carol Burnett Watch this if: You’d like some time with a TV legend. Take an 85-year-old comedy icon, add 5- to 9-year-old children for her to interact with and it could be a hit. Carol Burnett, whose comedy show made her a household name between 1967 and 1978, stars in this 12-episode series in which she, co-host Russell Peters and celebrity guests seek advice from kids. It’s clear the children don’t hesitate to speak their minds. Everyone from DJ Khaled to Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard joins Burnett. (Netflix) — DY
SATURDAY
Bruce Cockburn Watch this to: Watch country’s newest Hall of Famer. Soon to be 73-year-old Cockburn has released Bone on Bone, his first record in seven years. The record’s as full of expert fretwork as anyone familiar with his body of work can expect, but it’s that 33 album-strong catalogue that’s the attraction any time he stops by. Cockburn’s still capable of kicking up a storm with his bandmates. (Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 8 p.m.) — Chris Young Jorja Smith Watch this for: A new voice that’s gone big. The Velvet Underground went nuts when Drake came onstage with Smith for a duet of “Get It Together” during her local debut last summer. At 20 years old, she’s barely started, with a first LP on the way. Ama Lou, an even younger compatriot, opens. (Opera House, 735 Queen St. E., doors 7 p.m., also playing Sunday) — CY