Focus: Reinventing film festivals for the pandemic age; and This Way Up
… of celeb sightings and red carpets? Reinventing film festivals for the pandemic age
THE ART FORM we love is in crisis.” So begins a joint statement from the Toronto International, New York, Telluride and Venice film fests, all pledging to forgo their annual September rivalry to share ideas and offer “a united platform.” The movecomesafterCOVID-19groundthefilmindustrytoa standstill and acknowledges that, in times of crisis, movies can still “enchant, inform, provoke and heal.” And though it would have been nice for TIFF to pledge unity with smaller Canadian festivals as well – like September’s Vancouver, Calgary and Atlantic international film fests
– artistic director and co-head Cameron Bailey said in a separate statement that the 2020 fest has “responded by going back to our original inspiration – to bring the very best in film to the broadest possible audience.” That includes physical, digital and drive-in screenings, virtual red carpets, cast reunions and celebrity Q&As among other offerings. As well, Halle Berry, 53, makes her directorial debut with the world première of Bruised, about an aging MMA-fighter who steps back into combat. Berry – with the six-pack abs she gained in training for the role – also stars in the film. —Mike Crisolago
The beat goes on Ringo Starr turns 80 and tells Rolling Stone magazine that he still feels like he’s 24 inside while noting that turning 40 was actually hardest for him.
Scientists regulate muscle shrinkage – an effect of aging – in mice, helping them become leaner and stronger in research that could hold benefits for humans That is, of course, unless this new breed of super mice overthrows us first.
Don’t cry for her, Argentina. She’s tough Music legend and Evita star Madonna, 61, posts a topless selfie while leaning on a crutch following knee surgery.
Research shows moderate alcohol consumption could actually stall cognitive decline You’ll know when you’ve passed the “moderate consumption” marker when you’re dancing on the bar while belting out “Like a Virgin.”
Grandchildren: they’re not just for showing you how to use your smartphone
A Yellowknife woman, originally from the Délįnę First Nation, wins a $55 million lottery but only finds out after her granddaughter alerts her to it.
They were on a break! In August, all six Friends stars – now in their 50s – will reunite on the sitcom’s original soundstage for the first time in 16 years to film the show’s long-awaited reunion for HBO Max.
Some people are over the hill while others simply conquer it An Ontario man who became the world’s oldest heli-skier on his 95th birthday last year says he’s already planning to celebrate his 100th birthday on the slopes.