Tony Todd– The First “Candy Man” Has Passed Away

Do you like horror movies? I am definitely not a big fan of horror movies because I could easily get scared by those fictional scenes, and it really makes it hard for me to sleep at night. I’m always scared that there’s a killer or monster standing near my room’s door. Anyways, I think I did watch Final Destination before, and it made me really uncomfortable and extra careful when I go outside. I think that also shows how successful the movie is. Anyways, here is sad news for you people who are big scary movie fans.

Tony Todd, the actor who left an unforgettable mark on old scary movies, has passed away at the age of 69. Known for his chilling portrayal of the killer Candyman in the 1992 horror classic, Todd’s death on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades. His longtime manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, shared the news, reflecting on their 30-year relationship. “I will miss that amazing man every single day,” Goldberg said, describing Todd as a towering figure, both physically and artistically, whose legacy in film and theatre is indelible.

Todd’s journey in Hollywood began with a powerful role in the 1986 Oscar-winning film Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, but it was Candyman that truly defined his career. The urban legend-turned-horror icon, with his haunting hook for a hand, struck fear into audiences and became a cultural touchstone. The 2021 remake of Candyman introduced his character to a new generation, blending supernatural terror with real world issues like racism and police brutality.

But Tony Todd’s talents went far beyond horror. He appeared in iconic TV shows like Night Court, Matlock, and Law & Order, always bringing depth and authenticity to every role. Yet, it wasn’t just his acting that made him beloved. Off-screen, Todd was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of kindness to those in the industry. He advocated tirelessly for greater representation and authenticity in Hollywood, always using his platform to champion aspiring actors.

His manager fondly remembered Todd’s generous spirit and wisdom, and how he brought an unyielding honesty to everything he did—whether on stage, on screen, or in personal conversations. Tony Todd’s passing leaves a huge void, not only in the film industry but in the hearts of those who knew him. His towering presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the doors he helped open for others.

Two Authors from Winnipeg have won Governor General’s Literary Awards.

Niigaan Sinclair is an Anishinaabe writer and editor from Winnipeg, wanted to share his perspective of Canada through an Indigenous lens. When he pitched his book, Winnipeg: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre, to a publisher in Toronto, he was told it would probably be seen as a “regional book,” mainly appealing to people in Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Sinclair wasn’t expecting much attention from other parts of Canada and was not surprised when most of the sales came from these areas. But to his surprise, his book reached a much wider audience, and it was recently awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Sinclair shared in a video call from Winnipeg that, even though the book had little fanfare outside of Manitoba at first, it had clearly resonated with people across the country.

The award recognizes the growing presence of Indigenous voices in Canadian literature. Jordan Abel is a Nisga’a writer from Edmonton, he also won the fiction award for his novel Empty Spaces. Abel’s book is unconventional, with no characters or dialogue, and focuses on Indigenous relationships with land, displacement, and diaspora. Abel was worried that his unusual approach would turn readers off, but winning the award reassured him that his book had sparked meaningful conversations. Abel’s work responds to The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, arguing that Cooper’s novel helped shape U.S. nationalism by ignoring the guilt surrounding the treatment of Indigenous people. Abel believes the themes of his book are especially relevant today, given the current political climate.

Chimwemwe Undi from Winnipeg also won the poetry award for Scientific Marvel, adding to the celebration of Indigenous writers. The Canada Council for the Arts awarded prizes in several categories, with each winner receiving $25,000. These awards show the growing recognition of Indigenous literature, which has gained more attention in recent years thanks to writers like Sinclair, Abel, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, and Sinclair’s late father, Murray Sinclair, who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Sinclair, who teaches at the University of Manitoba, is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges Indigenous communities face in Winnipeg. He sees the city as the “front line” of Canada’s ongoing struggles with colonialism and injustice. While Sinclair has noticed a rise in interest for Indigenous writing, he also points out that there are still vocal groups denying the history of residential schools. He believes that even as Indigenous voices grow stronger, there will always be resistance. However, he remains hopeful that Canada is ready for the conversation, and he’s proud that his book is helping to drive it.

Big Coagulations to their achievements!

The Vancouver Turkish Film Festival Is Coming!!

If you’re tired of watching Hollywood or Bollywood movies, it’s time for you to check out some Turkish films and experience something new!

The Vancouver Turkish Film Festival is celebrating its 11th year, inviting audiences to experience the diverse world of Turkish cinema. The festival kicks off on November 21 at the VIFF Centre, opening with Ferzan Özpetek’s Istanbul Trilogy. This three-part film honors Istanbul’s raki banquet tradition, where friends and family gather to drink, debate, and share the highs and lows of life together.

This year’s lineup features an impressive selection, including seven feature films, three documentaries, and, for the first time, a short film program that highlights emerging Turkish filmmakers. Standout films include Oya, a documentary about Anatolian lacework traditions, with a Q&A session led by director Sevinç Baloğlu. Dormitory explores themes of tradition, family, and identity, offering a thoughtful view of Turkey’s sociocultural landscape.

The short film program brings selections like The Longest Night and The Consultant, which explore topics ranging from family dynamics to societal control. Gukla (The Doll) offers psychological thrills set against the haunting backdrop of Izmir, while Kadikoy: Town of the Blind is a documentary capturing the spirit of Istanbul. The festival’s gala night will include Q&A sessions with visiting directors, giving Vancouverites a chance to delve into the artistry behind these films.

Festival director Zuhal Karatas Kavak says, “The 11th Vancouver Turkish Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore cinema that transcends borders and reflects universal human experiences. This year’s diverse program will take audiences on a cinematic journey through Anatolia and beyond, with films that resonate deeply on the international stage.”

The Turkish-Canadian Society of Vancouver is a registered non-profit organization, organizes the event. The VTFF was founded in 2011 by TCS volunteers, including film enthusiasts, directors, and industry professionals. Since its inception, the festival has aimed to showcase the richness of Turkish cinema, celebrating both popular mainstream films and internationally acclaimed, award-winning works. It has also collaborated with the Vancouver International Film Festival to present some Turkish films at the event.

The 11th edition of the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival offers a platform to share Turkey’s multicultural heritage with the residents of Metro Vancouver, further enriching the cultural landscape of the city.

To be honest, I don’t have much of an impression of Turkish movies, so I’m actually glad to hear that we have this festival every year. Agree or not, multiculturalism has always been one of Canada’s defining features. I’m happy to see these different cultures having their unique time to shine.

In Cold Water: The Unsolved Mystery of 2010

Life is always something unpredictable for us. A real case that happened in 2010, Laura Letts-Beckett and her husband Peter Beckett was on their relax tips, when everything looks fine the accident just happened or is that an accident? The documentary In Cold Water will help organize the clues and make you have a better understanding for entire case.

In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery is now streaming on Amazon Prime, explores the tragic death of Laura Letts Beckett, a schoolteacher from Westlock, Alberta, who drowned on a boating trip with her husband, Peter, in August 2010. Peter says they were enjoying a sunny day on B.C.’s Upper Arrow Lake. His wife Laura, who couldn’t swim and wasn’t wearing a life jacket, somehow ended up in the water. Peter says he dove in to try to save her but found himself too light, so he swam to shore, retrieved a rock to help him sink, and attempted to reach her again. Tragically, he couldn’t save her, and Laura drowned.

The circumstances surrounding her death raised suspicions, leading to Peter’s conviction for first-degree murder in 2017, although this conviction was overturned in 2020. Now free, Peter shares his side of the story in this three-part series, directed by Vancouver filmmaker Trish Neufeld. The series presents interviews with police, lawyers, Laura’s family and friends, and Kamloops reporter Tim Petruk, who closely followed the case through the courts. Petruk reflects on the unusual nature of the trial, as Peter chose to represent himself, bringing an eccentric, unexpected tone to the courtroom that broke from the usual decorum. He adds that this case felt strangely relatable, like a tragedy that could happen to “your aunt or your mom.”

Neufeld was introduced to the story by executive producer Pablo Salzman and felt deeply connected to its twists, suspense, and sadness. For Laura’s loved ones, sharing their memories was painful yet courageous; many expressed regret over things left unsaid and unresolved. Neufeld believes true crime stories offer a chance for healing and reflection, even for those left behind. In capturing this emotional journey, In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery reveals a complex tragedy and aims to bring some sense of closure to those affected.

This is definitely something sad to hear from a lost man. Peter Beckett seems like a broken man because he lost his wife, and people think he is the person who killed her. But if he really committed the crime, why did he do it? There’s no reason to kill someone you really love. It doesn’t make any sense. Or is it because he doesn’t love her anymore? But he still got punished based on the judgment by the court. Anyways, if you are curious about the truth, it’s time to watch this documentary!!!

 

Sight Unseen- A Great Detective Drama Produced by CTV

If you’re an audience like me who enjoys watching intense mystery shows or wants to experience the excitement of uncovering the truth behind a case, CTV has a series that might surprise you!

Sight Unseen was CTV’s latest detective thriller back in January. This show follows Detective Tess Avery, who begins losing her vision while working. At first, she ignores it, but when a mistake almost costs her partner Jake Campbell’s life, Tess quits the police force. She turns to her childhood friend Matt  for support but can’t let go of the case she’s working on. Tess hires a virtual seeing-eye guide named Sunnyto help her solve the case. Sunny, who is 4,000 kilometers away, has her own secrets, and together, they get deeper into dangerous situations.

The show was co-created by sisters Karen and Niko Troubetzkoy, who have worked on popular Canadian TV shows like Orphan Black. Sight Unseen is personal to them, especially for Karen, who lost her vision due to detached retinas but regained it after surgery. Inspired by a real story, the sisters created a show about a detective who navigates her world with the help of a virtual guide.

To make the show as real as possible, the sisters worked with consultants from the visually impaired community, including an undercover detective who lost their sight but kept working. Dolly Lewis, the lead actress, is sight-divergent, and supporting actor Alice Christina-Corrigan is both visually impaired and neurodivergent. A unique feature of the show is that the two main actresses, Lewis and Darshi, filmed their scenes separately. Darshi would read her lines off-camera to help build chemistry between the characters.

Though the show was originally meant to take place in Toronto, it was filmed in Vancouver, which added more tension as Sunny’s character is even farther from Tess. The show’s dark tone and thrilling moments were inspired by shows like Orphan Black, and there’s even a scene inspired by Silence of the Lambs. The series also includes cameos from Canadian actors like Ennis Esmer and Roger Cross, making it an exciting watch full of suspense.

I personally think Canada really needs more high-quality TV shows and movies to represent and share our culture with the world. Most producers have really good ideas for their projects, but without enough support, it’s hard for them to bring those ideas to life!

The Performing Arts and Technology Festival is Coming Soon!!

The Performing Arts and Technology Festival at Massey Theatre in New Westminster runs from November 14 to 17. This four-day event is packed with live performances, workshops, and activities for people of all ages. It focuses on the combination of music, animation, dance, and film, using both traditional and modern technology to create fun and unforgettable experiences.

Jessica Schneider is the executive director of Massey Theatre, she explains that the festival is all about connecting different generations and showing how performing arts and technology can tell stories in unique ways. The event features a mix of old and new technologies, from classic theatrical tools like ropes and pulleys to modern tech like audio, video, and cinema. There will also be workshops and talks where artists explain how they use these technologies in their work. The festival will showcase a wide range of performers, including DJs, film composers, animators, and break dancers, all showing how creativity and technology come together.

One of the main attractions is Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall, a live performance based on his graphic novel. The show will be performed using over 20 small sets and eight cameras, with the action filmed and projected in real-time onto a big screen above the stage. Kid Koala, along with the Afiara String Quartet, will perform his original score live on piano and turntables. The story is a silent love tale between a lonely office girl and a struggling robot. This show will be performed at Massey Theatre on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16, and it’s the only stop in B.C. for this show.

In addition to the Nufonia Must Fall performance, Kid Koala will host several fun events throughout the weekend. These include Music To Draw To, where attendees can work on their own creative projects while listening to Kid’s favorite relaxing music, a special board-game event featuring his Creatures of the Late Afternoon game, and a Robot Dance Party for kids to enjoy.

The festival also offers hands-on workshops, such as animation sessions with Jeff Chiba Stearns, Street Dance workshops with Battle Zone Canada, and a music-for-film class with composer Cameron Catalano. These workshops are a great chance to learn new skills or get creative.

On Saturday night, the festival will hold an “after dark” Pecha Kucha event, where 10 speakers will each give a short presentation. Each speaker will present 20 slides, with 20 seconds per slide, for a total of six minutes and 40 seconds. It’s a fast-paced and exciting way to hear from different people about their passions.

The Performing Arts and Technology Festival offers a great chance to see how art and technology come together in fun and inspiring ways. With something for everyone, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Transplant Stories Shows Emotional Stories in BC’s Hospital

Here is a documentary that will introduce you to the reality of patients who need organs from donors. Join their emotional journey to see how they hold on to hope and continue to wait for a miracle.

Transplant Stories is a four-part series starting November 19 on Knowledge Network, takes viewers into the world of organ transplants in BC. Directed by Sheona McDonald, this series gives a rare look at Vancouver General and St. Paul’s hospitals, following patients, their families, and medical teams as they work to save lives.

In the first episode, we meet Brett, a young father from Powell River, waiting for a liver transplant. He gets a call saying a liver is available, and he and his family rush to Vancouver, only to find out the liver isn’t a match.

This disappointment shows the emotional stress patients and families go through. We also meet Dianne, a 72-year-old woman from Langley, waiting for a double lung transplant. She and her husband, Terry, have made over 80 trips to Vancouver for her treatments. Despite her health struggles, Dianne stays positive and hopes to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary. After her surgery, her first breath without a breathing tube is a moving moment, and just nine weeks later, she is able to walk without an oxygen tank.

The series also tells the story of Suki, who needs a second kidney transplant after his first one failed. His daughter remembers how seeing doctors save her father’s life when she was young inspired her to become a doctor. Another patient, Marcela, is waiting for a cornea transplant to restore sight in her right eye. Although full eye transplants aren’t possible yet, her quick cornea surgery shows hope for the future of transplants.

Transplant Stories captures the strength and courage of patients and their families, and shows the importance of organ donors and healthcare workers. Executive producer Cathy Schoch says almost everyone knows someone affected by organ donation, making these stories even more meaningful. Knowledge Network CEO Michelle van Beusekom thanks everyone who shared their stories, emphasizing the life-saving role of organ donors and medical teams.

Mike Delamont’s Christmas Show Is Coming To Vancouver

Do you ever have any curiosity about gods, like do they really exist somewhere, what do they look like, or how they actually help people? Comedian Mike Delamont will present his answer this Christmas on Vancouver Island! In Delamont upcoming show, God Is A Scottish Drag Queen, he brings this playful, reimagined version of God to life with humor, warmth, and a touch of irreverence.

He has performed this show in the past few years, but this year is different; he’s adding a festive twist, offering Christmas Specials in Courtenay, Nanaimo, and Duncan. The show mixes comedy, history, and holiday spirit, covering everything from the traditions of Yule, Saturnalia, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, to the fun and familiar parts of Christmas like eggnog and mistletoe. It looks like he is trying to create a Christmas show that everyone can enjoy. He describes the special as a “potluck of holidays,” where different traditions come together to create something unique.

Each year, Delamont works with his wife to create fresh material, ensuring the show feels timely and fun. He’s careful to make sure the comedy lands, always reworking jokes that don’t hit the mark. The idea is that God is the comedian, not the punchline. Delamont takes a lighthearted, human approach to things for example like wondering what God might say when they stub their toe.

The show’s sweet, nostalgic vibe offers a refreshing break from typical holiday fare. “Every year, people are bombarded with the same Nutcracker performances and Christmas carols,” says Delamont. “This show is something a little different, but still Christmas, and audiences really connect with that. If you want something new for this year’s Christmas, Delamont’s show will make sure you have fun like you were a child!”

Delamont’s Christmas special stands out from the others because it’s not strictly biblical, though it still touches on various holiday traditions. The show has a warm, nostalgic feeling that audiences love, especially since they’re used to seeing the same Nutcracker performances and Christmas carols every year. His show offers something new while still being festive, which really appeals to people. Delamont enjoys performing it, and it’s clear that his fun and heartwarming show connects with his audience in a special way.

If you feel any interest in attending his show, you may go to his website for more information. The show will happen on November 26, 28, and 29 in different places.

Jelly Roll Will Begin His Canadian Tour in Victoria and Vancouver.

If you are a big fan of Jelly Roll, surely you will be very excited about this announcement.

Jelly Roll, the Grammy-nominated and platinum-certified singer/songwriter, is launching his first international headlining tour in Canada, called The Beautifully Broken Great Northern Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 12-city tour will start on March 6 in Victoria, BC, and travel through cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto, before concluding in Quebec City on March 26. Special guests on the tour include Josh Ross, Savannah Dexter, and Brabo Gator.

His album Beautifully Broken, released on October 11, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Billboard Canadian Album Chart. It also spent two weeks as the #1 Canadian country album. The album features hits like “Liar” and “I Am Not Okay,” which topped the Country charts in the US and Canada. Recently, Jelly Roll earned two Grammy nominations for his song “I Am Not Okay,” including Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for the 2025 Grammy Awards.

After winning three awards at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, Jelly Roll also received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People’s Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year. His song “Save Me” earned him several nominations at the 2024 GRAMMYs, including Best New Artist and Best Duo/Group Performance, as well as wins at the iHeartRadio Awards. In addition, “Save Me” went Platinum, spent 28 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, and won the Award for Music Event of the Year.

Beyond music, Jelly Roll is a passionate humanitarian. He has made a major impact on his fans and community, from playing a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio to the juvenile detention center where he once served time. He also has his record-breaking documentary Save Me, which became the most-watched music documentary on ABC News and highlights his journey and dedication to helping others. He regularly visits rehab centers and prisons to support those in need.

It’s definitely a rare chance to listen to his live performance, so if you want to attend his concert, set your clock properly and get your ticket on time!

The New Form Festival’s Transform Showcase is Returning

If you’re looking for a new musical experience, this event might interest you. The Transform showcase by New Forms Festival is back in Vancouver for its second year, launching on November 13 with an even more immersive and exciting lineup, bringing us four days packed with artistic energy. This unique event offers a diverse program of live performances, DJ sets, immersive audiovisual installations, and panels. All centered around themes of art and resistance. Transform is also a celebration of community and heritage, uplifting voices that often go unheard in mainstream spaces.

The lineup, curated in partnership with local artists Lionessa, Adam, and Sierra Lima, takes things to new heights this year. From augmented reality art pieces and mesmerizing soundscapes to visuals created by artists from QTBIPOC and SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) communities, the showcase offers an art experience like no other. Importantly, Transform also features influential figures from global community radio, creating a cultural dialogue that extends far beyond the festival’s four walls.

The festival kicks off in the Woodward’s Building with i+eo’s captivating multimedia installation. Following this, audiences will dive into the surreal works of Stefana Fratila and Diana Lynn VanderMeulen. Evidence Doll will bring a jolt of hardcore energy, while DJs Mikubat and Nanoos take us on a musical journey that fuses sounds from Tehran to Chicago, all interwoven with local influences. Making their Vancouver debut, Tati au Miel and Piu will fill the space with sensory landscapes and ambient percussion, adding another layer of depth to the experience.

A weekend highlight is the “Artists Against Apartheid” panel, where Rawan Hassan, Jada Pape, and others will discuss how art can serve as a powerful form of resistance—a message that feels especially relevant in today’s world. Co-curator Adam, whose curatorial vision centers on pushing electronic music boundaries, explained the thoughtful selection process: “I’ve selected artists who challenge expectations of electronic music, with a heavy focus on driving percussions and rhythmic entropy. Using intricate sound design and world-building skills, these artists pull from their respective heritages to build rich cultural soundscapes that encourage futurism, transcendence, and the deconstruction of oppressive realities.”

Behind this extraordinary festival is New Forms Media Society, a non-profit founded i 2000 to unite creative communities and push artistic boundaries. New Forms isn’t just about putting on a show; it’s about making new media art, electronic music, film, technology-based installations, and performance accessible to everyone. Their goal is to amplify marginalized and underground art practices, supporting Canadian media artists and bringing their work to global audiences.