SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Serville Poblete’s latest “equal parts gritty, honest, and beautiful.” in his Sunburn film review. “Overall, Sunburn is equal parts gritty, honest, and beautiful. ” -Kevin Bourne One thing that film fans have to look forward to every year at the Toronto International Film Festival is their selection of Canadian films, especially from the Toronto area. As one of the biggest and most important film festivals in the world, it’s a badge of honor that could elevate a Canadian filmmaker to the next level. One of the local films which premiered at TIFF this year was Sunburn,…
Author: Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne is a Toronto-based host/on-air personality, arts & entertainment journalist, TV/film producer, and communications and content strategist. As a commentator and freelancer, he has appeared nationally as a correspondent on CBC News Network and host on CBC Music. He has also appeared locally on CTV, CBC Radio, CityNews, Newstalk 1010, and ByBlacks.com, and in the United States on Fox’s Black digital TV network, Fox Soul. He has covered some of Canada’s top red-carpet events, including the Toronto International Film Festival, and has interviewed everyone from Kevin Hart and "Fast and the Furious" star Tyrese Gibson to Ziggy Marley, Ava DuVernay, Dascha Polanco, Lilly Singh, and Howie Mandel. His years of work as an entertainment journalist led to him being named a Golden Globe® Awards voter and Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-Approved critic and being quoted as a critic in national ad campaigns for Black films and TV shows, both in Canada and the United States. Pivoting into the world of film and television, Kevin co-founded the film, TV, digital content, and live experiences company, SHIFTER Entertainment, alongside his wife and business partner, Koliah. Through SHIFTER he has produced a number of projects, including the Bell Fibe TV1 unscripted reality series A Date In The Life, serving as showrunner, executive producer, writer and co-director. Now, with a number of pilot and feature film scripts written and projects in development, KB is poised to continue to be a champion for Black entertainment and culture alongside his wife and business partner, Koliah.
It’s showcase day and it’s KJ and Khalil’s last chance to show out in front of the Division 1 coaches. Here’s our All American Season 8 Episode 12 recap. Coop’s side quest Coop and Amina head to Preach’s favorite restaurant to get him some food, and to give him a little space after his release. Amina is concerned that she has come between Breonna and Coop’s relationship. She warmed up to her after she helped with Preach’s release. Later, Coop goes to prison to visit Miss Scott, aka Shawn’s mom. Coop hopes to one day get her out. Miss Scott,…
Despite some minor flaws, SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Chris Rock’s latest “a resounding success” in his Misty Green film review. “Both in front of the camera and as a writer, Rock does an excellent job of balancing drama with moments of comedy.” -Kevin Bourne Fans know Chris Rock as a comedy legend and actor, spanning film and television, including his time on Saturday Night Live. They may even know him for his many comedy specials over the years. But not a lot of fans know Chris Rock the writer and director. Rock made his directorial debut back in 2003 with…
SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Niki Byrne’s feature directorial debut “an inspirational and satisfying watch” in his The Julia Set film review. “The Julia Set is an inspirational and satisfying watch…and a well-executed feature debut from Byrne.” -Kevin Bourne One of the films that seemed to fall under people’s radar at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival was Niki Byrne’s feature directorial debut The Julia Set starring Chase Infiniti, Christopher Briney, Chloe Bailey, Gillian Anderson, and Jason Isaacs. The film is centered around Julia (Infiniti), a university student and mathematical genius. Recognizing her mathematical genius is her teachers assistant Pascal (Briney)…
SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls the Zellner Bros’ latest “peculiar” and “an acquired taste” in his Alpha Gang film review. “Alpha Gang is an acquired taste.” – Kevin Bourne There are many words you can use to describe Alpha Gang—strange, odd, peculiar, absurd, and funny. Yes, some of those words mean the exact same thing, but they all apply. Written by David Zellner and co-directed by David and Nathan Zellner, known together as the Zellner Bros., Alpha Gang tells the story of a 1950’s, leather clad group of aliens, played by Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Lily-Rose Depp, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Bae…
SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne says Florian Zeller’s latest is “blessed by strong performances, but cursed by a weaker story” in his Bunker film review. “Bunker is a film that is blessed by strong performances, but cursed by a weaker story.” – Kevin Bourne When you talk about the most accomplished husband and wife actors in the history of Hollywood, you have to talk about Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. They’re one of only a handful of married or partnered couples where both parties have won Academy awards for acting. The others are Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Paul Newman and Joanne…
SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Anton Corbijn’s latest “a thrilling and excellently told story that keeps viewers thinking” in his A Talent For Murder review. “A Talent For Murder is a thrilling and excellently told story that keeps viewers thinking…” – Kevin Bourne Set in the beautiful and picturesque Canton of Ticino and Zürich in Switzerland, A Talent For Murder tells the story of young New York literary agent Edward Ridgeway (portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich) who is tasked with traveling to Switzerland to get the combative and cerebral The Talented Mr. Ripley author Patricia Highsmith (portrayed by Helen Mirren) to sign her…
SHIFTER calls the film “simple and humble, yet epic and grand, while celebrating the best humanity has to offer” in his Tenzing film review. “Tenzing is epic and grand, yet simple and humble, while celebrating the best humanity has to offer.” – Kevin Bourne One of the films I was personally looking forward to the most at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival was Tenzing based on a true story about Tentsokzin Norgay (played by Genden Phuntsok) and Sir Edmund Hillary (played by Tom Hiddleston), the first men to climb Mount Everest. This wasn’t one of the more buzzworthy films…
Jordan and Layla take a trip down memory lane as they, and Amina, make big decisions. Here’s our All American Season 8 Episode 11 recap. Khalil arrives, finally After a number of episodes and detours, Khalil finally arrives at the showcase to play with his team. He’s ready to compete against Cassius, KJ and Beverly, and help his team win. Jordan and Layla’s trip down memory lane Liv is awake and doing well. She believes Spencer will show up, but Jordan and Layla are concerned. Jordan has a lot on his shoulders. As next of kin, he has to decide…
Coop looks for Spencer and Cassius steps up for his family. Here’s our All American Season 8 Episode 10 recap. Cassius steps up Layla arrives at the hospital to comfort Jordan and check on Liv who is in pre-term labor. Meanwhile at Beverly, KJ is holding down the fort. When his mother arrives, he lets her know that he doesn’t trust Cliff. When Layla decides to go back home to get some things for Liv, Cassius offers to go for her so she can stay with Jordan. Jordan wants answers Things get tense when Jordan asks Layla how her meeting…
From “I Play Rocky” to “Tenzing” and “Bucking Fastard”, SHIFTER editor-in-chief Kevin Bourne offers his must-see films from TIFF 2026. For film fans and film industry types alike, it’s once again the most wonderful time of the year. Well almost. The Toronto International Film Festival is once again upon us as Hollywood descends on Canada’s largest city from September 10-20. TIFF is not only a harbinger of things to come when we enter award season, but it’s a look at the latest in Canadian cinema, including out rising filmmakers. Here are 10 must-see films from TIFF 2026. Babies Starring Seth…
Khalil faces his family issues, meanwhile showcase day continues at Beverly high school. Here’s our All American Season 8 Episode 9 recap. The Showcase continues Showcase day continues. The episode opens with Jordan and Cassius storming into the Baker house wanting to know where the ambulance took Liv. Unfortunately, no one can reach Spencer, not even his agent. KJ is concerned that Khalil hasn’t arrived at the showcase, and Cassius is nowhere to be seen. He’s concerned that Cliff is up to something. Marquis explains everything Khalil is distraught until his dad comes in wondering why Khalil isn’t at the…
