The Wrap: Vandal won’t run, new music venue, new Maddin film, and Desiree Scott retires

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'A pretty good run'

Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, who also serves as MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital in the Liberal government, said today he will not run as a candidate in the next federal election.

Vandal is one of four Liberal cabinet ministers who informed the Prime Minister’s Office this week that they won’t run in the next election.

Joyanne Pursaga reports, while columnist Tom Brodback looks at what the move means for the Liberal party and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been under mounting pressure to resign the party leadership as both polling numbers and his approval rating have plunged.

Joyanne Pursaga:

Vandal deals blow to Liberals, won’t run in next election

Winnipegger among multiple federal cabinet ministers set to step down; ‘I want to spend more time at home’ Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

More Liberals bow out as Trudeau clings to sinking ship

It’s not unusual for politicians to flee a sinking ship when they know their government is going down. It’s a normal part of the political process and it’s happening right now with the federal Liberal party. Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'The perfect small music venue'

The much-anticipated new Osborne Street venue Sidestage opens its doors for its first show on Friday.

As well as filling a void left by last year’s closure of the Good Will Social Club, a mainstay for the local music scene, the venue’s arrival reflects South Osborne’s ongoing growth as a live music hub.

Conrad Sweatman pokes his head in as the owners apply the finishing touches.

Conrad Sweatman:

New South Osborne music venue Sidestage set to crank it up

All-ages venue to host punk, metal shows as well as community events Read More

'Probably the most weird movie anyone will see'

Rumours is a new film by the made-in-Manitoba directorial team of Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson with a roster of big international stars, including Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander.

The film, which opens in two Winnipeg theatres tomorrow, follows seven world leaders as they gather for the annual G7 summit. Tasked with drafting a statement to address an apocalyptic crisis, the politicians encounter unexpected hurdles including a bog zombie apocalypse and a mysterious giant brain.

Film critic Alison Gillmor offers a review, and Randall King talks to Canadian actor Roy Dupuis about playing the role of the fictional Canadian prime minister.

Alison Gillmor:

Into the woods

Guy Maddin's absurdist end-of-the-world satire Rumours a real trip Read More

Randall King:

Rumours’ Canadian PM not based on Trudeau, actor says

TORONTO — When Rumours premièred at the Cannes film festival earlier this year, the initial shock was to seeing Winnipeg directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson teamed with Australian actress Cate Blanchett, easily one of the biggest stars to shine in the Maddin/Johnson firmament. Even better, once cast, Blanchett proved to be a magnet for the rest of the international cast, which includes Charles Dance, Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), Rolando Ravello (Perfect Strangers) and Takehiro Hira (Gran Turismo) as the leaders of, respectively, the U.S., France, Britain, Italy and Japan. Blanchett plays […] Read More

'I’m grateful and thankful for everything'

Desiree Scott, the most decorated soccer player in Manitoba history, has announced her retirement at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League season.

Scott, a hard-nosed defensive midfielder known as the Destroyer for her hard tackling, earned 187 caps since joining the national team in 2010, as well as one gold and two bronze Olympic medals.

Mike Sawatzky talks to Scott about her plans after the post-season. (Spoiler: it involves a move back home.)

Mike Sawatzky:

‘Perfect time for me to say goodbye’

Winnipeg’s Scott to hang up cleats at season’s end, eyes off-field soccer role Read More