The Toronto International Film Festivalâ announced today it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jonathan Demmeâs Stop Making Sense with a special event screening on Monday, September 11, at Cineplexâs Scotiabank IMAX Theatre in Toronto. The special IMAX Live 40th anniversary event will include a screening of the film followed by a Q&A, which will be live-streamed from TIFF to select IMAX theatres around the world, and moderated by filmmaker Spike Lee with all four original band members in attendance: David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison.
Stop Making Sense, A24âs recently acquired, groundbreaking Talking Heads concert film, for which A24 has done a complete 4K restoration, will have its World Premiere at TIFF in a globally connected IMAX Live event. The film will have a full theatrical run following the special premiere event, releasing exclusively in IMAX on September 22 and in theatres everywhere on September 29.
âSome people say youâll never find a better concert documentary than Stop Making Sense,â said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. âIâm one of those people. Talking Heads is at the top of their form. Working with Jonathan Demme, they build their performance scene by scene, song by song into a work of pure, cathartic power. Maybe youâve seen it before. But youâve never seen it in IMAX.â
This highly anticipated special event promises to transport audiences into the heart of music history, immersing them in the electrifying performance of the Talking Headsâ legendary 1984 concert film. Directed by the visionary Jonathan Demme and produced by Gary Goetzman (The Silence of the Lambs, Mamma Mia!, Band of Brothers), Stop Making Sense has left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, and its timeless allure continues to captivate new generations.
Tickets for the globally connected IMAX Live events around the world are available at tickets.stopmakingsense.movie and imax.com/stopmakingsense.
Prime Video Original documentary based on the life and career of legendary Canadian childrenâs entertainer Ernie Coombsâor, as he is more commonly known by millions of fans, Mr. Dressup. The documentary celebrates the origins and history of one of Canadaâs most beloved CBC children shows, Mr. Dressup, which enriched the lives of five generations.
The feature-length documentary celebrates the origins and history of Canadaâs favourite childrenâs show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC in Canada.
The documentary will combine never-before-seen archival footage, interviews with series puppeteers, the Coombs family, and other notable Canadians, all sharing the impact the series had on them. The project also includes fascinating insights into Coombs and how he worked with other key creators and partners, including his friendship with Fred Rogers.
The feature length documentary will launch exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide following its festival run. Dates will be announced shortly.
TIFF ’23 screening times:
1st Public *World Premiere* – Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 9:00 PM ET – TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 1
2nd Public – September 10, 2023 – 8:45 PM ET – Scotiabank 3
3rd Public – September 15, 2023 – 11:40 AM ET – Scotiabank 14
The Toronto International Film FestivalÂź Primetime programme has been revealed for 2023, with nine compelling and thought-provoking series from around the world, including eight World Premieres.
âThis yearâs Primetime programme is bigger than ever and gives audiences the exclusive and unmatched opportunity to celebrate the best new international series together, in cinema, on the big screen,â said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. âTIFF audiences will be the first to see the Prime Video series Expats â Lulu Wangâs highly anticipated follow-up to The Farewell, starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji-young Yoo, a Pulitzer Prizeâwinning adaptation from Shawn Levy and Steven Knight, a high-octane Korean thriller, a brand new vision from the creator of Euphoria, an atypical love story between Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough, a contemporary Scandinavian tragedy, and three powerful Canadian series, all spotlighting underrepresented voices from an exciting new wave of storytellers.â
PRIMETIME PROGRAMME
TIFFâs 2023 Primetime programme features compelling series from Canada and around the world.
Alice & Jack Victor Levin, Juho Kuosmanen, Hong Khaou | United Kingdom
World Premiere
North American Sales Title
All the Light We Cannot See Shawn Levy, Steven Knight | USA
World Premiere
Bad Boy Hagar Ben-Asher, Ron Leshem, Daniel Chen, Roee Florentin, Moshe Malka, Amit Cohen, Daniel Amsel | Israel
World Premiere
North American Sales Title
Bargain Byun Seung-min, Jeon Woo-sung | South Korea
North American Premiere
Black Life: Untold Stories Leslie Norville | Canada
World Premiere
Bria Mack Gets A Life Sasha Leigh Henry | Canada
World Premiere
Estonia Miikko Oikkonen | Finland/Sweden/Belgium/Estonia
World Premiere
North American Sales Title
Expats Lulu Wang | USA
World Premiere
Telling Our Story Kim OâBomsawin | Canada
World Premiere â English Language Version
TIFF proudly announces the In Conversation With⊠(ICW) series at this yearâs Festival, featuring talented and acclaimed artists in the world of cinema including Pedro AlmodĂłvar, Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, and Andy Lau. An integral part of our year-round programming, this series connects audiences and film enthusiasts with artists through intimate, moderated discussions about their creative process and experiences. TIFFâs 2023 In Conversation With⊠is presented by Visa.
âTIFFâs 2023 In Conversation With⊠series exemplifies our belief that film can ignite perspectives and fuel transformation,â said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. âWe are delighted to welcome a powerhouse lineup of international iconoclasts from Spain, South Korea, and Hong Kong for film lovers of all genres.â
The 2023 lineup is a global and diverse gathering, weaving together unique perspectives that contribute to shaping the worldwide entertainment landscape. The myriad voices represented in these discussions not only celebrate the richness of human experience but also illuminate compelling emotional narratives and ideas that resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life.
Pedro AlmodĂłvar
A giant of contemporary cinema and the recipient of this yearâs Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Awards, Pedro AlmodĂłvar has delighted audiences with films that are vivid, urgent, and human. At this yearâs Festival, the iconic Academy Awardâwinning writer-director of All About My Mother (1999), Talk to Her (2002), and Pain and Glory (2019) presents the North American premiere of his highly anticipated short film Strange Way of Life, a thoughtful meditation on the relationship between a sheriff (Ethan Hawke) and a rancher (Pedro Pascal) and their shared past. Presented by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and produced by AlmodĂłvarâs production company El Deseo, Strange Way of Life is as stylish and layered as his award-winning feature films, and just as provocative. By interrogating and subverting the western, one of cinemaâs foundational genres, AlmodĂłvar has crafted yet another standout entry in the ever-evolving canon of queer cinema. Following a screening of the film, AlmodĂłvar will join us for an extended onstage conversation about his desire to bring this singular project to the big screen, and how it fits within his vibrant oeuvre.
Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun
As we showcase a remarkable selection of Korean films at this yearâs Festival, we are proud to present an exclusive conversation with Korean superstars Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, who star in the disaster epic Concrete Utopia. Both Lee and Park began their careers in Korean television, with Lee appearing in such popular K-drama series as Tomorrow Love (1992â1994) and Beautiful My Lady (1997) before starring in Park Chan-wookâs international art-house hit Joint Security Area (2000) and Kim Jee-woonâs back-to-back megahits A Bittersweet Life (2005) and The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008). An agile performer who is equally at home in dramatic, comedic, and action roles, Lee has firmly established himself as a global sensation, who effortlessly alternates between Hollywood films such as G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and The Magnificent Seven (2016), Korean blockbusters like I Saw the Devil (2010) and Inside Men (2015), and hit television series including Mr. Sunshine (2018) and Squid Game (2021). Displaying a similarly impressive dramatic and comedic range as a performer, Park Seo-jun starred in several wildly popular K-dramas and sitcoms, including Fight for My Way (2017) and Whatâs Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), and ran away with one of the lead roles in the action-comedy hit Midnight Runners (2017). Park has continued to balance his work between television and film, exemplified by his lead role in the Netflix breakout hit Itaewon Class (2020) and his memorable supporting role as Min-hyuk, who triggers the plot in Bong Joon-Hoâs Academy Awardâwinning class satire Parasite (2019). Before audiences around the world will see him in the highly anticipated The Marvels later this year, Park joins Lee to discuss their respective careers and their collaboration on Concrete Utopia.
Andy Lau
The star of Ning Haoâs The Movie Emperor, Andy Lau has been a leading figure in Asian cinema for the past four decades. Like many of his contemporaries, Lau started out in the early 1980s as an actor for Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kongâs premier television network. He landed his first feature film role in Ann Huiâs Boat People (1982), a central work of the Hong Kong New Wave. In the late 1980s, Lau fully transitioned to working in film and enthralled audiences and critics alike in Wong Kar Waiâs As Tears Go By (1988) and Days of Being Wild (1990). Lau launched his own production company in the early 1990s and has starred in over 160 feature films, including Johnnie Toâs relentless police thriller Running Out of Time (1999), Andrew Lau and Alan Makâs twisty and unpredictable Infernal Affairs (2002) and Infernal Affairs III (2003), Zhang Yimouâs martial arts extravaganza House of Flying Daggers (2004), Tsui Harkâs delirious fantasy whodunit Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010), Huiâs grounded drama A Simple Life (2011), and Frant Gwoâs mega-action blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2 (2023). A natural entertainer and multi-faceted artist, Lau has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor, received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at the 2006 Busan International Film Festival, and holds the Guinness World Record for âMost Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist.â He joins us for an in-depth conversation about his storied career as an actor, producer, and celebrated Cantopop singer-songwriter, as well as his new film The Movie Emperor, which is a Gala Presentation at this yearâs Festival.
Once again, TIFF will be offering TIFF Under-25 Members and TIFF Under-25 Free Pass holders the opportunity to take advantage of the Under-25 Festival Rush Pass. Beginning August 25, for just $29.00 (taxes and fees included), Under-25 Festival Rush Pass holders will get unlimited access to Rush tickets for Festival screenings by joining the Rush lines at all TIFF venues for their chance to see this yearâs most in-demand screenings, including In Conversation With⊠events.
The Under-25 Festival Rush Pass is non-transferable and only available to Under-25 Free Pass holders or TIFF Members under 25 years of age. For more information on how to become an Under-25 Free Pass holder and to purchase the Under-25 Festival Rush Pass, please visit tiff.net/under25.
On Monday, August 21, starting at 10am, Visa Infinite cardholders will be given early access to secure tickets to TIFF 2023. For more information visit tiff.net.
The Toronto International Film FestivalÂź is delighted to announce today the 2023 selection for the Wavelengths and Classics programmes. The 2023 Wavelengths lineup is politically charged, geographically diverse, and formally thrilling, with a wide range of work drawn from the worlds of documentary, contemporary art, and international art-house cinema. Expanded in scale from previous editions, this yearâs Wavelengths boasts 12 feature films and 19 shorts, as well as a suite of four restored early films by the singular Chantal Akerman.
âWavelengths is a testament to the range of cinema celebrated at TIFF,â stated Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. âIt is also evidence that artist-driven experimental films are thriving and growing a new generation of cinephiles.â
âThe increasing necessity to support artists willing to take risks, break rules, and challenge the status quo â especially in our over-saturated media landscape â bears repeating,â said AndrĂ©a Picard, Senior Curator, TIFF. âWavelengths continues to be a celebration of subversion, personal expression, and the vast, inexhaustible capabilities of cinema to enlighten, inspire, awe, resist, disrupt, and propose new ways of seeing and being in the world. With this lineup, we hope to demonstrate how Michael Snowâs legacy of mischief making and formal acumen clearly lives on.â
Highlights of the programme include the World Premiere of He Thought He Died, from Canadian artist and filmmaker Isiah Medina, who returns to the Festival with an experimental, deconstructed take on the heist film. Also returning is luminary filmmaker Angela Schanelec with Music, a retelling of the Oedipus myth set between contemporary Greece and Germany; and Denis CĂŽtĂ© with Mademoiselle Kenopsia, the latest in the filmmakerâs rich creative collaboration with the talented actor Larissa Corriveau.
Wavelengths also welcomes a number of fiction debuts, including Rosine Mbakamâs Mambar Pierrette, an understated and finely calibrated portrait of a Cameroonian seamstress that builds upon the filmmakerâs formidable documentary background. Also featured is PháșĄm ThiĂȘn nâs contemplative Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, winner of the CamĂ©ra dâOr at this yearâs Cannes.
Non-fiction remains an important mode of artistic expression, with works ranging from Youth (Spring), the latest triumph from master filmmaker Wang Bing, shot over several years in a Zhili textile factory, to personal essay films from Miko Revereza (Nowhere Near) and Brazilian auteur Kleber Mendonça Filho (Pictures of Ghosts), as well as Paul B. Preciadoâs award-winning Orlando, My Political Biography, a rousing, playful take on Virginia Woolfâs classic novel and a daring, joyous celebration of trans life, past and present.
Filmmakers remain ever eager to scrutinize and challenge the current state of our world, as seen in Radu Judeâs scathing and hilarious satire, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World, and Eduardo Williamsâ much-anticipated The Human Surge 3, a dizzying deconstruction of borders, gender, and language shot between Peru, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan using 360° cameras.
Short film highlights include World Premieres from filmmakers Jorge JĂĄcome, Philipp Fleischmann, Joshua Gen Solondz, Steve Reinke, Shambhavi Kaul, Simon Liu, Tomonari Nishikawa, and Erica Sheu, as well as notable new work from Rose Lowder, Maryam Tafakory, JaâTovia Gary, Viktoria Schmid, Blake Williams, Pedro Costa, and Jean-Luc Godard.
Wavelengths is curated by Senior TIFF curator AndreÌa Picard and Jesse Cumming, who this year is taking on the new role of Associate Curator. The programme also includes feature film contributions from members of TIFFâs international programming team â namely Giovanna Fulvi, June Kim, Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, and Norm Wilner.
The Wavelengths programme is named after Michael Snowâs iconic 1967 film Wavelength, and draws continued inspiration from the artistâs boundless exploration, experimentation, and innovation across media. TIFF honoured and celebrated Snow earlier this year at TIFF Bell Lightbox, after his passing in January at the age of 94, and the 2023 Wavelengths programme is dedicated to his memory.
This yearâs concise Classics lineup, supported by Ontario Creates and Canada Council for the Arts, presents films that were previously unavailable for decades, films that have been rescued and painstakingly pieced together in new restorations, and a 50th anniversary tribute to Djibril Diop MambĂ©tyâs Touki Bouki.
Films featured in the Classics lineup include the 4K uncut restoration of Chen Kaigeâs provocative 1993 Palme dâOr winner Farewell My Concubine. This screening will be the first opportunity for North American audiences to see the film ahead of its North American theatrical release. With new 4K restoration and remastered sound,* Canadian producer-director Brigitte Bermanâs Oscar-winning feature documentary Artie Shaw: Time Is All Youâve Got (1985) â portraying the life of the restless and gifted clarinettist and bandleader â returns to the screen in a World Premiere presentation. Confined to decades of oblivion and newly made available is Jacques Rivetteâs legendary New Wave film, Lâamour fou (1969), whose original celluloid elements were damaged in a fire. A special 50th anniversary screening of Touki Bouki (1973), from Sengalese luminary Djibril Diop MambeÌty, will include a panel discussion moderated by Tambay A. Obenson, Akoroko Founder and CEO, with special guests. Rounding out the programme is Ousmane SembĂšneâs Xala (1975), presented in 4K, a landmark satire of patriarchy and class in post-independence Senegal. Classics is curated by Robyn Citizen, Director of Programming and Platform Lead, with contributions from AndrĂ©a Picard.
2023 Wavelengths programme:
WAVELENGTHS FEATURES
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World Radu Jude | Romania/Luxembourg/France/Croatia
North American Premiere
Here Bas Devos | Belgium
North American Premiere
The Human Surge 3 Eduardo Williams | Argentina/Portugal/Brazil/Netherlands/Taiwan/Hong Kong/Sri Lanka/Peru
North American Premiere
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell PháșĄm ThiĂȘn n | Vietnam/Singapore/France/Spain
North American Premiere
Mademoiselle Kenopsia Denis CÎté | Canada
North American Premiere
Mambar Pierrette Rosine Mbakam | Belgium/Cameroon
North American Premiere
Music Angela Schanelec | Germany/France/Serbia
North American Premiere
Luminaries
Nowhere Near Miko Revereza | Philippines
North American Premiere
Orlando, My Political Biography Paul B. Preciado | France
Canadian Premiere
Pictures of Ghosts Kleber Mendonça Filho | Brazil
North American Premiere
Youth (Spring) Wang Bing | France/Luxembourg/Netherlands
North American Premiere
Luminaries
WAVELENGTHS PAIRINGS
He Thought He Died Isiah Medina | Canada
World Premiere
preceded by
Laberint Sequences Blake Williams | Canada
North American Premiere
WAVELENGTHS SHORTS
Wavelengths 1: Quiet as Itâs Kept
Borrowing its title from JaâTovia Garyâs latest film, this programme invites and encourages alternate modes of seeing â through queer abstraction, repurposed fragments, and imagined memories â as well as new forms of listening: to others, to ourselves, and to the natural world.
Bouquets 31-40 Rose Lowder | France
Canadian Premiere
Film Sculpture (1) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere
Film Sculpture (2) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere
Film Sculpture (4) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere
Film Sculpture (3) Philipp Fleischmann | Austria
World Premiere
It follows It passes on Erica Sheu | Taiwan/USA
World Premiere
Mast-del Maryam Tafakory | United Kingdom/Iran
North American Premiere
Shrooms Jorge JĂĄcome | Portugal
World Premiere
Quiet as Itâs Kept JaâTovia Gary | USA
International Premiere
Wavelengths 2: Sundown
With sensory delights, overloads, and mysteries, this programme probes the hallucinatory underpinnings of the world around us and its layered, incongruous temporalities.
Letâs Talk Simon Liu | Hong Kong
World Premiere
Light, Noise, Smoke, and Light, Noise, Smoke Tomonari Nishikawa | Japan
World Premiere
NYC RGB Viktoria Schmid | Austria/USA
Canadian Premiere
Slow Shift Shambhavi Kaul | India/USA
World Premiere
Sundown Steve Reinke | USA/Canada/Austria
World Premiere
We Donât Talk Like We Used To Joshua Gen Solondz | USA/Japan/Hong Kong
World Premiere
Wavelengths 3: Outlines â Akerman/Costa/Godard
Bookended by a recently discovered and restored suite of Chantal Akermanâs first cinema forays and the legendary Jean-Luc Godardâs final testament, alongside the latest mesmerizing film by Pedro Costa, this special programme pays tribute to a trio of iconic artists and their intoxicating, enticing approach to sketches and outlines as a means of expression.
Chantal Akerman: Her First Look Behind the Camera Chantal Akerman | Belgium
North American Premiere
The Daughters of Fire Pedro Costa | Portugal
North American Premiere
Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: Phony Wars Jean-Luc Godard | France/Switzerland
North American Premiere
2023 Classics programme:
TIFF Classics is a cinematic legacy celebrating luminary auteurs, filmmakers, and cinematographers for the novice filmgoer and cinephiles alike.
Artie Shaw: Time Is All Youâve Got Brigitte Berman | Canada
Farewell My Concubine Chen Kaige | China/Hong Kong
Lâamour fou Jacques Rivette | France
Touki Bouki Djibril Diop Mambéty | Senegal
Xala Ousmane SembĂšne | Senegal
*The restoration of Artie Shaw: Time Is All Youâve Got was overseen by Berman with the generous financial support of Donald Hicks, and made possible through Canadian Cinema â Reignited, a Telefilm Canada initiative, in partnership with TIFF. It will enter the TIFF Film and Reference Library archive, making it available for generations to come. The Telefilm Canada initiative was developed to reinforce the importance of Canadian films in cinemas, festivals, and on digital platforms, and to support the curation, digitization, and preservation of influential Canadian feature films.
TIFF is proud to announce this yearâs Centrepiece programme presented by Indeed featuring 47 titles from filmmakers representing 45 countries. The programme, previously known as Contemporary World Cinema (CWC), honours and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films.
âWe are very excited to present the new Centrepiece programme, a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the art of human experience,â said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. âThe rebranding of the TIFF programme, formerly Contemporary World Cinema, is a reflection of the Festivalâs vision to provide an elevated platform for international cinema, acclaimed titles from festivals around the globe, highly anticipated premieres from Canadian and international talents, and the latest work of influential filmmaking luminaries.â
TIFF is also delighted to present the additional lineup of recently confirmed Galas, Special Presentations, and Documentaries.
CENTREPIECE PROGRAMME 2023
100 Yards Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng | China
International Premiere
About Dry Grasses (Kuru Otlar ĂstĂŒne) Nuri Bilge Ceylan | Turkey/France/Germany/Sweden
North American Premiere
Luminaries
A Happy Day Hisham Zaman | Norway/Denmark
World Premiere
A Ravaging Wind (El Viento Que Arrasa) Paula HernĂĄndez | Argentina/Uruguay
World Premiere
A Road to A Village (à€à€Ÿà€ à€à€à€à„ à€Źà€Ÿà€à„) Nabin Subba | Nepal
World Premiere
Banel & Adama (Banel e Adama) Ramata-Toulaye Sy | France/Senegal/Mali
North American Premiere
Chuck Chuck Baby Janis Pugh | United Kingdom
International Premiere
City of Wind (ŃŃŃ ŃŃŃ ŃĐ°Đ»Ń
Đž) Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir | France/Mongolia/Portugal/Netherlands/Qatar/Germany
North American Premiere
Close Your Eyes (Cerrar Los Ojos) VĂctor Erice | Spain/Argentina
North American Premiere
Luminaries
Death of a Whistleblower Ian Gabriel | South Africa
World Premiere
Fallen Leaves (Kuolleet lehdet) Aki KaurismÀki | Finland/Germany
Canadian Premiere
Luminaries
Fitting In Molly McGlynn | Canada
Canadian Premiere
Sloan Science on Film Showcase, supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Green Border (Zielona Granica) Agnieszka Holland | Poland/Czech Republic/France/Belgium
North American Premiere
Luminaries
Hey, Viktor! Cody Lightning | Canada
Canadian Premiere
Holiday Edoardo Gabbriellini | Italy
World Premiere
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant) Ariane Louis-Seize | Canada
North American Premiere
I Do Not Come To You By Chance Ishaya Bako | Nigeria
World Premiere
In Flames Zarrar Kahn | Canada/Pakistan
North American Premiere
Inshallah a Boy (Inshallah Walad) Amjad Al Rasheed | Jordan/France/Saudi Arabia/Qatar/Egypt
North American Premiere
Irenaâs Vow Louise Archambault | Canada/Poland
World Premiere
Jeâvida Katja Gauriloff | Finland
Canadian Premiere
Kanaval Henri Pardo | Canada/Luxembourg
World Premiere
Limbo Ivan Sen | Australia
North American Premiere
Lost Ladies (Laapataa Ladies) Kiran Rao | India
World Premiere
Mountains Monica Sorelle | USA
International Premiere
National Anthem Luke Gilford | USA
International Premiere
Perfect Days Wim Wenders | Japan
Canadian Premiere
Robot Dreams Pablo Berger | Spain/France
North American Premiere
Shadow of Fire Shinya Tsukamoto | Japan
North American Premiere
Shayda Noora Niasari | Australia
Canadian Premiere
Sira Apolline Traoré | Burkina Faso/Senegal/France/Germany
North American Premiere
Snow Leopard (Xue Bao) Pema Tseden | China
North American Premiere
Sweet Dreams Ena SendijareviÄ | Netherlands/ Sweden/ Indonesia/France
North American Premiere
The Breaking Ice Anthony Chen | China
North American Premiere
The Delinquents Rodrigo Moreno | Argentina/Brazil/Luxembourg/Chile
North American Premiere
The Feeling That the Time for Something Has Passed Joanna Arnow | USA
North American Premiere
The Monk and the Gun Pawo Choyning Dorji | Bhutan/France/USA/Taiwan
International Premiere
The Nature of Love (Simple Comme Sylvain) Monia Chokri | Canada/France
North American Premiere
The Reeds (Son Hasat) Cemil AÄacıkoÄlu | Turkey/Bulgaria
World Premiere
The Settlers (Los Colonos) Felipe GĂĄlvez Haberle | Chile/Argentina/France/Denmark/United Kingdom/Taiwan/Sweden/Germany
North American Premiere
The Teachersâ Lounge Ilker Ăatak | Germany
North American Premiere
They Shot the Piano Player (Dispararon Al Pianista) Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal | Spain/France
Canadian Premiere
Toll (PedĂĄgio) Carolina Markowicz | Brazil/Portugal
World Premiere
Upon Open Sky (A Cielo Abierto) Mariana Arriaga, Santiago Arriaga | Mexico/Spain
North American Premiere
We Grown Now Minhal Baig | USA
World Premiere
Woodland (WALD) Elisabeth Scharang | Austria
World Premiere
Your Motherâs Son (Anak Ka Ng Ina Mo) Jun Robles Lana | Philippines
World Premiere
GALAS
A Normal Family Hur Jin-ho | South Korea
World Premiere
Finestkind Brian Helgeland | USA
World Premiere
Smugglers Ryoo Seung-wan | South Korea
North American Premiere
Thank You For Coming Karan Boolani | India
World Premiere
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Daddio Christy Hall | United States
International Premiere
El Sabor de la Navidad Alejandro Lozano | Mexico
World Premiere
Evil Does Not Exist Ryûsuke Hamaguchi | Japan
North American Premiere
Quiz Lady Jessica Yu | USA
World Premiere
Ru Charles-Olivier Michaud | Canada
World Premiere
The Movie Teller Lone Scherfig | Spain/France/Chile
World Premiere
The Promised Land Nikolaj Arcel | Denmark/Germany/Sweden
Canadian Premiere
DOCUMENTARY
I am Sirat A collaboration between Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja | Canada
World Premiere
Today, the Toronto International Film FestivalÂź announced this yearâs Short Cuts lineup, supported by Ontario Arts Council, showcasing 42 live action narrative, documentary, and animated shorts by a groundbreaking group of filmmakers representing 23 countries. More than half of this yearâs selections are directed or co-directed by female and female-identifying filmmakers. TIFF alumni directors with new films at Short Cuts include Yann Demange, Jasmin Mozaffari, Miryam Charles, Farnoosh Samadi, Halima Ouardiri, Renee Zhan, Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, and the team of Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan. Among the directors with short films at the Festival for the first time are Malia Ann and Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis. Among the notable performers in this yearâs slate of new shorts are Riz Ahmed (DAMMI) and Kaniehtiio Horn (Redlights).
A robust selection of new animated short films will be showcased in the programme this year. Animated films in Short Cuts include the North American Premieres of 27, recipient of the Short Film Palme dâOr at this yearâs Cannes Film Festival, and Electra, director Daria Kashcheevaâs stunning follow-up to Daughter, an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Short and a Short Cuts selection in 2019. Three animated shorts at this yearâs Festival are This is TMI by Indiaâs Subarna Dash and Vidushi Gupta, Mboa Matanda by Cameroonâs Jules Kalla Eyango, and Aphasia by Canadaâs Marielle DalpĂ©.
Along with remarkable new works by international filmmakers, Short Cuts includes 19 selections by Canadian filmmakers, including World Premieres of films by Marni Van Dyk (This is Not About Swimming), Eva Thomas (Redlights), Karsten Wall (Modern Goose), and Ivan D. Ossa (Express).
âWe are thrilled to be able to present such a diverse array of incredible new works by emergent and established film talents from all over the world,â said Short Cuts lead programmer Jason Anderson. âWe were knocked out by the level of craft and ingenuity in these films, as well as the boldness displayed by so many filmmakers as they explore subjects and themes that couldnât be timelier or more personal. Thatâs especially true of the films weâre grateful to present that are by female and female-identifying filmmakers, which comprise nearly 60 percent of this yearâs selection.â
Short Cuts is also the first place where TIFF audiences discovered many of world cinemaâs most acclaimed filmmakers, including such recent breakout talents as Charlotte Wells (Aftersun), Saim Sadiq (Joyland), and Luis De Filippis (Something You Said Last Night). Short Cuts alumni directors with first features at this yearâs Festival include Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams) and Nora El Hourch (Sisterhood).
The 2023 Short Cuts lineup includes 21 World Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, and 5 International Premieres presented in 19 different languages, with a breadth of new and unique perspectives.
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 1
DAMMI Yann Mounir Demange | France
North American Premiere
La Perra Carla Melo Gampert | Colombia/France
North American Premiere
Been There Corina Schwingruber IliÄ | Switzerland
International Premiere
Primetime Mother Sonny Calvento | Philippines/Singapore
World Premiere
Meteor Atefeh Khademolreza | Canada
World Premiere
Nun or Never! Heta JÀÀlinoja | Finland
North American Premiere
Gabyâs Hills ZoĂ© Pelchat | Canada
North American Premiere
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 2
FĂĄr Gunnur MartinsdĂłttir SchlĂŒter | Iceland
North American Premiere
The Skates Halima Ouardiri | Canada
World Premiere
Bloom Kasey Lum | Canada
World Premiere
Nada de todo esto Francisco CantĂłn, Patricio MartĂnez | Argentina/Spain/USA
North American Premiere
1001 Nights Rea RajÄiÄ | Croatia
World Premiere
Redlights Eva Thomas | Canada
World Premiere
Electra Daria Kashcheeva | Czech Republic/France/Slovakia
North American Premiere
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 3
This is TMI Subarna Dash, Vidushi Gupta | India
International Premiere
Titanic, Suitable Version for Iranian Families Farnoosh Samadi | Iran/France
World Premiere
All the Days of May Miryam Charles | Canada
Canadian Premiere
Bird Ana Cristina BarragĂĄn | Ecuador/Spain
World Premiere
Aftercare Anubha Momin | Canada
World Premiere
Shé (Snake) Renee Zhan | United Kingdom
World Premiere
Human Resources Trinidad Plass Caussade, Titouan Tillier, Isaac Wenzek | France
Canadian Premiere
Making Babies Eric K. Boulianne | Canada
North American Premiere
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 4
Alberto and the Beast John Paul Lopez-Ali | USA
World Premiere
Mboa Matanda Jules Kalla Eyango | Cameroon
World Premiere
Mothers and Monsters Edith Jorisch | Canada
World Premiere
Express Ivan D. Ossa | Canada
World Premiere
Baigal Nuur – Lake Baikal Alisi Telengut | Germany/Canada
North American Premiere
The Passing Ivete Lucas, Patrick Xavier Bresnan | USA
North American Premiere
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 5
WOACA Mackenzie Davis | United Kingdom
World Premiere
A Bird Called Memory Leonardo Martinelli | Brazil/United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Sawo Matang Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto | Canada/Indonesia/USA
World Premiere
Aphasia Marielle Dalpé | Canada
World Premiere
Ever Since, I Have Been Flying Aylin Gökmen | Switzerland
International Premiere
I Used to Live There Ryan McKenna | Canada
North American Premiere
This is Not About Swimming Marni Van Dyk | Canada
World Premiere
SHORT CUTS PROGRAMME 6
27 FlĂłra Anna Buda | France/Hungary
North American Premiere
Xie Xie, Ollie James Michael Chiang | Canada
World Premiere
The Heart Malia Ann | USA
International Premiere
6 Minutes Per Kilometer Catherine Boivin | Canada
Toronto Premiere
Modern Goose Karsten Wall | Canada
World Premiere
Sheephead Spencer Creigh | USA
International Premiere
Motherland Jasmin Mozaffari | Canada
World Premiere
TIFF is delighted to announce Sly as the Closing Night Gala for the 48th edition of the Festival. A vivid exploration of an illustrious life woven through the silver screen, this remarkable documentary about actor, writer, director, and producer Sylvester Stallone will have its World Premiere on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Roy Thomson Hall.
âStalloneâs story is one of perseverance, triumph, and his indelible mark left on the world of film, and we couldnât be more honoured to share it with our audiences as our Closing Night film,â said Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO. âCelebrating the legacy of a true icon, Sly takes audiences on an intimate journey through the life of Stallone, a cultural touchstone whose impact on cinema spans nearly half a century. Sly offers an unexpected and heartfelt exploration of the man behind the action megastar.â
Directed by Thom Zimny (Springsteen on Broadway, Elvis Presley: The Searcher), Sly is an intimate and unexpected look at the early life of the action megastar as well as a reflection on his career that spans nearly 50 years.
Sly shows Stalloneâs rough beginnings in New York City as a troubled kid whoâd escape his angry household to watch movies all day and then come home to write scripts himself. Zimny leads Stallone through his rollercoaster career, which exploded when Rocky â a role he had to fight to play, despite having written the now iconic movie â catapulted him to a level of stardom for which he was entirely unprepared.
The documentary takes this storied filmography and juxtaposes it with Stalloneâs personal journey, exploring how his inspirational underdog story informed both the indelible characters he has brought to life and the man
he has become. There are highs and there are lows. There are regrets and there are triumphs. But Stallone has kept punching.
Lovingly deemed a legend of the action genre, Sylvester Stallone gained international acclaim with his portrayal of Rocky and Rambo, with both projects becoming highly successful franchises over multiple decades. Other film credits include Demolition Man, Cliffhanger, Cop Land, Escape Plan, and more recently The Expendables and Creed, which earned Stallone an Academy Award nomination in 2016. Stallone currently stars in the hit series Tulsa King, which has been renewed for a second season.
The film is produced by Sean Stuart, and executive produced by Braden Aftergood, Bill Zanker, Sam Delcanto, Jon Beyer, Tom Forman, Jenny Daly, and Stallone.
Sly will officially close the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2023.
Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, is delighted to announce the first honourees of this yearâs Tribute Awards: Academy AwardÂźâwinning directors and legends Pedro AlmodĂłvar and Spike Lee. One of the worldâs foremost filmmakers and provocative storytellers, AlmodĂłvar will receive the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant, and Lee, a cultural icon who has influenced generations of filmmakers, will receive the TIFF Ebert Director Award. The 2023 Tribute Awards presented by Bulgari will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2023 during the 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival at Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Now in its fifth year, the TIFF Tribute Awards have served as an awards-season bellwether, with past honourees Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, and ChloĂ© Zhao going on to win awards on the international stage.
âItâs a true thrill to acknowledge Pedro AlmodĂłvar as the distinguished recipient of the Jeff Skoll Impact Media Award for 2023,â stated Bailey. âPedro has been coming to TIFF for years, and each time is better than the time before. His artistic vision, bold storytelling, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinema have had a profound impact. He challenges societal norms, champions diversity, and illuminates the human experience with sensitivity and grace. We applaud his contributions to cinema and celebrate his ability to inspire and provoke audiences worldwide.â
The Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant recognizes leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema. Past recipients honoured in the prestigious category include Buffy Sainte-Marie in 2022, Alanis Obomsawin in 2021, and Mira Nair in 2020.
âThe TIFF Ebert Director Award recognizes filmmakers who have exemplified greatness in their career,â continued Bailey. âA foremost storyteller of our era, Spikeâs body of work from Sheâs Gotta Have It, to Do the Right Thing, to Moâ Better Blues, to his most recent film at TIFF 2020, American Utopia, Spike has inspired audiences and made a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking.â
Named after legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the Award has gone to celebrated visionaries such as Martin Scorsese, Claire Denis, Ava DuVernay, Wim Wenders, and the late AgnÚs Varda. Past recipients who received the Award since the TIFF Tribute Awards were introduced include Sam Mendes (2022), Denis Villeneuve (2021), Chloé Zhao (2020), and Taika Waititi (2019).
Bulgari returns as a major sponsor and official jewellery partner of this yearâs Toronto International Film Festival, also presenting the Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award at the 2023 Tribute Awards. The partnership between TIFF and Bulgari highlights a shared commitment to arts and culture.
The Awards night serves as TIFFâs largest annual fundraiser, having raised $1.3 million in 2022. This year, the Tribute Awards gala will support the Viola Desmond Cinema campaign, which was launched through the Every Story Fund in 2022. For more information visit tiff.net/tribute.
Pedro AlmodĂłvar Biography
Pedro AlmodĂłvar was born in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain and left for Madrid at 17 to study cinema and direct film, but it became impossible when the National School of Cinema (in Madrid) was closed by the Franco government. As a result, AlmdĂłvar was [mostly] self-taught, making a number of short films from 1974â1978. His first feature film, Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap, debuted in 1980. He launched his production company El Deseo with his brother AgustĂn in 1986, and has since produced, written, and directed his own and other directorsâ films. Some of his films have been adapted into plays (All About My Mother) and even into musicals (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown). The Oscar-winning filmmaker has received numerous accolades over his five-decade career, including one of Spainâs top prizes for outstanding achievement, the Prince of Asturias Award (2006), and honourary degrees from Harvard University (2009) and Oxford University (2016).
Spike Lee Biography
Spike Lee is a graduate of Morehouse College, Class of 1979, with a B.A. in Mass Communications. He also is a Graduate of the Numero Uno, NYU Graduate Film School, and a classmate of Ernest Dickerson and Ang Lee 1982. He is also a tenured Film Professor and Artistic Director at NYU Graduate Film School.
The Toronto International Film FestivalÂź is thrilled to announce the 2023 selections for the Discovery and Midnight Madness programmes. The infamous Midnight Madness lineup features 10 titles, 7 of which are World Premieres. The Discovery lineup, which primarily boasts World and International Premieres, includes 26 titles. Notably, 13 female filmmakers representing 50% of the total programme are featured in this yearâs Discovery programme.
Midnight Madness and Discovery provide a cornucopia of original and unexpected work. Midnight Madness is a fan favourite, iconoclastic programme highlighting the weird and the wicked, while the Discovery programme offers a window to contemporary international cinema and introduces the public to first and second feature films from gifted new filmmakers.
âWeâre excited to be showcasing new voices, audacious vision, and genre-bending cinema,â said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. âTIFFâs Discovery and Midnight Madness programmes for 2023 will once again prove to be the ultimate destination for tastemakers and experience seekers.â
MIDNIGHT MADNESS PROGRAMME 2023
âSides will be split â both figuratively and literally (on screen) â as Midnight Madness returns to the Royal Alexandra Theatre with another stimulating concoction of unpredictable shock and âyâarr!â cinema,â said Peter Kuplowsky, TIFF International Programmer, Midnight Madness. âFeaturing two timely satiric provocations from Saudi Arabia (NAGA) and Serbia (Working Class Goes to Hell) â nations that are making their section debut â this yearâs madness infectiously ignites with 11 oâclock numbers that go all the way to midnight courtesy of Larry Charlesâ bonkers and bawdy Dicks: The Musical. A menagerie of tastes will be sated, so bottoms up!â
AGGRO DR1FT Harmony Korine | USA
North American Premiere
Boy Kills World Moritz Mohr | Germany/South Africa/USA
World Premiere
OPENING FILM
Dicks: The Musical Larry Charles | USA
World Premiere
Hell of a Summer Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk | USA/Canada
World Premiere
KILL Nikhil Nagesh Bhat | India
World Premiere
NAGA Meshal Aljaser | Saudi Arabia
World Premiere
CLOSING FILM
Riddle of Fire Weston Razooli | USA
North American Premiere
Sleep Jason Yu | South Korea
North American Premiere
When Evil Lurks DemiĂĄn Rugna | Argentina
World Premiere
Working Class Goes to Hell Mladen ÄorÄeviÄ | Serbia
World Premiere
DISCOVERY PROGRAMME 2023
âThe Discovery section, which is curated by a brilliant team of international programmers, is an integral part of TIFF,â stated Dorota Lech, TIFF Lead Programmer, Discovery, & International Programmer for Central, Eastern, & Southern Europe, the Caucasus, Iran, & Turkey. âIt is a bold and exciting showcase of cinema and emerging talent from around the world, and we are honoured to highlight new and distinctive voices from artists creating their first or second feature on our global stage. This yearâs programme of 26 titles includes films from 25 countries, accounting for international co-productions and local talent.â
Achilles Farhad Delaram | Iran/Germany/France
World Premiere
After the fire Mehdi Fikri | France
World Premiere
A Match (Sthal) Jayant Digambar Somalkar | India
World Premiere
Andragogy Wregas Bhanuteja | Indonesia/Singapore
World Premiere
An Endless Sunday Alain Parroni | Italy/Germany/Ireland
International Premiere
Arthur&Diana Sara Summa | Germany
World Premiere
Backspot D.W. Waterson | Canada
World Premiere
Frybread Face and Me Billy Luther | USA
International Premiere
OPENING FILM
Gonzo Girl Patricia Arquette | USA
World Premiere
Hajjan Abu Bakr Shawky | Saudi Arabia/Egypt/Jordan
World Premiere
How to Have Sex Molly Manning Walker | United Kingdom
North American Premiere
I Donât Know Who You Are M. H. Murray | Canada
World Premiere
La Suprema Felipe HolguĂn Caro | Colombia
World Premiere
Mandoob Ali Kalthami | Saudi Arabia
World Premiere
Mimang Kim Taeyang | South Korea
World Premiere
Seagrass Meredith Hama-Brown | Canada
World Premiere
Solitude Ninna PĂĄlmadĂłttir | Iceland/Slovakia/France
World Premiere
Tautuktavuk (What We See) Carol Kunnuk, Lucy Tulugarjuk | Canada
World Premiere
The Teacher Farah Nabulsi | United Kingdom/Palestine/Qatar
World Premiere
The Tundra Within Me (Eallugierdi) Sara Margrethe Oskal | Norway
World Premiere
The Queen of My Dreams Fawzia Mirza | Canada
World Premiere
Valentina or the Serenity (Valentina o la serenidad) Ăngeles Cruz | Mexico
World Premiere
Widow Clicquot Thomas Napper | France
World Premiere
Wild Woman AlĂĄn GonzĂĄlez | Cuba
World Premiere
Without Air Katalin Moldovai | Hungary
World Premiere
Yellow Bus Wendy Bednarz | United Arab Emirates
World Premiere
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