#FIRSTLOOK: DISNEY+ DAY 2022 ANNOUNCEMENTS UNVEILED

Leading into D23 Expo, Disney+ have announced exciting new releases, products and experiences to arrive globally.on Disney+ Day, September 8, 2022,

New titles include Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return,” “Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances,” “Tierra Incógnita,” the “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs, and “Welcome to the Club,” a new short from The Simpsons.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will join in the Disney+ Day festivities with perks for subscribers including early entry to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, celebratory photo opportunities, entertainment, culinary delights, and more.

Disney+ Day Content Premieres:

The Disney+ Day lineup will feature anticipated global premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Simpsons, and more. In addition to the previously announced “Pinocchio,” a new episode of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” “Cars on the Road,” “Growing Up,” and ““Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” the new content coming to the service will include:

“Thor: Love and Thunder”
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – one of self-discovery. But his efforts are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” joins 15 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+. With IMAX Enhanced, subscribers can enjoy IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio at home, which provides up to 26 percent more picture for an immersive viewing experience. (No additional cost or device required. Content availability varies by region.) More information about IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is available here.

“Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder”
Settle in with the likes of Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, and Tessa Thompson, as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of Thor: Love and Thunder. Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, ASSEMBLED pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return”
With never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage, colorful personal stories and meaningful moments, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” showcases the making of Lucasfilm’s original limited series for Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” an epic story that begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” This insightful documentary from Lucasfilm and Supper Club explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen—and Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their respective classic roles. Director Deborah Chow, cast and crew reflect on their journey to tell a new story with iconic Star Wars characters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader and Princess Leia, while introducing new heroes and villains into the saga along the way. Complete with visits to the creature shop, props department and more, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” features the side of filmmaking that makes Star Wars so unique—the respect and passion for the generation-spanning legacy and the beloved characters.

“Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs
Disney+ will release new Sing-Along versions of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” As subscribers watch the Sing-Along version of these films, they will be able to fully immerse themselves in the music with on-screen lyrics.

“Welcome to the Club” (a new short from The Simpsons)
Heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.

“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances”
“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances” is a look back on the 20 most memorable dances of thirty seasons of Dancing with the Stars’ chosen by the Pro-Dancers. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, and Brandon Armstrong, we’ll see them countdown to their most unforgettable performance – highlighting everything from the best Mirrorball-winning performances over the years, to iconic opening numbers, Emmy-winning dances, and unforgettable celebrity mishaps. It all leads up to season 31 premiering live only on Disney+. Dancing with the Stars is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions.

“Tierra Incógnita” (Original Series Produced in Latin America)
“Tierra Incógnita” follows Eric Dalaras (Pedro Maurizi), a teenager who discovers a hair-raising world while searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his parents eight years before. Raised by his maternal grandparents along with his sister Uma (Mora Fisz), Eric decides to run away from home and go back to his childhood town, Cabo Qwert, to find answers where his parents were last seen: the Tierra Incógnita horror theme park. Together with his friends, his sister and his aunt, Eric must overcome his fears in order to find answers and solve the mystery in a dark and unfamiliar world.

Previously announced titles include:

“Pinocchio”
Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood-carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman.

“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” (New episodes streaming Thursdays)
In Marvel Studios’ “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany)—an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases—must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode comedy series welcomes a host of MCU vets, including Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong, as well as Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jameela Jamil, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5, 6, 7) with Jessica Gao as head writer. Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Kar Coiro and Jessica Gao.

“Cars on the Road”
The series follows Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters. “Cars on the Road” is produced by Marc Sondheimer. The series’ episodes are directed by Steve Purcell (Eps 1, 2, 8), Bobby Podesta (Eps 5, 6, 9) and Brian Fee (Eps 3, 4, 7). Composer Jake Monaco created the score for all nine episodes.

“Growing Up”
Created by Brie Larson and Culture.House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through ten compelling coming of age stories. From Disney Branded Television, the series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person, or “hero,” and their experience growing up. Each episode is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows our heroes to walk us through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring their major inflection points to life.

“Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory”
The face of a new generation of aspirational adventurers and natural history filmmakers, 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on epic and nail-biting journeys that push into the most spectacular and secretive corners of our wild world. Armed with leading-edge film technology, the Disney+ original series “Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” from National Geographic, breaks the mold of the traditional natural history program by telling extraordinary, real-life animal stories and taking viewers with him for every beat of the action. For weeks at a time, the charismatic BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer immerses himself into the animals’ lives to capture the untold stories of iconic creatures living in some of the harshest environments on our planet. This season, we will see Bertie braving the icy worlds of Antarctica in search of the biggest gathering of whales ever filmed and coming face-to-face with specialist buffalo-hunting lions in Zambia. In this multipart adventure series, he will take audiences on an ambitious odyssey across the globe, showcasing the natural world at a time when it faces its greatest challenges.

Disney Theme Parks, Experiences, and Products Celebrate Disney+ Day:

In celebration of Disney+ Day, guests at Disney theme parks will discover new ways to “plus” up their experience with special offerings and fan-favorite fun. On September 8, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will usher in the festivities with Disney+-inspired character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and more. Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are once again invited to enter the theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort 30 minutes before regular park open on September 8. Subscribers will also enjoy complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital download(s) at select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Disneyland Resort theme parks that day.*

Fans are invited to join the celebrations digitally by stepping up their selfie game with Disney PhotoPass Lenses for Disney+ Day. These new limited-time lenses will be available to those celebrating in the parks or at home in the U.S. through Snapchat and the My Disney Experience app.

Disneyland Paris will delight guests with new surprises including special entertainment, dedicated photo opportunities and a blue-themed dessert on September 8. For more fanfare, Disney+ subscribers* and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are invited for the first time to enter Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris at 9:00am (30 minutes before regular park opening) only on September 8, 2022. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on September 10.

During the Aug. 29-Sept. 5 Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise, Members aboard the Disney Wonder will be treated to special gifts from Disney+ and 9 exclusive shows and experiences supporting current and upcoming Disney+ programming.

Around the world, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing will also be celebrating Disney+ Day. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details on how to join in on the fun.

*Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to enter early and to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival.

This year, Disney+ Day will lead into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA that runs from Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11.

#TIFF22: BRENDAN FRASER TO BE HONOURED AT 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Brendan Fraser is on the verge of a major comeback! The star of TIFF ’22 selection THE WHALE will receive the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance for his outstanding performance in The Whale. The TIFF Tribute Awards presented by BVLGARI will return to an in-person gala fundraiser during the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 11 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The TIFF Tribute Award for Performance is presented by IMDbPro.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Fraser has received recognition for his work by both critics and his peers. Known for playing Rick O’Connell in The Mummy trilogy, Fraser has gone on to star in many projects in both television and film. Fraser will make his return to Toronto with Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, which will have its North American Premiere at this year’s Festival.

“Brendan Fraser gives a performance of staggering depth, power, and nuance in The Whale,” said Bailey, TIFF CEO. “This former Torontonian has been an action star, a screen comic, and a romantic lead. We’re thrilled to welcome him home as the actor behind one of the finest performances of the year.”

Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale tells the story of a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. The A24 film is based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter and also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton. It is being distributed in Canada by Elevation Pictures.

The TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by IMDbPro to Fraser is one of two acting awards being handed out. These two awards recognize an outstanding performance by either an individual or ensemble in the now gender-neutral acting category. Fraser joins the recently announced recipients of the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by Polestar, the ensemble of My Policeman. Past recipients honoured in the prestigious acting category were Jessica Chastain and Benedict Cumberbatch in 2021; Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2020; and Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix in 2019.

Also joining the list of 2022 TIFF Tribute Award honourees Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Sam Mendes who will be receiving the TIFF Ebert Director Award. The TIFF Tribute Awards have served as an awards-season bellwether, with past honourees such as Chastain, Hopkins, Phoenix, Roger Deakins, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao going on to win awards on the international stage. Once again, the TIFF Tribute Awards honour the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, recognizing leading industry members, acting talent, directorial expertise, new talent, and a below-the-line artist and creator. The Awards gala event also serves as TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser to support TIFF’s Every Story fund, which promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film and TIFF’s core mission to transform the way people see the world through film. More information on the event and honourees will follow in the coming weeks.

#BOXOFFICE: “DRAGON BALL” IS SUPER IN OPENING

This is huge for the world of Anime! DRAGON BALL SUPER: SUPER HERO debuts at #1 at the North American Box Office with $21 million from 3,007 theatres. From Distributor Crunchyroll, the Animated Feature gets a phenomenal 92% on the Tomatometer.

In second is Idris Elba-fronted BEAST with $10.1 million for Universal Pictures, from 3,743 theatres. It gets 68% on the Tomatometer.

BULLET TRAIN is in third with $7.1 million from 3,781 theatres for Sony Pictures, a total run of $68.6 million.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK gets fourth with $5.6 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $683 million earned domestically to date.

Fifth is DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS with $4.8 million for Warner Bros., a total $66.5 million over four weekends.

#FIRSTLOOK: “I AM GROOT”

By Mr. Will Wong

In case you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, I AM GROOT is now available to stream on Disney+! This absolutely adorable Series of Animated Shorts – five in total and directed/written by Kirsten Lepore – center on our beloved tree-like Humanoid, Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). These Shorts really give him the space that we wanted so badly after meeting him in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. And we get a glimpse into his origins and place in the grand scheme within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Over the span of five episodes at about five minutes each, which literally can be consumed over the course of a commute, we go way back to the start. Tended to by robots who notice a crack in this little sapling’s pot, this little firecracker refuses to be replaced by a Bonsai Tree. In a jealous fit, he finds himself thrown to the floor and forced to learn how to take his first steps and walk. We learn Groot can dance really well even when he meets Iwua (Trevor Devall), a shape-shifting alien who mimics him, and we even witness him take his first bath to ultimately meeting Rocket (Bradley Cooper) as they embark on what will be an important friendship.

The animation is just absolutely stunning and the Shorts really capture Baby Groot‘s naughty but lovable essence and we wouldn’t be surprised if we get even more to come. How do you now fall in love with Baby Groot seeing his expressive and pensive eyes? These quick little hits give us just that bit of a lift that we need to go about our day in better spirits! Catch them now on Disney+.

#SPOTTED: STEVE TOUSSAINT IN TORONTO FOR “HOUSE OF THE DRAGON”

Game of Thrones fans, are you ready for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON? This Series set some 300 years before Game of Thrones is set to premiere this weekend on HBO and in Canada on Crave.

In-town to ring in the occasion was Steve Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon, head of House Velaryon and the most famous Seafarer in Westerosi history. The Series also stars Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Paddy Considine and more.

Toussaint has built a résumé as a working Actor with roles in The Skins, Line of Duty, Doctor Who and It’s a Sin. The English Actor of Barbadian descent was all class appearing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Premiere for House of the Dragon!

See some Snaps:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong)

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON premieres Sunday, August 21, 2022 9 PM ET on HBO and Crave.

(Photo/video credit: HBO/Mr. Will Wong)

game of thrones House of the Dragon Steve Toussaint

#TIFF22: TIFF DOCS, CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA PROGRAMMES ANNOUNCED FOR 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Some additional titles from the TIFF Docs programme presented by A&E IndieFilms, Contemporary World Cinema programme presented by Sun Life, were just announced earlier today, plus an additional title in the Discovery programme. This lineup features titles from over 50 countries from around the world. Additionally, TIFF is excited to announce five doc sessions as part of the 2022 Industry Conference. 

TIFF DOCS
*Previously announced
Presented by A&E IndieFilms

“This year’s TIFF Docs lineup has a wonderful mix of joy, creativity, and ingenuity in the face of adversity,” said TIFF Docs programmer Thom Powers, now in his 17th year overseeing the section. “In recent years, we witnessed numerous films launched from this section into distribution deals and Oscar nominations. This year has a rich crop for both.”

*752 Is Not A Number Babak Payami | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed Laura Poitras | USA
North American Premiere

*Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On Madison Thomas | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Casa Susanna Sébastien Lifshitz | France, USA
North American Premiere

Ciné-Guerrillas: Scenes from the Labudovic Reels Mila Turajlic | Serbia, France, Croatia, Montenegro
World Premiere

*The Colour of Ink Brian D. Johnson | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Documentary Now! Alex Buono, Rhys Thomas, Micah Gardner | USA
World Premiere

*Ever Deadly Tanya Tagaq, Chelsea McMullan | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Free Money Sam Soko, Lauren DeFilippo | Kenya, USA
World Premiere

Mariupolis 2 Mantas Kvedaravičius | Lithuania, France, Germany
North American Premiere

The Grab Gabriela Cowperthwaite | USA
World Premiere

In Her Hands Tamana Ayazi, Marcel Mettelsiefen | USA, Afghanistan
World Premiere

TIFF Docs Opening Film
*Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues Sacha Jenkins | USA
World Premiere

Maya and the Wave Stephanie Johnes | USA
World Premiere

Miúcha, The Voice of Bossa Nova Daniel Zarvos, Liliane Mutti | Brazil, France
Canadian Premiere

My Imaginary Country (Mi País Imaginario) Patricio Guzmán | Chile, France
North American Premiere

Patrick and the Whale Mark Fletcher | Austria
World Premiere

Pray for our Sinners Sinéad O’Shea | Ireland
World Premiere

Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot William Kentridge | South Africa, USA
World Premiere

Theatre of Thought Werner Herzog | USA
International Premiere

*To Kill a Tiger Nisha Pahuja | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

While We Watched Vinay Shukla | UK
World Premiere

DOC CONVERSATIONS @ TIFF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

On September 13, the Industry Conference will focus on conversations covering both the craft and business of documentary filmmaking. Access to the programming will be available to all press and industry pass holders. For public audiences interested in attending, limited day packages will be made available.

VISIONARIES: Inside the Brain of Werner Herzog
Presented by SHOWTIME®

In his new film Theatre of Thought, Werner Herzog (celebrating his 80th birthday in September) explores the cutting edge of research on the brain. He’s joined by two figures who appear in the film, brain scientist Rafael Yuste and entrepreneur Jamie Davies, to discuss hopes and fears for the future of brain exploration.

VISIONARIES: What Laura Poitras Learned from Nan Goldin
Presented by SHOWTIME®

Oscar-winning director Laura Poitras (Citizenfour) discusses what she learned over three years in the making of her new film All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. The film profiles the artist Nan Goldin, who has campaigned for museums to disassociate from the patronage of the Sackler family, owners of the opioid company Purdue Pharma.

DIALOGUES: Covering Afghanistan for In Her Hands
Presented by SHOWTIME®
A Share Her Journey initiative generously supported by Betty-Ann Heggie

The new documentary In Her Hands focuses on Afghanistan’s youngest woman mayor, Zarifa Ghafari, during the tumultuous period of the Taliban’s return to power. Filmmakers Tamana Ayazi and Marcel Mettelsiefen share clips while reflecting on the challenges of filming under wartime conditions.

PERSPECTIVES Truth, Lies, and a Million Dollar Board Game
Presented by SHOWTIME®

Filmmaker Vinay Shukla joins to discuss his new film While We Watched, which profiles the journalist Ravish Kumar of NDTV India as he struggles to maintain journalistic independence under death threats. For Shukla’s previous documentary An Insignificant Man, his team created a board game that gained massive support on Kickstarter. He’ll discuss plans to follow that model by pairing a board game with his new film.

PERSPECTIVES DocuMentality: The Growth of a Movement
Presented by SHOWTIME®

DocuMentality is an expanding initiative that seeks to normalize conversations about mental health in the documentary industry and provide best-practice guidance for filmmakers. The project started with efforts in the UK and US. Now, the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) is spearheading a new wave of focus groups with support from the Canada Media Fund. On this panel, audiences will hear from DocuMentality team member Malikkah Rollins and DOC’s Sarah Spring about the past, present, and future of the movement. We’ll also hear from filmmaker Rebeca Huntt describing what she learned about maintaining mental balance in the making of her intensely personal film Beba that premiered at TIFF last year. Moderator: Inney Prakash (Maysles Documentary Center).

CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA
Presented by Sun Life

Aftersun Charlotte Wells | United Kingdom, USA
North American Premiere

Alam Firas Khoury | France, Palestine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
World Premiere

Amanda Carolina Cavalli | Italy
International Premiere

Ashkal Youssef Chebbi | France, Tunisia, Qatar
North American Premiere

Autobiography Makbul Mubarak | Indonesia, France, Singapore, Poland, Philippines, Germany, Qatar
North American Premiere

Beyond the Wall (Shab, Dkheli, Divar) Vahid Jalilvand | Iran
North American Premiere

*Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman Pierre Földes | France, Luxembourg, Canada, Netherlands 🇨🇦
International Premiere

*Bones of Crows Marie Clements | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

*Coyote (Le Coyote) Katherine Jerkovic | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Domingo and the Mist (Domingo y la Niebla) Ariel Escalante Meza | Costa Rica, Qatar
North American Premiere

El agua Elena López Riera | Switzerland, Spain, France
North American Premiere

*The End of Sex Sean Garrity | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

EO Jerzy Skolimowski | Poland, Italy
North American Premiere

*Falcon Lake Charlotte Le Bon | Canada 🇨🇦
North American Premiere

*Fixation Mercedes Bryce Morgan | Canada, USA, Germany 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Godland (Vanskabte Land/Volaða Land) Hlynur Pálmason | Denmark, Iceland, France, Sweden
Canadian Premiere

The Happiest Man in the World Teona Strugar Mitevska | North Macedonia, Belgium, Slovenia, Denmark, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
North American Premiere

The Hotel Wang Xiaoshuai | Hong Kong
World Premiere

La Jauría Andrés Ramírez Pulido | Colombia, France
North American Premiere

Life (Жизнь) Emir Baigazin | Kazakhstan
World Premiere

Living Oliver Hermanus | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

Love and Mathematics (Amor y matemáticas) Claudia Sainte-Luce | Mexico
World Premiere

Love Life Koji Fukada | Japan, France
North American Premiere

Luxembourg, Luxembourg Antonio Lukich | Ukraine
North American Premiere

*The Maiden Graham Foy | Canada 🇨🇦
North American Premiere

Manticore (Mantícora) Carlos Vermut | Spain
North American Premiere

Muru Tearepa Kahi | New Zealand
International Premiere

My Sailor, My Love Klaus Hӓrӧ | Finland, Ireland
World Premiere

Nightalk Donald Shebib | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

*North of Normal Carly Stone | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

The Origin of Evil Sébastien Marnier | France, Canada
North American Premiere

Plan 75 Chie Hayakawa | Japan, France, Philippines, Qatar
North American Premiere

Return to Dust Li Ruijun | China
North American Premiere

R.M.N. Cristian Mungiu | Romania, France
North American Premiere

*So Much Tenderness Lina Rodriguez | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Sparta Ulrich Seidl | Austria, France, Germany
World Premiere

*Stellar Darlene Naponse | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Stonewalling Huang Ji, Ryuji Otsuka | Japan
North American Premiere

*The Swearing Jar Lindsay MacKay | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

The Umbrella Men John Barker | South Africa
International Premiere

Under the Fig Trees Erige Sehiri | Tunisia, Switzerland, France, Qatar
North American Premiere

Valeria Is Getting Married Michal Vinik | Israel
North American Premiere

Victim (OBEŤ) Michal Blaško | Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Germany
North American Premiere

Vicenta B. Carlos Lechuga | Cuba, France, USA, Colombia, Norway
World Premiere

War Sailor (Krigsseileren) Gunnar Vikene | Norway, Germany, Malta
International Premiere

We Are Still Here Beck Cole, Dena Curtis, Tracey Rigney, Danielle MacLean, Tim Worrall, Renae Maihi, Miki Magasiva, Mario Gaoa, Richard Curtis, Chantelle Burgoyne | Australia, New Zealand
International Premiere

Wildflower Matt Smukler | USA
World Premiere

Winter Boy (Le Lycéen) Christophe Honoré | France
World Premiere

The Worst Ones Romane Gueret, Lise Akoka | France
North American Premiere

Zwigato Nandita Das | India
World Premiere

DISCOVERY
Presented by Dyson

Bruiser Miles Warren | USA
World Premiere

More at tiff.net. The 2022 Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8-19, 2022.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILLS + TRAILER FROM “SMILE”

Writer/Director Parker Finn‘s SMILE will be opening this year’s Fantastic Fest! Here’s a first look at the upcoming Horror starring Sosie Bacon.

Synopsis:

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Cast: Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert, Caitlin Stasey with Kal Penn and Rob Morgan

Paramount Pictures release SMILE September 30, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “SIDNEY”

Oprah Winfrey produces SIDNEY, an intimate portrait of screen legend, Sidney Poitier. Just released is a new Trailer of this TIFF ’22 selection.

Synopsis:

From producer Oprah Winfrey and directed by Academy Award nominee Reginald Hudlin, this revealing documentary honours the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist at the centre of Hollywood and the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring candid interviews with Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, Spike Lee and many more, the film is also produced by Derik Murray, in close collaboration with the Poitier family.Produced by Oprah Winfrey, and hailing from Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment, the documentary is directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Jesse James Miller. Derik Murray also serves as producer. Terry Wood, Catherine Cyr, Brian Gersh, Paul Gertz, Reginald Hudlin, Joanna Shimkus Poitier, Anika Poitier and Barry Krost executive produce.

In addition to premiering at TIFF ’22, “Sidney” will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on September 23, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

#FIRSTLOOK: TRAILER FOR “PEARL”

We loved X so much and how amazing is it that the Prequel is on its way already? Those of us attending TIFF will be so lucky to see it first!

Synopsis: 

Filmmaker Ti West returns with another chapter from the twisted world of X, in this astonishing follow-up to the year’s most acclaimed horror film. Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother. Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions, temptations, and repressions all collide, in the stunning, technicolor-inspired origin story of X’s iconic villain.

VVS Films release PEARL September 16, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

#TIFF22: SAM MENDES TO RECEIVE TIFF EBERT DIRECTOR AWARD AT TIFF TRIBUTE AWARDS

It was just announced earlier today that Director Sam Mendes will be honoured with the TIFF EBERT DIRECTOR Award at this year’s TIFF Tribute Awards Gala, taking place Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Royal York Hotel.

TIFF will be presenting the Canadian Premiere of Mendes’ most recent work Empire of Light, which he wrote, directed, and produced. Mendes made his feature film debut at the Festival in 1999 with the World Premiere of American Beauty, a TIFF People’s Choice Award winner, for which he was honoured with an Oscar in the Best Director category.

“From his first appearance at TIFF with American Beauty, director Sam Mendes brought his exacting and lyrical vision of cinema to Toronto,” said Bailey. “We are delighted to honour his unique voice and body of work with this year’s TIFF Ebert Director Award.” 

Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980s, Searchlight Pictures’ Empire of Light is a powerful and poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema. Starring Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, with Toby Jones and Colin Firth, Mendes also teams up with award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, who was also a TIFF Tribute Award recipient in 2019.

The TIFF Ebert Director Award recognizes filmmakers who have exemplified greatness in their careers. Named after legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the Award marks an evolution of the Festival’s Roger Ebert Golden Thumb Award, which in past has gone to celebrated visionaries such as Martin Scorsese, Claire Denis, Ava DuVernay, Wim Wenders, and the late Agnès Varda. Past recipients who received the Award since the TIFF Tribute Awards were introduced include Denis Villeneuve (2021), Chloé Zhao (2020), and Taika Waititi (2019).

Mendes joins the recently announced list of 2022 TIFF Tribute Award honourees, the ensemble of My Policeman, who will receive the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by Polestar. More information on the 2022 TIFF Tribute Awards event and this year’s honourees will follow in the coming weeks.

The TIFF Tribute Awards have served as an awards-season bellwether, with past honourees such as Deakins, Waititi, Zhao, Jessica Chastain, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Joaquin Phoenix going on to win awards on the international stage. The TIFF Tribute Awards honour the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, recognizing leading industry members, acting talent, directorial expertise, new talent, and a below-the-line artist and creator. The Awards event also serves as TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser to support TIFF’s Every Story fund, which promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film and TIFF’s core mission to transform the way people see the world through film.