#TIFF24: GALAS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is set to dazzle audiences with this year’s lineup of 63 films from the Gala, sponsored by Dyson, and Special Presentations programmes. In addition to films from directors Jacques Audiard, Edward Berger, Gia Coppola, Mike Leigh, Morgan Neville, Walter Salles, Athina Rachel Tsangari, and Jia Zhang-Ke to name a few, this year’s films are also bringing many of the world’s most beloved stars to the TIFF red carpet, including Amy Adams, Riz Ahmed, Cate Blanchett, Andrea Bocelli, Will Ferrell, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Vikander, Pharrell Williams, and Robbie Williams amongst many others over the 11 days of the Festival.

The Gala and Special Presentations programmes are recognized for celebrating the very best of contemporary cinema across all genres and styles, from all corners of the world. With films coming from 25 countries, including 29 sales titles, TIFF promises audiences a cinematic feast that highlights the talent and versatility of the world’s most gifted directors, actors, musicians, animators, and creative artists.

New this year, we have asked a few TIFF Programmers to share their insights into this year’s films. Watch Special Presentations Lead Programmer Jane Schoettle share her thoughts here:

Galas 2024 (in alphabetical order)
*Previously announced

Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe Cosima Spender | UK
World Premiere

Better Man Michael Gracey | USA
Canadian Premiere

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight Embeth Davidtz | South Africa
Canadian Premiere
Sales Title

*Eden Ron Howard | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

*Elton John: Never Too Late R.J. Cutler, David Furnish | USA
World Premiere

*Harbin Woo Min-ho | South Korea
World Premiere

Meet the Barbarians Julie Delpy | France
International Premiere
Sales Title

*Nutcrackers David Gordon Green | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

Oh, Canada Paul Schrader | USA
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Thom Zimny | USA
World Premiere

*Superboys of Malegaon Reema Kagti | India
World Premiere

*The Deb Rebel Wilson | Australia
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Friend Scott McGehee, David Siegel | USA
International Premiere
Sales Title

The Penguin Lessons Peter Cattaneo | Spain/United Kingdom
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Return Uberto Pasolini | Italy/United Kingdom
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Shrouds David Cronenberg | Canada/France
North American Premiere
Sales Title

*The Wild Robot Chris Sanders | USA
World Premiere

Unstoppable William Goldenberg | USA
World Premiere

Will & Harper Josh Greenbaum | USA
International Premiere

Special Presentations 2024 (in alphabetical order)
*Previously announced

40 Acres R.T. Thorne | Canada
World Premiere

All of You William Bridges | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

All We Imagine as Light Payal Kapadia | France/India/Netherlands/Luxembourg
Canadian Premiere

Anora Sean Baker | USA
Canadian Premiere

Bird Andrea Arnold | United Kingdom
North American Premiere

Bring Them Down Christopher Andrews | Ireland/Belgium
World Premiere

Can I Get A Witness? Ann Marie Fleming | Canada
World Premiere

Carnival is Over Fernando Coimbra | Brazil/Portugal
World Premiere
Sales Title

Caught by the Tides Jia Zhang-Ke | China
North American Premiere

Conclave Edward Berger | USA/United Kingdom
International Premiere

Emilia Pérez Jacques Audiard | France/USA/Mexico
Canadian Premiere

Hard Truths Mike Leigh | United Kingdom/Spain
World Premiere

Harvest Athina Rachel Tsangari | United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Sales Title

Heretic Scott Beck, Bryan Woods | Canada
World Premiere

I’m Still Here Walter Salles | Brazil/France
North American Premiere

I, the Executioner Ryoo Seung-wan | South Korea
North American Premiere

*K-Pops Anderson .Paak | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

Love in the Big City E.oni | South Korea
World Premiere
Sales Title

Millers in Marriage Edward Burns | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

Misericordia Alain Guiraudie | Spain/Portugal/France
Canadian Premiere

*Nightbitch Marielle Heller | USA
World Premiere

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl Rungano Nyoni | Zambia/United Kingdom/Ireland
North American Premiere

Piece by Piece Morgan Neville | USA
International Premiere

Quisling – The Final Days Erik Poppe | Norway
International Premiere
Sales Title

Relay David Mackenzie | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

*Rez Ball Sydney Freeland | USA
World Premiere

Riff Raff Dito Montiel | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

Rumours Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson | Canada/Germany
North American Premiere

Sharp Corner Jason Buxton | Canada/Ireland
World Premiere
Sales Title

*Shepherds Sophie Deraspe | Canada/France
World Premiere
Sales Title

Sketch Seth Worley | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Assessment Fleur Fortuné | United Kingdom/Germany/USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Cut Sean Ellis | United Kingdom
World Premiere
Sales Title

The End Joshua Oppenheimer | Denmark/UK
Canadian Premiere

The Fire Inside Rachel Morrison | USA
World Premiere

The Girl with the Needle Magnus von Horn | Denmark/Poland/Sweden
North American Premiere

The Last Showgirl Gia Coppola | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

*The Life of Chuck Mike Flanagan | USA
World Premiere
Sales Title

The Order Justin Kurzel | Canada/USA
North American Premiere

The Piano Lesson Malcolm Washington | USA
International Premiere

*We Live in Time John Crowley | United Kingdom/France
World Premiere

Went Up the Hill Samuel Van Grinsven | New Zealand/Australia
World Premiere
Sales Title

Without Blood Angelina Jolie | USA/Italy
World Premiere
Sales Title

Young Werther José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço | Canada
World Premiere
Sales Title

TIFF Takeover: This week’s programming alerts
Tuesday, July 23, at 10am ET: Platform Programme
Wednesday, July 24, at 10am ET: Discovery Programme
Thursday, July 25, at 10am ET: Midnight Madness Programme

Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13.

#FIRSTLOOK: “BRING THEM DOWN” TO PREMIERE AT TIFF ’24

MUBI, the global streaming service, film distributor, and production company, has released new stills for Christopher Andrews’ gripping debut feature and MUBI Production Bring Them Down. Starring Christopher Abbott (Poor Things, Sanctuary, Possessor) and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisheerin, Eternals), Bring Them Down is a suspenseful thriller that observes the escalating tensions of two farming families in the west of Ireland, whose actions have increasingly devastating consequences. The film will receive its World Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Special Presentation section. MUBI will release the film in North America, the UK & Ireland, Benelux, LATAM and Turkey.

Written and directed by Christopher Andrews, Bring Them Down stars Christopher Abbott, Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, Paul Ready and Susan Lynch. Produced by Ivana MacKinnon, Jacob Swan Hyam, Ruth Treacy, Julianne Forde, Jean-Yves Roubin, Cassandre Warnauts. Executive Produced by Efe Çakarel, Jason Ropell, Bobby Allen, Niamh Fagan, Celine Haddad, Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan. Carla MacKinnon and Julie Harkin are Associate Producers.

Bring Them Down was produced by Tailored, Wild Swim and MUBI, and co-produced by Frakas Productions, VOO et Be tv and Shelter Prod in association with Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, RTÉ and the UK Global Screen Fund – financed by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport and administered by the BFI. Charades are handling international sales for the title.

SYNOPSIS

Michael, the last son of a shepherding family, lives with his ailing father, Ray. Burdened by guilt over the death of his mother, Michael has isolated himself from the world. When a conflict with rival farmer Gary and his son Jack escalates, Michael is drawn into a devastating chain of events, forcing him to confront the horrors of his past and leaving both families permanently altered.

DIRECTORS’ BIO

Chris’ previous shorts include BAFTA longlisted FIRE and STALKER, which premiered at Edinburgh IFF 2019 and won the Cork Grand Prix. He was also named as a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2019.

Chris is also a prolific writer, and current projects include the script of upcoming period thriller CAVENDISH for Ivana MacKinnon and Emily Leo of Wild Swim Films, to be directed by Augustine Frizzell, and an adaptation of Man Booker Prize nominated FRANKENSTEIN IN BAGHDAD. In television, he is developing original projects with Hera Pictures, Severn Screen and 60/40, as well as adapting Andrew Michael Hurley’s DEVIL’S DAY for The Ink Factory and Range Media.

#TIFF: 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHT GALAS ANNOUNCED

The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival will kick off with David Gordon Green’s Nutcrackers starring Ben Stiller on September 5, 2024 and close with Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut The Deb on September 15, 2024 both making their World Premiere at Roy Thomson Hall as part of the Gala programme, sponsored by Dyson.

“This year’s Festival is shaping up to be a star-studded event with highly anticipated films that reflect the world around us with humour and empathy, like our Opening and Closing Night selections, Nutcrackers and The Deb,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “TIFF aims to showcase both returning and first-time directors to the Festival on a big stage, and we are excited for fans to experience these two films — and the many diverse works premiering in between.”

David Gordon Green’s Nutcrackers follows strait-laced and work-obsessed Mike (Ben Stiller) as he is suddenly thrust into being a caregiver for his rambunctious, orphaned nephews. Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut, The Deb, is an original musical comedy about two teenage cousins who dig deep to find self-acceptance and a date to the Debutante Ball in a small country town in Australia.

Film details (in alphabetical order):

The Deb | Rebel Wilson | Australia
World Premiere | Gala
Sales Title – Rights Available (WME)

Nutcrackers | David Gordon Green | USA
World Premiere | Gala
Sales Title – Rights Available (UTA Independent Film Group)

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “WE LIVE IN TIME”

Right off its announcement that it premieres at TIFF ’24, today we get a new Trailer for WE LIVE IN TIME, starring Academy Award nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

The World Premiere of We Live in Time will take place at the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film will screen theatrically in Canada on October 11, 2024.

Director: John Crowley
Writer: Nick Payne
Cast: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh
Produced by: StudioCanal and SunnyMarch, with Benedict Cumberbatch as executive producer
Canadian distributor: Sphere Films

Synopsis: Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. Through snapshots of their life together — falling for each other, building a home, becoming a family — a difficult truth is revealed that rocks its foundation. As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, they learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken, in filmmaker John Crowley’s decade-spanning, deeply moving
romance

Gorgeous and affecting! This is definitely giving BLUE VALENTINE vibes, top of our Fall watchlist!!

(Photo/video credit: Sphere Films Canada)

#TIFF24: ADDITIONAL FIVE WORLD PREMIERES TO TAKE PLACE AT 2024 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Toronto International Film Festival, renowned for bringing global cinema to Toronto’s local and international public audiences, is announcing five more exciting World Premiere titles from the Gala programme, sponsored by Dyson, and the Special Presentation programme. Today’s films are from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and feature stories from Canada, France, India, the United Kingdom, and the USA: Eden is a survival thriller based on true events about the lengths we will go to in pursuit of a better life, directed by Ron Howard, written by Halifax-born Noah Pink and starring Jude Law, Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney; K-POPS, a dramatic comedy that takes inspiration from eight-time Grammy Award winner Anderson .Paak’s own life, bridging family lineages and cultures; Shepherds, an adaptation of the Canadian novel D’où viens tu, berger?, which follows a young advertising executive who trades in his Montreal life to become a shepherd in France; Superboys of Malegaon, a film based on the life of Nasir Shaikh, an amateur filmmaker from the town of Malegaon, India, and what happens when filmmaking and friendships collide; and We Live in Time, a highly anticipated romance starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as a couple whose chance encounter changes their lives as they fall in love, build a home, start a family, and face difficult truths.

“I’m thrilled to share today’s list of World Premiere films, featuring stories from around the world that highlight the scope and breadth of TIFF’s programming,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “We have a Canada/France co-production set in the French Alps, directed by a French Canadian auteur; a Seoul-set comedic debut from musician Anderson .Paak; a Bollywood glimpse into the vibrant film industry of Malegaon, India; a London-set love story starring Florence Pugh from an Irish director; and a highly original survival thriller that takes us to the Galapagos Islands from Ron Howard. I can’t wait for TIFF audiences to take these journeys on the big screen and be transported by cinema together this September.”

Film details (in alphabetical order):

Eden | Ron Howard | USA
World Premiere | Gala
Imagine Entertainment / AGC Studios

K-POPS | Anderson .Paak | USA
World Premiere | Special Presentation
Sales Title – Rights Available (WME)

Shepherds | Sophie Deraspe | Canada/France
World Premiere | Special Presentation
DCP, micro_scope, Avenue B Productions, Maison 4:3, Pyramide International

Superboys of Malegaon | Reema Kagti | India
World Premiere | Gala
Amazon MGM Studios

We Live in Time | John Crowley | United Kingdom/France
World Premiere | Special Presentation
Sphere Films / StudioCanal

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13.

#TIFF: CATE BLANCHETT TO BE HONOURED WITH TIFF SHARE HER JOURNEY GROUNDBREAKER AWARD

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF is thrilled to announce that the renowned Australian actor and producer Cate Blanchett will be honoured at the 2024 TIFF Tribute Awards as the recipient of the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award. Blanchett will also participate in an In Conversation With… event, offering audiences an intimate look into the two-time Academy Award winner’s illustrious career.

A trailblazer in advocating for greater representation and equality in the film industry and one of the most revered performers in modern cinema, the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award winner is a leading woman in the film industry who has championed the careers of others and paved the way for the next generation. Honouring the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, the TIFF Tribute Awards is a fundraising event that takes place on Sunday, September 8 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, with proceeds going towards TIFF’s Every Story Fund, which champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film.

“Cate Blanchett is a marvel,” said Bailey. “One of the finest actors in film history, she has consistently shown range, depth and audacity on screen. Off screen, she has been a tireless champion of increased equity and justice in many sectors. Cate’s passion for the transformative power of storytelling, and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women, align with the goals of our Share Her Journey initiative. We’re honoured to present Cate Blanchett with this year’s Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, and can’t wait to welcome her back to Toronto.”

The TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award is inspired by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, created to address gender parity in the film industry, to champion women at every stage of their creative journey, and to shine a spotlight on women creators making a significant difference in the industry. Past recipients are Patricia Arquette (2023) and Michelle Yeoh (2022).

Blanchett joins the recently announced iconic Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter David Cronenberg, who will be recognized with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award; and Oscar-nominated actor Amy Adams, who will receive the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. Award-winning Korean Canadian actor and producer Sandra Oh is the inaugural Honorary Chair of TIFF’s largest fundraiser, now in its sixth year. Serving as a kick-off to awards season, the Tribute Awards have in the past honoured Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Colman Domingo, Brendan Fraser, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, Michelle Yeoh, and Chloé Zhao, who have gone on to win awards on the international stage.

An integral part of TIFF’s year-round and Festival programming, In Conversation With… connects audiences with leading film artists through intimate, moderated discussions about their creative process. Packed with emotion and cultural significance, this series offers audiences a wide range of experiences.

About Cate Blanchett
Blanchett has forged a unique career on stage and screen as an artist, producer and cultural leader. Working with many of the world’s leading filmmakers, she has crafted defining roles in critically acclaimed films such as Tár, Carol, I’m Not There, and Notes on a Scandal. Equally at home in arthouse discoveries as she is in box-office blockbusters, Academy Award wins came for The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, and numerous other honours have included four BAFTAS and four Golden Globes. Raised in Australia, Blanchett began her career on the Sydney stage. While her international success came following Elizabeth in 1988, she would later return to her home country to run its de facto national theatre, the Sydney Theatre Company, as co-Artistic Director and co-CEO, transforming it in the process to an award winning green arts hub. Small-screen roles include the leading role in Mrs America which she also produced through the production company she co-runs, Dirty Films, whose recent projects include Proof of Concept supporting emerging women, trans and nonbinary filmmakers. She is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, a member of the Earthshot Prize Council and a leading advocate for the cultural industries, human rights and the environment.

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on-sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13. The 49th Toronto International Film Festival takes place September 5–15, 2024.

(Photo credit: Tom Munro)

#TIFF: AMY ADAMS, SANDRA OH AND DAVID CRONENBERG AMONG HONOUREES AT TIFF 2024 TRIBUTE GALA

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, is delighted to announce the first honourees of this year’s Tribute Awards: Oscar-nominated actor Amy Adams, who will receive the TIFF Tribute Performer Award; and iconic Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter David Cronenberg, who will be recognized with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award. Sandra Oh, the award-winning Korean Canadian actor and producer, will serve as the inaugural Tribute Awards Honorary Chair. The sixth annual Tribute Awards will take place on Sunday, September 8 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel and honours the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, serving as a kick-off to awards season.

“In the five years that TIFF has been honouring such standout talent as Joaquin Phoenix, Michelle Yeoh, Jessica Chastain, Chloe Zhao, Taika Waititi, and Ari Wegner on their road to further awards success, we’ve been inspired to watch our Tribute Awards gala grow into a must-attend event,” said Bailey. “This year, we’re thrilled to welcome the incomparable Sandra Oh as the inaugural honorary Chair of the 2024 Tribute Awards. She joins our first-announced honourees, Amy Adams and David Cronenberg, in what promises to be another singular, sparkling night during the Festival. We’re grateful that artists of this stature will gather in Toronto to help TIFF turn the spotlight on increasing inclusion throughout our industry.”

“Returning to TIFF feels like coming home and I’m excited to serve as Honorary Chair for this year’s Tribute Awards,” said Oh. “Raising funds and awareness for representation and great storytelling is a passion of mine and why I’m so proud that the proceeds will go directly to Every Story Fund. Their mission to empower diverse voices aligns perfectly with my own, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this.”

The Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser. In 2024, proceeds from the Awards will go towards TIFF’s Every Story Fund, which champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film.

Adams returns to the Festival this year for the World Premiere of Marielle Heller’s dark comedy Nightbitch, and is being recognized for her outstanding body of work. Past recipients of the TIFF Tribute Performer Award are Colman Domingo and Vicky Krieps in 2023; Brendan Fraser and the ensemble cast of My Policeman in 2022; Jessica Chastain and Benedict Cumberbatch in 2021; Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2020; and Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix in 2019.

The Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award, presented this year to David Cronenberg, recognizes Canadians in the film industry who have made a global impact with their careers. The filmmaker’s willingness to explore unconventional themes and his innovative storytelling continues to shape contemporary cinema worldwide. Producer-director Shawn Levy received the inaugural award in 2023.

About Amy Adams
2024 TIFF Tribute Performer Award
Six-time academy award nominated actress, Amy Adams will next be seen starring in the film, Nightbitch, an adaptation of Rachel Yoder’s acclaimed debut novel of the same name. Adams also serves as a producer on the film via her production company, Bond Group Entertainment. Recently, Adams can be seen starring in the film Disenchanted, the sequel to her 2007 blockbuster hit, Enchanted, for Disney+. Prior, Adams made her West End debut starring in an evocative production of Tennessee Williams’ beloved memory play, The Glass Menagerie. Adams also starred in Adam McKay’s 2018 film, Vice, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, SAG nomination, Critics’ Choice Nomination, BAFTA Nomination, and an Academy Award Nomination. Additionally, she starred in HBO’s high-profile drama series, Sharp Objects, in which she also executive produced. She won a Critics’ choice award for her role and was nominated for a Golden Globe, SAG, and Emmy for her performance. Adams recently wrapped production on the Sony film Klara and the Sun, from director Taika Waititi. The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s New York Times–bestselling novel. It was recently announced that Adams will star in At the Sea, a new drama from Kornel Mundruczó and Kata Wéber. Adams is represented by WME, Linden Entertainment, Narrative, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

About David Cronenberg
2024 Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award
Filmmaker David Cronenberg’s reputation as an authentic auteur has been firmly established by his uniquely personal body of work which includes Shivers, Rabid, Fast Company, The Brood, Scanners, Videodrome, The Fly, Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Crash, eXistenz, The Dead Zone, M. Butterfly, Spider, A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, A Dangerous Method, Cosmopolis, Maps to the Stars, Crimes of the Future, and The Shrouds. Cronenberg has developed a dramatic oeuvre of outstanding depth and breadth, and consequently has been lauded as one of the world’s most influential filmmakers. His wider creative pursuits have included curation of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Andy Warhol/Supernova: Stars, Deaths and Disasters, 1962-1964 exhibition in 2006; staging an opera of The Fly in 2008; and penning his first novel, Consumed, in 2014. As an actor, Cronenberg has given notable performances of late in Alias Grace, Disappearance at Clifton Hill, and Star Trek: Discovery. Recognition of Cronenberg’s contribution to art and culture has included an appointment as an Officer to the Order of Canada in 2003, a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2014, investiture in France’s Order of Arts and Letters in 1990 and the Légion d’Honneur in 2009.

About Sandra Oh
2024 TIFF Tribute Awards Honorary Chair
A prolific actor of the screen and the stage, Sandra Oh’s career spans over 30 years. Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, Oh appeared in her first play The Canada Goose at age 10. After three years at the National Theatre School of Canada, she landed the title role in the CBC film The Diary of Evelyn Lau (Gemini nomination/Best Actress and the Cannes FIPA d’Or for Best Actress). Oh is currently starring in the Off-Broadway production of The Welkin at New York’s The Atlantic Theatre; the Hulu comedy film Quiz Lady, opposite Awkwafina, which had its World Premiere at TIFF in 2023; and the HBO/A24 limited series adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel The Sympathizer. She will next star in director Anne Marie Fleming’s Can I Get a Witness. Her film credits include: Sideways, Double Happiness, Under The Tuscan Sun, The Princess Diaries, Dancing at the Blue Iguana, Last Night, Catfight, Defendor, Blindness, The Night Listener, For Your Consideration, Long Life Happiness and Prosperity, Sorry Hater, Ramona and Beezus, The Red Violin, and The Same Storm. Animated film credits include the Toronto-set Turning Red, Over The Moon, Raya and the Last Dragon, Window Horses, and The Tiger’s Apprentice. Television credits: 10 seasons as Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy (Golden Globe Award/SAG Award/Emmy nominations), The Chair (also Executive Produced), and four seasons of Killing Eve (also Executive Produced, Golden Globe Award/SAG Award/Critics Choice Award/Emmy Award nominations), Arli$$ (HBO), and Thorne: Scaredy Cat (UK).

The 49th Toronto International Film Festival takes place September 5–15, 2024.

#TIFF: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF FILMS FOR 2024

The Toronto International Film Festival is getting ready to roll out the red carpets to welcome the world’s largest public audience of local and international film lovers to Toronto from September 5–15, 2024. Setting the stage for an exciting Festival ahead is today’s announcement of six highly-anticipated titles from the Gala programme, sponsored by Dyson, and Special Presentation programme from internationally acclaimed filmmakers making their World Premieres at the 49th edition of the world’s leading public film festival. Today’s announced films feature beloved A-list talent: the legendary Elton John pulls back the curtain on his life for the first time in Elton John: Never Too Late; fans of South Korean cinema and series will recognize Hyun Bin, Lee Dong-wook, Park Jeong-min, and Jeon Yeo-been all starring in Harbin; Tom Hiddleston plays the title character in The Life of Chuck, based on the 2020 Stephen King short story of the same name; the dark comedy Nightbitch features Amy Adams as a stay-at-home-mom whose domestic life takes a surreal turn; Rez Ball is a coming-of-age film about Indigenous basketball produced by LeBron James; and The Wild Robot is an animated film featuring an acclaimed ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as Roz, a robot shipwrecked on an island that must adapt to its new surroundings.

“We know the TIFF audience has been eagerly anticipating what films will be coming to Toronto this September, and today’s announcement is a snapshot of what’s to come this year: a wonderfully wide range of titles that span genres and generations, with discoveries for everyone,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “TIFF is renowned for finding and showcasing works from both emerging and established filmmakers from all around the world, and for creating an unmatched groundswell of excitement, often paving the way for awards season, thanks to the hundreds of thousands of industry delegates and public filmgoers that attend each year. As we approach our 50th Festival, we are proud to evolve and expand our offerings to meet the needs of the industry and our audiences while always remaining true to what TIFF stands for — transforming the way people see the world through film.”

Welcoming both public and industry attendees, TIFF is an 11-day celebration of film and entertainment. This year’s official screening venues will include TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, Glenn Gould Studio at the Canadian Broadcast Centre, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The sixth edition of the TIFF Tribute Awards Gala will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

In addition to screenings, the Festival provides unique in-person opportunities including live post-screening Q&As, the In Conversation With… series, a five-day industry conference, and Festival Street, which returns for opening weekend along King Street West, from Peter Street to University Avenue, celebrating all things film. The free, family-friendly street festival will take place September 5–8, and will feature live performances, partner activations, and outdoor screenings.

TIFF is also known for its prestigious awards, from the renowned People’s Choice Award, which serves as a bellwether for the upcoming awards season (including last year’s winner American Fiction), to the esteemed Jury Prizes including the Platform Award, FIPRESCI, and NETPAC that will return once again this year.

TIFF recently announced that it is launching a new official content market at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. Envisioned as the North American hub for buying and selling screen-based projects, intellectual property, and immersive and innovative content across all platforms, the market will elevate Canadian and international talent while driving global distribution and sales. Recently, the Canadian federal government announced an investment of $23 million CAD in this initiative; the three-year investment has enabled the organization to accelerate planning and development work, which is currently underway.

Film details (in alphabetical order):

Elton John: Never Too Late | R.J. Cutler, David Furnish | USA
World Premiere | Gala
Disney+

Harbin | Woo Min-ho | South Korea
World Premiere | Gala
CJ ENM

The Life of Chuck | Mike Flanagan | USA
World Premiere | Special Presentation
Sales Title – Rights Available (WME)

Nightbitch | Marielle Heller | USA
World Premiere | Special Presentation
Searchlight Pictures

Rez Ball | Sydney Freeland | USA
World Premiere | Special Presentation
Netflix

The Wild Robot | Chris Sanders | USA
World Premiere | Gala
DreamWorks Animation

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on-sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “DADDIO”

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of TIFF ’23 selection DADDIO starring Dakota Johnson x Sean Penn!

TORONTO:
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 7PM
Cineplex Yonge & Dundas (10 Dundas Street East Suite 402)

VANCOUVER:
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 7PM
Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas 88 W. Pender St.

To enter for a chance, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. In the comments state your city and tag a friend!

Rules and regulations here.

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Mongrel Media release DADDIO June 28, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

#TIFF: “WOMEN IN ACTION” SERIES COMING THIS SUMMER

TIFF is excited to announce Women in Action, a new marquee series helmed by women, celebrating the trailblazing actors and stunt performers who have advanced the action genre both on and off screen. Spanning 70 years with a focus on American and Asian cinema, this 25-film series explores various themes and sub-genres, shining a light on today’s action stars and the women who paved their way. The incomparable Michelle Yeoh bookends Women in Action with two standout performances in the Oscar-winning films Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All at Once, and stars alongside famed stunt actor Cynthia Rothrock in the buddy-cop action-comedy Yes, Madam!. The series also traces defining performances and the films they influenced, such as Meiko Kaji in the 1973 manga-inspired cult classic Lady Snowblood, a film which heavily inspired Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2. Women in Action runs from June 7 to July 31. Tickets will be available to Members on Wednesday, May 15 at 10am, and to the public on Friday, May 17 at 10am. Select second screenings will be scheduled throughout July and will go on sale to Members on June 12, and to the public on June 14.

“Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar recognition, an overdue honour for one of cinema’s biggest international action stars, was an inspiration for our Women in Action summer series, which celebrates the icons who have commanded the screen through strength, strategy, and stunts, paving the way for future generations of women warriors,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF.

An extensive lineup of complementary special events and talks will be offered throughout the run of this series, including a Silver Screening presentation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon followed by a free martial arts workshop; a themed TIFF Member trivia night; a Polite Society virtual Q&A with filmmaker Nida Manzoor and star Priya Kansara; and a screening of documentary Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story followed by a panel discussion moderated by barrier-breaking stunt performer and coordinator Angelica Lisk-Hann, co-presented with ACTRA Toronto. More information and the complete list of programming and events can be found here.

Women in Action spotlights a wide range of influential films and iconic action stars, from Jacques Tourneur’s semi-historical swashbuckler Anne of the Indies starring Jean Peters as pirate captain Anne Providence to Cheng Pei-pei as Golden Swallow in King Hu’s 1966 Come Drink with Me, which is largely recognized as one of the first martial arts films to feature a female lead; Cheng and also stars in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The series features seminal Hollywood action characters, including Ripley as brought to life by Sigourney Weaver in Ridley Scott’s Alien, Linda Hamilton as the all-muscle Sarah Connor in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill, all of which helped redefine the woman action star. The series also spotlights landmark films which increased diverse representation on screen, such as Pam Grier as a nurse vigilante in Jack Hill’s Coffy, who takes matters into her own hands to fight systemic injustices; and 2021 TIFF Rising Star Amber Midthunder, who stars as a young Comanche warrior in the Predator prequel, Prey.

Women in Action has been co-curated by Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer; Robyn Citizen, TIFF’s Director of Programming, Festival and Cinematheque; and Jessica Smith, TIFF Lightbox’s Programming and Projects Producer.

Also in June, TIFF Cinematheque is launching the summer with the ultimate road trip series in Vanishing Point: Stories from the Road. Pondering the joys, boredom, and frustrations of being on the road, these elliptical stories reflect on the rebel without a map, and include Chantal Akerman’s poignant travelogue D’Est and Donald Shebib’s tale of two maritimers in Goin’ Down the Road. Other films of note include Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s neo-noir and erotic thriller Bound in 35mm, screening as part Cameron Bailey’s From the Collection in celebration of Pride Month; the TIFF ’19 award-winning film The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open, written and directed by Kathleen Hepburn and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, screening in honour of National Indigenous History Month; and the 50th-anniversary screening of John Cassavetes’ A Woman Under the Influence, starring Gena Rowlands in one of the greatest performances of all times.

Tickets to Cinematheque series and Women in Action are free to TIFF Members. To learn more, visit tiff.net/join.