TIFF is excited to share the 2023 Industry Selects lineup. Screening for accredited buyers during the Festival, this curated selection of 12 films go beyond the Official Selection, and are all available for worldwide acquisition. 

“As the media industry continues to evolve, TIFF strives to foster creative innovation in both the development and business of storytelling,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We will continue to expand our successful Industry Selects initiative, a TIFF curated selection of films for the marketplace to find global audiences and are very excited to present a very high level calibre showcase.”

TIFF is also proud to announce new additions to the 2023 Industry Conference, with a dynamic array of Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlight sessions. TIFF’s Industry Conference is supported by Ontario Creates and Telefilm Canada. All sessions will take place at Glenn Gould Studio.

“Our Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlight sessions are intimate opportunities for professionals to learn from and connect with decision makers who can help forward their future projects and careers,” said Geoff Macnaughton, Senior Director, Industry & Theatrical. “They include a mix of curated and co-produced sessions designed to fuel co-production, sustainability, and responsible storytelling.”

2023 INDUSTRY SELECTS 

Amelia’s Children (Gabriel Abrantes, Portugal) 
Goodfellas, CAA
Diamantino co-director Gabriele Abrantes and star Carloto Cotta reunite for a Euro-Gothic creeper about an American and his girlfriend (Brigette Lundy-Paine) who discover he’s the long-lost heir to a Portuguese fortune, which comes with some very strange family ties.

Bonus Track (Julie Jackman, United Kingdom)
Bankside Films
Sixteen-year-old George Bobbin (Joe Anders) insists he’s a future pop star, although no one else in his tiny English town agrees. Then he meets the son (Samuel Paul Small) of a famous musical duo who helps him rehearse for their school’s talent show, leading both boys to grow closer creatively and personally.

Borderline (Jimmy Warden, United States)
CAA/Radiant
Los Angeles, 1996: Recovering from their last encounter, a devoted bodyguard (Eric Dane) must thwart the very persistent stalker (Ray Nicholson) of a Madonna-level pop star (Samara Weaving) when he breaks out of an institution and takes her hostage in her own home. 

The Boy in the Woods (Rebecca Snow, Canada) 
Myriad Pictures
Jett Klyne stars in the remarkable true-life story of Maxwell Smart, a Jewish boy who survived the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe by hiding out in the forests of Poland.

Dance First (James Marsh, United Kingdom) 
Film Constellation  
Gabriel Byrne plays the literary giant Samuel Beckett in this biographical drama from Oscar-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire, The Theory of Everything), co-starring Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen, and Fionn O’Shea.

The Home (James DeMonaco, United States)
CAA
The squishy new horror film from James DeMonaco, creator of the Purge series, stars Pete Davidson as a twentysomething screwup who’s assigned community service at a fancy retirement home and comes to suspect some very unpleasant things are going on upstairs. 

Inheritance (Neil Burger, United States/United Kingdom/Egypt/India) 
CAA
When Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) learns her father Sam (Rhys Ifans) was once a spy, she suddenly finds herself at the centre of an international conspiracy in this nervy, fast-moving thriller from director Neil Burger (The Illusionist, The Upside, Voyagers).

Les Hommes de Ma Mere (Anik Jean, Canada)
Jessie Films
After her mother’s death, Elsie (Léane Labrèche-Dor) sets out to find her five ex-husbands and scatter her ashes with each of them ― tracing her own history in the process, and seeing her mother’s life in an entirely new way. Directed by Anik Jean and co-starring Patrick Huard, Marc Messier, Colm Feore, and Anne-Marie Cadieux.

Orah (Lonzo Nzekwe, Canada) 
Orah Productions Inc.
When her teenaged son is murdered back home in Nigeria, a Toronto cabbie (Star Trek Discovery’s Oyin Oladejo) decides to bring down the international money launderers responsible for his death as violently as possible.

Queen of Bones (Robert Budreau, Canada/United States) 
CAA
Martin Freeman, Taylor Schilling, Julia Butters, and Jacob Tremblay star in this dark Depression-era folktale focused on twin siblings who suspect their father is hiding secrets about their deceased mother’s connection with the supernatural. Directed by Robert Budreau (Born to Be Blue, Stockholm).

Umbrella Men II: Escape from Robben Island (John Barker, South Africa) 
Africa Entertainment in America 
They pulled off the perfect heist, and went to prison anyway ― so now it’s up to the women of the Umbrella gang to orchestrate their escape from Robben Island Prison, in this sequel to John Barker’s 2022 crime comedy.

Vera and the Pleasure of Others (Romina Tamburello & Federic Actis, Argentina) 
m-Appeal
Vera (Luciana Grasso) is 17, and like any teenager, she divides her days between volleyball, school… and renting out an empty apartment in her mother’s building to classmates looking for a place to have sex. An inventive new look at desire and longing from directors Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.

2023 Industry Conference Additions

CMPA Indiescreen Awards
Back at TIFF once again on Thursday, September 7, the Indiescreen Awards have recognized producers whose vision and entrepreneurship demonstrate a commitment and passion for producing Canadian feature films. Join CMPA and TIFF in acknowledging and celebrating the award recipients, followed by cocktails, food, and networking. The Indiescreen Awards are open to all registered delegates and are presented by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), in partnership with Telefilm Canada.

MICROSESSIONS
Collaborative programming with TIFF’s brand partners in sessions that emphasize the opportunities and expertise that many working professionals can gain from some of the world’s leading brands and cultural organizations. Microsessions include: 

• Turning on the Light in the Basement: From the Vaults to the Screens — Led by Iron Mountain Entertainment Services 
• Informed Choices: New Insights for Environmentally Sustainable Filmmaking — Led by Telefilm Canada
• Empowering Rising Voices: Advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Film — Led by Indeed
• Transnational Cinema: Industry Perspectives from Quebec — Led by the Mel Oppenheimer School of Cinema at Concordia University and Grande Studios
• Your Next Film is a Co-pro with UK — Led by the British Film Institute
• Lights, Camera, Collaboration: ‘Orah’ and the Roadmap to a Nigeria-Canada Co-Production Treaty — Led by the Black Screen Office and supported by Ontario Creates

CONNECTIONS
Intimate networking sessions giving emerging to mid-career filmmakers the opportunity to interact with industry experts and gain practical knowledge to move their projects and understanding of the industry forward. The Media Partner for Connections is ok Playback. Connections sessions include: 

• Breaking barriers, shattering ceilings: Advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in the screen industry
• Making Shorts That Get Seen  
• Disney’s Writing and Directing Programmes — Guest includes: Liz Kelly, Director of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney General Entertainment (DGE) 
• BAFTA: Navigating an International Career 
• Beyond Co-pros: Cross-border Collaborations & Funds for Canadians 
• Activating Grassroots Movements with Gold House

SPOTLIGHTS
A great way to expand one’s network, build bridges, and develop new business opportunities in Toronto. Spotlights are a collaboration with leading partner organizations, and are designed to maximize the B2B experience over a breakfast networking session. Sessions Include: 

• The Big Pitch presented by CaribbeanTales Media Group — 12 BIPOC Projects pitch to a live audience and jury for feedback and funding support. Funded by Telefilm in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Do it the Spanish Way! International Co-production Forum — 5 Spanish film teams pitch development projects, with curated B2B speed meetings with Canadian and International professionals to follow. Led by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones and ICAA Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales. 
• Explore the Northern Ontario Film Industry — Unlocking the sometimes untapped potential and lucrative benefits of Ontario’s north for producers and creators. Led by Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION).
• Polish Cinema at TIFF — This year’s selection of Polish cinema is unmatched. Connect with Polish talent, learn about incentives and benefits of co-production, and meet new talent. Powered by the Polish Film Institute.
• Everything Under the Sun and… More! — Appealing incentives, versatile locations, industry-friendly visas, amazing talent — everything Spain has to offer and more. Led by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones.

Full session pitches will be available on tiff.net.

TIFF is excited to announce Sylvester Stallone as the newest addition to the In Conversation With… (ICW) series for TIFF 2023. Stallone joins an illustrious roster of cinematic superstars including Pedro Almodóvar, Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun, and Andy Lau. TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… is presented by Visa.

“The 2023 In Conversation With… series embodies our conviction that film possesses the remarkable ability to ignite perspectives and drive profound change,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We are truly thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Sylvester Stallone and this lineup of icons. This series promises to captivate film aficionados of all genres.”

The subject of the highly anticipated Netflix original documentary Sly, Sylvester Stallone is a towering figure in cinema history. As a writer, director, actor, and producer, Stallone’s journey has mirrored the inspirational trajectory of his cinematic creations. His screenplay for Rocky (1976) and his raw portrayal of the titular underdog propelled him to superstardom and Academy Award nominations for acting and writing. The film went on to inspire one of the most successful and enduring movie franchises of all time, with five sequels and the Creed (2015) spinoffs. Stallone introduced the world to Vietnam veteran John Rambo in First Blood (1982). The sequel Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) solidified the character as an iconic action hero and spawned multiple follow-ups and video games. As a director, Stallone captured the spirit of the original Rocky films and brought further depth to his title character in Rocky Balboa (2006). He delivered the knock-out blockbuster The Expendables (2010), directing the most impressive cast of action stars ever assembled. Alongside these classics are standout roles in Demolition Man (1993), Cliffhanger (1993), Cop Land (1997), and as Dwight Manfredi in the hit television show Tulsa King (2022) that together showcase his range and charisma. Stallone joins us to consider his prolific career, his immense contributions to the action genre, and his enduring legacy behind and in front of the camera.

Starting today, August 21, Visa Infinite cardholders will be given early access to secure tickets to TIFF 2023. For more information visit tiff.net.

Having been announced at TIFF ’23, we’ve been so curious about REPTILE starring Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone. What a Cast! Last week we got a glimpse at some new stills and now we get a Trailer! This is out October 6, 2023 to Netflix.

ABOUT REPTILE:
Director: Grant Singer
Writers: Screenplay – Grant Singer & Benjamin Brewer And Benicio Del Toro, Story – Grant Singer & Benjamin Brewer
Producers: Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill
Executive Producers: Benicio Del Toro, Rick Yorn, Rachel Smith
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone, Domenick Lombardozzi, Frances Fisher, Ato Essandoh, Michael Carmen Pitt, Karl Glusman, Matilda Lutz
Logline: Following the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, a hardened detective attempts to uncover the truth in a case where nothing is as it seems, and by doing so dismantles the illusions in his own life.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Lil Nas X and TIFF are excited to announce the World Premiere of the groundbreaking, GRAMMY–winning rapper, singer, and songwriter’s documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, which was shot during the course of his first ever global tour. A new addition to the Gala programme, the film was produced by RadicalMedia, in association with Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Premium Content Division, Columbia Records, and Museum & Crane. The diaristic film is a remarkably intimate portrait of an artist on tour navigating identity, family, expectations, and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers.

Directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero captures one of today’s most provocative pop stars at a transformational point in his life, both on and off stage. Shot over the course of 60 days with unparalleled access, the film follows Montero Hill, a.k.a. Lil Nas X, on an emotional odyssey through the creation and performance of the critically acclaimed “Long Live Montero” show.

“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores the profound impact of Lil Nas X, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music. We are thrilled to host Lil Nas X at TIFF this year.”

López Estrada is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker with credits including Blindspotting, for which he received a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for a First-Time Feature Film. His additional films include Summertime and Raya and the Last Dragon, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. López Estrada began his career directing music videos for musicians such as Billie Eilish, Thundercat and Flying Lotus, Katy Perry, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Manuel is an award-winning filmmaker focusing on documentary works that explore intimacy, Black masculinity, class, identity, and inheritance. His cinematography and directing credits include the Academy Award–nominated Time, Alone (Sundance Jury Award Winner, Best Non-Fiction Short Film), Buckjumping, The Earth is Humming, America (Sundance Jury Award Winner), The Cut, This Body, and Descendant.

Since his instant rise to fame in 2019 when he released “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has upended the music industry. The single with Billy Ray Cyrus became the longest running No. 1 single in Billboard Hot 100 history after 19 weeks atop the chart. The 16-time platinum hit was recognized with numerous awards including two GRAMMYs. In March 2021, Lil Nas X released the culture-shifting, five-time platinum hit “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” The queer anthem debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained atop of the Spotify Global chart for over a month straight. After releasing his debut album Montero in September 2021, it went on to boast the five-time platinum hit “Industry Baby,” which became the No. 1 most streamed hip-hop song of the 2020s on Spotify. It’s this success that has propelled Lil Nas X to become one of only a few artists who have had three songs surpass more than one billion streams on Spotify. His bombastic performances have been hailed as – according to NME – “undoubtedly a watershed moment for queer pop.”

RadicalMedia is an award-winning premium creative production company recognized for their work on the Academy Award–winning Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Emmy Award-winning Hamilton directed by Thomas Kail, and David Byrne’s American Utopia directed by Spike Lee.

The documentary was produced by RadicalMedia with Dave Sirulnick serving as producer as well as Caryn Capotosto for Museum & Crane, Saul Levitz for Sony Music, Adam Leber and Adriana Arce for Rebel, and Gee Roberson for BPG/Maverick. Meredith Bennett, Jon Kamen, and Frank Scherma serve as executive producers for RadicalMedia. Tom Mackay and Krista Wegener also serve as executive producers for Sony Music. Wegener will also lead global sales for the film.

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, unveiled today the name of TIFF’s new café-bar, Varda, named in honour of the celebrated French filmmaker Agnès Varda, whose innovative storytelling and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on cinema. With the bright lights of King Street West as its backdrop, the new café-bar will be open exclusively for Contributors Circle and Patrons Circle Members during the Festival (September 7–17), before its official public launch in early fall, when it will be open to all.

“Agnès Varda was brilliant, playful, and endlessly curious about people,” said Bailey. “We drew inspiration from her in reimagining the 3rd Floor of TIFF Bell Lightbox. We want the new Varda lounge to be your new favourite place to connect with friends, enjoy something delicious, and drink in the rich, global spirit of cinema.”

Varda is the star of the transformed third floor. An elegant marble and cork bar, topped by a polished brass gantry, draws guests into the lounge and sets a glamorous mood. Intimate seating, acoustic wall panelling, and layers of plush textures ensure a quietly luxurious experience. A behind-the-scenes print from the filmmaker’s 1962 French New Wave drama, Cléo From 5 To 7, a gift from her daughter, Rosalie Varda, sets the tone for the space.

Varda (formerly the Bell Blue Room) is one part of a full-scale transformation of TIFF’s third floor. Designed by Toronto-based creative studio DesignAgency, the sprawling corridor and its adjacent spaces are punctuated by new seating areas throughout, creating a welcoming and inspiring space for all film lovers and audiences to gather.

A display of 30 vintage posters representing Canadian and International cinema in the foyer leading to Varda reflects the classic and nostalgic sentiment of cinema and the enduring power of film. Drawn from TIFF’s Reference Library and curated by Bailey and TIFF’s Public Programming team, this permanent display includes a few rare gems. Selected from the Rob Brooks Mary Pickford Collection is an original lithograph from Mary Pickford’s first talking film, Coquette (1929), for which she won an Oscar, and a German-language poster from the Louise Brooks–starrer Pandora’s Box (1929). Clement Virgo’s 1995 film Rude, John Greyson’s Zero Patience (1993), and Alanis Obosawin’s Our People Will Be Healed (2017) are among the Canadian films featured.

Two centrally located floor-to-ceiling vitrines showcase seasonal displays to spark conversation. Currently on view are Outbound, a celebration of the resilience of film, and the second vitrine, a celebration of Canadian cinema, features the Ramona Flowers costume from Edgar Wright’s Toronto-set and cult-favourite film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). The film showcases many Toronto landmarks such as Casa Loma, the CN Tower, and Lee’s Palace, and is much loved by Toronto audiences who rarely have a chance to see their city as itself on screen.

From September 7 to 17, Varda will be open from 9am to 4pm exclusively for Contributors Circle Members and above, as well as Industry filmmakers. TIFF will also host a special open house for all TIFF Members on September 17. Throughout the year, Members will receive up to 40% off food and non-alcoholic beverages as an additional benefit. This fall will also mark the introduction of new Member Tuesdays at TIFF Bell Lightbox, which will offer exclusive access to Varda for Members on that evening to complement a full slate of programming curated with Members in mind. This will include the return of Secret Movie Club, Member-exclusive events, additional free Cinematheque screenings, and more to be announced.

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, is delighted to announce that Canadian producer-director Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Deadpool 3) will receive the inaugural Norman Jewison Award presented by The Budman Family. Named in honour of the legendary Canadian filmmaker, the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award is presented by The Budman Family, and recognizes Canadians in the film industry who have made a global impact with their careers. The awards presentation will take place at the TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser, presented by Bulgari on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

The Montreal-born filmmaker, known for the blockbuster award-winning series Stranger Things and the hit franchise Night at the Museum, will be showcasing his latest work at the Festival ― All the Light We Cannot See, based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel ― which he directed and produced through his production company 21 Laps. Levy has been at the forefront of creating global sensations including Free Guy, The Adam Project, and the Academy Award®–nominated thriller Arrival.

“We’re honoured to present this new Award, named after legendary Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison, whose commitment to developing Canadian cinema and impact on the global stage is unmatched,” said Bailey. “With a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades, Shawn Levy has become one of the most versatile filmmakers and storytellers of his generation, and we’re thrilled for him to be the inaugural recipient of this Award.”

Levy joins the recently announced 2023 TIFF Tribute Award honourees Pedro Almodóvar, recipient of the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant, and Spike Lee, recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award. Past honourees Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao have gone on to win awards on the international stage, with the Tribute Awards serving as an awards bellwether.

All the Light We Cannot See is a Netflix Original series based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name, and follows the story of Marie-Laure (Aria Mia Loberti), a blind French girl, and her father, Daniel LeBlanc (Mark Ruffalo), who flee German-occupied Paris with a legendary diamond to keep it from falling into the hands of the Nazis. The first two episodes of the series will be presented as part of TIFF’s Primetime programme, a showcase featuring compelling series from Canada and around the world.

Now in its fifth year, the Tribute Awards gala is TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser, having raised $1.3 million in 2022, and is presented by Bulgari, sharing their commitment to arts and culture along with TIFF. 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.

Shawn Levy bio
Shawn Levy is the creator, director, and producer of some of the era’s most acclaimed film and television content, and is the founder of 21 Laps Entertainment. He produced the Academy Award®–nominated film Arrival, directed and produced the global hits Free Guy and The Adam Project, and launched multiple franchises including Cheaper By The Dozen, Night at the Museum, and Stranger Things, and in doing so changed the cultural zeitgeist. Upcoming, Levy is directing and producing Marvel’s Deadpool 3 and producing the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple.

(Photo credit: Guy Aroch/Netflix)

The Toronto International Film FestivalⓇ announced today it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jonathan Demme’s Stop Making Sense with a special event screening on Monday, September 11, at Cineplex’s 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, A24’s 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.

“Some people say you’ll never find a better concert documentary than Stop Making Sense,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “I’m 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 you’ve seen it before. But you’ve never seen it in IMAX.”

This highly anticipated special event promises to transport audiences into the heart of music history, immersing them in the electrifying performance of the Talking Heads’ 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 children’s entertainer Ernie Coombs—or, as he is more commonly known by millions of fans, Mr. Dressup. The documentary celebrates the origins and history of one of Canada’s most beloved CBC children shows, Mr. Dressup, which enriched the lives of five generations.

The feature-length documentary celebrates the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s 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 Festival® Primetime programme has been revealed for 2023, with nine compelling and thought-provoking series from around the world, including eight World Premieres.

“This year’s 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,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “TIFF audiences will be the first to see the Prime Video series Expats — Lulu Wang’s highly anticipated follow-up to The Farewell, starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji-young Yoo, a Pulitzer Prize–winning 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.”

PRIMETIME PROGRAMME

TIFF’s 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 O’Bomsawin | Canada
World Premiere – English Language Version

TIFF proudly announces the In Conversation With… (ICW) series at this year’s Festival, featuring talented and acclaimed artists in the world of cinema including Pedro Almodóvar, 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. TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… is presented by Visa.

“TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… series exemplifies our belief that film can ignite perspectives and fuel transformation,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “We are delighted to welcome a powerhouse lineup of international iconoclasts from Spain, South Korea, and Hong Kong for film lovers of all genres.”

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 Almodóvar

A giant of contemporary cinema and the recipient of this year’s Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Awards, Pedro Almodóvar has delighted audiences with films that are vivid, urgent, and human. At this year’s Festival, the iconic Academy Award–winning 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 Almodóvar’s 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 cinema’s foundational genres, Almodóvar has crafted yet another standout entry in the ever-evolving canon of queer cinema. Following a screening of the film, Almodóvar 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 year’s 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 (1992–1994) and Beautiful My Lady (1997) before starring in Park Chan-wook’s international art-house hit Joint Security Area (2000) and Kim Jee-woon’s 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 What’s 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-Ho’s Academy Award–winning 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 Hao’s 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 Kong’s premier television network. He landed his first feature film role in Ann Hui’s 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 Wai’s 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 To’s relentless police thriller Running Out of Time (1999), Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s twisty and unpredictable Infernal Affairs (2002) and Infernal Affairs III (2003), Zhang Yimou’s martial arts extravaganza House of Flying Daggers (2004), Tsui Hark’s delirious fantasy whodunit Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010), Hui’s grounded drama A Simple Life (2011), and Frant Gwo’s 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 “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist.” 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 year’s 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 year’s 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.