#TIFF22: PRIMETIME PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED AS PART OF 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Toronto International Film Festival® Primetime programme is set to shine in 2022, with seven compelling and thought-provoking television series from around the world — including five World Premieres. In addition to series premieres, TIFF will present season premieres of established and beloved shows. Returning to the Glenn Gould Theatre, TIFF’s Industry Conference lineup will engage and inspire industry delegates from all over the world with a highly curated slate of sessions and inspiring speakers.

“TIFF recognizes serialized storytelling as one of the most groundbreaking creative mediums today,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “Growing increasingly risk-taking, it continues to attract top writers and directors globally. TIFF Primetime spotlights the best of series — the most acclaimed and anticipated — and the discoveries that will soon be the most talked about.”

“This year’s lineup highlights the work of both established and emerging creators, with a balanced mix of new discoveries and fan favourites,” added Geoff Macnaughton, Senior Director of Industry and Primetime Programmer, TIFF. “There is something for everyone, and each series will be followed by an extended Q&A with the creative team.”

PRIMETIME PROGRAMME

TIFF’s 2022 Primetime programme features compelling television series from Canada and around the world.

1899 Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese | Germany, USA – World Premiere
Dear Mama Allen Hughes | USA – World Premiere
The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 5) Bruce Miller, Elisabeth Moss | USA – World Premiere
High School Clea DuVall, Laura Kittrell | USA, Canada – World Premiere
The Kingdom Exodus Lars von Trier | Denmark – North American Premiere
LIDO TV Lido Pimienta, Sean O’Neill | Canada – World Premiere
Mystery Road: Origin Dylan River | Australia – International Premiere

TIFF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

“In welcoming the global film and television industries back to Toronto for the first time in two years, we are thrilled to be hosting our curated five-day Conference in-person again. It’s a supercharged year with the opportunity to hear directly from those setting the bar in the new global industry today,” said Lee.

“Conversations between creators, champions, and moguls can collectively shape the business to achieve more inclusivity and sustainability in their areas of expertise,” said Macnaughton. “The makeup of the conversations will present development opportunities for all in attendance — from emerging creators to experienced professionals.”

VISIONARIES

Inspirational keynotes from distinguished industry leaders who are forging innovative new paths creatively and in business. The Hollywood Reporter is the Media Partner. Previously announced speakers include Efe Çakarel, founder and CEO of MUBI, as well as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton. Additions include:
Tyler Perry — Writer, director, producer, playwright, actor, and studio owner Tyler Perry discusses his latest film, A Jazzman’s Blues, and his wide-spanning career, which has set him apart as a creator who embodies the core attributes of a visionary in the entertainment industry today.

S.S. Rajamouli — TIFF welcomes S.S. Rajamouli, director of the recent global success RRR, to discuss Telugu cinema, the notion of art versus commerce, and his reputation of “pushing the limits of industrialized pop cinema,” as articulated by Roger Ebert.

DIALOGUES

Rich and lively discussions on craft among creators, including directors, writers, and showrunners. Variety is the Media Partner. Dialogues sessions are supported by Ontario Creates. Dialogues speakers will be announced soon on tiff.net/industry.

PERSPECTIVES

Timely and thought-provoking conversations with a wide range of expert panellists who will speak on various aspects of the current state and the future of the industry. In addition to the previously announced “The Future of Awards” panel, talks will include:

“The Future of Exhibition” focuses on studio relations, streaming wars, and box office outlook as theatres reopen at full capacity and the industry faces a “new normal.”

The “Narrative Sovereignty” panellists Nyla Innuksuk (director of Slash/Back), Darlene Naponse (director of Stellar), Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (director and actor; Stellar, Night Raiders, Blood Quantum), and Sonya Ballantyne (filmmaker and genre enthusiast) will join moderator Bird Runningwater (producer) to explore how Indigenous-made genre films are contributing to the diversification of the sector, while also finding new global audiences for Indigenous stories.

CONNECTIONS

Providing emerging and mid-career filmmakers the opportunity to interact directly with industry leaders and acquire practical insight that will help fuel their projects and expand their understanding of the industry. TIFF Connections series is generously sponsored by Tecnológico de Monterrey. Sessions confirmed include:
“Academy 365” with Bill Kramer (CEO, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) and newly named President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Janet Yang

“Pathways from Shorts to First Features”
“Breaking in and Moving Forward”

“The ReFrame ReSource” presented by ReFrame

“How To Access Telefilm Funding” presented by Telefilm

MICROSESSIONS

Curated partner discussions that showcase new technologies and new ways of doing business. Confirmed sessions to date include:

“Being Seen: Directives for Creating Authentic and Inclusive Content” presented by Telefilm Canada and the Black Screen Office

“Greening your Mind: The Role of Agencies in Creating a More Eco-Responsible Industry” presented by Telefilm Canada
“All Welcome: Increasing the Accessibility of Events in the Film Industry” presented by Telefilm Canada

“Powering Entertainment” presented by TikTok

“Let’s Talk Future of Cinema Technology” presented by Christie

“Underrepresented to Unstoppable: More Voices Need More Opportunities in Film” presented by UPS.

SPOTLIGHTS

Spotlighting global talent, incentives, co-production opportunities, and pitching sessions. Sessions will include:
“Do It the Spanish Way! Spain–Canada Coproduction Forum” presented by ICEX and ICAA“ Indigenous Filmmakers at TIFF” presented by the Indigenous Screen Office
“Renewal of the Canada–France Co-Production Treaty” presented by Telefilm Canada and The French Embassy in Canada

“The Big Pitch” presented by Caribbean Tales Media Group

“Cents and Sensibility: Making Meaningful Change in the World of Film Financing” presented by Breaking Through the Lens
Additional sessions to be announced via TIFF’s Press & Industry Twitter account over the coming weeks. Full session pitches will be available online. Documentary focused sessions will be announced at a later date.

(Photo credit: Hulu)

#TIFF: NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA PREMIERE FOUR TITLES AT 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

As part of TIFF’s Canadian programming announcements, the National Film Board of Canada is bringing us four titles at the Festival this year!

Premiering in TIFF Docs

The Colour of Ink by Brian D. Johnson (105 min)

Produced by Brian D. Johnson for Sphinx Productions; Sherien Barsoum, Lea Marin and Kate Vollum for the NFB

• Working with ingredients foraged in the wild—weeds, berries, bark, flowers, rocks, rust—Toronto inkmaker Jason Logan makes ink from just about anything. Jason sends custom-made inks to an eclectic range of artists around the world, from a New Yorker cartoonist to a Japanese calligrapher.
• As the inks take on a life of their own, his playful alchemy paints a story of colour that reconnects us to the earth and returns us to a childlike sense of wonder.
• Brian D. Johnson is a Canadian writer, filmmaker and cultural commentator. He is best known for his three decades as film critic and senior arts writer at Maclean’s magazine, where he remains a Contributing Editor. In 2015 he produced and directed Al Purdy Was Here, a documentary feature about the legendary Canadian poet, which premiered at TIFF and was runner-up for the TIFF Grolsch People’s Choice Documentary Award.

Ever Deadly by Tanya Tagaq and Chelsea McMullan (90 min)

Produced by Lea Marin, Anita Lee and Kate Vollum for the Ontario Studio in Toronto.

Ever Deadly explores Tagaq’s transformation of sound with an eye to colonial fallout, natural freedom and Canadian history. We witness Tagaq’s intimate relationship with the Nuna—the Land—a living, breathing organism present in all forms of her improvised performances. 

This feature doc weaves concert footage with stunning sequences filmed on location in Nunavut, seamlessly bridging landscapes, stories and songs with pain, anger and triumph—all through the expressions of one of the most innovative musical performers of our time.

Tanya Tagaq is an improvisational singer, avant-garde composer and author from Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq), who now divides her time between Nunavut and Toronto. A member of the Order of Canada, a Polaris Music Prize and JUNO Award winner and recipient of multiple honorary doctorates, Tagaq is an original disruptor, a world-changing figure at the forefront of seismic social, political and environmental change.

Toronto filmmaker Chelsea McMullan creates documentary, experimental narrative, and hybrid films that explore the work of leading international artists. McMullan’s first documentary feature, My Prairie Home, about pioneering transgender musician Rae Spoon, screened at Sundance 2014 and was named Best Canadian Documentary at the Vancouver Film Critics Association Awards.

To Kill a Tiger by Nisha Pahuja (125 min)

Produced by Cornelia Principe and Nisha Pahuja for Notice Pictures; David Oppenheim for the NFB

In a small Indian village, Ranjit wakes up to find that his 13-year-old daughter has not returned from a family wedding. A few hours later, she’s found stumbling home. After being dragged into the woods, she was raped by three men. Ranjit goes to the police, and the men are arrested. But Ranjit’s relief is short-lived, as the villagers and their leaders launch a sustained campaign to force the family to drop the charges.

With tremendous access, the film follows Ranjit’s uphill battle to find justice for his child, charting the emotional journey of an ordinary man facing extraordinary circumstances. A father whose love for his daughter forces a social reckoning that will reverberate for years to come.

Nisha Pahuja is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker based in Toronto and Bombay. Her credits include Diamond Road (2007 Gemini Award for Best Documentary Series), the NFB production Bollywood Bound (2001 Gemini nominee) and the award-winning The World Before Her (2012; Best Documentary, Tribeca Film Festival; Best Canadian Documentary, Hot Docs; TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten; Sundance Film Forward Program; Best Documentary nominee, CSAs; Emmy nominee).

Premiering in Short Cuts

The Flying Sailor by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis (7 min 45 s)

Produced by David Christensen for the North West Studio in Edmonton

Two ships collide in a harbour, an explosion shatters a city, and a sailor is blasted skyward. With ears ringing, blood pulsing and guts heaving, he soars high above the mayhem and towards the great unknown.

Inspired by an incredible true story of a man who was blown two kilometres through the air by the Halifax Explosion, the animated short The Flying Sailor is at once a bold blend of comedy, suspense and philosophy and an exhilarating contemplation of the wonder and fragility of existence.

The Flying Sailor is making its North American premiere at TIFF following its world premiere at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, which took place June 13 to 18.

Calgary-based animators Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis met at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, where they studied film, video and animation. Each went on to create their own works with the NFB (Wendy Tilby’s Strings and Jan Padgett’s The Reluctant Deckhand, animated by Amanda Forbis) before co-directing When the Day Breaks, which received an Oscar nomination and more than 30 international awards, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes. In 2012, their animated short film Wild Life received an Academy Award nomination, among other honours.

#TIFF22: “THE SWEARING JAR” AND “STELLAR” TO PREMIERE AT 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF continues to deliver its promise to showcase Canadian talent. Just announced today are two more new Features to premiere this September in Toronto, THE SWEARING JAR and STELLAR from levelFILM.

THE SWEARING JAR

Contemporary World Cinema

Directed by: Lindsay MacKay
Written by: Kate Hewlett
Starring: Adelaide Clemens, Patrick J. Adams, Douglas Smith & Kathleen Turner

“It is a rare and miraculous thing to find your one true soul mate.” Carey soon learns that finding two of them can pose an even greater problem. Equal parts humour and heartbreak, THE SWEARING JAR tells two love stories at once, exploring the challenge of marriage, parenting, loss and moving on.

STELLAR

Contemporary World Cinema

Written and Directed by: Darlene Naponse
Starring: Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Braeden Clarke, Rossif Sutherland

HE and SHE sit apart, quietly in a tiny dive bar. They accidentally touch and a meteorite blasts through the atmosphere. As the meteorite approaches, the two continue in their protected selves. Based on the historical research of the meteorite hitting the area of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek territory, millions of years ago, forming one of the largest iron ore deposit in the world.

The meteorite bursts into the atmosphere and onto the land, it shoots fireballs hundreds of kilometres away, pushes the water far, building hills of rock, and as the waters come back as a tsunami the water in a way, melts the rocks.

The land millions of years later is occupied by the Anishnawbek of Atikameksheng, then as colonizers approach, the natural beauty of this formation becomes fortune to the settlers. This is the backstory and environment – the natural world around the lovers.

The story pushes through historical trauma, formed by colonization.

Inside this tiny dive bar, though touch, their duality formulates.

STELLAR is set within the fluidity of time, touch, realism and reverie. Some may call this magic realism. Based within Indigenous knowledge and way of life, this story allows two people to heal, through touch, calm, love and patience in a fantastical space that leaves the audience dreamlike and yet it is dangerous and violent, there is love.

#TIFF22: “BONES OF CROWS” AND “NORTH OF NORMAL” ADDED TO 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP

Elevation Pictures is thrilled to announce that BONES OF CROWS and NORTH OF NORMAL were a part of today’s TIFF 2022 Conference, and TIFF’s ongoing commitment to showcase Canadian talent.

BONES OF CROWS

Director: Marie Clements
Starring Grace Dove, Phillip Lewitski, and Rémy Girard

Unfolding over 100 years, BONES OF CROWS is a feature film told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears as she survives a childhood in Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse.

NORTH OF NORMAL

Director: Carly Stone
Starring Sarah Gadon, James D’Arcy, and Robert Carlyle

Based on her riveting memoir, NORTH OF NORMAL follows Cea Sunrise Person’s unconventional childhood in the Canadian wilderness and her complicated relationship with her perpetually pot-smoking teen mom.

#TIFF22: CHARLOTTE LE BON’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT “FALCON LAKE” TO PREMIERE AT 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Sphere Films is thrilled to announce that FALCON LAKE by Charlotte Le Bon will have its North-American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Contemporary World Cinema section. Presented as a World Premiere at the 54th Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes and in competition for the Caméra d’Or at Cannes as a first feature, FALCON LAKE stars Sara Montpetit (Maria Chapdelaine), Karine Gonthier-Hyndman (Like-Moi), Monia Chokri (Heartbeats) and young French actor Joseph Engel (The Crusade).

Bastien and Chloé spend their summer vacation with their families at a lake cabin in Quebec, haunted by a ghost legend. Despite the age gap between them, the two teenagers form a singular bond. Ready to overcome his worst fears to earn a place in Chloé’s heart, the holiday becomes a turbulent pivotal moment for the young boy.

FALCON LAKE is the feature directorial debut by actress Charlotte Le Bon (The Hundred-Foot Journey, Mood Indigo, The Walk, Yves Saint Laurent), who previously directed the short film Judith Hotel, which screened at Cannes. As a visual artist, Le Bon explored the themes of the strange and surreal through her paintings, drawings and lithographs before turning to film. Her expertise shines in this first feature, where the impressive cast comes together in a superbly crafted coming-of-age story, loosely adapted from the novel Une Soeur by Bastien Vivès.

Produced by Sylvain Corbeil and Nancy Grant (Metafilms) in cooperation with CBC/Radio-Canada and Super Écran, with financial support from the SODEC, Telefilm Canada, Eurimages and the Harold Greenberg Fund, as well as Quebec and Canadian tax credits, FALCON LAKE was co-produced by David Gauquie, Julien Deris and Jean-Luc Ormières (Cinéfrance Studios) and Jalil Lespert (Onze Cinq). Memento International oversees international sales.

Distributed in Canada by Sphere Films, FALCON LAKE will be released on October 14, 2022.

#NEWMUSIC: BRANDI CARLIE’S “SOMEWHERE OVER THE RADIO” SHOW COMING TO SIRIUSXM

Multi-Grammy-winning Country Superstar Brandi Carlile has a new show coming to SiriusXM! The monthly show will showcase LGBTQIA+ Artists and their Allies! ‘Brandi Carlile’s Somewhere Over the Radio,’ is a monthly show available on The Spectrum (ch. 28). The show premieres Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. ET.

On the show, Carlile will curate the music, focusing on artists who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. In the premiere episode, Carlile is joined by her wife Catherine Carlile to share music from artists like Tracy Chapman, Elton John, Antony and The Johnsons, Arlo Parks, The Indigo Girls, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Dolly Parton, and more. Carlile will also share personal anecdotes between songs and engage in candid conversations with her guests.

“This show is about the impact that LGBTQIA + artists have made on the world, the spiritual realm, and certainly our family through the transcendence of music,” says Carlile. “Queer artists and pioneers have given my wife and I everything that we have including each other. Let’s shine a little light on queer excellence today.”

Brandi Carlile’s Somewhere Over the Radio premieres August 10 with new episodes airing the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. ET on The Spectrum. Carlile also appears in upcoming TIFF ’22 selection THE RETURN OF TANYA TUCKER: FEATURING BRANDI CARLILE!

#TIFF22: “DALILAND” ANNOUNCED AS TIFF ’22 CLOSING NIGHT GALA

The TIFF ’22 Closing Night Gala has been revealed and this year it will be DALILAND starring Sir Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dalí.

Synopsis:

Dalíland tells the story of the later years of the strange and fascinating marriage between the genius Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala, as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in New York and Spain in 1973, the story is told through the eyes of James, a young assistant keen to make his name in the art world, who helps the eccentric and mercurial Dalí prepare for a big gallery show. 

“We’re excited to premiere Mary Harron’s Dalíland as this year’s Closing Night film,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “We couldn’t be prouder that Harron is a Canadian who has taken her singular explorations of iconic eccentrics to the world stage. In portraying the wild relationship between Salvador Dalí and his partner, Gala, Harron continues to keep moviegoing fresh.”

Starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Barbara Sukowa, Christopher Briney, Rupert Graves, Alexander Beyer, Andreja Pejic, Mark McKenna, Zachary Nachbar-Seckel, Avital Lvova, and Suki Waterhouse. Directed by Harron with a screenplay written by John C. Walsh. Produced by Edward R. Pressman of Pressman Film, David Sacks of David O. Sacks Productions, Daniel Brunt, Chris Curling of Zephyr Films, and Sam Pressman. 

The Closing Night Gala takes place Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Roy Thomson Hall.

#TIFF22: CAST OF “MY POLICEMAN” TO RECEIVE A TIFF TRIBUTE AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE

The 2022 TIFF Tribute Gala is set to take place Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel and being honoured this year is the Cast of MY POLICEMAN, including Harry Styles and Emma Corrin! The TIFF Tribute Award for Performance is presented by Polestar and the Awards are brought to us by BVLGARI. This marks the first time an Ensemble is being honoured, in addition to a new gender-neutral acting award.

Synopsis of MY POLICEMAN:

Adapted for the screen by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner from Bethan Roberts’ award-winning novel of the same name, Prime Video’s My Policeman follows three young people — policeman Tom (Styles), teacher Marion (Corrin), and museum curator Patrick (Dawson) — as they embark on an emotional journey in 1950s Britain. Flashing forward to the 1990s, Tom (Roache), Marion (McKee), and Patrick (Everett) are still reeling with longing and regret, but now they have one last chance to repair the damage of the past. Grandage carves a visually transporting, heart-stopping portrait of three people caught up in the shifting tides of history, liberty, and forgiveness.

The TIFF Tribute Awards have served as an awards-season bellwether, with past honourees Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao 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. More information on the 2022 TIFF Tribute Awards event and this year’s honourees will follow in the coming weeks.

We’re less than a month away from TIFF ’22! This is a good type of anxious!

(Photo credit: Prime Video)

#TIFF22: 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL DISCOVERY, WAVELENGTH and MIDNIGHT MADNESS TITLES ANNOUNCED

TIFF ’22’s DISCOVERY, WAVELENGTH and MIDNIGHT MADNESS Programme selections were announced earlier today and among the titles to premiere at the Festival this year are Weird Al Yankovic Biopic WEIRD, starring Daniel Radcliffe! While these are only some of the titles, more announcements are coming! The Festival runs September 8-18, 2022.

DISCOVERY

“TIFF’s Discovery programme is a showcase of cinema and talent from around the world — a place to unearth work that is bold, distinctive, and, above all, passionate,” said Dorota Lech, Discovery Lead and International Programmer, TIFF. “The section has a rich history of championing the first and second features of visionary filmmakers such as Chantal Akerman, Julie Dash, Yorgos Lanthimos, Ildikó Enyedi, Jafar Panahi, Trinh T. Minh-ha, Steve McQueen, Michael Haneke, Christopher Nolan, Lav Diaz, Barry Jenkins, Alfonso Cuarón, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Warwick Thornton, Maren Ade, Joachim Trier, David Gordon Green, Pablo Larraín, Valeska Grisebach, and Jean-Marc Vallée, to name just a handful. This year’s robust programme offers 24 films that shook us to the core, filled us with joy, broke our hearts, and, most importantly, reminded us that the future is bright.”

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Aitch Alberto | USA
World Premiere

Baby Ruby Bess Wohl | USA
World Premiere

Carmen Benjamin Millepied | Australia, France
World Premiere

Daughter of Rage (La Hija de todas las Rabias) Laura Baumeister | Nicaragua
World Premiere

A Gaza Weekend Basil Khalil | United Kingdom, Palestine
World Premiere

I Like Movies Chandler Levack | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Discovery Opening Night Film
The Inspection Elegance Bratton | USA
World Premiere

A Long Break Davit Pirtskhalava | Georgia
World Premiere

Pussy Joseph Amenta | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Return to Seoul Davy Chou | South Korea, France, Germany, Belgium
International Premiere

ROSIE Gail Maurice | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Runner Marian Mathias | USA, France, Germany
World Premiere

SHIMONI Angela Wanjiku Wamai | Kenya
World Premiere

Snow and the Bear Selcen Ergun | Turkey, Germany, Serbia
World Premiere

Something You Said Last Night Luis De Filippis | Canada, Switzerland 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Susie Searches Sophie Kargman | USA
World Premiere

Sweet As Jub Clerc | Australia
International Premiere

The Taste of Apples is Red Ehab Tarabieh | Israel, Germany
World Premiere

This Place V.T. Nayani | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Unruly (Ustyrlig) Malou Reymann | Denmark
World Premiere

Until Branches Bend Sophie Jarvis | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

When Morning Comes Kelly Fyffe-Marshall | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

The Young Arsonists Sheila Pye | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

*** An additional title to be confirmed at a later date.

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MIDNIGHT MADNESS

“I am thrilled to announce that Midnight Madness has returned to its traditional 10-film configuration and has a new home at the Royal Alexandra Theatre,” said section curator Peter Kuplowsky. “I also couldn’t have hoped for a more appropriate Opening Night film than Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — a beautifully deranged ‘biopic’ made in the great Midnight movie tradition of challenging conventions and forging one’s own path, no matter how weird.”

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as music and comedy legend “Weird Al” Yankovic, the film leads a gonzo Midnight Madness lineup that includes a double dose of gore-filled action (Sisu and Project Wolf Hunting), two wildly surprising new instalments to iconic horror films (Pearl and V/H/S 99), some magnificently meta genre comedies (The Blackening, The People’s Joker, and Leonor Will Never Die), and a few killer creative horror team-ups (John Hyams and Kevin Williamson’s Sick, Jaume Balagueró and Álex de la Iglesia’s Venus).

Concluding, Kuplowsky added: “This year, fans of the weird and the wicked will be spending most of their TIFF living in a Midnight Madness paradise.”

The Blackening Tim Story | USA
World Premiere

Midnight Madness Closing Night Film
Leonor Will Never Die Martika Ramirez Escobar | Philippines
Canadian Premiere

Pearl Ti West | USA
North American Premiere

The People’s Joker Vera Drew | USA
World Premiere

Project Wolf Hunting Kim Hongsun | South Korea
World Premiere

Sick John Hyams | USA
World Premiere

Sisu Jalmari Helander | Finland
World Premiere

Venus Jaume Balagueró | Spain
World Premiere

V/H/S 99 Flying Lotus, Johannes Roberts, Maggie Levin, Tyler MacIntyre, Vanessa & Joseph Winter | USA
World Premiere

Midnight Madness Opening Night Film
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Eric Appel | USA
World Premiere

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WAVELENGTHS

“The selections in this year’s Wavelengths lineup reimagine the possibilities of cinema in ways both inspiring and rejuvenating,” said Senior Curator Andréa Picard. “The programme itself continues to champion film as art in a climate increasingly challenging for non-commercial and non-conforming work. The filmmakers and artists in this year’s edition expand the language of film and video, employing narrative, documentary, hybrid, and formalist approaches to assert film’s status as an autonomous art form and the cinema itself as an essential, communal experience.”

Showcasing a mix of established auteurs, celebrated visual artists, and emerging filmmakers, this year’s Wavelengths presents eight features, two shorts programmes, and an exhibition, placing timeless, durational works alongside projects of the utmost contemporary urgency — each political by nature of its very existence and, by extension, resistance. Additionally, we are honoured to present a number of important moving-image works from recent gallery and museum exhibitions in the cinema, including an exceptional theatrical screening of Tacita Dean’s latest 16mm film, Fata Morgana. Another of this year’s highlights includes the first Canadian solo exhibition of Brooklyn-based Moroccan artist Meriem Bennani in an exciting partnership with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and The Vega Foundation. Meriem Bennani: Life on the CAPS will be exhibited free to the public at The Power Plant from September 9 through 18.

Features

Concrete Valley Antoine Bourges | Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

De Humani Corporis Fabrica Véréna Paravel, Lucien Castaing-Taylor | France, Switzerland
North American Premiere

Dry Ground Burning (Mato Seco em Chamas) Joana Pimenta, Adirley Queirós | Portugal, Brazil
North American Premiere

Horse Opera Moyra Davey | USA
Festival Premiere

Pacifiction Albert Serra | France, Spain, Germany, Portugal
North American Premiere

Queens of the Qing Dynasty Ashley McKenzie | Canada 🇨🇦
North American Premiere

Unrest (Unrueh) Cyril Schäublin | Switzerland
North American Premiere

Will-o’-the-Wisp (Fogo-Fátuo) João Pedro Rodrigues | Portugal, France
North American Premiere

Shorts

After Work Céline Condorelli, Ben Rivers | United Kingdom
North American Premiere

Bigger on the Inside Angelo Madsen Minax | USA
World Premiere

EVENTIDE Sharon Lockhart | USA
World Premiere

F1ghting Looks Different 2 Me Now Fox Maxy | Mesa Grande Reservation/USA
Festival Premiere

Fata Morgana Tacita Dean | United Kingdom, USA
Festival Premiere

Hors-titre Wiame Haddad | France
North American Premiere

I Thought the World of You Kurt Walker | Canada 🇨🇦
North American Premiere

Moonrise Vincent Grenier | USA, Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

The Newest Olds Pablo Mazzolo | Argentina, Canada 🇨🇦
World Premiere

Puerta a Puerta Jessica Sarah Rinland, Luis Arnías | Mexico, USA, Venezuela
International Premiere

The Time That Separates Us Parastoo Anoushahpour | Canada, Jordan, Palestine 🇨🇦
World Premiere

What Rules the Invisible Tiffany Sia | USA
North American Premiere

Exhibition

Meriem Bennani: Life on the CAPS (2022) and 2 Lizards (2020)
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, September 9–18
Free Admission
Presented in partnership with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and The Vega Foundation.

#TIFF22: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PLATFORM PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

TIFF today unveiled the 10 features that comprise the Platform programme for 2022. Platform is TIFF’s competitive programme that champions bold directorial visions. From first-time feature directors to veterans, this year’s Platform lineup offers a diverse range of talent and distinct directorial voices that are emerging around the globe. It is a year rich in perspectives, genres, and exceptional performances by newcomers, as well as established actors.

Emily, the feature debut by Frances O’Connor, has been selected as the programme’s opening film, and — like all 10 films in the programme — is a World Premiere. This year’s selection also includes two Canadian titles: Riceboy Sleeps and Viking.

“We launched Platform to shine a brighter light on some of the most original films and distinct voices at our Festival,” said Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO. “Now in year seven, it’s become a true home for international auteurs on the rise.”

Named after Jia Zhang-ke’s groundbreaking second feature, Platform is curated by TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee; Director, Festival Programming Robyn Citizen; and Senior Manager, Festival Programming Ravi Srinivasan.

“Eclectic in vision, this year’s selection not only represents all World Premieres of exciting, on-the-rise voices from around the world, but it also reflects the very timely and unique perspectives of racialized filmmakers from diasporic communities broadening the canvas,” said Lee.

The 10 films in the programme are eligible for the Platform Prize, an award of $20,000 CAD given to the best film in the programme, selected by an in-person international jury. This year’s Platform Prize jury will be announced later this summer. Previous jury members include: Claire Denis, Béla Tarr, Brian De Palma, Mira Nair, Riz Ahmed, and Jia Zhang-ke.

Previous Platform selections include Hany Abu-Assad’s Huda’s Salon (2021), Kamila Andini’s Yuni (2021), Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal (2019), Alice Winocour’s Proxima (2019), Kazik Radwanski’s Anne at 13,000 Ft. (2019), Sarah Gavron’s Rocks (2019), Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin (2017), Pablo Larraín’s Jackie (2016), Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight (2016), William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth (2016) and Ben Wheatley’s High-Rise (2015).

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Platform’s full 2022 lineup:

Charcoal (Carvão) Carolina Markowicz | Brazil, Argentina
World Premiere

Platform Opening Night Film.
Emily Frances O’Connor | UK
World Premiere

The Gravity (La Gravité) Cédric Ido | France
World Premiere

Hawa Maïmouna Doucouré | France
World Premiere

How to Blow Up a Pipeline Daniel Goldhaber | USA
World Premiere

Riceboy Sleeps Anthony Shim | Canada
World Premiere

Subtraction (Tafrigh) Mani Haghighi | Iran, France
World Premiere

Thunder (Foudre) Carmen Jaquier | Switzerland
World Premiere

Tora’s Husband Rima Das | India
World Premiere

Viking Stéphane Lafleur | Canada
World Premiere

For more information, please see tiff.net.

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