Hollywood’s A-list stars have descended upon Toronto for North America’s premier film festival, a 10-day cinematic celebration replete with Oscar-worthy films, timely documentaries, and glamour. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off on Thursday, September 5, marking a significant return to its full glory after labor disputes last year hindered the participation of top talents in promoting their work.
The 2023 festival showcased a stellar lineup of films but saw a significant reduction in red carpet glamour due to union strikes by actors and writers. This year, however, TIFF has bounced back grandiosely, welcoming some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Renowned stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett, and Nicole Kidman are among the luminaries gracing Canada’s largest city to unveil their latest projects.
“Toronto is known for its audience excitement, and that excitement reaches a fever pitch when the biggest stars in the world are here,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, in a conversation with AFP. Bailey expressed his relief that this year’s festival is proceeding unhindered by the constraints experienced last year, although he proudly acknowledged the efforts made to deliver an impressive event under challenging circumstances.
The festival’s opening was marked by Ben Stiller’s “Nutcrackers,” a family dramedy about a Chicago real estate developer who must return to Ohio to care for his four nephews after a tragedy strikes his sister’s family. This marks Stiller’s first film in seven years, having previously focused on directing acclaimed television projects like “Escape at Dannemora” and “Severance.”
Another highly anticipated film premiering at TIFF is Ron Howard’s “Eden,” a closely guarded secret until now. The survival film, set in the Galapagos Islands, features Oscar-nominated actress Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney. “Eden” is scheduled for its world premiere on Saturday, adding to the festival’s allure.
Angelina Jolie, fresh from her Venice Film Festival success for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in “Maria,” arrives in Toronto with her latest directorial venture, “Without Blood.” The film, set in the early 20th century, is a tale of family and revenge, starring Salma Hayek.
TIFF 2024 boasts a staggering 278 films on its roster, catering to a wide array of cinematic tastes.
. Music fans are in for a treat as well, with documentaries featuring legends like Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, who will be present to celebrate their illustrious careers. The musical element of TIFF doesn’t stop there; Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Paul Anka, and the multi-talented Pharrell Williams are expected to attend screenings of films detailing their personal and professional journeys.
Bailey elaborated on the music-heavy programming, describing it as a “crazy accident” that gained unstoppable momentum. “We couldn’t turn one way or another without finding another movie that was really infused with music. And we decided, ‘We’re going to give in’,” he told AFP.
Beyond big names and musical documentaries, TIFF will also premiere thought-provoking films such as “The Last Republican,” which delves into former US Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s break with his party, and “Men of War,” spotlighting a dramatic 2020 attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
As part of the autumn festival trifecta, alongside Venice and Telluride, TIFF serves as a launchpad for films likely to compete for Oscars. Unique to the Toronto festival, however, is the inclusion of general audiences alongside industry insiders and media. Crowd-pleasing films like “Nutcrackers” and DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” are expected to resonate with regular moviegoers.
The festival also showcases inspirational true-story sports dramas, including “Unstoppable,” which tells the tale of a college wrestler with a missing right leg aspiring to go pro. Jennifer Lopez co-stars as the wrestler’s mother, adding another feather to her already illustrious cap. Additionally, “The Fire Inside,” chronicling boxer Claressa Shields’s journey to Olympic gold, is set for its world premiere at TIFF.
Running through September 15, TIFF will culminate with the prestigious People’s Choice Award, chosen by public vote. This accolade has become a reliable predictor of future Academy Award winners, with past recipients like “Nomadland” and “Green Book” achieving Oscar glory. Last year, “American Fiction” claimed the People’s Choice Award and went on to receive five Oscar nominations, securing the best-adapted screenplay award.
Published – September 06, 2024 04:35 PM IST
World Cinema / English Cinema
