The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled its lineup for the Gala and Special Presentations programs, showcasing 60 films with a strong U.S. presence. Despite the historic Hollywood strikes taking place, the festival is betting on a “star-studded” event. The Gala world premiere will be Craig Gillespie’s GameStop short squeeze saga Dumb Money, starring Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley, and Seth Rogen. Other notable films include Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, Michael Keaton’s Knox Goes Away, Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, and Maggie Betts’ The Burial.
However, it remains uncertain whether Hollywood A-listers will attend the festival due to the strike. SAG-AFTRA has banned striking members from promoting major studio and streamer-tied titles at fall film festivals like Toronto and Venice. Despite this, TIFF remains hopeful that they can still attract major acquisitions and film buyers to their informal market.
The festival has also announced several international premieres, including Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat, George C. Wolfe’s Rustin, and Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers. These films, along with the U.S. titles, are looking to secure distribution deals and generate buzz at the festival.
In addition to the Gala and Special Presentations lineups, TIFF will also feature international auteur cinema and emerging directorial voices. Notable films in this category include The End We Start From, starring Jodie Comer and Benedict Cumberbatch, and Lee, a biopic of Lee Miller with Kate Winslet. Canadian films Hate to Love: Nickelback and Solo will also make their world premieres at the festival.
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Toronto is facing a challenge with the ongoing Hollywood strikes, but they are determined to serve as a key fall launchpad for major independent and specialty studio and streamer titles. While the ban on film promotion from the U.S. actors union may limit the attendance of A-list actors, directors can still attend the festival to promote their latest works. TIFF is hoping that international star power can make up for the potential absence of Hollywood actors.
In total, TIFF will showcase 37 world premieres, seven international premieres, and 12 North American premieres. The festival is set to begin on September 7 and run until September 17. It will be a celebration of film, with a focus on global cinema and emerging talent. Despite the challenges posed by the Hollywood strikes, TIFF remains optimistic about the success of this year’s event.
As the Toronto Film Festival prepares for its upcoming edition, it is clear that the event will be star-studded and filled with high-profile films. The lineup includes a mix of Gala world premieres and Special Presentations, featuring a strong U.S. presence. Despite the ongoing Hollywood strikes, the festival remains hopeful that it can attract major acquisitions and generate buzz for the selected films.
One of the highly anticipated Gala world premieres is Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money, which tells the story of the GameStop short squeeze saga. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Shailene Woodley, and Seth Rogen. Another Gala world premiere is Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, a soccer comedy starring Will Arnett and Michael Fassbender.
The Special Presentations program is filled with films by actors-turned-directors, showcasing their directorial debuts or follow-up titles. Michael Keaton’s Knox Goes Away, Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, and Chris Pine’s Poolman are among the world premieres in this category. These films provide an opportunity for actors to showcase their directing skills and potentially kickstart their awards season campaigns.
In addition to the Gala and Special Presentations lineups, the festival will also feature a range of international films, including world premieres, international premieres, and North American premieres. Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat, George C. Wolfe’s Rustin, and Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers are just a few examples of the international films that will be showcased at TIFF. These films offer a diverse perspective and highlight the global cinematic landscape.
The Toronto Film Festival is aware of the challenges it faces due to the Hollywood strikes. However, the festival organizers are determined to serve as a key launchpad for major independent and specialty studio and streamer titles. While the ban on film promotion from the U.S. actors union may impact the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, the festival is still hopeful that it can attract international star power.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the Hollywood strikes, Toronto’s lineup is impressive and promises to deliver a memorable and star-studded event. With world premieres, international premieres, and North American premieres, the festival offers a diverse range of films for audiences to enjoy. From established directors to emerging talent, the Toronto Film Festival continues to be a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and make their mark in the industry.
As the festival approaches, film lovers can look forward to experiencing the best of global cinema. Toronto CEO Cameron Bailey expresses his excitement for the upcoming event and promises an unforgettable celebration of film. The Toronto Film Festival is ready to welcome audiences and industry professionals alike to celebrate the art of filmmaking and discover new talent.
