Actress Amanda Seyfried has announced that she will not be attending the world premiere of her film “Seven Veils” at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes. Seyfried took to Instagram to express her disappointment at not being able to stand alongside the cast and crew of the Atom Egoyan-directed movie during its premiere at the festival.
In her Instagram post, Seyfried expressed her pride in the film and her sadness at not being able to attend the premiere. She mentioned that the film had received a waiver from SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) to promote it as an independent Canadian movie. However, she felt it was not right to go to the festival in light of the ongoing strike.
Seyfried emphasized her desire to show the film to audiences at the right time, once a fair agreement for actors and writers had been reached in the strike. Since actors joined writers on the picket lines in July, there has been uncertainty about whether A-list actors will attend fall film festivals. Stars are currently prohibited from promoting their projects unless they secure waivers from SAG-AFTRA for upcoming indie films not affiliated with studios or streamers.
“Seven Veils” is scheduled to debut on September 10 as part of the Special Presentations sidebar at TIFF. The opera-themed drama, which is a Canadian-financed indie film, portrays Seyfried as a theater director named Jeanine. She is tasked with remounting her former mentor’s adaptation of the opera “Salome” from composer Richard Strauss, based on the play by Oscar Wilde. However, as Jeanine reenters the opera world after an extended absence, troubling memories from her past resurface, allowing her repressed trauma to affect her present.
This film marks Seyfried’s collaboration with director Atom Egoyan once again, following their previous work on the film “Chloe.” The cast also includes Rebecca Liddiard, Douglas Smith, Mark O’Brien, and Vinessa Antoine.
The 48th edition of the Toronto Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 7 to 17. However, with the ongoing strike affecting the attendance of A-list actors and the promotion of their projects, it remains to be seen how the festival will be impacted.
Despite Seyfried’s absence, the anticipation for “Seven Veils” remains high among audiences. The opera-themed drama offers a unique and intriguing storyline, exploring themes of trauma and the power of the past to influence the present. With Atom Egoyan at the helm and an impressive cast, the film promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging experience.
As the strike continues, the film industry finds itself in a period of uncertainty. The rift between actors and writers has created a void at film festivals and in the promotion of projects. While negotiations are ongoing, it is crucial for all parties involved to come to a fair agreement that ensures the welfare and rights of actors and writers.
In the meantime, Seyfried and the rest of the cast and crew of “Seven Veils” will eagerly await the opportunity to showcase their work to audiences once a resolution is reached in the strike. The film industry, like many others, relies on the collaboration and creativity of all those involved, and it is essential to find a balance that serves the interests of all stakeholders.
In conclusion, Amanda Seyfried’s decision to skip the world premiere of “Seven Veils” at the Toronto International Film Festival is a visible example of the impact of the ongoing Hollywood strikes. As the strike continues, the film industry must navigate these challenges and find ways to promote and showcase projects while ensuring the fair treatment of actors and writers. The anticipation for “Seven Veils” remains high, and audiences eagerly await its release under more favorable circumstances.