The Toronto Film Festival is not letting ongoing strikes by SAG-AFTRA actors and WGA writers dampen its star-studded lineup for its 48th edition. On Thursday, the festival announced the addition of several highly anticipated movies and a stellar cast including Dakota Johnson, Bérénice Bejo, Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, and Mads Mikkelsen.
In the Gala section, TIFF unveiled “Finestkind,” a crime drama directed by Brian Helgeland, the Oscar-winning writer-director behind acclaimed movies like “Mystic River” and “L.A. Confidential.” The star-studded cast of “Finestkind” includes Ben Foster, Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones, and Toby Wallace. Also joining the Gala section is the South Korean drama “A Normal Family” directed by Hur Jin-ho, known for his previous works “Dangerous Liaisons” and “April Snow.”
TIFF previously announced the inclusion of Korean director Ryoo Seung-wan’s “Smugglers” in its Special Presentations sidebar. Now, the festival has upgraded the drama to a gala screening after its world premiere in Locarno. Other additions to the Special Presentations section include Christy Hall’s directorial debut “Daddio,” with Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in a drama about a woman in a cab discussing key relationships in their lives. Mexican director Alejandro Lozano’s “El Sabor de la Navidad” will also be featured, along with the comedy “Quiz Lady,” starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. Lone Scherfig’s “The Movie Teller,” featuring Bérénice Bejo, the silent star of “The Artist,” will have its world premiere.
The Centerpiece program at TIFF will feature films like “Close Your Eyes” by Victor Erice, Aki Kaurismaki’s deadpan comedy “Fallen Leaves,” Agnieszka Holland’s immigrant drama “Green Border,” and Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days,” which is set in Japan and premiered at Cannes.
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Several movies will have their world premieres in the sidebar formerly known as Contemporary World Cinema. Ian Gabriel’s “Death of a Whistleblower” will be featured, a thriller based on true events about biological warfare in Africa and the Middle East. Italian actor and director Edoardo Gabbriellini’s “Holiday,” Louise Archambault’s “Irena’s Vow,” and Minhail Baig’s “We Grown Now,” set in Chicago, will also have their world premieres.
The Toronto Film Festival, scheduled to run from September 7 to 17, previously announced that it would open its 2023 edition with Japanese anime legend Hayao Miyazaki’s highly anticipated final film, “The Boy and the Heron.”
Overall, the festival aims to showcase a diverse range of films and talent from around the world. With its star-studded lineup, including critically acclaimed directors and renowned actors, TIFF is sure to captivate audiences and solidify its position as one of the world’s leading film festivals.
