The Toronto Film Festival returns to theaters. Film fans in the Canadian metropolis look forward to the arrival of stars and directors.
[Toronto -] After the film festivals in Cannes and Venice this summer already initiated a revival of the film industry, the 46th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada follows suit.
Stars and directors will be returning to Toronto on Thursday to present their films in the city’s cinemas for ten days – albeit under Corona-related conditions and with reduced seating capacities. In 2020, due to the corona pandemic, the TIFF took place exclusively virtually and with a reduced program.
The TIFF will open on Thursday with the world premiere of “Dear Evan Hansen”, a film adaptation of the successful Broadway musical with stars such as Ben Platt, Amy Adams and Julianne Moore. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film tells the story of a student with an anxiety disorder who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to belonging and acceptance.
“With TIFF resuming this year during a pandemic that has shaped and changed all of our lives, it was important for us to open the festival with a film that reminds us of how much we need each other,” said Joana Vicente, Co-Head of TIFF, the German Press Agency.
World premieres are also there
132 films from around the world will be screened in Toronto until September 18, including world premieres such as “Belfast” by director Kenneth Branagh about his childhood in Northern Ireland, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” about the marriage of the controversial TV evangelist with Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield, as well as Antoine Fuqua’s thriller “The Guilty” with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke.
The German film is represented with 17 contributions and co-productions. “It is extremely important for the marketing of independently produced films that the films can finally be shown again in the cinema in front of an audience,” said German Films Managing Director Simone Baumann. “We are particularly excited about the response to the world premiere of ‘The Devil’s Driver’s’.” The documentary follows Palestinian smugglers who help workers cross the border.
Stars and filmmakers have also announced their arrival, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Sigourney Weaver and Steven Soderbergh. It is still unclear how many international visitors will come to Canada. The country only opens its borders two days before the festival starts. As in previous years, the audience will still play a leading role at the 46th TIFF: Traditionally, instead of a jury, they will choose the winning film, which will be announced on September 18th. [dpa]
