TIFF kicks off with return to form, boasting big names in movies and music
CTV
The Toronto International Film Festival returns in full force today after navigating several years of pandemic-related challenges and industry disruptions.
The Toronto International Film Festival returns in full force today after navigating several years of pandemic-related challenges and industry disruptions.
Filmmaker Kazik Radwanski says the comeback is much needed after COVID-19 and Hollywood strikes hit the film business hard and dulled the star power of previous festivals.
The Toronto native, whose dramedy "Matt & Mara" makes its North American debut at the festival, says TIFF is important for the city's culture, identity and global recognition.
More than 270 films are set to light up screens as the 49th edition of the festival returns to form, including buzzy movies such as Sean Baker's tragicomic sex-worker love story "Anora," Marielle Heller's Amy Adams-starring horror comedy "Nightbitch," and Pamela Anderson's Hollywood comeback "The Last Showgirl."
A-listers expected to attend this year’s event include Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Bill Murray, Bruce Springsteen, Nicole Kidman and Adam Driver.
“Nutcrackers,” David Gordon Green’s dramedy starring Ben Stiller, will open the festival, while Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut “The Deb” will close it.
"[TIFF] puts Toronto on a world stage and it's really invaluable for making people take cinema seriously in the city," Radwanski said.
