Hollywood’s A-list stars have descended upon Toronto for North America’s largest film festival, a 10-day celebration of Oscar hopefuls, timely documentaries, and dazzling glamour that kicked off on Thursday, September 5. Known for its rich blend of cinematic artistry and star-studded moments, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) marks a significant return to form this year.
The 2024 edition comes after a challenging previous year, which saw twin strikes by actors and writers that kept top talents from promoting their work. Although the 2023 lineup boasted an impressive array of films, the red carpets stayed noticeably empty, adhering to union protocols. This time, the festival thrums with renewed energy and excitement. Hollywood stalwarts such as Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett, and Nicole Kidman are slated to attend and unveil their latest projects.
“Toronto is renowned for its enthusiastic audiences, and that excitement escalates when the world’s biggest stars are in town,” said Cameron Bailey, the CEO of TIFF, in an interview with AFP. “We’re thrilled to host a festival free from the constraints we faced last year. Despite the hurdles, we made the best of the situation.”
The festival’s opening night unveiled Ben Stiller’s “Nutcrackers.” This family dramedy, marking Stiller’s first film in seven years, delves into the life of a Chicago real estate developer who must move to Ohio to care for his four nephews following a family tragedy. While Stiller has shifted focus primarily to directing, with notable television projects like “Escape at Dannemora” and “Severance,” his return to the big screen has been eagerly anticipated.
Another highlight includes Ron Howard’s highly anticipated “Eden,” a survival film set in the Galapagos Islands, starring Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney. The film, whose details have been shrouded in secrecy, debuts on Saturday, adding to the festival’s allure.
Following up on her triumphant portrayal of opera icon Maria Callas in “Maria” at Venice, Angelina Jolie arrives in Toronto with her latest directorial venture, “Without Blood.” The film, starring Salma Hayek, explores themes of family and revenge in the early 20th century.
The festival boasts an impressive slate of 278 films, showcasing a broad spectrum of cinematic marvels.
. Music icons John and Springsteen are in town with new documentaries chronicling their illustrious careers, joining a lineup of music legends such as Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Paul Anka, and Pharrell Williams. These documentaries delve into the personal and professional lives of these stars, promising to be a significant draw for attendees.
According to Bailey, the music-heavy programming emerged from what he termed as a “crazy accident,” but soon gained momentum. “We found ourselves inundated with exceptional movies infused with music. Ultimately, we decided to embrace it wholeheartedly,” Bailey disclosed to AFP.
Besides music-centric films, TIFF is set to screen evocative documentaries like “The Last Republican,” detailing former US congressman Adam Kinzinger’s clash with his own party, and “Men of War,” a gripping account of a wild 2020 attempt to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Aligning with film festivals in Venice and Telluride, TIFF serves as a precursor to the Oscars, screening movies expected to dominate award season buzz. Unlike its counterparts, TIFF opens its screenings to the general public, creating a more inclusive and engaging environment. This dedication to accessibility shines through in the festival’s varied lineup, including feel-good films like “Nutcrackers” and DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot.”
True-story sports dramas also form a key part of the lineup. “Unstoppable” tells the inspiring story of a college wrestler with a prosthetic leg (played by Jharrel Jerome) who dreams of going professional, with Jennifer Lopez co-starring as his mother. Also premiering is “The Fire Inside,” detailing boxer Claressa Shields’s path to Olympic success.
Running through September 15, TIFF will conclude with the coveted People’s Choice Award. Voted on by festival attendees, this award has become an early predictor of Oscars success, with past winners like “Nomadland” and “Green Book” going on to claim the Best Picture Academy Award. Last year, “American Fiction” won the People’s Choice Award, subsequently garnering five Oscar nominations and winning for best adapted screenplay.
As the festival progresses, moviegoers and industry insiders alike are poised for a memorable and scintillating celebration of cinema.
