Anticipated Start in Toronto, Awaiting Presence of Jolie, Crowe, and Hoss.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is gearing up for its 50th anniversary, set to kick off on Thursday evening (local time). This jubilee edition promises an exciting lineup of over 290 films from nearly 50 countries, with a strong focus on films from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Iran.
One of the highly anticipated films at the festival is the German film "In die Sonne schauen". The momentum for this film has been good, and it's expected to make a strong impression at TIFF.
Another significant German contribution is the world premiere of "Babystar", directed by Joscha Bongard, and "Franz about Franz Kafka", directed by Agnieszka Holland. These films, along with 21 other German contributions and co-productions, will travel to Toronto in 2025, making German cinema a prominent feature at the festival.
Nina Hoss, a renowned German actress, will receive the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. She will also star in Nia DaCosta's Ibsen interpretation "Hedda" at the festival.
The TIFF will also host the world premiere of "John Candy: I Like Me", directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. This documentary offers an intimate look into the life of the beloved comedian.
Prominent guests at the TIFF include Angelina Jolie, Russell Crowe, Baz Luhrmann, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Kirsten Dunst, Shailene Woodley, and David Mackenzie, who premiered his film "Fuses" at the festival.
Cameron Bailey, CEO of the festival, stated that the TIFF curates film canon with its selection. This year, the Audience Award, not the Jury Prize, will determine the TIFF winning film on September 14.
The TIFF will close with Anne Γmond's romantic comedy "Peak Everything". Another noteworthy film at the festival is a documentary titled "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue", which tells the story of the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023 from the Israeli perspective.
Baz Luhrmann will also be present at the TIFF, presenting his concert documentary "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert".
Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films, states that the TIFF is an important gateway to the North American film industry. With such a diverse and exciting lineup, the 50th anniversary of the TIFF is sure to be a memorable event in the world of cinema.
