The 49th Toronto International Film Festival opens this week with a lineup of more than 100 films and television series and a host of celebrities gracing the red carpet. Here’s what you need to know about the 11-day event:
WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?
It opens on Sept. 5 with the world premiere of “Nutcrackers,” directed by David Gordon Green and starring Ben Stiller as a Chicago real estate developer forced to take in his orphaned nephews. The closing film on Sept. 15 features Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut with “The Deb,” a musical comedy about cousins who take part in a debutante ball in an Australian country town.
WHERE IS IT HELD?
The festival takes place in Toronto’s Entertainment District, spanning five square blocks around King and Richmond streets.
WHAT TO WATCH
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey offers his list of must-see films:
“Nightbitch,” stars Amy Adams in a role like you’ve never seen her. “Anybody who has become a mother or is contemplating it or has a mother, I think you’re going to want to see this movie,” Bailey said.
“The Piano Lesson” is a true Washington family collaboration, with Denzel Washington producing, his son Malcolm Washington directing, and son John David Washington starring in the film.
“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” is “a hidden gem at the festival,” Bailey said. Directed by actor Embeth Davidtz, the film adapts Alexandra Fuller’s memoir about growing up in Rhodesia, a former African colony ruled by a white minority, as it turns into the Black-governed Zimbabwe.
GUEST LIST
Star power will return to Toronto this year with celebrities such Selena Gomez, Will Ferrell, Salma Hayek, Bruce Springsteen, Sydney Sweeney, Elton John and Robbie Williams expected on the red carpet.
Angelina Jolie will be honored with the TIFF Tribute Award in Impact Media alongside Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Durga Chew-Bose, David Cronenberg, Clement Ducol and Camille, Jharrel Jerome, Mike Leigh, and Zhao Tao.
Sandra Oh will serve as the inaugural honorary chair of the fundraising gala.
(Reporting by Jenna Zucker in Toronto; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
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