Recently, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) unveiled an exciting lineup of 11 gala events and special presentations highlighting global artistic talent. This year’s selections reflect TIFF’s unwavering commitment to showcasing new perspectives and celebrating cinematic excellence for its diverse international audience. As part of the lead-up to the festival, TIFF has provided first-look images for numerous films accepted into this year’s event. Notable titles include Christy, Frankenstein, Good Fortune, and many more. For a comprehensive list of films being screened, visit their official website HERE.
Among the most eagerly awaited films is Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of boxer Christy Martin in the highly anticipated biopic Christy. Directed by David Michod, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mirrah Foulkes, this film chronicles Martin’s journey to become the premier female boxer of the 1990s. Producers have dubbed it the “female Rocky,” as it follows Martin’s relentless pursuit of success in the boxing world. The film features an impressive cast, including Ben Foster as James Martin, alongside Merritt Weaver, Katy O’Brien, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Chad L. Coleman, and Tony Cavalero, who all contribute to this inspiring sports narrative.
Another exciting addition to the festival is a sneak peek at California Schemin’. In this heartwarming underdog story, actor James McAvoy makes his directorial debut, exploring the adventures of two Scottish men who pretend to be Americans in a bid to achieve their dreams of hip-hop fame. This unique narrative is based on a true story that is so bizarre it seems almost fictional.
We are also introduced to the film Bad Apples, starring the talented Saoirse Ronan. This satirical thriller depicts the story of a primary school teacher grappling with the challenges posed by a foul-mouthed, aggressive student. As she fights to maintain her authority, the narrative reveals the disturbing lengths to which her community will go to ignore the most shocking incidents to uphold their sense of safety and harmony.
The festival will showcase Gus Van Sant’s latest work, titled Dead Man’s Wire. This film features standout performances from Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, and the legendary Al Pacino. It reexamines the bizarre and compelling true story of the 1977 kidnapping that transformed aspiring entrepreneur Tony Kiritsis into an unconventional outlaw and folk hero.
Maude Apatow is stepping into the spotlight with her feature film directing debut, Poetic License. This delightful college comedy centers around the unexpected friendship between two freshmen and a mature woman who enrolls in their poetry class. The film encapsulates the spirit of fall, capturing the essence of optimism and excitement before the pressures of finals loom large on the horizon.
A fresh image of The Smashing Machine has been revealed, highlighting Dwayne Johnson’s return to TIFF after his appearance in Richard Kelly’s Southland Tales back in 2006. In a surprising collaboration, indie film icon Benny Safdie teams up with Dwayne Johnson to deliver The Smashing Machine, a raw and intense depiction of the life and career of MMA and UFC pioneer Mark Kerr, featuring a supporting cast that includes Emily Blunt and several UFC legends.
Brendan Fraser is continuing his remarkable comeback with the film Rental Family. In this whimsical dramedy, the Oscar-winning actor plays an American in Tokyo who experiences a severe case of impostor syndrome while navigating his new role as a professional surrogate. Directed by HIKARI, known for TIFF ’19’s 37 Seconds, this film promises a unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
