Annette Bening was center stage in 2004 at the Toronto International Film Festival when Being Julia, directed by Istvan Szabo, served as the opening night film. “We are thrilled to open this year’s festival with Being Julia,” Piers Handling, the TIFF Group’s then CEO and director, said. “Annette Bening gives an award-worthy performance surrounded by tremendous Canadian and international talent.” And, in fact, Bening went on to receive the third of her four Oscar nominations for her performance as a middle-aged London stage actress who discovers a new lease on life when her husband (Jeremy Irons) introduces her to a young actor (Shaun Evans) with whom she begins an affair.
“We love our movie. We’re hopelessly partial to it,” the actress enthused to Hello! Magazine on the red carpet. “It’s something that I worked very hard on and I really care very deeply about it.” Accompanying her was her husband,...
“We love our movie. We’re hopelessly partial to it,” the actress enthused to Hello! Magazine on the red carpet. “It’s something that I worked very hard on and I really care very deeply about it.” Accompanying her was her husband,...
- 9/10/2023
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Respected film festival executive Noah Cowan, who formerly headed the San Francisco Film Fest and served as co-director of the Toronto Film Festival and executive director of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, died Wednesday of glioblastoma multiforme after being diagnosed in December 2021. He was 55.
Former Toronto Film Fest executive director Piers Handling remembered Cowan, saying “It was a privilege to work with Noah for as long as I did. His contribution not just to TIFF but to Sffilm, the Global Film Initiative, and the entire independent film community around the world was matchless. He was a tireless advocate, had a large appetite for life, films, friendship, travel and fine dining! His artistic leadership of both the festival and TIFF Bell Lightbox was exemplary. He put some ground breaking programs together on China, Japan, and David Cronenberg and lit up every room he entered. His passing leaves a huge hole – both personally...
Former Toronto Film Fest executive director Piers Handling remembered Cowan, saying “It was a privilege to work with Noah for as long as I did. His contribution not just to TIFF but to Sffilm, the Global Film Initiative, and the entire independent film community around the world was matchless. He was a tireless advocate, had a large appetite for life, films, friendship, travel and fine dining! His artistic leadership of both the festival and TIFF Bell Lightbox was exemplary. He put some ground breaking programs together on China, Japan, and David Cronenberg and lit up every room he entered. His passing leaves a huge hole – both personally...
- 1/26/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Piers Handling had spent most of his career at the Toronto International Film Festival, but nothing could prepare him for the shock of 9/11. As the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon made their way up north, the festival’s CEO and director was forced to contend with immediate questions about whether or not the show could go on. Those decisions reverberated across the city of Toronto and throughout the film community.
On the 20th anniversary of that tragic time, Handling — who left TIFF in 2018 and is currently writing a book about the history of film festivals — spoke to IndieWire about the tumultuous experience and what lessons could be extrapolated from it for the pandemic era.
The morning news cycle on 9/11 was chaotic. At what point did you realize the severity of the situation?
The reality didn’t really set in until right after the towers fell.
On the 20th anniversary of that tragic time, Handling — who left TIFF in 2018 and is currently writing a book about the history of film festivals — spoke to IndieWire about the tumultuous experience and what lessons could be extrapolated from it for the pandemic era.
The morning news cycle on 9/11 was chaotic. At what point did you realize the severity of the situation?
The reality didn’t really set in until right after the towers fell.
- 9/11/2021
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Longtime Toronto Film Festival programmer Dimitri Eipides has died. He was 82.
Eipides, who programmed for Toronto for four decades to 2018, passed away in his hometown of Athens after a long illness, TIFF said on Wednesday. As an international programmer for Toronto, Eipides picked film titles from Eastern and Central Europe, Western and Central Asia and Greece.
“Dimitri was a pure, gentle soul and one of the most committed programmers and cinephiles I have ever known,” Piers Handling, former CEO and executive director of TIFF, said in a statement.
“He knew the cinemas of Eastern Europe,...
Eipides, who programmed for Toronto for four decades to 2018, passed away in his hometown of Athens after a long illness, TIFF said on Wednesday. As an international programmer for Toronto, Eipides picked film titles from Eastern and Central Europe, Western and Central Asia and Greece.
“Dimitri was a pure, gentle soul and one of the most committed programmers and cinephiles I have ever known,” Piers Handling, former CEO and executive director of TIFF, said in a statement.
“He knew the cinemas of Eastern Europe,...
Longtime Toronto Film Festival programmer Dimitri Eipides has died. He was 82.
Eipides, who programmed for Toronto for four decades to 2018, passed away in his hometown of Athens after a long illness, TIFF said on Wednesday. As an international programmer for Toronto, Eipides picked film titles from Eastern and Central Europe, Western and Central Asia and Greece.
“Dimitri was a pure, gentle soul and one of the most committed programmers and cinephiles I have ever known,” Piers Handling, former CEO and executive director of TIFF, said in a statement.
“He knew the cinemas of Eastern Europe,...
Eipides, who programmed for Toronto for four decades to 2018, passed away in his hometown of Athens after a long illness, TIFF said on Wednesday. As an international programmer for Toronto, Eipides picked film titles from Eastern and Central Europe, Western and Central Asia and Greece.
“Dimitri was a pure, gentle soul and one of the most committed programmers and cinephiles I have ever known,” Piers Handling, former CEO and executive director of TIFF, said in a statement.
“He knew the cinemas of Eastern Europe,...
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett has been named president of the International Jury of the Competition at the 77th Venice International Film Festival in September.
La Biennale di Venezia, the organization behind the festival, made the announcement Thursday.
“Every year I look expectantly to the selection at Venice and every year it is surprising and distinct. Venice is one of the most atmospheric film festivals in the world – a celebration of the provocative and inspirational medium that is cinema in all its forms. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be this year’s jury president,” Blanchett said in a statement.
Also Read: 'Mrs. America' Star Cate Blanchett Talks Finding Humanity in Phyllis Schlafly: 'I Don't Believe in Demonizing Anybody'
Festival director Alberto Barbera commented, “Cate Blanchett is not just an icon of contemporary cinema, courted by the greatest directors of the past twenty years and adored by moviegoers of every kind.
La Biennale di Venezia, the organization behind the festival, made the announcement Thursday.
“Every year I look expectantly to the selection at Venice and every year it is surprising and distinct. Venice is one of the most atmospheric film festivals in the world – a celebration of the provocative and inspirational medium that is cinema in all its forms. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be this year’s jury president,” Blanchett said in a statement.
Also Read: 'Mrs. America' Star Cate Blanchett Talks Finding Humanity in Phyllis Schlafly: 'I Don't Believe in Demonizing Anybody'
Festival director Alberto Barbera commented, “Cate Blanchett is not just an icon of contemporary cinema, courted by the greatest directors of the past twenty years and adored by moviegoers of every kind.
- 1/16/2020
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
The Toronto International Film Festival has laid off 15 employees as the organization rethinks its long term plans, a spokesperson said Wednesday.
“In recent months, Tiff undertook a comprehensive review of its ‘Audience First’ strategic plan and operating model, to evaluate where we are as an organization relative to our stated goals,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to TheWrap.
Announced in 2017 following the retirement of longtime CEO Piers Handling, the “Audience First” plan was designed to expand Tiff beyond its annual September film festival and create more “transformative experiences through film” year round. New Executive Director Joana Vicente is overseeing the project with Tiff Artistic Director Cameron Bailey, and it’s designed to help the festival navigate the widespread transition of moviegoing from cinemas to streaming.
Also Read: Beanie Feldstein Comedy 'How To Build A Girl' Acquired by IFC Films
Among the events included in the plan...
“In recent months, Tiff undertook a comprehensive review of its ‘Audience First’ strategic plan and operating model, to evaluate where we are as an organization relative to our stated goals,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to TheWrap.
Announced in 2017 following the retirement of longtime CEO Piers Handling, the “Audience First” plan was designed to expand Tiff beyond its annual September film festival and create more “transformative experiences through film” year round. New Executive Director Joana Vicente is overseeing the project with Tiff Artistic Director Cameron Bailey, and it’s designed to help the festival navigate the widespread transition of moviegoing from cinemas to streaming.
Also Read: Beanie Feldstein Comedy 'How To Build A Girl' Acquired by IFC Films
Among the events included in the plan...
- 11/21/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
“Joker” from director Todd Phillips won the Golden Lion, and “J’Accuse,” or “An Officer and a Spy,” from director Roman Polanski has won the Grand Jury Prize, the festival’s runner up prize, at the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival.
The comic book film starring Joaquin Phoenix in an origin story of the iconic Batman villain beat out a lineup that also included films such as James Gray’s “Ad Astra” and Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat” for the top prize.
“I want to thank Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking a big swing on me,” director Todd Phillips said as he accepted the Golden Lion.
Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” stars Jean Dujardin in a film about the Dreyfus Affair. His presence at the festival generated some backlash, as it’s his first film since the director...
The comic book film starring Joaquin Phoenix in an origin story of the iconic Batman villain beat out a lineup that also included films such as James Gray’s “Ad Astra” and Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat” for the top prize.
“I want to thank Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking a big swing on me,” director Todd Phillips said as he accepted the Golden Lion.
Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” stars Jean Dujardin in a film about the Dreyfus Affair. His presence at the festival generated some backlash, as it’s his first film since the director...
- 9/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Venice 2019: Todd Phillips' film has bewitched the jury; the Silver Lion went to Polanski and Best Director to Roy Andersson. The Special Jury Prize was for La mafia non è più quella di una volta. The “insane talent” of Joaquin Phoenix (as described by director Todd Phillips) has triumphed over the competition. Joker has walked away with the Golden Lion at this the 76th edition of Venice International Film Festival. The incredible physical and psychological transformation of the actor, alongside the film’s mise-en-scène and screenplay, enchanted the jury presided over by Lucrecia Martel and composed of Stacy Martin, Mary Harron, Piers Handling, Rodrigo Prieto, Shinya Tsukamoto and Paolo Virzì. Phoenix appeared on stage with the director to accept the award and Phillips confirmed that without the former and his insane talent, “the film would never have existed”. Roman Polanski wasn’t there to accept the Silver Lion–Grand Jury Prize for.
The 2019 Venice Film Festival, running Aug. 28-Sept. 7, reflects the seismic changes under way in Hollywood.
“There is a strange situation this year with American cinema due to what’s happening,” says artistic director Alberto Barbera. “An earthquake [is] undermining the U.S. film industry as we know it.”
Barbera, who’s been instrumental in turning the Lido into a prime awards season propeller, is mainly referring to Disney buying Fox “and dismantling it, so that in a while people won’t even remember that it existed.”
But he also points out that Paramount “is just distributing movies made by other outfits.” There is uncertainty about Sony. And Lionsgate is on the verge of a sale. So “there were definitely less quality [U.S.] goods on offer this year, even though we have no shortage of good [American] movies.”
The four Hollywood pics in the Lido’s 21-title competition roster are all entries with potential awards cachet.
“There is a strange situation this year with American cinema due to what’s happening,” says artistic director Alberto Barbera. “An earthquake [is] undermining the U.S. film industry as we know it.”
Barbera, who’s been instrumental in turning the Lido into a prime awards season propeller, is mainly referring to Disney buying Fox “and dismantling it, so that in a while people won’t even remember that it existed.”
But he also points out that Paramount “is just distributing movies made by other outfits.” There is uncertainty about Sony. And Lionsgate is on the verge of a sale. So “there were definitely less quality [U.S.] goods on offer this year, even though we have no shortage of good [American] movies.”
The four Hollywood pics in the Lido’s 21-title competition roster are all entries with potential awards cachet.
- 8/27/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The definitive jury members for the 76th edition of Venice have been announced, encompassing Orizzonti, the “Luigi De Laurentiis” Award for a Debut Film, Venice Virtual Reality and Venice Classics. The final list of jury members for the 76th Venice International Film Festival, which is set to unspool on the Lido from 28 August-7 September 2019, has been announced. Flanking director Lucrecia Martel, the chair of the competition jury at the 76th edition of Venice (see the news), in addition to Canadian historian and critic Piers Handling, British actress Stacy Martin, Mexican DoP Rodrigo Prieto, Japanese director Tsukamoto Shinya and his Italian counterpart Paolo Virzì, will be Canadian helmer Mary Harron. Taking the place of Mary Harron on the Orizzonti jury, chaired by Italian...
Jennifer Kent, a member of this year’s jury for the Venice International Film Festival whose film “The Nightingale” was the only female-directed film in last year’s competition, says she’s disappointed that this year’s Venice features only two films directed by women out of 21 in competition.
“I think it’s an issue,” Kent told TheWrap, who broke out with her 2014 debut feature “The Babadook” and won a special jury prize for “The Nightingale” in Venice last year. “I hoped there would be more. I really did.”
The Australian filmmaker noted the challenges that she and women like this year’s jury president, Argentinian director Lucrecia Martel (“Zama”), faced in the film industry even in the midst of calls for greater gender representation. “There are some incredible women out there making films, and we need to see them, and they need to be in festivals, A-list festivals, and...
“I think it’s an issue,” Kent told TheWrap, who broke out with her 2014 debut feature “The Babadook” and won a special jury prize for “The Nightingale” in Venice last year. “I hoped there would be more. I really did.”
The Australian filmmaker noted the challenges that she and women like this year’s jury president, Argentinian director Lucrecia Martel (“Zama”), faced in the film industry even in the midst of calls for greater gender representation. “There are some incredible women out there making films, and we need to see them, and they need to be in festivals, A-list festivals, and...
- 7/31/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The Toronto International Film Festival is adding an awards program to its starry lineup.
This year’s Tribute Gala will take place Monday, Sept. 9 with Participant Media receiving the Tiff Impact Award. A female talent on the rise will be honored with the inaugural Mary Pickford Award, named in honor of United Artists’ 100th anniversary.
The Mary Pickford recipient along with other awards and honorees will be announced at a later date.
“Through our programming, we have had the privilege of celebrating new talents and showcasing works from renowned veterans in the industry over the past four decades,” Tiff co-head Joana Vicente said in a statement. “We wanted to build on the success of last year’s tribute gala to outgoing director and CEO Piers Handling in the form of a new annual awards event that highlights some of the year’s best films, as well as longtime contributors to our industry.
This year’s Tribute Gala will take place Monday, Sept. 9 with Participant Media receiving the Tiff Impact Award. A female talent on the rise will be honored with the inaugural Mary Pickford Award, named in honor of United Artists’ 100th anniversary.
The Mary Pickford recipient along with other awards and honorees will be announced at a later date.
“Through our programming, we have had the privilege of celebrating new talents and showcasing works from renowned veterans in the industry over the past four decades,” Tiff co-head Joana Vicente said in a statement. “We wanted to build on the success of last year’s tribute gala to outgoing director and CEO Piers Handling in the form of a new annual awards event that highlights some of the year’s best films, as well as longtime contributors to our industry.
- 6/27/2019
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Toronto International Film Festival co-heads Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey have announced a pair of brand-new awards for this year’s Tiff Tribute Gala, the festival’s annual awards fundraiser to support Tiff’s year-round programs and its core mission “to transform the way people see the world through film, and to celebrate the film industry’s outstanding contributors.” Both of today’s announced awards, including the Tiff Impact Award and the Mary Pickford Award, will celebrate their inaugural events at the gala.
Tiff will honor Participant Media with the newly-created Tiff Impact Award, as the multi-platform content company is being singled out for “creating a union between social impact and cinema.” It will be accepted by founder and chairman Jeff Skoll and CEO David Linde, as the celebrate the company’s fifteen anniversary and over a decade of “social action through storytelling.”
To date, Participant has produced more than...
Tiff will honor Participant Media with the newly-created Tiff Impact Award, as the multi-platform content company is being singled out for “creating a union between social impact and cinema.” It will be accepted by founder and chairman Jeff Skoll and CEO David Linde, as the celebrate the company’s fifteen anniversary and over a decade of “social action through storytelling.”
To date, Participant has produced more than...
- 6/27/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
“Cities of Last Things,” an award-winning Taiwanese black drama where the story is told in reverse chronological order, has been acquired for streaming by global online giant Netflix. The film is expected to be available on the platform from July 11.
The film opens with images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, and three nights, compacted into one single night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order.
Directed by Malaysian-born, New York-educated Ho Wi Ding, the film had its premiere at the Toronto festival in September last year. There it won the prize for best film in the experimental Platform section. Toronto festival director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
https://variety.
The film opens with images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, and three nights, compacted into one single night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order.
Directed by Malaysian-born, New York-educated Ho Wi Ding, the film had its premiere at the Toronto festival in September last year. There it won the prize for best film in the experimental Platform section. Toronto festival director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
https://variety.
- 6/13/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
New York-based Film Movement has acquired North American rights to Italian director Laura Luchetti’s “Twin Flower,” a dark tale of two teen runaways that launched last year from Toronto’s Discovery section and has since screened at a number of festivals, including London, Busan and Seattle.
The film was sold to Film Movement by Italy’s Fandango Sales, headed by Raffaella Di Giulio.
Set in Sardinia, Luchetti’s standout sophomore work pairs two 16-year-olds: Anna, whose father reluctantly works for an immigrants trafficker, and Basim who has arrived illegally on the Italian island from the Ivory Coast. They meet and hit the road together across Sardinia’s sun-scorched countryside, escaping from a menacing pursuer.
“With this timely drama, Laura Luchetti not only solidifies her reputation as one of the top Italian filmmakers to watch, but also as a director who can elicit incredibly moving, naturalistic performances from young acting talent,...
The film was sold to Film Movement by Italy’s Fandango Sales, headed by Raffaella Di Giulio.
Set in Sardinia, Luchetti’s standout sophomore work pairs two 16-year-olds: Anna, whose father reluctantly works for an immigrants trafficker, and Basim who has arrived illegally on the Italian island from the Ivory Coast. They meet and hit the road together across Sardinia’s sun-scorched countryside, escaping from a menacing pursuer.
“With this timely drama, Laura Luchetti not only solidifies her reputation as one of the top Italian filmmakers to watch, but also as a director who can elicit incredibly moving, naturalistic performances from young acting talent,...
- 6/12/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
’The way [Tiff] grew was a surprise to everyone.’
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day,...
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day,...
- 11/9/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
’The way [Tiff] grew was a surprise to everyone.’
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day,...
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day,...
- 11/9/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
‘The way [Tiff} grew was a surprise to everyone.’
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day, and...
Recently retired Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) head honcho Piers Handling reflected on the origins of the festival, discussed the impact of 9/11 and Sars, and admitted Green Book‘s audience award win this year “surprised us all”, in a wide-ranging talk at the Los Cabos International Film Festival on Thursday (8).
“That was certainly a huge challenge,” Handling said of the September 11 attacks that occurred several days into the festival’s 2001 iteration. “There’s no training that prepares you for that… We inched our way through the day.”
Handling and his staff cancelled press conferences on the day, and...
- 11/9/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Mexico City — Launched in 2012, now in its seventh year, and under new directors Alejandra Paulín and Maru Garzón, Los Cabos caters to one of the world’s most exciting two-way streets: the Mexico-u.S. film-tv axis. Add Canada, the third country to supply films, projects, talent and delegates to Los Cabos and the mix is even richer. 10 takes on this year’s edition, which bows Wednesday Nov. 7, running through Nov. 11:
1.Mexico
Five years ago, as Eugenio Derbez’s “Instructions Not Included” finally cracked the U.S. Latino market, grossing $44.5 million plus another $46.1 million in Mexico, companies hauled into Los Cabos to look for new Derbezs. Now there’s another reason: TV. Barring the one-off “Lilyhammer,” Netflix first foreign-language series release anywhere in the world was Mexico’s “Club of Crows,” in August 2015. Amazon is making its first four Latin American series out of Mexico. Multiple other companies – Turner, Mediapro,...
1.Mexico
Five years ago, as Eugenio Derbez’s “Instructions Not Included” finally cracked the U.S. Latino market, grossing $44.5 million plus another $46.1 million in Mexico, companies hauled into Los Cabos to look for new Derbezs. Now there’s another reason: TV. Barring the one-off “Lilyhammer,” Netflix first foreign-language series release anywhere in the world was Mexico’s “Club of Crows,” in August 2015. Amazon is making its first four Latin American series out of Mexico. Multiple other companies – Turner, Mediapro,...
- 11/7/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
As the Toronto International Film Festival continues to downsize its programming and say adieu to CEO and Director Piers Handling for its 2018 edition, a noted number of titles which one would normally see the fest share with Venice and Telluride were hemorrhaged for whatever reason. Against all word-on-the-street odds, Bradley Cooper’s remake of A Star is Born surprisingly didn’t snag the coveted People’s Choice distinction, which is usually an indication of a Best Picture Oscar nod, and this year fest favorite Green Book from Peter Farrelly took the award (with Barry Jenkins’ third feature If Beale Street Could Talk taking the runner up).…...
- 9/17/2018
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Festival veteran steps aside as Cameron Bailey, Joane Vicente prepare to take the reins.
After 36 years of service to the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), director and CEO Piers Handling bid farewell at Sunday’s awards ceremony and drew a standing ovation from filmmakers and festival staff.
“Ladies and gentlemen we have arrived at the end of another phenomenal festival and I could not be more proud of everything that we have achieved together over the past 36 years,” said Handling in typically understated manner as he presided over the ceremony with artistic director Cameron Bailey.
The Tiff veteran, who joined...
After 36 years of service to the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), director and CEO Piers Handling bid farewell at Sunday’s awards ceremony and drew a standing ovation from filmmakers and festival staff.
“Ladies and gentlemen we have arrived at the end of another phenomenal festival and I could not be more proud of everything that we have achieved together over the past 36 years,” said Handling in typically understated manner as he presided over the ceremony with artistic director Cameron Bailey.
The Tiff veteran, who joined...
- 9/16/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
India’s The Man Who Feels No Pain wins Midnight Madness award.
The period drama Green Book from Peter Farrelly has won the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) 2019 Grolsch People’s Choice Award and bolstered its awards season prospects given Tiff’s recent track record.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali star in the tale of an Italian-American bouncer who drives an African-American jazz pianist on a 1960s concert tour of the South. Participant Media produced and financed Green Book through its joint venture with Amblin/Dreamworks, and Universal will release the film in the Us on November 21.
The Tiff audience...
The period drama Green Book from Peter Farrelly has won the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) 2019 Grolsch People’s Choice Award and bolstered its awards season prospects given Tiff’s recent track record.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali star in the tale of an Italian-American bouncer who drives an African-American jazz pianist on a 1960s concert tour of the South. Participant Media produced and financed Green Book through its joint venture with Amblin/Dreamworks, and Universal will release the film in the Us on November 21.
The Tiff audience...
- 9/16/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Michael Moore never shies away from a fight.
It’s a safe bet that the documentary filmmaker will kick off this year’s Toronto Intl. Film Festival with a few choice words aimed at the 45th president. “Fahrenheit 11/9,” Moore’s latest, examines the rise of President Donald Trump and represents a rallying cry for the resistance. The festival’s decision to give Moore one of its opening night slots is a clear indication that this will be one of the most politically charged TIFFs in recent memory.
There’s “The Front Runner,” Jason Reitman’s dissection of a pre-Stormy Daniels sex crisis that derailed the presidential campaign of Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman); “Boy Erased,” a drama about gay conversion that hits at a time when one of the controversial “therapies” boosters, Vice President Mike Pence, is within a heartbeat of the Oval Office; “The Hate U Give,” a searing look...
It’s a safe bet that the documentary filmmaker will kick off this year’s Toronto Intl. Film Festival with a few choice words aimed at the 45th president. “Fahrenheit 11/9,” Moore’s latest, examines the rise of President Donald Trump and represents a rallying cry for the resistance. The festival’s decision to give Moore one of its opening night slots is a clear indication that this will be one of the most politically charged TIFFs in recent memory.
There’s “The Front Runner,” Jason Reitman’s dissection of a pre-Stormy Daniels sex crisis that derailed the presidential campaign of Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman); “Boy Erased,” a drama about gay conversion that hits at a time when one of the controversial “therapies” boosters, Vice President Mike Pence, is within a heartbeat of the Oval Office; “The Hate U Give,” a searing look...
- 9/6/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood has shown real progress when it comes to increasing the conversations, panels, events, pledges, studies, and campaigns dedicated to women and female filmmakers. Actual results, however, are another matter, as the industry continues to grapple with changing its dismal number of female filmmakers. At Tiff, the story is changing, of the 342 films in this year’s Tiff lineup, about 36 percent are directed by women.
That’s still short of parity, of course, but it’s a quantitative improvement on the major festivals’ current track record. The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film recently found that when it comes to programming films by women, the top 23 film festivals (including Tiff) average just over 32 percent. More importantly, however, it represents ongoing and consistent progress, the kind that all those conversations, panels, events, pledges, studies, and campaigns are all aiming to actually impact.
Read More: Every Studio Film...
That’s still short of parity, of course, but it’s a quantitative improvement on the major festivals’ current track record. The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film recently found that when it comes to programming films by women, the top 23 film festivals (including Tiff) average just over 32 percent. More importantly, however, it represents ongoing and consistent progress, the kind that all those conversations, panels, events, pledges, studies, and campaigns are all aiming to actually impact.
Read More: Every Studio Film...
- 9/5/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It’s a time of change for the Toronto International Film Festival, as one of the world’s premiere platforms for Oscar contenders overhauls its leadership ranks.
Joana Vicente has been named as the new executive director and co-head of the prestigious gathering. She joins Cameron Bailey, who was previously promoted to artistic director and co-head of Tiff. The two will divide responsibilities. Bailey will focus more on the organization’s programming choices, while Vicente will oversee business operations. They replace Piers Handling, who is stepping down as CEO of Tiff after being at its helm for 23 years.
“I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,” Vicente said in a statement. “Cameron’s artistic vision is inspiring and I look forward to working with him and with the passionate team at Tiff to expand the...
Joana Vicente has been named as the new executive director and co-head of the prestigious gathering. She joins Cameron Bailey, who was previously promoted to artistic director and co-head of Tiff. The two will divide responsibilities. Bailey will focus more on the organization’s programming choices, while Vicente will oversee business operations. They replace Piers Handling, who is stepping down as CEO of Tiff after being at its helm for 23 years.
“I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,” Vicente said in a statement. “Cameron’s artistic vision is inspiring and I look forward to working with him and with the passionate team at Tiff to expand the...
- 8/28/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Board of Directors of Tiff has today announced the appointment of Joana Vicente as the new Executive Director & Co-Head of Tiff, effective November 1. Vicente, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp), joins Cameron Bailey, who in April was announced as the Artistic Director & Co-Head, effective October 1. Last September, long-time festival director and CEO Piers Handling announced his intention to step down after the conclusion of the 2018 edition of the festival.
“After an extensive search for a Co-Head, we are thrilled to welcome Joana to the new role and to the Tiff family,” board chair Jennifer Tory said in an official statement. “The hiring committee was deeply impressed with Joana’s combined history as a producer, a champion of independent filmmakers, and with her success in fundraising and partnerships. Her extensive knowledge of the changing global film landscape solidified the decision. The Board is confident...
“After an extensive search for a Co-Head, we are thrilled to welcome Joana to the new role and to the Tiff family,” board chair Jennifer Tory said in an official statement. “The hiring committee was deeply impressed with Joana’s combined history as a producer, a champion of independent filmmakers, and with her success in fundraising and partnerships. Her extensive knowledge of the changing global film landscape solidified the decision. The Board is confident...
- 8/28/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Ifp executive director begins on November 1, will attend festival next month.
Independent Filmmaker Project executive director Joana Vicente has been unveiled as the executive director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), effective November 1.
Vicente will serve alongside artistic director and co-head Cameron Bailey, whose previously announced expanded role begins on October 1. Both report directly to the board.
It is understood Ifp and Tiff are combining forces to ensure a smooth leadership transition for both organisations. Vicente, who led Ifp since December 2009 and has produced more than 40 films, will attend Tiff, which runs from September 6-16, while she...
Independent Filmmaker Project executive director Joana Vicente has been unveiled as the executive director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), effective November 1.
Vicente will serve alongside artistic director and co-head Cameron Bailey, whose previously announced expanded role begins on October 1. Both report directly to the board.
It is understood Ifp and Tiff are combining forces to ensure a smooth leadership transition for both organisations. Vicente, who led Ifp since December 2009 and has produced more than 40 films, will attend Tiff, which runs from September 6-16, while she...
- 8/28/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Joana Vicente, executive director of the Independent Filmmaker Project and Made in NY Media Center, was named executive director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday.
She will join Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey as co-head of the festival on Nov. 1 and run its business end as the Toronto-based organization sees longtime CEO Piers Handling and executive director and COO Michele Maheux step down after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
"I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,”...
She will join Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey as co-head of the festival on Nov. 1 and run its business end as the Toronto-based organization sees longtime CEO Piers Handling and executive director and COO Michele Maheux step down after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
"I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,”...
- 8/28/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Joana Vicente, executive director of the Independent Filmmaker Project and Made in NY Media Center, was named executive director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday.
She will join Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey as co-head of the festival on Nov. 1 and run its business end as the Toronto-based organization sees longtime CEO Piers Handling and executive director and COO Michele Maheux step down after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
"I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,”...
She will join Tiff artistic director Cameron Bailey as co-head of the festival on Nov. 1 and run its business end as the Toronto-based organization sees longtime CEO Piers Handling and executive director and COO Michele Maheux step down after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
"I’ve always looked to Tiff as a prominent international platform for world cinema, with an impact that is both local and global,”...
- 8/28/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sales agency, Wild Bunch has boarded “Cities of Last Things,” a mind-bending Asian drama that has its premiere next month at the Toronto Film Festival.
Written and directed by Malaysian-born, Taiwan-based Ho Wi Ding the film opens with the images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, three nights, compacted into one night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order. Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
The film stars Lu Huang (aka Lulu Huang) rising Chinese actor and Golden Horse winner Hong-Chi Lee, seasoned Taiwanese actor Jack Kao and French actress Louise Grinberg.
Taiwan-based Changhe Films co-produced the film with China-based Hymn Pictures, Singapore’s MM2 Entertainment, the U.S.
Written and directed by Malaysian-born, Taiwan-based Ho Wi Ding the film opens with the images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, three nights, compacted into one night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order. Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
The film stars Lu Huang (aka Lulu Huang) rising Chinese actor and Golden Horse winner Hong-Chi Lee, seasoned Taiwanese actor Jack Kao and French actress Louise Grinberg.
Taiwan-based Changhe Films co-produced the film with China-based Hymn Pictures, Singapore’s MM2 Entertainment, the U.S.
- 8/25/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Malaysian director Wi Ding Ho’s non-linear relationship drama to premiere in Platform section.
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Taiwan-based director Wi Ding Ho’s drama Cities Of Last Things ahead of its premiere in Toronto’s Platform section next month.
The Paris-based international sales powerhouse will handle most territories including North America, Japan and Europe but excluding France, Taiwan, China and additional Asian territories.
The non-linear drama revolves around an ordinary man’s relationships with three women, focusing on one night with each of them which resulted in a life-changing event.
“Only in film and literature,...
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Taiwan-based director Wi Ding Ho’s drama Cities Of Last Things ahead of its premiere in Toronto’s Platform section next month.
The Paris-based international sales powerhouse will handle most territories including North America, Japan and Europe but excluding France, Taiwan, China and additional Asian territories.
The non-linear drama revolves around an ordinary man’s relationships with three women, focusing on one night with each of them which resulted in a life-changing event.
“Only in film and literature,...
- 8/24/2018
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Neil Jordan’s Greta, Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux added to Special Presentations.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s 1980’s set skinhead drama Farming and Rosanne Pel’s Poland-set relationship drama Light As Feathers are among a Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) Discovery selection that comprises 48% of films directed by women.
Tiff chiefs have also added Neil Jordan’s Greta and Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux to Special Presentations, and announced the International Rising Stars, details of the fifth annual Festival Street, and Speaker Series participants. In addition, Mira Nair has joined the Platform jury.
This year’s festival will present 343 films in total,...
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s 1980’s set skinhead drama Farming and Rosanne Pel’s Poland-set relationship drama Light As Feathers are among a Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) Discovery selection that comprises 48% of films directed by women.
Tiff chiefs have also added Neil Jordan’s Greta and Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux to Special Presentations, and announced the International Rising Stars, details of the fifth annual Festival Street, and Speaker Series participants. In addition, Mira Nair has joined the Platform jury.
This year’s festival will present 343 films in total,...
- 8/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto Film Festival announced today that the World Premiere of Outlaw King, David Mackenzie’s period drama chronicling the rise of 14th-century Scottish hero Robert the Bruce, will be the Opening Night Gala Presentation for the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, September 6, at Roy Thomson Hall.
This epic David-versus-Goliath tale reunites award-winning director David Mackenzie with his Hell or High Water actor Chris Pine, who takes on the starring role of the legendary Scottish king who leads a band of outlaws to reclaim the throne from the clutches of the English crown and its army. The film also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, and Billy Howle.
“Tiff’s Opening Night Film, Outlaw King, tells a powerful story that is rich in drama, excitement, romance, and adventure,” said Piers Handling, Director & CEO of Tiff. “Audiences are promised a thrilling journey back in time, as...
This epic David-versus-Goliath tale reunites award-winning director David Mackenzie with his Hell or High Water actor Chris Pine, who takes on the starring role of the legendary Scottish king who leads a band of outlaws to reclaim the throne from the clutches of the English crown and its army. The film also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, and Billy Howle.
“Tiff’s Opening Night Film, Outlaw King, tells a powerful story that is rich in drama, excitement, romance, and adventure,” said Piers Handling, Director & CEO of Tiff. “Audiences are promised a thrilling journey back in time, as...
- 8/14/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced both of its bookending premiere events, with David Mackenzie’s historical drama “Outlaw King” set to open the festival and Justin Kelly’s fact-based “Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy” on deck to close out the event. Mackenzie’s period drama stars Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, and Billy Howle and chronicles the rise of 14th-century Scottish hero Robert the Bruce.
The festival will close with another historical drama, but one of a very different stripe and with a wholly different message. Kelly’s take on Savannah Knoop’s memoir ”Girl Boy Girl: How I Became Jt LeRoy” stars Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern.
The world premiere of “Outlaw King” will open the festival on Thursday, September 6, at Roy Thomson Hall. The film tells the “untold, true story of Robert the Bruce, who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of...
The festival will close with another historical drama, but one of a very different stripe and with a wholly different message. Kelly’s take on Savannah Knoop’s memoir ”Girl Boy Girl: How I Became Jt LeRoy” stars Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern.
The world premiere of “Outlaw King” will open the festival on Thursday, September 6, at Roy Thomson Hall. The film tells the “untold, true story of Robert the Bruce, who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of...
- 8/14/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Gala presentations unveiled on Tuesday.
The world premieres of David Mackenzie’s Outlaw King starring Chris Pine as Robert The Bruce, and Justin Kelly’s Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy with Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart will bookend the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) which will take place from September 6-16.
Netflix’s Outlaw King chronicles the rise of 14th-century Scottish hero Robert the Bruce and will kick off the festival at Roy Thomson Hall. Pine previously starred for Mackenzie in Hell Or High Water and reunites as the Scottish warrior who leads a band of outlaws to reclaim the throne from...
The world premieres of David Mackenzie’s Outlaw King starring Chris Pine as Robert The Bruce, and Justin Kelly’s Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy with Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart will bookend the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff) which will take place from September 6-16.
Netflix’s Outlaw King chronicles the rise of 14th-century Scottish hero Robert the Bruce and will kick off the festival at Roy Thomson Hall. Pine previously starred for Mackenzie in Hell Or High Water and reunites as the Scottish warrior who leads a band of outlaws to reclaim the throne from...
- 8/14/2018
- ScreenDaily
Michele Maheux is stepping down as executive director and chief operating officer of the Toronto International Film Festival. She has set summer of 2019 as her retirement date and will spend the coming months helping to ease the way for her successor.
The move comes at a time of great change for a fall festival that is considered to be a prime stop for any film in the awards race. In July, CEO Piers Handling announced that after 23 years, the 2018 festival will be his last. His job will essentially be split in two. Cameron Bailey, a longtime festival hand, has been promoted to the newly created position of artistic director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival. The other lead position will be an executive director, who will concentrate on the organization’s business and funding needs, much as Maheux did for decades. An announcement about who will fill that...
The move comes at a time of great change for a fall festival that is considered to be a prime stop for any film in the awards race. In July, CEO Piers Handling announced that after 23 years, the 2018 festival will be his last. His job will essentially be split in two. Cameron Bailey, a longtime festival hand, has been promoted to the newly created position of artistic director and co-head of the Toronto International Film Festival. The other lead position will be an executive director, who will concentrate on the organization’s business and funding needs, much as Maheux did for decades. An announcement about who will fill that...
- 8/10/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Toronto International Film Festival COO Michèle Maheux is to leave after 30 years.
Maheux, who is also Executive Director of the festival, will leave on November 1 2018, after this year’s event and will work closely with the board through summer 2019. Her departure comes after news that CEO Piers Handling is stepping down with Artistic Director Cameron Bailey adding the duties of co-head. The festival is also set to appoint an Executive Director and co-head to work alongside Bailey.
She has been responsible for overseeing the business operations of the festival and was lauded for the launch of Tiff’s Bell Lightbox.
“During my time with the Tiff Board, I have had the privilege to see Michèle’s meticulous business acumen and people skills up close,” said Chair Jennifer Tory. “She is the epitome of a generous mentor and strong leader and through her hard work has helped to build one of...
Maheux, who is also Executive Director of the festival, will leave on November 1 2018, after this year’s event and will work closely with the board through summer 2019. Her departure comes after news that CEO Piers Handling is stepping down with Artistic Director Cameron Bailey adding the duties of co-head. The festival is also set to appoint an Executive Director and co-head to work alongside Bailey.
She has been responsible for overseeing the business operations of the festival and was lauded for the launch of Tiff’s Bell Lightbox.
“During my time with the Tiff Board, I have had the privilege to see Michèle’s meticulous business acumen and people skills up close,” said Chair Jennifer Tory. “She is the epitome of a generous mentor and strong leader and through her hard work has helped to build one of...
- 8/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Incoming executive director and co-head to be unveiled before this year’s festival.
Longtime Tiff executive director and COO Michele Maheux will retire effective summer 2019, chair of the board Jennifer Tory announced on Friday (August 10).
Maheux will continue in her current role until November 1, and will switch her focus to the organisational transition after that through summer 2019, reporting directly to the board.
The transition will coincide with, as previously announced, artistic director Cameron Bailey taking on the additional role of co-head, and the arrival of an incoming executive director and co-head, who will be unveiled before the Toronto International Film...
Longtime Tiff executive director and COO Michele Maheux will retire effective summer 2019, chair of the board Jennifer Tory announced on Friday (August 10).
Maheux will continue in her current role until November 1, and will switch her focus to the organisational transition after that through summer 2019, reporting directly to the board.
The transition will coincide with, as previously announced, artistic director Cameron Bailey taking on the additional role of co-head, and the arrival of an incoming executive director and co-head, who will be unveiled before the Toronto International Film...
- 8/10/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
Michele Maheux, the longtime executive director and COO of the Toronto Film Festival, is set to retire after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
Maheux, a 30-year veteran with Tiff, made the announcement on Friday. She will give up her roles as executive director and COO on Nov. 1, 2018, before helping the festival's board of directors with a management transition through summer 2019. That includes the Tiff board splitting power at the top as longtime CEO Piers Handling gets set to leave his posts as director and CEO after the 2018 edition of the festival next month.
As part ...
Maheux, a 30-year veteran with Tiff, made the announcement on Friday. She will give up her roles as executive director and COO on Nov. 1, 2018, before helping the festival's board of directors with a management transition through summer 2019. That includes the Tiff board splitting power at the top as longtime CEO Piers Handling gets set to leave his posts as director and CEO after the 2018 edition of the festival next month.
As part ...
- 8/10/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michele Maheux, the longtime executive director and COO of the Toronto Film Festival, is set to retire after the upcoming 43rd edition in September.
Maheux, a 30-year veteran with Tiff, made the announcement on Friday. She will give up her roles as executive director and COO on Nov. 1, 2018, before helping the festival's board of directors with a management transition through summer 2019. That includes the Tiff board splitting power at the top as longtime CEO Piers Handling gets set to leave his posts as director and CEO after the 2018 edition of the festival next month.
As part ...
Maheux, a 30-year veteran with Tiff, made the announcement on Friday. She will give up her roles as executive director and COO on Nov. 1, 2018, before helping the festival's board of directors with a management transition through summer 2019. That includes the Tiff board splitting power at the top as longtime CEO Piers Handling gets set to leave his posts as director and CEO after the 2018 edition of the festival next month.
As part ...
- 8/10/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nicole Kidman’s police thriller “Destroyer” and Elisabeth Moss’ rock and roll drama “Her Smell” have been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival’s platform section.
A dozen titles were unveiled on Wednesday for the festival’s only juried competition, with its focus on movies championing “risk-taking.” The platform section, now in its fourth year, was the launching pad for best picture Oscar winner “Moonlight,” “Jackie,” and “The Death of Stalin.”
“This year’s Platform selection stands out for the assured and precise directing on display,” said Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling. “We are thrilled to present a slate that perfectly embodies the essence of the program with so many risk-taking, challenging, and, at times, formally inventive titles that are the result of audacious directors making bold choices.”
“Destroyer” is directed by Karyn Kusama. Annapurna will handle the U.S. release, but has not yet dated the launch.
A dozen titles were unveiled on Wednesday for the festival’s only juried competition, with its focus on movies championing “risk-taking.” The platform section, now in its fourth year, was the launching pad for best picture Oscar winner “Moonlight,” “Jackie,” and “The Death of Stalin.”
“This year’s Platform selection stands out for the assured and precise directing on display,” said Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling. “We are thrilled to present a slate that perfectly embodies the essence of the program with so many risk-taking, challenging, and, at times, formally inventive titles that are the result of audacious directors making bold choices.”
“Destroyer” is directed by Karyn Kusama. Annapurna will handle the U.S. release, but has not yet dated the launch.
- 8/8/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
For much of the film industry, the Toronto International Film Festival is a major player in Oscar season, and the 2018 edition is no exception. Over the last two decades, Tiff’s director and CEO Piers Handling has witnessed this evolution, which began with the explosion of attention around Tiff premiere “American Beauty” in 1999 that culminated in its best picture win. Despite the hype that launching Oscar titles can bring, however, Handling — who wraps up his nearly 40 years at the festival this year — has some reservations about its impact on the festival as a whole.
“Obviously, those films don’t need publicity help,” he said in a phone interview. “They have their own machines behind them.” To remedy that, the festival launched its Platform section four years ago, and it has quickly grown into the most exciting aspect of the lineup — a competition section of 12 titles, primarily from younger filmmakers who...
“Obviously, those films don’t need publicity help,” he said in a phone interview. “They have their own machines behind them.” To remedy that, the festival launched its Platform section four years ago, and it has quickly grown into the most exciting aspect of the lineup — a competition section of 12 titles, primarily from younger filmmakers who...
- 8/8/2018
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
The Toronto International Film Festival’s Platform program has announced the fourth edition of Platform, a director-driven section that aims to showcase original names in international cinema. This year, Platform will play home to a dozen feature films, including new features from Karyn Kusama (her star-studded cult drama “Destroyer” is her first film since “The Invitation”), Alex Ross Perry (again teaming with his “Queen of Earth” star Elisabeth Moss for the rock drama “Her Smell”), and Tim Sutton’s “Dark Night” followup.
This year’s Platform lineup also includes four features (30%) directed or co-directed by women, and seven titles that feature strong women in leading roles. The wide-ranging slate features films from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and all but two of the titles will be making their World Premiere at the festival.
“This year’s Platform selection stands out for the assured and precise directing on display,” said Tiff...
This year’s Platform lineup also includes four features (30%) directed or co-directed by women, and seven titles that feature strong women in leading roles. The wide-ranging slate features films from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and all but two of the titles will be making their World Premiere at the festival.
“This year’s Platform selection stands out for the assured and precise directing on display,” said Tiff...
- 8/8/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Jessica Forever from debut filmmakers Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel will close the section.
The bare-knuckle fighting drama Donnybrook starring Jamie Bell and Frank Grillo will open 2018 Toronto International Film Festival’s (Tiff) Platform, while Jessica Forever from debutants Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel will close the section.
The 12 films in the festival’s fourth annual juried programme include new work from Karyn Kusama, Alex Ross Perry, Ho Wi Ding, Alejandra Márquez Abella and Carol Morley.
The line-up includes four features directed or co-directed by women, while seven feature strong female lead roles. The roster includes what Tiff director and...
The bare-knuckle fighting drama Donnybrook starring Jamie Bell and Frank Grillo will open 2018 Toronto International Film Festival’s (Tiff) Platform, while Jessica Forever from debutants Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel will close the section.
The 12 films in the festival’s fourth annual juried programme include new work from Karyn Kusama, Alex Ross Perry, Ho Wi Ding, Alejandra Márquez Abella and Carol Morley.
The line-up includes four features directed or co-directed by women, while seven feature strong female lead roles. The roster includes what Tiff director and...
- 8/8/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto Film Festival on Wednesday unveiled its 2018 Platform section for its upcoming 43rd edition in September, led by world premieres for films starring Nicole Kidman, Elisabeth Moss, Patricia Clarkson and Frank Grillo.
Now in its fourth year, the Platform section will open with a world premiere for Donnybrook, a gritty indie thriller that stars Grillo, Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley, and is directed by Tim Sutton. “Tim Sutton’s unflinching portrayal of the American heartland masterfully captures many of the anxieties that exist in our society today,” Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling said of the sidebar ...
Now in its fourth year, the Platform section will open with a world premiere for Donnybrook, a gritty indie thriller that stars Grillo, Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley, and is directed by Tim Sutton. “Tim Sutton’s unflinching portrayal of the American heartland masterfully captures many of the anxieties that exist in our society today,” Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling said of the sidebar ...
The Toronto Film Festival on Wednesday unveiled its 2018 Platform section for its upcoming 43rd edition in September, led by world premieres for films starring Nicole Kidman, Elisabeth Moss, Patricia Clarkson and Frank Grillo.
Now in its fourth year, the Platform section will open with a world premiere for Donnybrook, a gritty indie thriller that stars Grillo, Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley, and is directed by Tim Sutton. “Tim Sutton’s unflinching portrayal of the American heartland masterfully captures many of the anxieties that exist in our society today,” Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling said of the sidebar ...
Now in its fourth year, the Platform section will open with a world premiere for Donnybrook, a gritty indie thriller that stars Grillo, Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley, and is directed by Tim Sutton. “Tim Sutton’s unflinching portrayal of the American heartland masterfully captures many of the anxieties that exist in our society today,” Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling said of the sidebar ...
Piers Handling, Director and CEO of Tiff announced it his last year. After almost 25 years, he will be stepping down.
Piers Handling, director and CEO of Tiff, speaks during a Toronto International Film Festival press conference. He announced Saturday he’ll step down in 2018. (Aaron Vincent Elkaim/Canadian Press)
Looking forward, 2018 will bring both a change in leadership in the organization and a new strategic plan focussing on the next five years and a new iteration of Tiff. What does the future look like? As the largest public film festival in the world, and a hub for world and new cinema year-round, our focus is on you, the audience. Tiff, in partnership with its diverse and committed supporters, will continue to provide a safe space for lovers, seekers, and creators to celebrate cinema and storytelling.
The common thread that runs through all the different identities Tiff has held over the...
Piers Handling, director and CEO of Tiff, speaks during a Toronto International Film Festival press conference. He announced Saturday he’ll step down in 2018. (Aaron Vincent Elkaim/Canadian Press)
Looking forward, 2018 will bring both a change in leadership in the organization and a new strategic plan focussing on the next five years and a new iteration of Tiff. What does the future look like? As the largest public film festival in the world, and a hub for world and new cinema year-round, our focus is on you, the audience. Tiff, in partnership with its diverse and committed supporters, will continue to provide a safe space for lovers, seekers, and creators to celebrate cinema and storytelling.
The common thread that runs through all the different identities Tiff has held over the...
- 7/30/2018
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Beautiful Boy
Piers Handling, CEO and Director of Tiff, and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of Tiff, today unveiled the first round of titles premiering in the Gala and Special Presentation programmes of the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival.
Of the 17 Galas and 30 Special Presentations, this first announcement includes 21 World Premieres, 7 International Premieres, 8 North American Premieres and 11 Canadian Premieres. The selection announced today includes 13 features directed by women.
“We have an exceptional selection of films this year that will excite Festival audiences from all walks of life,” said Handling. “Today’s lineup showcases beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous female powerhouses. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made.”
“Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world. I’m thrilled that...
Piers Handling, CEO and Director of Tiff, and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of Tiff, today unveiled the first round of titles premiering in the Gala and Special Presentation programmes of the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival.
Of the 17 Galas and 30 Special Presentations, this first announcement includes 21 World Premieres, 7 International Premieres, 8 North American Premieres and 11 Canadian Premieres. The selection announced today includes 13 features directed by women.
“We have an exceptional selection of films this year that will excite Festival audiences from all walks of life,” said Handling. “Today’s lineup showcases beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous female powerhouses. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made.”
“Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world. I’m thrilled that...
- 7/24/2018
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Updated with full list, more detail: The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled a rich roster of Gala and Special Presentations screenings for the 2018 edition that runs September 6-16. Among the world premieres are Felix Van Groeningen’s addiction drama Beautiful Boy from Amazon and based on the memoirs of David and Nic Sheff, with Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet starring.
Also in the world premiere mix are Steve McQueen’s female-fronted thriller Widows from Fox; Peter Hedges’ mother-son story and Julia Roberts-starrer Ben Is Back, which Ld Entertainment, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are releasing domestically December 7; Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight follow-up If Beale Street Could Talk from Annapurna; Dan Fogelman’s romantic drama Life Itself; and Claire Denis’ High Life.
A key pillar in the launch of awards season, Toronto is the first of the three early fall shows to reveal — although it kicks off after both Venice and Telluride.
Of the 17 Galas and 30 Special Presentations unveiled today, this first announcement includes 21 world premieres, seven international premieres, eight North American premieres and 11 Canadian premieres.
International premieres, whose billing suggests they could turn up in Telluride, include Jason Reitman’s Gary Hart story The Front Runner starring Hugh Jackman as the 1980s presidential candidate.
Two films already confirmed for Venice, Damien Chazelle’s First Man and Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, will travel from the Lido to Canada.
There are also a handful of titles that bowed in Cannes including Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters, Nadine Labaki’s Capernaum, Eva Husson’s Girls of the Sun and Matteo Garrone’s Dogman.
The selection announced today includes 13 features directed by women.
Piers Handling, CEO and director of Tiff, said, “We have an exceptional selection of films this year that will excite festival audiences from all walks of life. Today’s lineup showcases beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous female powerhouses. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made.”
He added, “Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to put together a lineup of Galas and Special Presentations that reflects Toronto’s spirit of inclusive, passionate engagement with film. We can’t wait to unveil these films for our audience.”
Toronto yesterday canceled its planned press conference for this morning in the wake of Sunday night’s shooting in the city that killed two and wounded at least 13, and said it stands “with our fellow Torontonians in condemnation of this violence.”
Deadline’s Pete Hammond will be back later with analysis.
Here’s the full list of titles announced today:
Galas 2018
Beautiful Boy
Felix van Groeningen
USA
World Premiere
Everybody Knows
Asghar Farhadi
Spain/France/Italy
North American Premiere
First Man
Damien Chazelle
USA
Canadian Premiere
Galveston
Mélanie Laurent
USA
Canadian Premiere
The Hate U Give
George Tillman, Jr
USA
World Premiere
Hidden Man
Jiang Wen
China
International Premiere
High Life
Claire Denis
Germany/France/Poland/United Kingdom
World Premiere
Husband Material
Anurag Kashyap
India
World Premiere
The Kindergarten Teacher
Sara Colangelo
USA
Canadian Premiere
The Land of Steady Habits
Nicole Holofcener
USA
World Premiere
Life Itself
Dan Fogelman
USA
World Premiere
The Public
Emilio Estevez
USA
World Premiere
Red Joan
Sir Trevor Nunn
United Kingdom
World Premiere
Shadow
Zhang Yimou,
China
North American Premiere
A Star is Born
Bradley Cooper
USA
North American Premiere
What They Had
Elizabeth Chomko
USA
International Premiere
Widows
Steve McQueen
United Kingdom/USA
World Premiere
Special Presentations 2018
Mouthpiece (Opening Film)
Patricia Rozema
Canada
World Premiere
Ben Is Back
Peter Hedges
USA
World Premiere
Burning
Lee Chang-dong
South Korea
North American Premiere
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Marielle Heller
USA
International Premiere
Capernaum
Nadine Labaki
Lebanon
North American Premiere
Cold War
Paweł Pawlikowski
Poland/United Kingdom/France
Canadian Premiere
Colette
Wash Westmoreland
United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere
Dogman
Matteo Garrone
Italy/France
Canadian Premiere
The Front Runner
Jason Reitman
USA
International Premiere
Giant Little Ones
Keith Behrman
Canada
World Premiere
Girls of the Sun
Eva Husson
France
International Premiere
Hotel Mumbai
Anthony Maras
Australia
World Premiere
The Hummingbird Project
Kim Nguyen
Canada
World Premiere
If Beale Street Could Talk
Barry Jenkins
USA
World Premiere
Manto
Nandita Das
India
North American Premiere
Maya
Mia Hansen-Løve
France
World Premiere
Monsters And Men
Reinaldo Marcus Green
USA
Canadian Premiere
Non-Fiction
Olivier Assayas
France
Canadian Premiere
The Old Man & The Gun
David Lowery
USA
International Premiere
Papi Chulo
John Butler
Ireland
World Premiere
Roma
Alfonso Cuarón
Mexico/USA
Canadian Premiere
Shoplifters (Closing Film)
Hirokazu Kore-eda
Japan
Canadian Premiere
The Sisters Brothers
Jacques Audiard
USA/France/Romania/Spain
North American Premiere
Sunset
László Nemes
Hungary/France
North American Premiere
Through Black Spruce
Don McKellar
Canada
World Premiere
The Wedding Guest
Michael Winterbottom
United Kingdom
World Premiere
The Weekend
Stella Meghie
USA
World Premiere...
Also in the world premiere mix are Steve McQueen’s female-fronted thriller Widows from Fox; Peter Hedges’ mother-son story and Julia Roberts-starrer Ben Is Back, which Ld Entertainment, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are releasing domestically December 7; Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight follow-up If Beale Street Could Talk from Annapurna; Dan Fogelman’s romantic drama Life Itself; and Claire Denis’ High Life.
A key pillar in the launch of awards season, Toronto is the first of the three early fall shows to reveal — although it kicks off after both Venice and Telluride.
Of the 17 Galas and 30 Special Presentations unveiled today, this first announcement includes 21 world premieres, seven international premieres, eight North American premieres and 11 Canadian premieres.
International premieres, whose billing suggests they could turn up in Telluride, include Jason Reitman’s Gary Hart story The Front Runner starring Hugh Jackman as the 1980s presidential candidate.
Two films already confirmed for Venice, Damien Chazelle’s First Man and Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, will travel from the Lido to Canada.
There are also a handful of titles that bowed in Cannes including Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters, Nadine Labaki’s Capernaum, Eva Husson’s Girls of the Sun and Matteo Garrone’s Dogman.
The selection announced today includes 13 features directed by women.
Piers Handling, CEO and director of Tiff, said, “We have an exceptional selection of films this year that will excite festival audiences from all walks of life. Today’s lineup showcases beloved auteurs alongside fresh voices in filmmaking, including numerous female powerhouses. The sweeping range in cinematic storytelling from around the world is a testament to the uniqueness of the films that are being made.”
He added, “Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to put together a lineup of Galas and Special Presentations that reflects Toronto’s spirit of inclusive, passionate engagement with film. We can’t wait to unveil these films for our audience.”
Toronto yesterday canceled its planned press conference for this morning in the wake of Sunday night’s shooting in the city that killed two and wounded at least 13, and said it stands “with our fellow Torontonians in condemnation of this violence.”
Deadline’s Pete Hammond will be back later with analysis.
Here’s the full list of titles announced today:
Galas 2018
Beautiful Boy
Felix van Groeningen
USA
World Premiere
Everybody Knows
Asghar Farhadi
Spain/France/Italy
North American Premiere
First Man
Damien Chazelle
USA
Canadian Premiere
Galveston
Mélanie Laurent
USA
Canadian Premiere
The Hate U Give
George Tillman, Jr
USA
World Premiere
Hidden Man
Jiang Wen
China
International Premiere
High Life
Claire Denis
Germany/France/Poland/United Kingdom
World Premiere
Husband Material
Anurag Kashyap
India
World Premiere
The Kindergarten Teacher
Sara Colangelo
USA
Canadian Premiere
The Land of Steady Habits
Nicole Holofcener
USA
World Premiere
Life Itself
Dan Fogelman
USA
World Premiere
The Public
Emilio Estevez
USA
World Premiere
Red Joan
Sir Trevor Nunn
United Kingdom
World Premiere
Shadow
Zhang Yimou,
China
North American Premiere
A Star is Born
Bradley Cooper
USA
North American Premiere
What They Had
Elizabeth Chomko
USA
International Premiere
Widows
Steve McQueen
United Kingdom/USA
World Premiere
Special Presentations 2018
Mouthpiece (Opening Film)
Patricia Rozema
Canada
World Premiere
Ben Is Back
Peter Hedges
USA
World Premiere
Burning
Lee Chang-dong
South Korea
North American Premiere
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Marielle Heller
USA
International Premiere
Capernaum
Nadine Labaki
Lebanon
North American Premiere
Cold War
Paweł Pawlikowski
Poland/United Kingdom/France
Canadian Premiere
Colette
Wash Westmoreland
United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere
Dogman
Matteo Garrone
Italy/France
Canadian Premiere
The Front Runner
Jason Reitman
USA
International Premiere
Giant Little Ones
Keith Behrman
Canada
World Premiere
Girls of the Sun
Eva Husson
France
International Premiere
Hotel Mumbai
Anthony Maras
Australia
World Premiere
The Hummingbird Project
Kim Nguyen
Canada
World Premiere
If Beale Street Could Talk
Barry Jenkins
USA
World Premiere
Manto
Nandita Das
India
North American Premiere
Maya
Mia Hansen-Løve
France
World Premiere
Monsters And Men
Reinaldo Marcus Green
USA
Canadian Premiere
Non-Fiction
Olivier Assayas
France
Canadian Premiere
The Old Man & The Gun
David Lowery
USA
International Premiere
Papi Chulo
John Butler
Ireland
World Premiere
Roma
Alfonso Cuarón
Mexico/USA
Canadian Premiere
Shoplifters (Closing Film)
Hirokazu Kore-eda
Japan
Canadian Premiere
The Sisters Brothers
Jacques Audiard
USA/France/Romania/Spain
North American Premiere
Sunset
László Nemes
Hungary/France
North American Premiere
Through Black Spruce
Don McKellar
Canada
World Premiere
The Wedding Guest
Michael Winterbottom
United Kingdom
World Premiere
The Weekend
Stella Meghie
USA
World Premiere...
- 7/24/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
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