May 2, 2019
The following is a press release from Mattel:
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced plans to create the first multi-branded family entertainment centers featuring Barbie® and Hot Wheels®, with a global roll-out beginning in 2020. The centers, featuring immersive, hands-on play and entertainment experiences, will bring Mattel’s iconic brands to life by combining physical and digital play. Experiences, including content and attractions, will be geared toward families with children ages four to ten.
The first of these Mattel-branded family entertainment centers is a 25,000-square foot space set to open in Spring 2020 in Toronto. The centers, to be created in partnership with iP2Entertainment, a leading provider of out-of-home experiential entertainment destinations, will feature distinctly themed areas for Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Construx®. Each themed area will offer a range of unique and creative play possibilities for kids and families that will:
- Reaffirm that girls can be anything they want as they explore a magical Barbie mini-world filled with near limitless possibilities. This experience draws on the brand’s mission to support 21st century learning skills through play – specifically creativity, communication and collaboration
- Ignite kids’ challenger spirit by putting them in the driver’s seat for experiential activities –including customizing their own Hot Wheels car, designing their race track and creating custom rides they can experience on a massive racing simulator
- Challenge kids and families to design, build and test their construction skills in the ultimate Mega Construx building scenarios
In addition to these brand-themed areas, the centers will offer events such as family game night, experiential retail and high-quality food and beverage options.
“The family entertainment centers will extend the emotional connection of our brands with kids and allow Mattel to continue to bring wonder and imagination to families,” said Janet Hsu, Chief Franchise Management Officer, Mattel. “The family entertainment centers offer a powerful combination of physical and digital play that give kids the chance to interact with Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Construx through live events and experiences, gaming and content.”
Roger Houben, CEO, iP2Entertainment, said: “Our partnership with Mattel reimagines the indoor entertainment center experience, which, until now, has seen limited innovation for nearly four decades. Together, we’ll create brand new physical and digital play-based experiences for kids that will get them moving and engaged in ways that no small screen device could.”
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at
www.mattel.com.
2019 Juno Awards: Shawn Mendes is the biggest winner
March 17, 2019
by Carla Hay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcxcHJ1Us3c
With five prizes, including Artist of the Year, Shawn Mendes was the top winner at the 2019 Juno Awards, which were presented on March 17 at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario. CBC had the Canadian telecast of the show, which was hosted by multiple Juno winner Sarah McLachlan. Corey Hart was inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the ceremony.
Mendes’ big prize haul at the 2019 Junos was not a big surprise since he had the most nominations (six) going into the ceremony. In the end, he won the awards for Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Single of the Year (“In My Blood”), while his “Shawn Mendes” album won for Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. Mendes did not attend the ceremony, since he is on a previously scheduled concert tour, and he sent pre-recorded footage for the 2019 Juno Awards.
Arkells was another multiple Juno winner at the ceremony, winning two prizes: Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year (“Rally Cry”).
Performers included Mendes (in a pre-recorded performance), Arkells, McLachlan, Hart, the Reklaws, Bahamas, Tyler Shaw, Jeremy Dutcher and NAV. On-stage collaborations included Loud Luxury, brando, Cheer Western and the Western Mustang Band opening the show with “Body.” Later in the show, Cœur de pirate and Loud teamed up for “Dans la nuit.”
For the second year in a row, Canadian rapper Drake did not submit his name for awards consideration at the Junos, which is why he was not on the nominees list this year. Drake and the music from his 2018 album “Scorpion” would have been eligible for multiple Juno nominations.Eligible artists for the non-international categories are Canadian-born or Canadian-based artists who released music in 2018. Artists eligible for the international categories are artists who were not born in Canada or are not currently based in Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw1iT64qT0k
Here is the complete list of winners and nominees for the 2019 Juno Awards:
*=winner
Artist of the Year
Alessia Cara
Michael Bublé
Shawn Mendes*
The Weeknd
Tory Lanez
Single of the Year
Alessia Cara – “Growing Pains”
bülow – “Not A Love Song”
Loud Luxury – “Body”
Shawn Mendes – “In My Blood”*
The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar – “Pray For Me”
Album of the Year
Hubert Lenoir – Darlène
Jann Arden – These Are The Days
Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes*
The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy
Three Days Grace – Outsider
International Album of the Year
Camila Cabello – Camila
Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Maroon 5 – Red Pill Blues
Post Malone – beerbongs & bentleys*
Travis Scott – ASTROWORLD
Juno Fan Choice Award
Alessia Cara
Avril Lavigne*
bülow
Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
KILLY Secret Sound Club
Loud Luxury
NAV
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd
Tory Lanez
Group of the Year
Arkells*
Chromeo
Metric
The Sheepdogs
Three Days Grace
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
bülow*
grandson
Johnny Orlando
KILLY
Meghan Patrick
Breakthrough Group of the Year
88GLAM
Dizzy
Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
Loud Luxury
The Washboard Union*
Songwriter of the Year
Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas – Earthtones; “No Wrong,” “Way with Words,” “Any Place”)
Donovan Woods (Donovan Woods – Both Ways; “Our Friend Bobby,” “Truck Full of Money,” “Next Year”)
Frank Dukes (Cardi B, “Be Careful”; Post Malone, “Better Now”; The Weeknd, “Call Out My Name”)
Jessie Reyez (Sam Smith and Calvin Harris, “Promises”; Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris, “One Kiss”; Jessie Reyes, “Apple Juice”)
Shawn Mendes (Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes; “Lost In Japan,” “Youth,” “In My Blood”)*
Country Album of the Year
Brett Kissel – We Were That Song*
Jess Moskaluke – A Small Town Christmas
Meghan Patrick – Country Music Made Me Do It
The Reklaws – Feels Like That
Tim Hicks – New Tattoo
Adult Alternative Album of the Year
Bahamas – Earthtones*
Dan Mangan – More or Less
Gabrielle Shonk – Gabrielle Shonk
Rhye – Blood
The Barr Brothers – Queens of the Breakers
Alternative Album of the Year
Destroyer – Ken
Dizzy – Baby Teeth*
Fucked Up – Dose Your Dreams
Tokyo Police Club – TPC
U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited
Pop Album of the Year
bülow – Damaged
Chromeo – Head Over Heels
Hubert Lenoir – Darlène
Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes*
Tyler Shaw – Intuition
Rock Album of the Year
Arkells – Rally Cry*
Monster Truck – True Rockers
The Sheepdogs – Changing Colours
The Trews – Civilianaires
Three Days Grace – Outsider
Electronic Album of the Year
Ekali – Crystal Eyes
Felix Cartal – Next Season
iamhill – Give It a Rest
Milk & Bone – Deception Bay*
REZZ – Certain Kind of Magic
Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year
Beyond Creation – Algorythm
Cancer Bats – The Spark That Moves
KEN Mode – Loved
Kobra And The Lotus – Prevail II
Voivod – The Wake*
Adult Contemporary Album of the Year
Jann Arden – These Are The Days
Michael Bublé – Love*
Molly Johnson – Meaning to Tell Ya
Nuela Charles – Distant Danger
Whitehorse – A Whitehorse Winter Classic
Indigenous Album of the Year
Elisapie – The Ballad of the Runaway Girl
Jeremy Dutcher – Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa*
Leonard Sumner – Standing in the Light
Brothers and Sister – Nitisanak
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – The Average Savage
Contemporary Roots Album of the Year
AHI – In Our Time
Donovan Woods – Both Ways*
Kaia Kater – Grenades
Megan Nash – Seeker
The Deep Dark Woods – Yarrow
Blues Album of the Year
Colin James – Miles to Go*
Jack de Keyzer – Checkmate
Myles Goodwyn – Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar – Run to Me
Sue Foley – The Ice Queen
Vocal Jazz Album of the Year
Diana Krall & Tony Bennett – Love Is Here to Stay
Diana Panton – Solstice/Equinox
Holly Cole – Holly
Jodi Proznick ft. Laila Biali – Sun Songs
Laila Biali – Laila Biali*
Jazz Album of the Year: Solo
Alexis Baro – Sandstorm
Alison Young – So Here We Are
Larnell Lewis – In the Moment
Renee Rosnes – Beloved of the Sky
Robi Botos – Old Soul*
Jazz Album of the Year: Group
Allison Au Quartet – Wander Wonder
Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble – Atwood Suites
Andy Milne & Dapp Theory – The Seasons of Being*
Liebman/Murley Quartet – Live at U of T
Quinsin Nachoff’s Flux – Path of Totality
Instrumental Album of the Year
Aerialists – Group Manoeuvre
Gordon Grdina – China Cloud*
Kevin Breit – Johnny Goldtooth and The Chevy Casanovas
The Fretless – Live from the Art Farm
Toninato / Thiessen – The Space Between Us
Francophone Album of the Year
Cœur de pirate – En cas de tempête, ce jardin sera fermé
Hubert Lenoir – Darlène
Loud – Une année record*
Philippe Brach – Le silence des troupeaux
Tire le coyote – Désherbage
Children’s Album of the Year
Beppie – Let’s Go Bananas
Ginalina – It Takes a Village
Raffi – Dog on the Floor
Sonshine and Broccoli – It’s Cool to Be Kind
Splash’N Boots – You, Me and the Sea*
Comedy Album of the Year
Chanty Marostica – The Chanty Show
Dave Merheje – Good Friend Bad Grammar*
Debra DiGiovanni – Lady Jazz
Mayce Galoni – Awkwarder
Pat Thornton – Chicken!
Classical Album of the Year: Solo of Chamber
Andrew Wan & Charles Richard-Hamelin – Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 6, 7 & 8
Angela Hewitt – Scarlatti: Sonatas Vol.2
Blake Pouliot with Hsin-I Huang – Ravel & Debussy: Sonates
Gryphon Trio – The End of Flowers: Works by Clarke & Ravel*
Marc-André Hamelin – Schubert: Piano Sonata in B Flat Major D.960; Four Impromptus D.935
Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble
Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre National Des Arts du Canada conducted by Alexander Shelley – New Worlds/Nouveaux Mondes
James Ehnes with Seattle Symphony and Detroit Symphony Orchestra – Newton Howard & Kernis: Violin Concertos; Tovey: Stream of Limelight
Louis Lortie with BBC Philharmonic – Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 and 4
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arthur Post with Gryphon Trio – Into the Wonder
Toronto Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter Oundjian featuring Louis Lortie, Sarah Jeffrey, & Teng Li – Vaughan Williams*
Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral
Barbara Hannigan with Reinbert De Leeuw – Vienna: Fin de siècle*
Choeur de l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal with Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Conducted by Kent Nagano with Guest Soloists – Bernstein: A Quiet Place
Elmer Iseler Singers featuring Patricia O’Callaghan – David Braid: Corona Divinae Misericordiae
Joyce El-Khoury – Écho
Miriam Khalil – Ayre: Live
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
Brian Doerksen – Grateful
LOVECOLLIDE – Tired of Basic*
Manic Drive – Into the Wild
Tim Neufeld & The Glory Boys – The Buffalo Roadshow
Dean Flandez – Speak Warren
World Music Album of the Year
Ayrad – Zoubida
Boogát – San Cristóbal Baile Inn
Emmanuel Jal and Nyaruach – Naath
Telmary y Habana Sana – Fuerza Arara
Wesli – Rapadou Kreyol*
Rap Recording of the Year
88GLAM – 88GLAM Reloaded
Belly – Immigrant
KILLY – Surrender Your Soul
NAV – Reckless
Tory Lanez – Love Me Now*
Dance Recording of the Year
AZARI – “Gotasoul”
Dzeko & Tiësto – “Jackie Chan (ft. Preme & Post Malone) ”
Jacques Greene – “Avatar Beach”
Keys N Krates – “CURA”
Loud Luxury – “Body”*
R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
Anders – Twos
Black Atlass -Pain & Pleasure
Charlotte Day Wilson – Stone Woman
Jessie Reyez – Being Human in Public*
The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy
Reggae Recording of the Year
Blessed – Money Don’t Grow Pon Trees
Chelsea Stewart – Genesis
Dubmatix – Sly & Robbie meet Dubmatix – Overdubbed*
Exco Levi – Narrative
Kafinal ft. Queen Ifrica – Talk Or No Talk
Classical Composition of the Year
Ana Sokolović – Golden Slumbers Kiss Your Eyes*
Bekah Simms – Granitic
Cassandra Miller – About Bach
Nicole Lizée – Katana of Choice
Vincent Ho – Arctic Symphony
Jack Richardson Producer of the Year
Michael Bublé and David Foster
(“My Funny Valentine,” “Where or When” from Michael Bublé’s album “Love,” co-producer Jochem van der Saag)
Eric Ratz*
(“People’s Champ”, “Relentless” from Arkells’ album “Rally Cry”)
Greg Wells
(“Waving Through a Window” from “Dear Evan Hansen” Original Broadway Recording; “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Mike Wise
(“Not A Love Song”, “Two Punks In Love” from bülow’s album “Damaged”)
Thomas D’Arcy
(“I’ve Got A Hole Where My Heart Should Be” from The Sheepdogs’ album “Changing Colours”; “Love The Way You Are” from Yukon Blonde’s album “Critical Hit,” co-producers James Younger, Jeffrey Innes)
Recording Engineer of the Year
Ben Kaplan
(“Get Up”, “It’s Alright” from Mother Mother’s album “Dance and Cry”)
Jason Dufour
(“Truck Full Of Money” from Donovan Woods’ album “Both Ways”; “When My Body Breaks” from Kandle’s album “Holy Smoke”)
Robbie Lackritz
(“No Wrong”, “Way With Words” from Bahamas’ album “Earthones” Bahamas)
Shawn Everett*
(“Slow Burn,” “Space Cowboy” from the Kasey Musgraves’ album “Golden Hour”)
Steve Bays
(“Flashes” PHASES – Dear Rouge, “UnAmerican” from Said the Whales’ album “Unamerican”)
Album Artwork of the Year
Gareth Auden-Hole (Art Director), Emil Mateja (Illustrator) for Jack Pine and The Fire’s album “Left to Your Own Devices”
Geordan Moore (Art Director, Designer, & Illustrator) for Joshua Van Tassel’s album “Crossworlds”
Michael DeAngelis (Art Director & Designer), Matt Barnes & Jess Baumung (Photographers) for Akrells’ “Rally Cry”
Mike Milosh (Art Director, Designer, Illustrator, & Photographer) from Rhye’s album “Blood”*
Simon Dupuis (Art Director, Designer, Illustrator, & Photographer) from Les Hôtesses d’Hilaire L-A be (Let artists)’ album “Viens Avec Moi”
Video of the Year
“No Depression – Ali Eisner (Bahamas)*
“Places” – Andrew De Zen (Alaskan Tapes)
“Powerless” – Andrew Hines (Classified)
“Hang Ups” – Ben Knechtel (Scott Helman)
“Have A Nice Day” – Peter Huang (SonReal)
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: ‘Green Book’ wins People’s Choice Award
September 16, 2018
The 2018 Toronto International Film Festival took place from September 6 to September 16 in Toronto. Here are the 2018 winners of the festival’s awards, which were announced on September 16 at an awards-ceremony brunch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4105&v=d2J-BSXETd4
THE GROLSCH PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Winner: Peter Farrelly’s Green Book
First runner-up: Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk
Second runner-up: Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA
The award offers a $15,000 cash prize and custom award, sponsored by Grolsch.
THE GROLSCH PEOPLE’S CHOICE MIDNIGHT MADNESS AWARD
Winner: Vasan Bala’s The Man Who Feels No Pain (Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota)
First runner-up: David Gordon Green’s Halloween
Second runner-up: Sam Levinson’s Assassination Nation
THE GROLSCH PEOPLE’S CHOICE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
Winner: E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s Free Solo
First runner-up: Tom Donahue’s This Changes Everything
Second runner-up: John Chester’s The Biggest Little Farm
INTERNATIONAL JURY AWARDS
TORONTO PLATFORM PRIZE PRESENTED BY AIR FRANCE
Winner: Wi Ding Ho’s Cities of Last Things
Honourable Mention: Emir Baigazin’s The River
The Toronto Platform Prize offers a custom award and a $25,000 cash prize, made possible by Air France.
The Festival welcomed an international jury comprised of award-winning filmmakers Mira Nair, Béla Tarr, and Lee Chang-dong.
THE PRIZE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS (FIPRESCI PRIZE)
Winner – Discovery Programme: Carmel Winters’ Float Like a Butterfly
Honourable Mention: Laura Luchetti’s Twin Flower
THE PRIZE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS (FIPRESCI PRIZE)
Winner – Special Presentations: Guy Nattiv’s Skin
Honourable Mention: Louis Garrel’s A Faithful Man
The jury was comprised of Jury President Lesley Chow (Australia), Andrés Nazarala (Chile), Astrid Jansen (Belgium), Pierre Pageau (Canada), James Slotek (Canada), and Viswanath Subrahmanyan (India).
NETPAC AWARD
Winner: Ash Mayfair’s The Third Wife
- Jury remarks: “Ash Mayfair’s debut feature The Third Wife signalled the emergence of a young female director-writer whose aesthetic sensibilities, cinematic language, and extraordinary ability to illuminate the past for contemporary audiences augur well for the future of Vietnamese and world cinema.”
Honourable Mention: Bai Xue’s The Crossing
- Jury remarks: “Bai Xue’s storytelling in her debut film The Crossing shattered cinematic boundaries to create an original visual language that propelled her protagonist’s emotional crossing into adulthood as she crossed the physical boundaries of Hong Kong into mainland China.”
The jury, selected from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema, comprised of Vilsoni Hereniko (Fiji), Meng Xie (China), and Gülin Üstün (Turkey).
EURIMAGES’ AUDENTIA AWARD
Winner: Aäläm-Wärqe Davidian’s Fig Tree
Honourable Mention: Camilla Strøm Henriksen’s Phoenix
The Audentia Award for Best Female Director, presented by The Festival and the Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund, carries a €30,000 cash prize.
The jury was comprised of Anne Frank, Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Kerri Craddock.
SHORT FORM JURY AWARDS
IWC SHORT CUTS AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN SHORT FILM
Winner: Meryam Joobeur’s Brotherhood
Honourable Mention: The jury awarded a special mention to Jérémy Comte’s Fauve for its confident visual storytelling and moving performances from the child actors.
The award offers a $10,000 cash prize, made possible by IWC Schaffhausen.
IWC SHORT CUTS AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
Winner: Sandhya Suri’s The Field
Honourable Mentions: Anette Sidor’s Fuck You, for its acutely observed study of teenage sexuality, and to Emma de Swaef and Marc James Roels’s This Magnificent Cake!, for the spectacular level of animation and the surreal humour it uses to explore its complex colonial subject matter.
The award offers a $10,000 cash prize, made possible by IWC Schaffhausen.
The jury was comprised of Claire Diao, Molly McGlynn, and Michael Pearce.
CANADIAN FILM JURY AWARDS
CITY OF TORONTO AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILM
Winner: Katherine Jerkovic’s Roads in February (Les routes en février)
This award carries a cash prize of $15,000, made possible by the City of Toronto.
CANADA GOOSE® AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM
Winner: Sébastien Pilote’s The Fireflies Are Gone (La disparition des lucioles)
This award carries a cash prize of $30,000 and a custom award, sponsored by Canada Goose®.
The jury was comprised of Mathieu Denis, Ali Özgentürk, and Michelle Shephard.
2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs: Shawn Mendes is the biggest winner
August 26, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEASBBehZRQ
Childish Gambino — “This Is America”
Drake — “God’s Plan”
Halsey — “Bad at Love”
Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid – “1-800-273-8255″*
Shawn Mendes — “In My Blood”
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Post Malone
Camila Cabello
Foo Fighters
Post Malone
Kygo
Drake — “God’s Plan” (Director: Karena Evans)*
Shawn Mendes — “In My Blood” (Director: Jay Martin)
New City
Johnny Orlando
Ralph
Song of the Summer
Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line — “Meant to Be”
Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin — “I Like It”
Drake — “Nice for What”
Loud Luxury featuring Brando — “Body”*
Marshmello and Anne-Marie — “Friends”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey — “The Middle”
Drake — “God’s Plan”
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift
BTS*
Maroon 5
Sofi Tukker
The Chainsmokers
Post Malone featuring 21 Savage — “Rockstar”
Shawn Mendes — “In My Blood”
Billie Eilish
Why Don’t We
SneakerTalk (Christian Cantelon)
The Baker Twins (Shannon Baker and Shauna Baker)
The Mike on Much Podcast (Mike Veerman, Max Kerman and Shane Cunningham)
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: Festival Street programming announced
August 21, 2018
The following is a press release from the Toronto International Film Festival:
Back for its fifth installment, the excitement and fun of the Toronto International Film Festival pours out from the theatres onto Festival Street and all the way up to the rooftop of TIFF Bell Lightbox. On opening weekend, September 6 to 9, King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will transform into the TIFF street party.
“The excitement of Festival is something we want to share with the entire city,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of TIFF. “Festival Street is where everyone can enjoy and experience the excitement of the Festival and its celebration of film. Free screenings, great musical performances, and the impactful Share Her Journey Rally are just some of the highlights you can expect — and we invite everyone to join us.”
SHARE HER JOURNEY RALLY
Stand up for change with TIFF on the morning of Saturday, September 8 for the Share Her Journey Rally. All who want to see and be part of real change in the film industry are invited to join the action down on John Street at the Slaight Music Stage at 10am. With the support of partners ReFrame, TIME’S UP , and #AfterMeToo, we will hear from thought leaders and inspirational guests including:
– Dr. Stacy L. Smith , Founder and Director of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the leading global think tank studying issues of inequality in entertainment;
– Amanda Brugel , actor;
– Keri Putnam , Executive Director of Sundance Institute;
– Mia Kirshner , actor, and co-founder of #AfterMeToo;
– Amma Asante , filmmaker (“Belle,” “United Kingdom” and “Where Hands Touch”)
– Cathy Schulman , President, Welle Entertainment;
– Nandita Das , filmmaker (“Firaaq,” “Manto”) and actor;
– Zavia Forrest, TIFF Next Wave Committee member
The unforgettable morning will begin and wrap up with performances by Molly Johnson and Shakura S’Aida. RSVP at shareherjourney.org/rally to join the event.
MORE MOVIES AND MUSIC FOR FREE
The beating heart of Festival Street is the people of Toronto — and to say thank you to our great community, TIFF has partnered with the TTC once again to express some of that gratitude. Through this partnership, TIFF and the TTC are helping film fans get even more access to great movies for FREE. Street teams are set to distribute free Festival and TIFF Bell Lightbox tickets, culminating in a special TTC Free Screening at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9. This Festival event is open to all TTC riders — just bring your Metropass or PRESTO card for entry!*
There is something for everyone to participate in on Festival Street. This year, in honour of some of the film industry’s trailblazing women, audiences are invited to catch a free, 30th-anniversary screening of Penny Marshall’s classic “Big,” starring Tom Hanks as a kid who wishes he was grown up. Attendees can also listen to great music from Kayla Diamond and other up-and-coming talent on the Slaight Music Stage. For full lineup details, visit tiff.net.
Visitors are also welcome to grab a drink at one of the extended patios, sample delicious treats from an array of food trucks, and have fun with the many engaging partner activations. Last year, Festival Street saw 150,000 visitors in its four days and was a driving force behind increased revenue for local businesses.
*Free tickets can be reserved online, while quantities last. The TTC Free Screening may be Rushed. Tickets will be issued to the Rush line approximately 10 minutes before the start of the screening based on availability. There is a limit of one ticket per person with proof of a Metropass or PRESTO Card. Please arrive as soon as possible to join the Rush line.
REFINERY29 FESTIVAL ROOFTOP
Festival Street reaches new heights this year with the introduction of the Refinery29 Festival Rooftop, an intimate and interactive space that offers exciting and new Festival experiences, combined with an unmissable after-party on the top floor of TIFF Bell Lightbox. At the event, you can:
– Enter the whirlwind of Festival with a clear mind and a sense of calm thanks to MISFITSTUDIO’s movement session The Calm Before the Storm: A Mindful Festival Kickoff . Stretch next to talent including Amanda Crew ( “Freaks,” “Silicon Valley”) and hear advice from a panel of lifestyle experts and guests from the film world;
– Check out a live taping of Refinery29’s popular Facebook Live pop culture and entertainment show “The Mention” with a spotlight on the film “Life Itself”;
– Celebrate homegrown talent at Toronto on the Rise , an intimate panel and meet-and-greet with some of the city’s brightest up-and-coming stars, including Stephan James ( “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Homecoming” ), Shamier Anderson ( “Destroyer” ), Lamar Johnson ( “The Hate U Give” ) , Jess Salgueiro ( “Workin’ Moms,” “MOUTHPIECE” ) and Mouna Traoré ( “In Contempt,” “American Gods” ), hosted by eTalk’s Traci Melchor;
– Take part in an interactive panel and workshop on The Magic of Movie Makeup , where attendees can learn makeup tips for everyday use from celebrity makeup artist Lucky Bromhead ( “Schitt’s Creek” ) and listen to insider tricks for special effects from prosthetic makeup masters Jordan Samuel (“The Shape of Water,” “Crimson Peak,” “Pacific Rim”) and Sean Sansom ( “The Shape of Water,” “IT,” “Carrie”). All audience participants will receive a L ’Oréal Paris gift at the end of the session.
At nightfall, TIFF Bell Lightbox’s rooftop will play host to the Official TIFF After-Party, presented by nightlife legends 1 OAK and in partnership with Oliver & Bonacini.
Tickets for rooftop events will go on sale to TIFF Members starting August 23 (by level). Non-Members may purchase tickets starting September 3, based on availability.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
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About TIFF
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net. The Toronto International Film Festival is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors RBC, L ’Oréal Paris, and Visa, and Major Supporters the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada and the City of Toronto. Share Her Journey is supported by the RBC Foundation, Betty-Ann Heggie, Aurora, Anne-Marie Canning, Jennifer Tory, Micki Moore & Lonard Simpson, Nespresso, Erika Olde-Coggin/Black Bicycle Entertainment, Sara & Graeme Thomson, and over 1,000 individual donors. Slaight Music Stage is generously supported by the Slaight Family Foundation. The Refinery29 Festival Rooftop is presented by Refinery29. The 1 OAK Lounge is presented by 1 OAK and Oliver & Bonacini. The 1 OAK Lounge is sponsored by Ciroc. Toronto on the Rise is free for public audiences compliments of Lotto Max.
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: ‘Outlaw King’ is opening film; ‘Jeremiah Terminator Leroy’ is closing film; more gala, special presentations films announced
August 14, 2018
The following are press releases from the Toronto International Film Festival:
TIFF announced today that the World Premiere of “Outlaw King,” David Mackenzie’s anticipated 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 ( “Starred Up,” “Young Adam”) 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 David Mackenzie masterfully unwraps history with taut dramatic flare and brings to life the true story of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce. Gripping performances led by Chris Pine and Aaron Taylor-Johnson make this a classic, entertaining, and action-packed Festival opener.
“Thank you, TIFF , for welcoming our film into the world. The Festival is the perfect launch pad for our realistic epic, and we are delighted to be the first Scottish film ever to open Toronto,” said director David Mackenzie. “I cannot imagine a better place to have our World Premiere. Scotland and Canada’s histories are bound together, forged in the crucible of the struggles of history, bringing this day an affinity and sensibility that I hope will translate to a profound, visceral, and riotously entertaining experience. We have an amazing cast and crew working at the top of their game, and we are really looking forward to spreading some Scottish goodwill on the great city of Toronto.”
“Outlaw King” follows the untold, true story of Robert the Bruce, who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England. Despite grave consequences, Robert seizes the Scottish crown and rallies an impassioned group of men to fight back against the mighty army of the tyrannical King and his volatile son, the Prince of Wales.
Filmed in Scotland, the project was made with the full support of Creative Scotland and the Scottish government. The film opens in select theatres and launches globally on Netflix November 9, 2018.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
For film synopses, cast lists, images, and more information, see tiff.net/galas.
The Toronto International Festival announced today that the World Premiere of “Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy” will close this year’s Festival. From director Justin Kelly, “Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy” is based on one of the most famous literary gambits in American history. Adapted from the memoir “Girl Boy Girl: How I Became JT LeRoy” by Savannah Knoop, the film promises a boundary-breaking Closing Night Gala bursting with intrigue.
“With ‘Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy,’ Justin Kelly brings to the screen a truly unbelievable story that captivated a nation,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of TIFF. “The storytelling is powerful and the characters are vivid, really evoking the idea that you have to see it to believe it.”
“I am beyond honored that my film ‘Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy’ will premiere at TIFF as the Closing Night Film,” said Justin Kelly, director of “Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy.” “I can’t wait for people to see the fascinating true story behind JT LeRoy, brought to life via incredible performances by a total dream cast.”
This captivating true story goes beyond the headlines to reveal the most compelling literary hoax of our generation. Laura Albert (Laura Dern) is an author who writes under a fictionalized persona, a disenfranchised young queer man named JT LeRoy. When her debut novel becomes a bestseller and JT becomes the darling of the literary world, she comes up with a unique solution to preserve her anonymity while giving life to her nom-de-plume. Enter her boyfriend’s androgynous sister, Savannah Knoop (Kristen Stewart), who connects with Laura’s punk, feminist, outsider universe and agrees to be JT in the public eye. Together, they embark on a wild ride of double lives, infiltrating the Hollywood and literary elite — and discovering who they are in the process.
“Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy” is a film by Elevated Films, The Fyzz Facility, Ingenious Media, Aquarius Content, Fortitude International, Sobini Films, Thirty Three Productions, LBI Entertainment, and Buffalo Gal Pictures. It is produced by Patrick Walmsley, Julie Yorn, Thor Bradwell, Gary Pearl, Cassian Elwes, Giri Tharan, Mark Amin, and Dave Hansen. It stars Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, Diane Kruger, Jim Sturgess, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Courtney Love, James Jagger, and Dave Brown.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
For film synopses, cast lists, images, and more information, see tiff.net/galas.
The Toronto International Film Festival ® today unveiled its second batch of titles premiering in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes in September. Four Gala Presentations and 22 Special Presentations have been added to the selection of titles already announced. “We’re rounding out the lineup of Galas and Special Presentations with some of the most exciting films of the year,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of TIFF. “Audiences won’t want to miss these premieres from a mix of newcomers and global heavyweights.” This second announcement brings the total for Galas and Special Presentations to 44 World Premieres, 9 International Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 11 Canadian Premieres.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
The Toronto International Film Festival ® today unveiled its second batch of titles premiering in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes in September. Four Gala Presentations and 22 Special Presentations have been added to the selection of titles already announced. “We’re rounding out the lineup of Galas and Special Presentations with some of the most exciting films of the year,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of TIFF. “Audiences won’t want to miss these premieres from a mix of newcomers and global heavyweights.”
This second announcement brings the total for Galas and Special Presentations to 44 World Premieres, 9 International Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 11 Canadian Premieres.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
GALAS 2018
Green Book
Peter Farrelly | USA
World Premiere
* Closing Night Film *
Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy
Justin Kelly | Canada/USA/United Kingdom
World Premiere
The Lie
Veena Sud | Canada
World Premiere
*Opening Night Film *
Outlaw King
David Mackenzie | USA/United Kingdom
World Premiere
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2018
22 July
Paul Greengrass | Norway/Iceland
North American Premiere
American Woman
Jake Scott | USA
World Premiere
Baby ( Bao Bei Er )
Liu Jie | China
World Premiere
Boy Erased
Joel Edgerton | USA
International Premiere
Driven
Nick Hamm | Puerto Rico/United Kingdom/USA
North American Premiere
Duelles (Mothers’ Instinct)
Olivier Masset-Depasse | Belgium/France
World Premiere
A Faithful Man ( L ‘homme fidèle )
Louis Garrel | France
World Premiere
Gloria Bell
Sebastián Lelio | USA/Chile
World Premiere
Hold the Dark
Jeremy Saulnier | USA
World Premiere
Kursk
Thomas Vinterberg | Belgium/Luxembourg
World Premiere
Legend of the Demon Cat – Director’s Cut
Chen Kaige | China/Japan
World Premiere
Mid90s
Jonah Hill | USA
World Premiere
A Million Little Pieces
Sam Taylor-Johnson | USA
World Premiere
Never Look Away ( Werk ohne Autor )
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck | Germany
North American Premiere
The Quietude ( La Quietud )
Pablo Trapero | Argentina
North American Premiere
Skin
Guy Nattiv | USA
World Premiere
Teen Spirit
Max Minghella | USA
World Premiere
Tell It to the Bees
Annabel Jankel | United Kingdom
World Premiere
Viper Club
Maryam Keshavarz | USA
World Premiere
Vision
Naomi Kawase | Japan/France
International Premiere
Vita & Virginia
Chanya Button | United Kingdom/Ireland
World Premiere
Wild Rose
Tom Harper | United Kingdom
World Premiere
For film synopses, cast lists, images, and more information, see tiff.net/galas and tiff.net/specialpresentations
Festival tickets go on sale September 3 at 10am (TIFF Member pre-sale September 1 from 10am to 4pm). Buy tickets online at tiff.net , by phone at 416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433, or in person at a box office. See box office locations and hours at tiff.net/tickets .
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About TIFF
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.
The Toronto International Film Festival is generously supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors RBC, L ’Oréal Paris, and Visa, and our Major Supporters the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Toronto.
This film is eligible for the Grolsch People’s Choice Award. Vote for your favourite films at tiff.net/vote .
The Gala programme is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts .
August 21, 2018 UPDATE:
The Toronto International Film Festival ® today announced two new films that will premiere as part of the Special Presentations programme in September. The World Premiere of Neil Jordan’s “Greta” and the North American Premiere of Brady Corbet’s “Vox Lux” will cap off the Festival’s Special Presentations and bring the total for the programme up to 24 titles.
“These are two films that explore nuanced narratives with exceptional leading women,” said Kerri Craddock, Director of Festival Programming at TIFF. “‘Greta’ and ‘Vox Lux’ both offer strong directorial visions, rich performances, and engaging stories. They complete the package of the Special Presentations programme.”
Neil Jordan’s “Greta” tells the story of a young New York woman named Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) who strikes up an unlikely friendship with an enigmatic widow named Greta (Isabelle Huppert). The older woman’s motives are gradually revealed to be sinister and the film quickly descends into an exploration of loneliness, obsession, and manipulation. “Greta,” co-written by Jordan and Ray Wright, also stars Colm Feore, Maika Monroe, and Stephen Rea.
In musical drama “Vox Lux,” Brady Corbet’s second feature as writer-director tracks its heroine’s path from childhood tragedy to a life of fame and fortune. Starring Natalie Portman and Jude Law, the film begins with teenage sisters Celeste (Raffey Cassidy) and Eleanor (Stacy Martin) who survive a violent incident that changes their lives. The film is both a riveting character study and a perceptive survey of the cultural shifts that have shaped a generation.
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: Midnight Madness movies announced
August 9, 2018
The following is a press release from the Toronto International Film Festival:
Midnight Madness has just announced its explosive lineup of films for the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival ® . Screening to an audience of die-hard film fans every evening at 11:59pm, this year’s programme features 10 quintessential genre movies that are guaranteed to either terrorize or mesmerize.
“This year’s Midnight Madness slate promises another idiosyncratic confluence of established and emerging genre filmmakers,” said Peter Kuplowsky, Midnight Madness Programmer. “To complement some of the buzziest provocations on the festival circuit, I have sought to curate an eccentric array of World Premieres that demonstrate the dexterity of genre cinema as a canvas for both sublime satisfaction and stunning subversion. That includes the section’s two much-anticipated sequels, “The Predator” and “Halloween,” each of which boldly and brilliantly builds upon its mythic iconography to thrilling and surprising effect.”
Kuplowsky continues to put his fearless stamp on the programme, starting with the opening film: the World Premiere of Shane Black’s “The Predator,” the director’s reinvention of the iconic film series. The lineup will also feature the highly anticipated World Premiere of “Halloween,” directed by David Gordon Green and starring Jamie Lee Curtis. The programme closes with the North American Premiere of “Diamantino,” Gabriel Abrantes and Daniel Schmidt’s bizarre, genre-bending film that fascinated audiences at Cannes earlier this year. Midnight Madness will also present the North American Premiere of the electrifying Gaspar Noé ’s “Climax.”
The films in this year’s lineup will feature strong performances by actors such as legendary Italian star Monica Bellucci, who plays the queen of a demonic underworld in the World Premiere of “Nekrotronic,” directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. Other films include Peter Strickland’s highly anticipated “In Fabric,” which follows the life of a cursed dress, and the International Premiere of “Assassination Nation,” directed by Sam Levinson.
Additional World Premieres from this year’s selection will include Emma Tammi’s “The Wind”; “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek,” directed by Henry Dunham; and Vasan Bala’s “The Man Who Feels No Pain,” the first Indian film ever selected for the Midnight Madness programme.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
Films screening as part of the Midnight Madness programme include:
Assassination Nation
Sam Levinson | USA
International Premiere
Climax
Gaspar Noé | France
North American Premiere
* Midnight Madness Closing Film *
Diamantino
Gabriel Abrantes, Daniel Schmidt | Portugal/France/Brazil
North American Premiere
Halloween
David Gordon Green | USA
World Premiere
In Fabric
Peter Strickland | UK
World Premiere
The Man Who Feels No Pain
Vasan Bala | India
World Premiere
Nekrotronic
Kiah Roache-Turner | Australia
World Premiere
* Midnight Madness Opening Film *
The Predator
Shane Black | USA
World Premiere
The Standoff at Sparrow Creek
Henry Dunham | USA
World Premiere
The Wind
Emma Tammi | USA
World Premiere
For film synopses, cast lists, images, and more information, see tiff.net/midnightmadness. Festival ticket packages start at $105. Purchase packages online at tiff.net/tickets, or by phone (416.599.TIFF)
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: documentaries announced
August 9, 2018
The following is a press release from the Toronto International Film Festival:
The Toronto International Film Festival’s ® 2018 documentary programme presents its lineup of 27 feature-length non-fiction films, representing 19 countries. The TIFF Docs selection will open with the World Premiere of Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9,” a radical and humorous look at the United States under Donald Trump. Other World Premieres include Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks’ “Quincy,” profiling musical icon Quincy Jones; Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble’s “The Elephant Queen,” narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, tracing the epic journey of an elephant herd; Billy Corben’s “Screwball,” a true-crime comedy on doping in Major League Baseball; and Maxim Pozdorovkin’s “The Truth About Killer Robots,” investigating the lethal consequences of automation. The TIFF Docs programme is made possible through the generous sponsorship of A&E IndieFilms.
“TIFF Docs contains multiple titles poised to become the next non-fiction hits after a summer of box-office breakouts,” said TIFF Docs Programmer Thom Powers. “Beyond the well-known directors in the lineup, look out for newer talents that will take audiences by surprise.”
One-third of this year’s doc features are directed or co-directed by female filmmakers including TIFF Docs closing film, Margarethe von Trotta’s Searching for Ingmar Bergman , which offers a multi-faceted look at the Swedish auteur’s life 100 years after his birth. Women creators, trailblazers, and the #MeToo movement are also examined within the lineup: Naziha Arebi’s “Freedom Fields,” about a Libyan women’s football team; Alex Holmes’ “Maiden” recounts the story of the first all-women sailing crew in the “Whitbread Round the World Race” (now the Volvo Ocean Race), skippered by Tracy Edwards; and Tom Volf’s “Maria by Callas,” narrated by Joyce DiDonato, profiles one of the major icons of the 20th century.
Grand adventures are at the heart of several docs in the selection. E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s “Free Solo” captures Alex Honnold’s unprecedented climb of El Capitan without safety ropes; Andrey Paounov’s “Walking on Water” documents the artist Christo’s project The Floating Piers ; John Chester’s “The Biggest Little Farm” chronicles an eight-year struggle to run a family farm; and Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron’s “Ghost Fleet” captures a nail-biting rescue of fishermen enslaved at sea.
After directing last year’s Festival opener “Borg vs McEnroe,” Janus Metz teams with Sine Plambech for the World Premiere of “Heartbound,” a longitudinal study 10 years in the making about the trend of Thai women marrying Danish men. And several documentaries represent eclectic perspectives told from around the world, including: Rithy Panh’s “Graves Without a Name,” on the legacy of Cambodia’s genocide; Jawad Rhalib’s “When Arabs Danced,” on Muslim performers pushing boundaries; James Longley’s “Angels Are Made of Light,” about a group of Afghan children and their teachers; and Frederick Wiseman’s “Monrovia, Indiana,” about a small town in America’s Midwest.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018.
Films screening as part of the TIFF Docs programme include:
American Dharma
Errol Morris | USA/United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Angels Are Made of Light
James Longley | USA/Denmark/Norway
Canadian Premiere
The Biggest Little Farm
John Chester | USA
International Premiere
Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes
Alexis Bloom | USA
World Premiere
The Elephant Queen
Victoria Stone, Mark Deeble | United Kingdom/Kenya
World Premiere
* TIFF Docs Opening Film *
Fahrenheit 11/9
Michael Moore | USA
World Premiere
Free Solo
E. Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin | USA
International Premiere
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: Platform film slate announced
August 8, 2018
The following is a press release from the Toronto International Film Festival:
The Toronto International Film Festival ® unveiled today the 12 feature films that comprise the Platform lineup for 2018, marking a year rich in distinct voices and assured directorial efforts that address difficult subject matters unflinchingly. Ranging from period pieces to police dramas, and even incorporating elements of sci-fi, the films in this year’s lineup also stand out for the variety of genres they explore and the number of complex contemporary anxieties they consider.
“This year’s Platform selection stands out for the assured and precise directing on display,” said TIFF Director & CEO Piers Handling. “We are thrilled to present a slate that perfectly embodies the essence of the programme with so many risk-taking, challenging, and, at times, formally inventive titles that are the result of audacious directors making bold choices.”
The programme’s lineup for 2018 includes four features (30%) directed or co-directed by women, and seven titles that feature strong women in leading roles. Hailing from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, all but two of the titles will be making their World Premiere at the Festival. Caroline Poggi & Jonathan Vinel’s “Jessica Forever” is the standout feature directorial debut in the programme.
Now in its fourth year, Platform is the Toronto International Film Festival’s juried programme that champions risk-taking, with a lineup of up to 12 works with high artistic merit and a bold directorial vision. A three-person jury selects the winner of the Toronto Platform Prize, an award of $25,000 CAD made possible by Air France, which will be presented to the best film in the lineup at the Awards Ceremony on the last day of the Festival.
Previous titles that have screened as part of the programme include Armando Iannucci’s “The Death of Stalin” (2017), Warwick Thornton’s “Sweet Country” (2017), Pablo Larraín’s “Jackie” (2016), Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” (2016), and Eva Husson’s “Bang Gang” (2015).
The Platform programme is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Air France.
Films screening as part of the Platform programme include:
“Angelo”
Markus Schleinzer | Austria/Luxembourg
World Premiere
“Cities of Last Things”
Ho Wi Ding | Taiwan/China/USA/France
World Premiere
“Destroyer”
Karyn Kusama | USA
International Premiere
Platform Opening Film
“Donnybrook”
Tim Sutton | USA
World Premiere
“The Good Girls ( Las niñas bien)”
Alejandra Márquez Abella | Mexico
World Premiere
“Her Smell”
Alex Ross Perry | USA
World Premiere
“The Innocent”
Simon Jaquemet | Switzerland/Germany
World Premiere
Platform Closing Film
“Jessica Forever”
Caroline Poggi, Jonathan Vinel | France
World Premiere
“Mademoiselle de Joncquières”
Emmanuel Mouret | France
World Premiere
“Out of Blue”
Carol Morley | UK
World Premiere
“The River”
Emir Baigazin | Kazakhstan/Poland/Norway
North American Premiere
“Rojo”
Benjamín Naishtat | Argentina/Brazil/France/Netherlands/Germany
World Premiere
For film synopses, cast lists, images and more information see tiff.net/platform Festival ticket packages start at $105. Purchase packages online at tiff.net/tickets, by phone (416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433), or in person at TIFF Bell Lightbox until August 13 while quantities last. TIFF prefers Visa. Social Media: @TIFF_NET #TIFF18 Facebook.com/TIFF
About TIFF
TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD.
TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.
The Toronto International Film Festival is supported by Lead Sponsor Bell, Major Sponsors, RBC, L’Oréal Paris, and Visa, and Major Supporters the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Toronto.
The Platform programme is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Air France.
2018 Toronto International Film Festival: Xavier Dolan’s ‘The Death and Life of John F. Donovan’ gets world premiere
August 1, 2018
The Toronto International Film Festival ® today revealed Xavier Dolan’s “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” will have its World Premiere at the Festival this September. The surprise announcement was made at TIFF’s Canadian press conference, held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The Death and Life of John F. Donovan follows the story of a young actor (Jacob Tremblay) as he reminisces on the letters he once shared with an American TV star (Kit Harington), who passed away a decade earlier, and the impact those letters had on both their lives. The film also stars Natalie Portman, Ben Schnetzer, Susan Sarandon, Jared Keeso, Kathy Bates, Thandie Newton, Emily Hampshire, and former TIFF Rising Star Sarah Gadon.
“In only a few short years, Xavier Dolan has drawn film lovers all over the world into his personal vision,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of TIFF. “That vision and his remarkable skill as a filmmaker are on full display in his English-language debut. We are honoured to premiere it in Toronto.”
“The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” will screen as part of the Special Presentations programme. The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2018. For film synopses, cast lists, images, and more information, see tiff.net/tiff. Festival ticket packages start at $105. Purchase packages online at tiff.net/tickets, by phone (416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433), or in person at TIFF Bell Lightbox until August 13, while quantities last. TIFF prefers Visa.