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Amanda Naccarato | Culture
From Felix Van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy to George Tillman Jr.’s The Hate U Give, TIFF 2018 is set to showcase the best in upcoming Canadian and International films.
It’s that time again that the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district rolls out its red carpets for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
The annual King St. event that runs from Sept. 6 – 16th has recently announced the lineup of films, shorts, and documentaries set to premiere in Toronto.
While this year’s festival explores a variety of topics, genres and artistic styles, there is a special spotlight being placed on female filmmakers.
According to the Canadian Media Producers Association, “only 17% of Canada’s film and television directors are female,” and TIFF is committed to changing that. Their #ShareHerJourney movement rallies to increase the participation and opportunities for women in film, both behind and in front of the cameras.
As a result, a total of 63 films in the lineup are the work of female filmmakers, including Claire Denis’ sci-fi High Life, which stars Robert Pattinson and Mélaine Laurent’s thriller Galveston, starring Elle Fanning and Ben Foster.
TIFF is paving a monumental path for women in the film industry, which will arguably make its 2018 festival that much more memorable.
This year promises movie-goers the absolute best in cinematography, story-telling, and performances by talents from all walks of life.
Here’s a glimpse into a few of the most buzz-worthy films screening at TIFF 2018.
Beautiful Boy
Directed by Felix Van Groeningen, this heart-wrenching story follows a father who desperately tries to help his son through a battle with addiction. Starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet, Beautiful Boy is based on the best-selling pair of memoirs by father and son duo, David and Nic Sheff.
The Hate U Give
George Tillman Jr. directs this powerful movie adapted from Angie Thomas’s best-selling young adult novel. The Hate U Give centers around Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) who witnesses the fatal shooting of a childhood friend (Algee Smith) at the hands of a white police officer. Through tragedy, Starr is able to find her voice and stand up for what she believes in. The film also features Kj Apa, Regina Hall, and Anthony Mackie.
A Star is Born
Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut with this remake of Frank Pierson’s original 1976 A Star is Born film. Along with directing, Cooper stars in the movie, playing a prominent county music star, who falls in love with a struggling singer (Lady Gaga). As her career begins to thrive, the star’s on-going internal conflicts begin to consume him.
The First Man
Damien Chezelle, the Academy Award-winning director of La la Land, reunites with Ryan Gosling in this biographical film about NASA’s mission to be the first to launch a man to the moon. Gosling portrays Neil Armstong through his early years at NASA all the way to his monumental walk on the moon in 1969. The First Man also stars Claire Foy and Kyle Chandler.
Widows
When four women are left widowed and in debt after the passing of their criminally active husbands, they devise a plan to take matters into their own hands. Written by Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) and Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), this empowering female action film demonstrates the true resilience of women, and showcases a strong ensemble of actresses comprising of Viola Davis, Michelle Rodrigez, Cynthia Erivo, and Elizabeth Debicki.
Life Itself
Dan Fogelman, the creator of the hit television series This Is Us and screenwriter of Crazy, Stupid, Love, directs this romantic tale about love, life, and loss spanning different timelines and continents. The star-studded cast includes Oscar Issac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Mandy Patinkin, and Olivia Cooke.
Halloween
Michael Myres makes a return to the big screen in this sequel to the original 1978 film that launched the horror franchise. Halloween, directed by David Gordon Green, centers around Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) who survived one of Myer’s horrific Halloween night attacks. After nearly 40 years, Michael returns to the Midwestern town of Haddonfield, Illinois, but this time Strode is prepared.
Sharkwater Extinction
TIFF 2018 is home to the world premiere of the late Rob Stewart’s last documentary, Sharkwater Extinction. The Canadian filmmaker and environmentalist who was found dead in The Florida Keys last year had won numerous awards for his previous documentaries Sharkwater and Revolution. Stewart left behind a big legacy that is sure to radiate in this documentary.
The official schedule of TIFF 2018 is set to be released on Aug. 21, and tickets go on sale Sept. 3.
For the complete list of films premiering and all the info you need to know about TIFF 2018 be sure to check out TIFF’s website!
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