TIFF 2023 | Must See Films At The Festival, Part 1
The week has finally come! In just a few days, the Toronto International Film Festival will kick off tons of interesting films, talks, concerts, and experiences to take part in.
TIFF runs from September 7 through September 17, boasting a wide range of film premieres and things to do in downtown Toronto. Last year, members of the ForReel team, including myself, had a blast attending the festival in person for the first time ever. This year, we’re coming back with a new set of team members ready to see what the selection of highly anticipated Fall films, indie projects, and shorts have in store.
I understand you may be wondering - with so many movies to choose from, what should you prioritize? We’ve got you covered!
If you haven’t already watched our TIFF Curtain Raiser discussion, our critic Marty Millman and I were joined by Aaron White from Feelin’ Film and Derrick Murray from Nerdbot to talk about what we’re looking forward to. That’s a great source of diverse insight as to what press members are hoping to catch at the festival.
To supplement those suggestions, I have a few more titles that ForReel team members are looking forward to. Here are some titles we’re expecting to cover, look for more leading up to day one of TIFF!
RUSTIN
Program: Special Presentations
Directed By: George C. Wolfe
Synopsis: George C. Wolfe brings Bayard Rustin’s story to life, with a joyous performance by Colman Domingo as the activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington while being forced into the background because of his sexuality. (TIFF)
Why This Is A Must-See: These kind of social justice stories are always important opportunities to bring untold stories to light. And in the case of the titular figure Bayard Rustin, not only is his story about the civil rights movement, but also the struggles of living as a gay man during that era. Director George C Wolfe’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was an impressive film with stunning Oscar nominated performances from Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis. Wolfe very well might take Rustin back with him to the Oscars, with great speculation about Colman Domingo’s role as Bayard Rustin perhaps landing a Best Actor nomination.
Expected Coverage: Look for a Reel Buzzed movie review episode by Thomas Stoneham-Judge close to the film’s release on Netflix.
Image courtesy of TIFF
GONZO GIRL
Program: Discovery
Directed By: Patricia Arquette
WORLD PREMIERE AT TIFF
Synopsis: In Patricia Arquette’s Gonzo Girl, aspiring writer (and current bartender) Alley Russo (Camila Morrone) has been hand-picked to be the newest assistant to the legendary father of gonzo journalism, Walker Reade (played by the always revelatory and electric Willem Dafoe). The film is based on the semi-autobiographical 2015 book of the same title by Cheryl Della Pietra, who survived a “three-day trial period involving a .44 magnum, purple-pyramid acid, violent verbal outbursts, brushes with fame and the law, a bevy of peacocks, and a whole lot of cocaine” to work for Hunter S. Thompson. (TIFF)
Why This Is A Must-See: This year, TIFF is filled with many actor-turned-director feature debuts, and this is Patricia Arquette’s entry. Starring herself, Wilem Dafoe, and Camila Morrone, Gonzo Girl has a cast worth turning out for. This, also, is a TIFF World Premiere film, so if being at the first public screenings of a new film is important to you, Gonzo Girl might be one of those to have on your radar.
Expected Coverage: Look for a review from Marty Millman during the festival.
HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON
Program: Centerpiece
Directed By: Ariane Louis-Seize
Synopsis: Sasha (Sara Montpetit) is a teenage vampire — well, “teenage” is relative in their world — with an empathy problem. Unlike the rest of her clan, Sasha’s fangs don’t come out when she’s hungry or sensing fear; she needs to feel a personal connection to her prey. And then Sasha meets Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), an actual teenager convinced he’ll never enjoy anything in life. She befriends him, introduces him to her world and its secrets, and he happily volunteers to be her next meal. Which would be great, except for the whole empathy thing. (TIFF)
Why This Is A Must-See: The title alone is enough to turn heads, but director Ariane Louis-Seize has been praised for her work on short films. It’s always exciting to see a filmmaker step out from short film making into feature length projects, and with a bold concept like this - vampire lure meets Adams Family with an emotional twist - there’s likely something here for many audiences to sink their teeth into.
Expected Coverage: Look for an interview with director Ariane Louis-Seize and co-lead actor Félix-Antoine Bénard by Thomas Stoneham-Judge during the festival.