The 32nd Toronto International Film Festival® opens September 6 with the world premiere Gala Presentation of Jeremy Podeswa's FUGITIVE PIECES.
Produced by Robert Lantos, and based on the international bestselling novel by Anne Michaels, FUGITIVE PIECES is a powerful, poetic, and emotionally-charged drama about love, loss and redemption. Jeremy Podeswa (THE FIVE SENSES) brings the beauty and passion of this much beloved novel to screen with a cast that features Stephen Dillane, Rade Sherbedgia, Rosamund Pike, Ayelet Zurer, Robbie Kay, Ed Stoppard, Rachelle Lefevre, and Nina Dobrev.
FUGITIVE PIECES tells the story of Jakob Beer (Stephen Dillane), a man whose life is haunted by his childhood experiences during the Second World War. As a child in Poland he is orphaned during wartime then saved by a compassionate, Greek archeologist. He then spends the rest of his life trying to come to terms with the losses he has endured. Through his writing, and then through the discovery of true love, Jakob is given the opportunity to free himself from the legacy of his past.
"Having FUGITIVE PIECES selected for the opening night of the Festival is an incredible honour. I am so grateful to the Festival and its programmers and organizers who have supported my work from the very start. And I'm truly overwhelmed to have this film in particular showcased in this way," said Jeremy Podeswa. "I am equally pleased and excited for Anne Michaels, whose novel holds such a unique and special place in the hearts of those who live here, and its readers around the world."
Jeremy Podeswa's previous feature films screened at the Toronto International Film Festival are ECLIPSE (1994) and THE FIVE SENSES (1999). The Festival has also showcased Podesw's short work including DAVID ROCHE TALKS TO YOU ABOUT LOVE (1983), NION IN THE KABARET DE LA VITA (1986), 24FPS (2000) and TOUCH (2001).
Pass and Coupon sales begin Monday, July 9, 2007 and may be purchased online by visiting the official website at tiff07.ca, by phone at 416-968-FILM, or in-person at the TIFFG Box Office - Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West.
"This is a remarkable year for Canadian film and FUGITIVE PIECES is a fine example of the strength of our national filmmaking talent," said Piers Handling, Director and CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival Group. "The Festival is proud to showcase Canadian artists and their work, and provide an extraordinary opportunity where they can be launched and discovered."
Please check the Important Dates section of the website for all the information you need to begin planning your Festival experience.