Friday, August 31--------While the big ticket Galas sometimes seem to dominate the press coverage of the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, which opens next Thursday, the program is, in fact, a diverse one that showcases a mix of auteur cinema and prolific film genres. The documentary section is among the choicest, with many films benefitting from the Toronto exposure to find mainstream theatrical careers as good, if not better, than any feature film title. One of the most anticipat...
Thursday, August 30--------Frank Whaley, an acclaimed actor best known for his work in the films SWIMMING WITH SHARKS and PULP FICTION, has been adding directorial chores to his list of credits in the past few years. With such well regarded films as JOE THE KING and THE JIMMY SHOW, Whaley is making the leap from actor to director. He continues on this journey with the Toronto premiere of his latest film, NEW YORK CITY SERENADE.The film stars Chris Klein, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jamie-Lynn Sigler,...
Wednesday, August 29--------The Toronto International Film Festival Group (TIFFG) and Bell Canada held a joint press conference on Monday to announce the new name and logo of the TIFFG's home and headquarters: Bell Lightbox. The Bell Lightbox name acknowledges TIFFG's special relationship with Bell and underlines the Group's dedication to advancing the art form of the moving image. "It's with great pride that we announce the new Bell Lightbox name and logo for our home and headquarters a...
Tueday, August 28----------The Toronto International Film Festival has become a key launching pad for the careers of films in the North American market. This is even more true for films chosen for the Gala Presentations.....mainly American prestige pictures and international titles from known auteurs. Early buzz for the awards season can be created here, and with over 3000 journalists attending from all over the globe, the international aspects (and pressure) are enormous. A film can either be...
Monday, August 27----The 32nd edition of the Toronto International Film Festival opens a week from Thursday on September 6th. While totally international in its scope, the Festival is also a prime launching pad for the newest works from the thriving Canadian film industry. One of the most anticipated films from one of the industry's most celebrated filmmakers will receive its World Premiere as a Gala Presentation. FUGITIVE PIECES, produced by Robert Lantos and directed by Jeremy Podeswa (TH...
Friday, August 25---------In a sure sign that summer is definitely in its last throws, the Toronto International Film Festival held its major press conference earlier this week, announcing the full roster of films and special events that will be presented from September 6 to 15. In less than two weeks, the titans of the film industry, and a smattering of first-timers and more humble folk like this journalist, will venture to the "New York of the North" to be part of an extravaganza t...
