TIFF 2023 — the 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival — runs today through September 17.
The collection of films from around the world starts tonight with the opening night (non-Canadian) film The Boy and the Heron from Hayao Miyazaki.
Bell announced last month that this TIFF will be the final one of its sponsorship after a 28-year arrangement. The decision was announced as mutual. Bell cited the need to "invest in other opportunities that are core to our business.”
That could be tied to the larger presence of Netflix at the Toronto International Film Festival, given Bell's interest in Crave. That could be due to the many cuts at Bell Media in the past few years.
The Bell Lightbox, the theatre at 350 King Street West in Toronto, will likely get a new name in 2024.
We are focused on the films, especially the Canadian films. One element that will be missing from TIFF 2023 is the lack of famous actors roaming the streets of Toronto. Directors can promote their films but not the actors due to the ongoing SAG/AFTRA strike. Some of those directors are also known as actors. Writers also can't promote their work but writers sadly aren't as famous as the actors who say their words.
Amanda Seyfried is starring in Seven Veils from Atom Egoyan, which will be at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. "@sagaftra has given us a waiver to promote this fully, magically independent Canadian movie but it doesn't feel right to head to the fest in light of the strike." — the actor said on Instagram.
We support fully the combined strikes of writers and actors. We understand and support Seyfried's decision.
2023 TIFF Rising Stars
We are excited to see the class of 2023 TIFF Rising Stars in their films this fall: Amrit Kaur, Cody Lightning, Kudakwashe Rutendo, and Mark Clennon. We don't know about any of them other than what we have read. There is an excitement to that approach.
2023 TIFF Canadian film preview
While Molly McGlynn's second feature Fitting In will have that title at TIFF 2023, the film will be released as Bloody Hell. Regardless of the title, this film is on my list, especially with Emily Hampshire playing the mother role.
CanadianCrossing.com film coverage
The running joke with the American films that play at TIFF is that they end up in regular theatres shortly after they run at TIFF.
Regardless of country origin, the resale value via Ticketmaster is growing to be extremely ridiculous. There is a novelty to seeing a film before most people but there is a monetary limit to the value of that accomplishment.
This ruins the spirit of a film festival where the joy of film is celebrated.
The spike isn't likely to hit the Canadian films at TIFF 2023 so you can enjoy them at regular prices.
Rojek is Canada's entry into the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film
There is not a requirement that the Canada entry into the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film play at the Toronto International Film Festival. This year's entry could use a boost that TIFF can provide.
Are you ready to rock n’ roll?
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) August 31, 2023
Toronto’s biggest street party kicks off Sept 7–10 with performances from @Nickelback, @MichieBadgalMee, and a #TIFFNextWave Block Party, presented by @Snapchat, featuring STRANGER THINGS star Finn Wolfhard's band The Aubreys. #TIFF23 pic.twitter.com/OuWsPgdfyc
We noted the upcoming documentary Hate To Love: Nickelback at TIFF about the Canadian band people love to hate. If you are an actual fan of the band, Nickelback will play as part of the Block Party this weekend in Toronto. If somehow you've never heard of Nickleback or wouldn't know any of their songs, you can find out for yourself by watching them live.
There are other bands, too, so you don't have to see Nickleback if that makes your stomach more nauseous than riding the Ferris wheel at the CNE after filling up on fair food.
Join us at @TIFF_NET Festival Street this weekend for a reel good time as we dive into the world of Canadian film trivia — test your knowledge, show off your cinephile skills, and win some EPIC prizes along the way! 🏆🍁 pic.twitter.com/btEjY1J4KR
— REEL CANADA 🍁 (@REELCANADA) September 5, 2023
You had me at Canadian film trivia. Would love to know the questions. As much as I know, we can always learn more about Canadian film.
When TIFF concentrated on Canadian films for the opening night film
The Boy and the Heron from Hayao Miyazaki is the opening night film for TIFF 2023. The last Canadian film to open TIFF remains Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, the Robbie Robertson documentary in 2019. Robertson passed away last month at the age of 80.
That is the 10th Canadian film to get the opening night status since 2000, though the first since 2010.
- Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band (2019)
- Score: A Hockey Musical (2010)
- Passchendaele (2008)
- Fugitive Pieces (2007)
- The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006)
- Water (2005)
- The Barbarian Invasions (2003)
- Ararat (2002)
- Last Wedding (2001)
- Stardom (2000)
Denys Arcand had 2 films on the list: Stardom (2000) and The Barbarian Invasions (2003). 2 films reached the Oscars Top 5 cut for what is now the Best International Feature Film: The Barbarian Invasions (2003) and Water (2005). The Barbarian Invasions (2003) is the only Canadian film to win an Academy Award in that category.
We have seen all of these films except for Fugitive Pieces (2007) and The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006).
Highly sincere question for @TIFF_net and @TIFF_Industry. Why has the Best Canadian First Feature Film award disappeared from #TIFF. Great way to reward debut feature filmmakers. #cdnfilm https://t.co/Bu8xGnYBJW #TIFF23
— Chad Rubel (@canadian_xing) August 25, 2023
We ask very little from TIFF in terms of Canadian films. TIFF picked a similar type Canadian film in name only (to Rojek) as the Best Canadian Feature Film last year in To Kill A Tiger. Rooting for a Canadian film that feels like a Canadian film to win that award at TIFF 23.
The streak continues where TIFF has stopped the Best Canadian First Feature Film, last handed out in 2019. That was helpful to encourage young Canadian filmmakers.
TIFF 2023 starts today and runs through September 17.
photo credit: TIFF
Instagram post: mingey
Twitter captures: @TIFF_NET; @REELCANADA; @canadian_xing
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