The crop of new movies at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival is both numerous – over 300 entries – and varied, as one might expect. Because Hollywood’s studios have veered away from introducing their major new releases at Toronto and other international festivals, there is less opportunity for A-list star sitings at premieres and red carpet galas.
But the quality is there, if you can find it amidst the sometimes-confusing screening schedules. The most-talked-about new movies at this year’s TIFF include Jesse Eisenberg’s musical comedy THE DEBUT, starring Julianne Moore as a suburban housewife turned actor in a community theatre musical. It will be distributed by A24 with an upcoming theatrical release beginning on December 11th, in time for consideration in the upcoming Oscars and other industry awards. Chris Rock’s comedy drama MISTY GREEN is another noteworthy feature from the festival, starring Rosalind Eleazar, Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya and Anna Kendrick in the story of a fading actress who is wistful about her past successes and intent on mounting a comeback in her career. It will also be distributed by A24, with release date set for October 9th. Alex Gibney’s documentary MUSK about the notorious billionaire also received a screening, after its earlier debut a few weeks ago at Venice. Much like the man himself, the 235-minute documentary could be wearing a bit thin with audiences, showing to an auditorium with a notable number of empty seats. Bleeker Street is distributing the film in the U.S., also choosing an October 9th release date.
Even if this year’s festival does not appear to showcase any movies with blockbuster box office potential, there is economic value to the industry from TIFF and other international film festivals by keeping movies and stars in the news, reminding audiences of the creative output emanating from filmmakers and stars. In that way, festivals contribute the film economy together with famous industry awards programs such as the annual Academy Awards. In fact, some of the movies from this year’s TIFF will be nominated by those same awards bodies.
