The Toronto Film Festival unveiled its initial lineup for 2024, announcing Steven Soderbergh’s Toronto Film Festival premiere of The Christophers among five films set to make their world debut in Canada. The festival, which runs from September 4 to 14, marks its 50th edition by spotlighting both established and emerging filmmakers, reinforcing its global reputation.
TIFF Opens With Notable Premieres and International Talent
Organizers revealed that, in addition to Soderbergh’s latest film, Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, Alejandro Amenábar’s The Captive, Sung-hyun Byun’s Good News, and Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks will all premiere as part of the festival’s core selection. This group represents a diverse blend of filmmaking styles and international perspectives, reflecting ongoing innovation in the industry.
Steven Soderbergh, known for titles like Ocean’s 11, Contagion, and Erin Brockovich, returns to the festival after presenting his ghost thriller Presence last year. His newest entry, The Christophers, is described as a black comedy rooted in the art world. Starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden, the film sets the stage for a high-profile world premiere in Toronto.
Other Film Highlights: Adaptations and Drama Across Genres
Nia DaCosta, previously recognized for The Marvels and Candyman, presents Hedda, her contemporary adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s renowned play. The film features Tessa Thompson and Imogen Poots, focusing on the central character’s struggle against a restrictive home and unwanted marriage. The project’s reinterpretation of classic theater adds further depth to the premiere lineup.
Chilean-Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar, most notable for The Others and The Sea Inside, contributes The Captive. This historical drama traces the story of Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes, exploring his time as a wounded navy soldier held hostage in Algiers. The film promises a look at literary history through a cinematic lens.
Representing South Korean cinema, Sung-hyun Byun arrives at TIFF with Good News. After the success of his 2017 film The Merciless at Cannes, Byun’s latest project examines the tense efforts of individuals aboard a hijacked plane, introducing a suspenseful, high-stakes narrative.
Chandler Levack, whose debut feature I Like Movies premiered at the festival in 2022, returns with Mile End Kicks. This new film centers on a 24-year-old movie critic who relocates to Montreal in the summer of 2011, fueled by ambitions to write about Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. The critic’s plans take an unexpected direction after becoming involved with two members of a struggling indie band, ultimately taking on the role of their publicist.
Festival Voices Emphasize Innovation and Community
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These first five films of our official selection reflect the innovation, heart, and global perspective that have made our festival a home for great cinema over the past 50 editions,
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—Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO.
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We’re excited to kick-off our special presentations with Chandler Levack’s ‘Mile End Kicks,’ a young, Canadian director who has very close ties to TIFF in addition to these established directors. We can’t wait to share more in the weeks ahead as we celebrate this historic year with audiences and filmmakers from around the world.
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—Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO.
Documentary Opener and Future Announcements
In addition to the five first selections, festival organizers previously named the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, as the opening film of this milestone edition. As tradition dictates, the full festival lineup will unfold over the coming months, building anticipation among movie critics, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide. With premieres from directors such as Soderbergh and DaCosta joining debuts by emerging artists like Levack, the 2024 Toronto Film Festival looks set to deliver an engaging and genre-spanning celebration of cinema.
