The 44th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off Thursday with documentary film “Once Were Brothers”, and the premiere of Armando Iannucci's adaptation of "David Copperfield”.
The Canadian movie follows the career of Robbie Robertson – based on Robertson's 2016 memoir "Testify” –and the creation of the roots-rock group “The Band”.
Martin Scorsese's 1978 classic concert film on The Band's final show, "The Last Waltz" was also screened.
‘Highlights’
The festival marks the start of North America's largest film festival heralds the beginning of the fall movie season and the coming Oscar race.
It's a condensed awards season this year due to an earlier Academy Awards ceremony, adding a little more pressure on films to make a strong impression right out of the gate at Toronto.
TIFF features a highly-anticipated line-up of competition entries this year, and plenty of star power including Mr. Rogers drama "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," co-starring Tom Hanks.
Among other movies to look for are Jennifer Lopez’s "Hustlers," Eddie Murphy's Netflix film "Dolemite Is My Name," Christian Bale-Matt Damon auto-racing tale "Ford v Ferrari," the legal drama "Just Mercy," with Michael B. Jordan, and "Judy," with Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland.
TIFF is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world, attracting over 480,000 people annually. Since its founding in 1976, it has grown to become a permanent destination for film culture operating out of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, located in downtown Toronto.
Its mission is "to transform the way people see the world through film."
Year-round, the TIFF Bell Lightbox offers screenings, lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, industry support, and the chance to meet filmmakers from Canada and around the world.
Founded in 1976, it is now one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the world.
TIFF will run through Sept. 15.
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