The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced 60 films as part of its first wave of galas and special presentations for this year’s festival and the line-up includes several high-profile stars.
The 2023 official selection features 37 world premieres, seven international premieres, 12 North American premieres, and four Canadian premieres. As a whole, the films represent 70 countries around the world.
“This year’s Galas & Special Presentations showcase a rich tapestry of talent, vision, and storytelling,” TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said in a statement.
“From thought-provoking narratives to breathtaking visuals and stories so unreal they have to be real, each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration of film and a memorable and star-studded festival, showcasing the best of global cinema for film lovers in September,” he added.
Among the distinguished actors and their respective films included in this year’s selection are Chris Evans, Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Ethan Hawke, Anna Kendrick, Amanda Seyfried, Chris Pine, Anthony Hopkins, Jamie Foxx, Ewan McGregor, Elizabeth Olsen and more.
Here are some of the notable films coming to TIFF 2023:
American crime drama film Pain Hustlers directed by David Yates will make its world premiere at the festival. The film is based on a book by Evan Hughes, and stars Chris Evans and Emily Blunt as pharmaceutical drug reps who unwittingly help kickstart the opioid epidemic in the pursuit of financial success.
Canadian actor Elliot Page will be starring in the world premiere of Dominic Savage’s Close To You, which follows the story of Sam, a transgender man having a chance encounter with an old friend on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront memories.
Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick is set to make her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a story that examines the life of Rodney Alcala’s appearance on the titular game show, The Dating Game, in the middle of his 1970s murder spree.
Ethan Hawke is also unveiling his latest directorial drama with the international premiere of Wildcat, which explores the life and art of American author Flannery O’Connor, played by his daughter, Maya Hawke.
Director Kitty Green and Ozark actress Julia Garner will reunite in the Canadian premiere of The Royal Hotel, a tale about two friends who run out of cash while backpacking in Australia and must take a job in an exploitative pub to fund their trip home.
A full list of the first 60 films that will be coming to TIFF 2023 can be found here.
The 48th annual TIFF will take place from Sept. 7 to Sept. 17, 2023.
