The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-1970s, initially aimed at bringing international films to Canadian audiences. Over the years, as its scope and influence grew, TIFF transitioned into a platform spotlighting Canadian filmmakers and artists to an international industry and audience. Programmer Robyn Citizen emphasized this shift, noting the festival's commitment to showcasing local talent on a global stage.
In its 50th edition, TIFF features a diverse lineup of Canadian films, highlighting both veteran filmmakers and emerging creators. Among the notable homegrown titles are:
“100 SUNSET”
Directed by Kunsang Kyirong, “100 Sunset” explores Toronto’s Tibetan-Canadian community through the lens of the protagonist's handheld camcorder. The film stars Tenzin Kunsel as Kunsel, a shy voyeur who befriends Sonam Choekyi's Passang, a woman trapped in a marriage with an older man. Together, they seek ways to liberate themselves from societal expectations. Kyirong, inspired by Parkdale—the neighborhood with the largest Tibetan community in North America—aims to portray their aspirations within a new country. “100 Sunset” highlights the spirit of collaboration within the Tibetan community, which also mirrored the film's production process. This feature is set to screen on September 6 and 7.
“BLOOD LINES”
Gail Maurice presents her second feature, “Blood Lines,” as a love letter to Métis culture. The film portrays a store clerk and storyteller navigating pressures to reconnect with her mother while encountering a woman seeking her biological family. This lesbian love story incorporates Michif, a language with only about 1,000 speakers, leading Maurice to conduct casting calls in her northern Saskatchewan village to ensure authenticity. “Blood Lines” will be screened on September 8 and 10.
“NIKA & MADISON”
Eva Thomas returns to TIFF with “Nika & Madison,” following her success in the festival's Filmmaker Lab. This feature expands on her 2023 short film, “Redlights,” and delves into the troubling practice of systemic racism known as “starlight tours.” The film, described as a crime drama mystery, centers on the friendship between the titular characters, who face challenges in their relationship. It is set to screen on September 7 and 8.
“THERE ARE NO WORDS”
Min Sook Lee’s deeply personal documentary, “There Are No Words,” unfolds her journey in addressing her mother’s suicide over 40 years ago. After two and a half decades in documentary filmmaking, Lee reflects on her past and retraces her childhood memories in both Toronto and Hwasun, South Korea. Through this film, she aims to understand the circumstances surrounding her mother’s life while honoring her story as a working-class Korean immigrant. “There Are No Words” will screen on September 9 and 11.
“WHILE THE GREEN GRASS GROWS: A DIARY IN SEVEN PARTS”
Peter Mettler presents "While The Green Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts," a sprawling seven-hour opus that defies easy categorization. Mettler describes it as a cinematic diary, with each of the seven parts varying in length and style. His work, filmed over three years, features everything from psychedelic imagery to cinema verité, capturing life's unpredictability and spontaneity. Attendees at TIFF will need to purchase separate tickets for the initial four parts and the latter three, though both tickets are available at the price of one. This film screens on September 7 and 8.
With a mix of stories touching on culture, identity, and personal discovery, TIFF's 50th edition promises a rich and diverse representation of Canadian cinema, showcasing the talents and stories that resonate not only locally but with audiences worldwide.
