While all the major star driven, buzzworthy titles of the fall festival season are the ones grabbing the biggest headlines, it doesn't take much to uncover hidden gems. Indeed, for our writer who attended the Venice Film Festival, it was getting shut out of Susanne Bier's "Love Is All You Need" that led him to a screening of Tobias Lindholm's "A Hijacking." Calling it "an absorbing, highly moving film" in his review, it's one those pleasant surprises at a fest you always hope to find. And with the film hitting TIFF, we've got an exclusive look behind the scenes.
Lindholm may not be a familiar name but with writing credits on this year's celebrated "The Hunt" and as the co-helmer behind the prison drama "R" from a couple years back, he's already been making waves internationally. His latest tells the story of a Danish freighter that is boarded by Somali pirates who hold it for ransom, and the tense negotiations that unfold between the CEO of the company that owns the vessel and the captors holding the crew hostage. As the events unfold over days that turn to weeks that turn to months, the tension and emotional toll is raised on both sides. It's gripping stuff, and though it's not based on a true story, the authenticity is palpable.
This behind-the-scenes clip gives a close look at the location filming and insights into the production. It's a nice tease for those going to check out the film in Toronto, which starts screening on Monday and plays through the week. There is no U.S. distributor for the film yet, but it likely won't be long until someone snatches it up. Watch below.