For those hoping that the next set of announcements for the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival was going to feature some show-stopping premieres, you might be a little letdown. That isn’t to say TIFF 2021 is going to be a letdown, as the lineup so far is really strong. However, the latest announcement might not have the massive premieres you were hoping for—unless you’re one of those people dying to see “Clifford the Big Red Dog.”
Obviously, kidding aside, TIFF 2021 is shaping up to be a massive festival that is going to be jam-packed with huge films and screenings. That said, the latest announcement is headlined by a few features that might surprise those hoping to see TIFF make some waves. As mentioned, in the Gala and Special Presentations sections, it was announced that there will be premieres of “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” as well as “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (starring Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain), and “Dear Evan Hansen,” which is set to be the Opening Night feature, among other new films. Though “Dear Evan Hansen” has found itself in the middle of an age controversy, TIFF seems excited to have the star-studded musical from director Stephen Chbosky opening the event.
“There was no question that ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ was the ideal film to launch the Festival this year,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head, TIFF. “This film is ultimately about healing, forgiveness, and reaffirms how connected and essential we all are to one another. We couldn’t think of a more important idea to celebrate this year as we come together once again to share the power and joy of cinema in theatres together.”
READ MORE: Ben Platt Details His Preparation For Trying To Pass As A Teen In ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
Chbosky added, “‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is a film about allowing ourselves to be found, and giving ourselves permission to be our true, authentic selves. After a year and a half of isolation, so many of us are finding our way back to each other. So, now more than ever, I am honored that the Toronto International Film Festival has chosen ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to open this year’s Festival. We could not have asked for a more ideal festival, or audience, or moment to premiere our film.”
In addition to the aforementioned films, you have the world premiere of “Survivor” (directed by Barry Levinson), as well as North American and International premieres of some Cannes standouts such as “Bergman Island,” “Drive My Car,” “Paris, 13th District,” “The Story of My Wife,” and “The Worst Person in the World.” Also, of note, the Closing Night feature is the highly anticipated film, “One Second,” from acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou.
READ MORE: Best Of Cannes 2021: 15 Must-See Movies From The Festival
All told, the latest additions to the TIFF 2021 lineup just add to the depth of an already exciting festival, even if you’re not overly joyed by “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” TIFF 2021 begins on September 9.
Here’s the full list of Gala and Special Presentations:
GALA PRESENTATIONS 2021
*previously announced
*Belfast Kenneth Branagh | United Kingdom
World Premiere
Clifford the Big Red Dog Walt Becker | USA/United Kingdom/Canada
World Premiere
Opening Night Film
Dear Evan Hansen Stephen Chbosky | USA
World Premiere
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Will Sharpe | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere
The Eyes of Tammy Faye Michael Showalter | USA
World Premiere
*Jagged Alison Klayman | USA
World Premiere
*Last Night in Soho Edgar Wright | United Kingdom
North American Premiere
*The Mad Women’s Ball (Le Bal des folles) Mélanie Laurent | France
World Premiere
*Night Raiders Danis Goulet | Canada/New Zealand
North American Premiere
.Closing Night Film.
One Second Zhang Yimou | China
North American Premiere
The Survivor Barry Levinson | USA/Canada/Hungary
World Premiere
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2021
*previously announced
Ali & Ava Clio Barnard | United Kingdom
North American Premiere
All My Puny Sorrows Michael McGowan | Canada
World Premiere
*Benediction Terence Davies | United Kingdom
World Premiere
Bergman Island Mia Hansen-Løve | France
International Premiere
*Charlotte Eric Warin, Tahir Rana | Canada/France/Belgium
World Premiere
*Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over Dave Wooley, David Heilbroner | USA
World Premiere
Drive My Car Ryusuke Hamaguchi | Japan
North American Premiere
Encounter Michael Pearce | United Kingdom/USA
International Premiere
*The Guilty Antoine Fuqua | USA
World Premiere
I’m Your Man Maria Schrader | Germany
North American Premiere
Inexorable Fabrice du Welz | Belgium/France
International Premiere
*Lakewood Phillip Noyce | Canada
World Premiere
The Middle Man Bent Hamer | Norway/Canada/Germany/Denmark
World Premiere
Official Competition (Competencia Oficial) Mariano Cohn, Gastón Duprat | Spain/Argentina
North American Premiere
Paris, 13th District (Les Olympiades) Jacques Audiard | France
North American Premiere
*Petite Maman Céline Sciamma | France
Canadian Premiere
*The Starling Theodore Melfi | USA
World Premiere
The Story of My Wife Ildikó Enyedi | Hungary/Germany/Italy/France
North American Premiere
Three Floors (Tre Piani) Nanni Moretti | Italy/France
North American Premiere
Violet Justine Bateman | USA
International Premiere
The Worst Person In The World (Verdens Verste Menneske) Joachim Trier | Norway/France/Sweden/Denmark
North American Premiere