Though the Toronto International Film Festival isn’t expected to begin until the fall, the organizers announced a dozen features that will play the event, as TIFF intends on welcoming back festival-goers with in-person screenings. And yes, one of the new films that will have a special screening at the event is Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” which is proving to be one of the most sought-after festival films of 2021.
According to the folks at TIFF, the 2021 festival will welcome back people with in-person screenings that will also happen alongside the digital offerings that were introduced last year due to the pandemic. And as part of the announcement, TIFF released the names of 12 films that are just a sampling of the full lineup that will be revealed in the weeks to come.
As mentioned, “Dune” is probably the biggest name in the mix, but with Venice happening a bit earlier and holding the world premiere of the film, TIFF is doing something a bit different with Villeneuve’s feature. Obviously, the screening will mark the North American debut of the feature, but it will be presented as a “World Exclusive IMAX Special Event” at the Cinesphere Theatre at Ontario Place.
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Joining “Dune” are also new films such as “Le Bal des Folles” directed by Mélanie Laurent from Amazon Studios, “Benediction,” directed by Terence Davies from Bankside Films, “Belfast,” from director Kenneth Branagh from Focus Features, “Charlotte,” directed by Eric Warin and Tahir Rana from Elevation Pictures and MK2 Mile End, “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over,” directed by Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner, “The Guilty” by director Antoine Fuqua from Netflix, HBO’s “Jagged,” the documentary on iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, directed by Alison Klayman, “Lakewood,” directed by Philip Noyce, “Last Night in Soho,” directed by Edgar Wright from Focus Features, “Night Raiders,” directed by Danis Goulet from Elevation Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films, “Petite Maman,” directed by Céline Sciamma from Elevation Pictures and NEON, and “The Starling” by director Theodore Melfi from Netflix.
“We are so proud of the caliber of the films and the diversity of the stories we will be presenting this year,” said Joana Vicente, TIFF Executive Director and Co-Head. “It is so powerful to be able to share these films with Festival-goers in theatres. And while the world is definitely moving towards a degree of normalcy, many of our industry and press colleagues may not be able to travel across international borders. In response, we have brought back the TIFF Digital Cinema Pro platform that will host Press & Industry screenings, the Industry Conference, press conferences, as well as the TIFF Industry Selects market. We believe that digital access is an important part of providing accessibility to audiences and will be vital to the future of film festivals. This inclusivity across all our offerings helps to ensure that, no matter where you are located, you can participate in the Festival.”
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“It’s been a tough year and we’re so glad to be back,” said Cameron Bailey, TIFF Artistic Director and Co-Head. “We’re thrilled to be presenting the latest by Alison Klayman, Edgar Wright, Philip Noyce, Kenneth Branagh, and many more to audiences in our Toronto cinemas, and to Canadians all across the country at home. We can’t wait for September. We’re also honored to introduce the world to outstanding Canadian debuts such as Eric Warin and Tahir Rana’s ‘Charlotte’ and Danis Goulet’s ‘Night Raiders.’ We’ve been inspired by the quality, range, and diversity of the films we’re inviting, and we couldn’t wait to give everyone an early glimpse.”
The 2021 Toronto International Film Festival will begin on September 9.