When movie fans around the globe think of Toronto, one of the first things that comes to mind is TIFF or the Toronto International Film Festival! Canadian film lovers in the city can rejoice knowing it is returning this year from September 4th to the 14th! Known as one of the world’s most prestigious and largest publicly attended film festivals, TIFF brings in tons of celebrities and movie lovers alike to experience the newest movies from the world’s most notorious directors. This year, you will see talent from Canadian directors, with a stellar lineup you won’t want to miss! So, what is premiering this year at TIFF? Let’s break down the most anticipated Canadian films at this year’s festival.
1. Mile End Kicks – Dir. Chandler Levack
Starting off the list is an excellent choice for those looking for a warm, funny, and heartfelt romantic comedy. Mile End Kicks manages to capture the essence of Montreal’s vibrant bohemian neighbourhood, while taking the time to explore themes of love, belonging, and identity. Director Chandler Lavack, whose previous film I Like Movies was a festival favourite, brings a sharp wit to the story, while still leaving space for emotional nuance. This film is truly a must-see for those looking for a story of self-discovery.
2. True North – Dir. Michèle Stephenson
Next, documentary filmmaker Michèle Stephenson’s film True North is a deep and resonant nonfiction film that features hard-hitting questions about race, identity, and justice in Canada. With her background in social justice filmmaking, Stephenson manages to craft a film that balances artistically compelling storytelling with political urgency. Moreover, because of its position to provoke discussion and reflection, the film helps add weight to TIFF’s commitment to visibility for Canadian storytelling.
3. Steal Away – Dir. Clement Virgo
Filmmaker Clement Virgo’s film is an engaging drama-thriller, perfectly balancing themes of personal struggle and social turmoil. This film pulls you in with Virgo’s signature mix of intensity and intimacy within its visual storytelling and characters. As one of Canada’s most respected filmmakers, Virgo has a reputation for delivering emotionally charged stories while also managing to hold space for nuance. With these in mind, this film is already generating buzz because of its ability to resonate with critics and audiences alike.
4. Dinner with Friends – Dir. Sasha Leigh Henry
If you are looking for a film that balances humour and emotional depth and insight, then this is the film for you. Dinner with Friends is a sharp and engaging take on millennial relationships, friendships, and the ever-present tension that comes with the struggles of maintaining long-term friendships through adulthood. Known for her work in television and short films, director Sasha Leigh Henry leaps with this full-length film and storytelling to a roaring success. This film’s ability to be both relatable and socially and culturally relevant gives this film a strong potential to resonate with broad audiences.
5. Meadowlarks – Dir. Tasha Hubbard
In her first scripted feature, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Tasha Hubbard weaves together a story of a particularly devastating period in Canadian history: the Sixties Scoop. It displays a portion of time beginning in the early 50s, when indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families. Meadowlarks dramatizes this legacy through powerful narrative choices that blend both personal and collective trauma of the events. Moreover, this film is not only expected to be a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
With a plethora of movies from directors around the globe, this year’s TIFF isn’t one to miss! Remember, if you’re hosting a party with friends after a movie screening, be sure to check out our article on liquor liability insurance! From all of us at isure, happy watching!
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