The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has unveiled its highly anticipated lineup for 2024, featuring world premieres from renowned directors like Angelina Jolie and Mike Leigh. The festival, which runs from September 5 to September 15, promises a diverse array of films that are sure to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Key Takeaways
- Angelina Jolie: Directs the war film "Without Blood," starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir.
- Mike Leigh: Premieres his contemporary tragicomedy "Hard Truths," reuniting with Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
- Gia Coppola: Debuts "The Last Showgirl," featuring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis.
- Rachel Morrison: Directs "The Fire Inside," about the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
- Edward Burns: Presents "Millers in Marriage," starring Minnie Driver and Morena Baccarin.
- David Mackenzie: Unveils the thriller "Relay," starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James.
- Jennifer Lopez: Co-stars in "Unstoppable," a sports drama produced by Ben Affleck.
- Hugh Grant: Leads in the eerie film "Heretic," directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
Major Highlights
Angelina Jolie’s "Without Blood"
Angelina Jolie’s war film "Without Blood" is set to make its world premiere at TIFF. The film stars Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir and is based on the novel by Alessandro Baricco. This highly anticipated film delves into the complexities of war and human resilience.
Mike Leigh’s "Hard Truths"
Mike Leigh returns to the big screen with "Hard Truths," a contemporary tragicomedy. The film marks his first in six years and reunites him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, his star from "Secrets & Lies."
Other Notable Premieres
- Gia Coppola’s "The Last Showgirl": Starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kiernan Shipka.
- Rachel Morrison’s "The Fire Inside": A directorial debut about the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, with a screenplay by Barry Jenkins.
- Edward Burns’ "Millers in Marriage": Featuring Minnie Driver and Morena Baccarin.
- David Mackenzie’s "Relay": A thriller starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James.
- Jennifer Lopez in "Unstoppable": A sports drama about American wrestler Anthony Robles, produced by Ben Affleck.
- Hugh Grant in "Heretic": An eerie film directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
Returning Star Power
After a year marked by actors’ strikes, TIFF is set to regain its star power. The festival is known for influencing the awards season conversation, and this year’s lineup is no exception.
Focus Features
Focus Features will showcase its Edward Berger-directed, Ralph Fiennes-starring papal thriller "Conclave." Although it won’t be the world premiere, the film is highly anticipated. The studio will also present "Piece by Piece," a Pharrell Williams documentary told with LEGOs, directed by Morgan Neville.
Previously Announced Films
- "The Wild Robot": An animated feature.
- Marielle Heller’s "Nightbitch": Starring Amy Adams.
- John Crowley’s "We Live In Time": Featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.
- David Gordon Green’s "Nutcrackers": A comedy starring Ben Stiller.
- R.J. Cutler and David Furnish’s "Elton John: Never Too Late": A documentary.
- Ron Howard’s "Eden": A survival thriller starring Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, and Jude Law.
Cannes Favorites
TIFF will also feature some favorites from the Cannes Film Festival, including:
- Sean Baker’s "Anora"
- Paul Schrader’s "Oh, Canada"
- Jacques Audiard’s "Emilia Pérez"
- Will Ferrell’s "Will & Harper": A friendship documentary that debuted at Sundance.
Looking Ahead
More films will be announced in the coming weeks, along with lineups for other major fall festivals like Venice, Telluride, and the New York Film Festival. TIFF 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the film industry calendar.
TIFF kicks off on September 5 and runs through September 15.
