With everyone arriving in Toronto for the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which kicks off September 4th, we’ve been hard at work covering as many films as possible ahead of time. Probably TOO many if we’re being honest. But nevertheless, we are dedicated to bringing you plenty of coverage for the next two weeks by covering as many films as possible. While the big titles won’t kick off until deeper into the festival, but we’ve seen plenty of the smaller titles that we want to highlight!
So here are 10 more films we’ve seen at TIFF!
“Homebound” – North American Premiere
I was not ready for how absolutely shattered “Homebound” was going to leave me. A poignant tale of friendship, racial and class discrimination and the hope to rise above your circumstances. Beautifully rendered with stunning cinematography from Pratik Shah and two incredible performances from Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, “Homebound” instantly skyrocketed to the top of my festival favorites list. Admittedly slow to start, I was a bit out on it at first due to some of its on the nose dialogue and melodrama, but all of that is overcome as the story starts to take shape and the performances begin to overcome those shortcomings. In the end, “Homebound” left me floored with emotion and heart ache as it dials into its more sincere moments and devastating conclusion. Don’t just bring the tissues to “Homebound;” you’re gonna want to grab the entire box. You can catch the North American Premiere of “Homebound” on Sept. 10th at Roy Thompson Hall.
“Winter of the Crow” – World Premiere
There seems to be a common theme among many of these TIFF flims: great performances powering their films. “Winter of the Crow” is no different, an engaging thriller set in the harsh winters of Poland during the 1980s coup and military takeover. Leslie Manville commands the screen from start to finish, delivering a powerhouse performance that elevates the film above its bones. “Winter of the Crow” thrives in the second act as Manville tries to make sense of her surroundings and survive in a harsh, unforgiving territory crumbling around her. It loses a bit of steam trying to bring the pieces together and doesn’t paint the historical picture clearly, but “Winter of the Crow” knows its secret weapon is its lead and uses her to great effect. Fans of political cat and mouse thrillers are sure to dig “Winter of the Crow.” You can catch the World Premiere of “Winter of the Crow” on Sept 6th at 6:15pm at TIFF Lightbox.
“Still Single” – World Premiere
I’m a sucker for how did this get made cinema, and in the most Canadian way possible (complimentary) “Still Single” combines both behind the scenes and character study to create a strange, engaging, and wild film about famed Toronto sushi chef Masaki Saito. Saito is a larger than life personality and lives life to the fullest, and “Still Single” captures his essence while also examining his talent and what it takes to make a successful, exclusive dining experience beautiful. Saito is so funny and unpredictable, and you can tell he kept the filmmakers on their toes as they follow him around the world and uncover the inner workings of his acclaimed restaurant. The idea of following a sushi chef may sound like a rather uninteresting subject for a documentary, but “Still Single” remains completely engaging, keeps you guessing and is a great documentary I’d recommend. You can catch the World Premiere of “Still Single” Sept 5th at 3:00pm at TIFF Lightbox.
“Junk World” – International Premiere
Let’s get weird. “Junk World” is a perfect example of the kinds of bizarre cinema you can expect at Midnight Madness. Fans of Takahide Hori’s “Junk Head” are certain to enjoy this prequel (if you can even really call it that) that ramps up the lore, absurdity, and stunning stop-motion animation. Admittedly, “Junk World” isn’t really my speed; a bit too wacky for my taste. But Hori’s world building and ever expanding lore left me enthralled even when I was deeply confused, never really knowing what was going to happen next and just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, “Junk World” zags when you thought it would zig. It is wholly japanese in whatever way you want to take that and never stops being entertaining. I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible production design even when “Junk World” starts to feel like a grown man playing with action figures. If you’re truly looking for something different, “Junk World” is the movie for you. You can catch the International Premiere of “Junk World” on Sept 11th at 11:59pm at Royal Alexandria Theater.
“Disc” – World Premiere
I typically don’t cover short films; not as any indictment of the work but more so my chosen focus is features. But “Disc” took my by surprise not just in how much I enjoyed it but in how much I wanted it to be longer and probably a feature film. Blake Winston Rice brilliantly creates and instant likability of his characters, and traps us in quite possibly one of the worst case scenarios to ever happen after a one night stand short of someone dying. “Disc” is only 14 minutes long but the tension is taut and amped it feels like eternity before it’s relieved. That’s a testament to its strength and frantic energy, and I’m very interested to more from Rice. If you’re a shorts fan, “Disc” is one you don’t want to miss. You can catch the World Premiere of “Disc” on Sept 4th at 7:45pm at Scotiabank Theater.
“Whistle “- World Premiere
I did not know that there was such a thing as competitive whistling, but thanks to “Whistle” I do now and I am all the better for it. A fascinating look inside a talent and skill in ways you never thought possible, “Whistle” is a delightful film highlighting world renown whistlers as they compete in a small global competition. Fans of music docs will find some familiarity here but also be treated to some welcomed surprises. The competitors are truly unique individuals, and “Whistle” smartly gives each of them time to shine and share their experiences and passions for whistling. It is an art on full display here, and the varying styles and ways people whistle never stops being intriguing. “Whistle” will have you rooting for your favorites and want to hear another fancy tune whistled like songbirds. It’s beautiful what people can do and exploring an untapped work of immense talent is certainly worth seeing. You can catch the World Premiere of “Whistle” on Sept 5th at 8:15pm at Scotiabank theater.
“Ghost School” – World Premiere
Though there are a surprising number of coming of age/through the eyes of a child movies at TIFF this year, “Ghost School” is among the better, a true hidden gem that most festival attendees probably don’t have on their radar. A quiet yet curious drama that follows a young girl in search for answers among her small community. Melding traditional folklore, superstition and political critiques, director Seemab Gul manages express big ideas like corruption, gender inequality, fear, and neglected rural education through the understandings of a child. Her questions are often simple and then met with adult complexities, something then retranslated back into child speak as the mystery unravels. “Ghost School” takes some focus and patience, its dreamlike qualities seem out of step with its more grounded realities. But if you let it sit with you it starts to take hold and stand out. If you’re looking for something far off the beaten path, “Ghost School” is a good choice.
Many, many more films to come as we traverse the Toronto downtown at TIFF!
