Between courses of Montreal smoke meat and poutine – TIFF unveils it’s Canadian lineup of films

The Toronto International Film Festival has become renowned for the bevy of international and Hollywood film stars it brings to Toronto each year. But TIFF’s roots are distinctly Canadian and the festival never forgets about its own. So TIFF saves its most lavish press conference, held in early August, to announce the roster of Canadian films that will make premieres come September at the festival.

It was a packed house of TIFF industry insiders and Canadian filmmakers at the Royal York hotel on a Tuesday afternoon as festival co-directors Cameron Bailey and Piers Handling added to an already announced list of Canadian films – that included Gala premieres from directors David Cronenberg and Sarah Polley. Also announced on August 9th at the Royal York, Starbuck, from director Ken Scott will also join the lineup of TIFF galas.

Canadian entries joining the Special Presentations lineup include Afghan Luke, with Nick Stahl; Mary Harron’s The Moth Diaries, with Lily Cole and Scott Speedman, and Goon, a hockey-themed comedy with Seann William Scott and Jay Baruchel.

Guy Maddin, who premiered a film at TIFF twenty-five years ago, returns in 2011 with Keyhole starring Jason Patric and Isabella Rossellini. Maddin remarked at the packed TIFF press conference, “There’s more people in this room than saw Canadian films in the 1980′s.”

CLINT EASTWOOD and MATT DAMON talk “Hereafter” with select journalists – the pair want to keep making movies together

The 2010 Toronto International Film Festival could easily be remembered as the year the icons came. Robert Redford, Robert Deniro, and Clint Eastwood all made the trip to Toronto in support of films.

But as the twilight sets on the careers of these Hollywood giants, it’s interesting to see the connections each has formulated to the next generation of acting greats. Deniro with Ed Norton. Robert Redford was filled with praise for his Conspirator cast that included James McAvoy. And Eastwood and Matt Damon.

Clint first directed Damon in Invictus a few years ago, so as the pair sat down with movie journalists during the Toronto Film Festival to talk about Hereafter, “the two have a strong and easy rapport together,” is how The Star’s Peter Howell described his light and breezy chat with them.

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actress Natalie Portman and director Darren Aronofsky first dicussed the idea for BLACK SWAN film in 2002

photo: Director Darren Aronofsky and Natalie Portman at the Toronto Film Festival press conference for BLACK SWAN (September 14, 2010 / R.Budman)

After the Gala Monday night premiere screening of BLACK SWAN during the 2010 Toronto Film Festival – Oscar buzz only grew for the thriller, especially Portman’s role of an experienced ballerina dancer drawn to the dark side of an another dancer, played my Mila Kunis.

During the Tuesday morning press conference director Darren Aronofsky talked at length what a difficult movie it was to put together as funding fell through several times. Even with the success and Oscar nominations for Darren’s last film, The Wrestler, funding still proved tough on Black Swan especially as this was during the “financial black hole in Hollywood” after the 2008 Wallstreet crash.

Portman and Aronofsky first discussed the idea for the film as far back as 2002. Aronofsky underscored the importance of playing in the best festivals in the world, like Toronto to maximize publicity on the film. Darren admits that even though they got the production budget together to make the film, there is very little left for marketing and promotion.

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Harvey Weinstein has a very busy TIFF’10 – Barry Avrich’s untitled documentary sells to IFC

The legend of Harvey Weinstein only grows larger after TIFF’10. Besides Harvey having a very active Toronto festival – his new company Weinsteiin Co. acquired three high-profile films, each acquisition in the seven figure range.

The name “Harvey Weinstein” made news in Toronto for another reason too. A long time in the making documentary by Barry Avrich was acquired by IFC in a deal that saw worldwide rights sold to Unauthorized: The Harvey Weinstein Project. The doc is narrated by Peter Fonda.

The Cadillac Festival Insider spotted Mr. Avrich at an August TIFF press event and we asked Barry about the status of his Weinstein documentary and whether we could maybe see a Toronto Film Festival premiere? Avrich said he didn’t have time to get it ready for Toronto but the doc was finished and would be released sometime in 2011. Guess Barry wasn’t too busy to still take in enough of TIFF this year to get his film sold.

“I believe that great stories must be told. Harvey and Bob Weinstein, without a question, redefined so many rules of Hollywood marketing, distribution and filmmaking that you simply can’t ignore their impact on history. Many of their business principles and strategies also redefined other industry practices and quite frankly, other industries. Without Hollywood’s ‘Last Bully’, there would be no Pulp Fiction, no one would have known about that English patient, Rob Marshall would still be a chorus boy and Quentin would be recommending Bruce Lee’s greatest hits in some video store. IFC Films is a great home for my film and I am thrilled that it will be receiving such a prominent release.” – BARRY AVRICH

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FIRST LOOK VIDEO – THE PROMISE: Making of Darkness On The Edge Of Town documentary brings Bruce Springsteen to TIFF for Gala premiere and interview

When THE BOSS himself, Bruce Springsteen steps onto the red carpet for the TIFF Gala world premiere of THE PROMISE: Making of Darkness On The Edge Of Town it will continue a tradition of the Toronto festival being able to attract not just the biggest movie actors in the world – but also in recent years, some huge icons from the music world too.

During the 2008 Toronto festival guitar gods Jack White, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and The Edge (U2) all came to Toronto in support of the documentary, IT MIGHT GET LOUD. Last year, we saw U2′s Bono and Edge turn up on a TIFF red carpet in support of fellow Irish director Neil Jordan’s new film.

And It won’t just be at the Roy Thomson Hall Gala on September 14th where we’ll see Springsteen. Earlier in the day, Bruce will sit down with actor / friend Ed Norton for a rare in-depth live interview at the new Bell Lightbox building.

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For Toronto Film Festival news, schedule, ticket info, and twitter updates on mobile – Get the official TIFF Blackberry App

If your a Blackberry device user and looking for the most up-to-date information on the Toronto Film Festival while your on the go – download the official TIFF app from Blackberry World.

The app allows you to browse film and ticket info, view trailers, customize your own personal screening schedule, and see maps of locations of key TIFF hot spots. There’s even a place on the app to get a real-time Twitter feed of everything happening TIFF.

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Duchess of York SARAH FERGUSON spent 15 years producing The Young Victoria – Toronto Film Festival’s closing night Gala film

The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson spent a few days in Toronto during TIFF week on a couple of different missions. First, The Duchess and her two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York spent an evening at Ultra on Queen St. to launch the Canadian arm of the Sarah Ferguson Charitable Foundation. The next evening, The Duchess would be walking the TIFF red carpet to support a film she produced, the closing night Gala THE YOUNG VICTORIA featuring Emily Blunt in the starring role. Producing the film has been a 15-year labor of love for Ms. Ferguson as she first became fascinated with Royal life and its unique history when she spent time in Buckingham Palace after marrying Prince Andrew in 1986. The Duchess said in repeated media interviews during her week in Toronto that she related to the story of at least one character in the film, not the Queen herself, but Albert, the beloved consort who was after Queen Victoria’s heart.

“But if you’re not born into royalty, you never really belong there.” – SARAH FERGUSON

Sean Byrne’s THE LOVED ONES wins 2009 Cadillac People’s Choice Award – Midnight Madness at Toronto International Film Festival

TIFF midnight madness programmer Colin Geddes accepted the Cadillac People’s Choice Award from Frank Trivieri of GM Canada for best Midnight Madness feature on behalf of director Sean Byrne’s The Loved Ones at an awards reception hosted by Toronto’s Intercontinental Hotel.

“This is a candy-coloured popcorn film that invites the audience into a fun, pop-horror world that seems familiar. People will be in their seats, kind of comfortable, feeling like they’ve been here before and then we’ll sneak up and drop acid into their soda.” – SEAN BYRNE

It’s Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS over Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM for Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award at 2009 TIFF

In a little bit of an upset, director Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS has won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award for documentary at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM was the runner-up.

“I have been making documentaries for twenty years, and usually they are dark. That is often the world a documentary filmmaker moves in, a dark world. This is a film about joy, and laughter, and love. And its just so special to be able to bring a film like that to audiences like yours. I have to thank the TOPP TWINS. who are a force of nature. Thank you so much.” – Leanne Pooley, director TOPP TWINS

Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN comes to TIFF on Colin Firth’s BEST ACTOR Venice honors – Weinstein Co. acquire distribution

Actors Julianne Moore and Colin Firth joined TOM FORD at the very well-dressed and attended A Single Man after-party held at the Gardiner Museum. Fashion designer turned director-writer FORD proved during the 2009 Toronto Festival he will be a force in the film business. Riding an impressive wave of positive buzz from the Venice Film Festival where Colin Firth’s performance from Ford’s film won BEST ACTOR honors. A SINGLE MAN came out of the Toronto Festival with TIFF’s largest deal as the Weinstein Co. paid a few million dollars to secure U.S. distribution rights for Ford’s directorial debut.

Mini-Me VERNE TROYER at TIFF for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – says AUSTIN POWERS 4 could be a GO!

VERNE TROYER attended the after-party for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus held at the swanky Cheval Bar on Toronto’s King St. Director Terry Gilliam and most of the cast (sadly sans Depp) showed up to toast the Toronto premiere of the film. Troyer first came to public attention from his role as Mini-me in the Mike Myer’s string of Austin Powers films. At the party, the insider couldn’t resist asking Troyer if there is any plans for an Austin Powers 4? Not only did Troyer indicate the idea had been discussed, another sequel to the hit film could maybe shoot next year. And of course, Mini-me would be back at Dr. Evil’s side.

Jack White talks acting and new music, Meg White says nothing during press for Toronto premiere of THE WHITE STRIPES UNDER GREAT NORTHERN LIGHTS documentary

Meg and Jack White of The White Stripes made a rare appearance together at the Toronto Film Festival red carpet premiere of the documentary The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights. Jack White also appeared earlier in the day at a press conference. Meg White, being her notoriously shy shelf did not talk to the media, but did appear briefly at the docs premiere for photo op with Jack. The film is a bit of a triumph for director Emmett Malloy who managed to convince the usually private band to allow cameras to follow The White Stripes unique 2007 tour of small northern Canadian cities. During the press conference for the film, Jack White touched upon a number of subjects including the difficulties of filmmaking, his passion for acting and what new music he is working on these days.

(on acting in film) “The time that it takes is the hardest part for me. To give up three months to act… there is so much I could be doing.. I could be doing three or four 7″ vinyl records out in Nashville…It really comes down to choices.” – JACK WHITE

STATEMENT from director LEE DANIELS on winning the CADILLAC PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD for PRECIOUS at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

“I like to dedicate this award to Cameron Bailey. Cameron your support of me and belief in my work from the beginning of the The Woodsman, Shadowboxer and now Precious is unparalleled. For that, I give you my fullest gratitude. I wish I could be there myself to accept the award on behalf of the film but I just landed in San Sebastian, Spain and I’m on the way for the films premiere here in a few hours. I can’t begin to express my gratitude. The audience award holds such an important meaning. I made this film for every person out there who ever looked in the mirror and felt unsure about the person looking back. This is not an art film for a select few. This is a movie that everybody can relate to. This film is for all precious girls and for everyone who has a little precious on the inside. Thank you so much, I am so honoured with this award there is nothing more special then being honoured by the public, by my peers. Again, I send heartfelt thanks to Maple Pictures and Lionsgate and somebody I forgot to thank at our premiere – a friend, an ally, a mentor, our co-executive producer Simone Sheffield. Thank you everyone.” – LEE DANIELS

CAREY MULLIGAN earning rave reviews in Toronto premiering AN EDUCATION – coming to America next in Wall Street 2 with Shia Lebouef

Your going to be hearing a lot more about British up-and-coming actress Carey Mulligan in the next year. Mulligan has a breakout role in AN EDUCATION, playing to rave reviews at TIFF and other film festivals. Mulligan’s stay in Toronto for the films premiere was a brief one. She had to get back to the New York set of Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps acting opposite Shia Lebouef in the Oliver Stone directed sequel to the eighties hit. It will be Carey’s first big role in an American movie. If that doesn’t endear her to North American audiences, Ms. Mulligan is sure to appear in the gossip mags as she is rumored to be dating her Wall Street co-star Lebouef.

Nice guy Rick Campanelli of ET Canada gives his jacket to a shivering NATALIE PORTMAN on Toronto red carpet

ET Canada reporter Rick Campanelli proved chivalry is not dead on the red carpet of the Toronto International Film Festival. NATALIE PORTMAN arrived at her Roy Thomson Hall Gala premiere for Love and Other Impossible Pursuits looking simply sensational in a strapless mini dress. But with the red carpet outside and it being September in Toronto, there was a slight chill in the air. As Ms. Portman was doing her media duties, Campanelli noticed Natalie was cold. So he offered up his jacket – an offer Ms. Portman gladly accepted. We do hear the jacket was returned to Rick later that evening. And yes, the insider wonders, does Rick ever wash that coat again?

The TIFF Celebs DO CARE about the photos taken of them – DREW BARRYMORE & ELLEN PAGE in Toronto for WHIP IT red carpet premiere

DREW BARRYMORE and her WHIP IT star ELLEN PAGE enjoyed the photos just taken of them at a WHIP IT pre-party during the Toronto International Film Festival. The duo were curious how some of the shots they were posing for turned out. Barrymore then turned to one TIFF photographer for a sneak peek. The film marks Drew’s directorial debut and has played to good reviews and an enthusiastic response from Toronto audiences.

MATT DAMON parties during TIFF week with BILL CLINTON and MARY J all in support of ONE X ONE kids foundation

(festivalinsider.ca) Matt Damon was in Toronto this week for the premiere of THE INFORMANT. It wasn’t Damon’s only duties as he has been coming to Toronto the last few years for his One X One charitable foundation. “Who isn’t interested in trying to improve the lives of children around the world?” mused Damon to the Toronto Star when discussing the important work the OneXOne foundation does. For 2009, Damon’s fundraising events were spread across an entire weekend. Saturday night saw a gala concert at Kool Haus, featuring Mary J. Blige. The next evening was a more intimate fundraising reception at the home of Edward Rogers, Rogers Communications CEO, with former U.S. president Bill Clinton in attendance.

NATALIE PORTMAN wonders what she will be doing 10 years from now during TIFF 2009 LOVE & OTHER IMPOSSIBLE PURSUITS press conference

NATALIE PORTMAN was in Toronto for the 2009 TIFF press conference for Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. One journalist asked Ms. Portman what she thinks she will be doing ten years from now? “I don’t know if I will want to work. I don’t if I’ll be able to work?” wondered the 28 year-old actress.

LIBERACE movie directed by Steven Soderbergh is a GO – “MATT Damon is going to be my young lover” says MICHAEL DOUGLAS in Toronto

(festivalinsider.ca) One of the interesting things about the press conferences of 2009 Toronto International Film Festival – is if you listen close enough, you might hear about the films you could see play the festival circuit next year. MATT DAMON and MICHAEL DOUGLAS (appearing at TIFF this year in separate films) have both confirmed they will be taking part in a LIBERACE biopic. The Liberace film will be directed by frequent Damon collaborator, Steven Soderbergh (also in Toronto this year with Damon and THE INFORMANT) “Matt’s going to be my young lover.” quipped Michael Douglas in an interview with a local paper. During the TIFF’09 press conference for The Informant, Damon also touched on the subject. “I’m doing this Liberace movie. Michael Douglas is playing Liberace and I play his lover. Steven is directing it,” said Damon. Could we see the trio back at TIFF 2010?

Harvey Weinstein attends YOUTH IN REVOLT premiere – Weinstein Co. still showing film world their major players in Toronto with pick-up of Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN

The insiders camera caught iconic film executive Harvey Weinstein quietly stepping into the Toronto premiere of YOUTH IN REVOLT starring Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday. It seems the Weinstein Co. is on a bit of a comeback lately after that revealing feature about the brothers in a recent New York Times magazine. First, Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is a box office hit still collecting very good receipts overseas. Now during this Toronto International Film Festival, Youth in Revolt was met with enthusiastic applause and reviews after its TIFF Premiere, and the Weinsteins just put down $1 million plus for the U.S. and German rights to TOM FORD’S “A Single Man” (also having a TIFF premiere)

Jennifer’s Body star Megan FOX doesn’t really DO HORROR but thinks THE EXORCIST is most scary

(festivalinsider.ca) Probably the most photographed woman at TIFF this year – MEGAN FOX makes a Toronto Film Festival press conference entrance in support of her film Jennifer’s Body.
Since Jennifer’s Body is in the horror genre, Ms. Fox was asked what horror films scared her growing up. Megan admitted to not really watching much horror. But if she had to pick one film that really frightened her? “The Exorcist” she said.

A very dapper BEN BARNES at the ROOTS party for the film PASSION PLAY

(festivalinsider.ca) A very dapper looking BEN BARNES attends a pre-screening party at the ROOTS store on Bloor St. The very hot Barnes (fresh off the success of leading The Chronicles of Narnia) is visiting TIFF in support of DORIAN GRAY. Also showing up at the Roots event was Megan FOX and Michael CAINE. The Roots event was actually for a film not playing TIFF, PASSION PLAY – a soon-to-be-released film starring Fox.

IRISH eyes were smiling at the Ondine TIFF red carpet premiere when U2′s BONO & EDGE pay a surprise visit to support Neil Jordan’s film

(festivalinsider.ca) Its definitely been a year of surprise red carpet guests at TIFF. First Robert Deniro shows up on the red carpet for PRECIOUS and the next day, members of the group U2- Bono & Edge appear at the premiere of ONDINE starring Colin Farrell. The insider had a hunch on this one as Irish director Neil Jordan is a close friend of the bands, even done a music video for them. Throw in Colin Farrell and you gotta night to celebrate the Irish. Yup, there just might be a pint or two flowing at that post-screening reception tonight.
UPDATE: U2′s Bono, Edge, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. did join director Neil Jordan and Colin Farrell for a post-film party at a popular King St. west restaurant. There was GREEN CARPET outside to welcome the party guests.

Robert DENIRO makes surprise TIFF appearance in support of OPRAH’S PRECIOUS at Gala Toronto premiere

(festivalinsider.ca) If the Oscar buzz was not already loud after its earlier world premiere at Sundance, that buzz is screaming now after the Gala premiere PRECIOUS had at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was THE Gala premiere of this TIFF and an incredible line-up of guests came out in support of the film. But when Oprah’s good friend ROBERT DENIRO made a surprise appearance at Roy Thompson Hall last night even the cast of the film was left a little speechless. Deniro came to Toronto unannounced first appearing at a low-key cocktail reception for the New York Times at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) before heading over to the Precious Gala.

MARY J. BLIGE talks about her inspiration for PRECIOUS theme song during press conference for PRECIOUS

With a packed press conference of the world’s media in attendance. Producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry brought a very buzzed about cast to Toronto for the premiere of PRECIOUS. Mary J. Blige was personally called by Oprah about creating music for the movie. Considering the subject matter of the film, Blige could relate and immediately set out to write songs.

Woody Harrelson plays the superhero at TIFF this year in DEFENDOR – Doesn’t see the point of making a CHEERS movie

Woody Harrelson is back at the Toronto Film Festival again this year with another quirky type of character part he has been playing the last few years. In DEFENDOR, Woody takes a stab at playing a superhero. The film has been playing to good buzz and since Harrelson’s performance a couple of years ago in the Oscar winning NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, he has been on a run with a string of good films. The TIFFinsider still couldn’t resist asking Woody about the prospects of a CHEERS reunion movie, or had one even ever been discussed. “Not that I had heard of.” quipped Woody. Would he do a CHEERS movie if one was offered? (thinking for second) “Probably not. I think we kind of covered everything on tv.”