Toronto International Film Festival revealed a slate of calls for its 50th anniversary ceremony. Part of TIFF 50’s in conversations with … series, these panels include performances from Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson, Tessa Thompson and Park Chan-Wook.
Reynolds will discuss “John Candy: I Like Me”, a documentary about the actor and comedian who grew up in Toronto. “I Like Me” will have its world premiere as TIFF 50’s Opening evening gala. Reynolds, a native of Vancouver, produced the film together with director Colin Hanks.
Johnson will host an installation of in conversation with … The series to discuss “The Smashing Machine”, his latest dramatic effort, which is written and directed by Benny Safdie. In the Biopiken, Johnson depicts former wrestler and MMA fighter Matt Kerr who was the basis for an HBO documentary from 2002, “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” Emily Blunt stars with Johnson in the movie as Kerr’s then Mrs. Dawn Staples.
Thompson and author/director Nia Dacosta will discuss their new film “Hedda” as part of in conversation with … line-up. The two previously collaborated on 2018’s “Little Woods”, Dacosta’s debut with function director. “Hedda”, written and directed by Dacosta, is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s famous game “Hedda Gabler” with Thompson in titular role. The couple produced the film, which will have their world premiere at TIFF, together.
Park is presented by the Korean Film Council and will be the subject of another in conversation with … Panel when he brings with him “No other choice“To TIFF for its North American premiere. Park will be in conversation with Don McKellar for the panel less than a month after it was announced it The couple was assured from WGA To work with its series “The Sympathizer” during the 2023 author’s strike.
Except in conversation with … elections, TIFF announced his debut of his tiff: close -up series. This year, the series will see co-stars he so-hee and Jun Jong-Seo discuss the world premiere of “Project Y” in an event that a press release said is “programmed specifically for TIFF’s under 25 audience.”
“When we mark TIFF’s 50th edition, our programming continues to reflect our belief that film and creative expression can lead to dialogue, challenge perspectives and build connection,” said Anita Lee, TIFF’s main programming manager, in a statement. “From Intima ICWs and a close -up with today’s biggest stars, to events designed to raise and celebrate creative communities, we are proud to offer festival guests opportunities to further get involved.”
The 50th Toronto International Film Festival launches September 4 and goes to September 14.
Tiff in conversation with … and close -up
In conversation with … Park Chan-Wook, presented by the Korean Film Council
In conversation with … Dwayne Johnson
In conversation with … Ryan Reynolds, presented by Prime Video
In conversation with … Tessa Thompson and Nia Dacost
Close-up: he so-hee and jung-seeo
