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Amirul Islam: The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the largest events in world cinema, has commenced. The city of Toronto, Canada, is abuzz with the presence of over two hundred films alongside a constellation of Hollywood and international stars.
This year’s festival features renowned stars of world cinema, including John Malkovich, Penélope Cruz, Chris Rock, and Helen Mirren. The presence of K-pop sensation Lisa is also one of the festival’s major attractions.
This major North American film festival will run until September 20th. Following the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, Toronto’s event has generated immense interest among audiences and filmmakers during this busy film season. Organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of attendees at the various film screenings and red carpet events.
The festival opened with the premiere of ‘Being Human,’ directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sian Heder. The film, based on the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, stars Ruth Madeley in the central role, alongside Mark Ruffalo.
One of the much-anticipated films at this year’s festival is ‘I Play Rocky.’ Directed by ‘Green Book’-fame filmmaker Peter Farrelly, the movie centers on Sylvester Stallone’s struggles to create ‘Rocky’ and his efforts to establish himself as an an actor. Anthony Ippolito portrays the young Stallone.
Actor and filmmaker Chris Rock returns to directing with ‘Misty Green.’ The film stars Rosalind Eleazar, Daniel Kaluuya, Adam Driver, and Anna Kendrick.
Another highly anticipated film at the festival is Martin McDonagh’s ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. Also included in this year’s selection are ‘Elsinore,’ featuring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman; Jesse Eisenberg’s musical comedy ‘The Debut’; and Zack Snyder’s ‘The Last Photograph.’
Helen Mirren will be seen as author Patricia Highsmith in the psychological thriller ‘A Talent for Murder.’ Meanwhile, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz portray a couple facing a crisis in the film ‘Bunker,’ which is also being screened in Toronto after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
In addition to narrative features, several notable documentaries have found a place at this year’s festival. Among them, ‘Always Lalisa’ tells the story of Blackpink star Lisa’s solo music career and her journey into the acting world.
With the participation of filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from various countries worldwide, this year’s Toronto festival has transformed into one of the largest gatherings for international cinema.