All articles tagged with #tiff
Maude Apatow’s TIFF-buzzed directorial debut Poetic License has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics after Row K Entertainment’s distribution collapse; the film, starring Leslie Mann and Cooper Hoffman from a Raffi Donatich script, follows a former therapist who moves to a new town and becomes entangled in the lives of two college friends, prompting self-discovery, with SPC planning a 2027 release.
TIFF announced the first wave of its 51st edition, previewing Gala, Special Presentations, and Platform films from nearly 30 countries, including projects by acclaimed directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lee Chang-dong, Andrey Zvyagintsev, Mike Leigh, Florian Zeller, and Danny Boyle; the slate features multiple world and North American premieres as the festival runs September 10–20, 2026 (with TIFF Market September 10–16).
TIFF's 51st edition (Sept 10–20, 2026) announced its Gala Presentations and Special Presentations lineups, headlined by Closing Night Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend. The Galas feature a global slate with world and North American premieres from acclaimed international directors, including names such as Almodóvar, Boyle, Kore-eda, Mungiu, Rock, and Zvyagintsev, among others, and the lineup spans nearly 30 countries. The Special Presentations program adds additional high-profile titles from around the world. The inaugural TIFF Market runs Sept 10–16, and TIFF Takeover events are planned for July and August to reveal further titles and programming.
Focus Features/Blumhouse’s Obsession has climbed to about $286.5M worldwide after TIFF Midnight pickup, surpassing Blair Witch Project’s final global gross. Domestically it’s at $188.3M (with a $34.1M fifth weekend) and overseas $98.1M. The film, a horror romance directed by Curry Barker and starring Nikki/Navarrette, is now the highest-grossing 18‑rated horror ever, highlighting a stronger festival-to-market trajectory for genre titles.
Curry Barker, 25, has burst onto Hollywood's horror scene after Obsession premiered at TIFF to strong buzz, with Focus Features purchasing the $750,000 film for about $15 million. Barker writes, directs and edits his projects from a bedroom studio with collaborator Cooper Tomlinson, while lining up Anything But Ghosts and a Texas Chainsaw Massacre adaptation for A24, and drawing backing from Blum and Roy Lee as he becomes one of the genre's hottest young talents.
Profile of Curry Barker, 26, who leapt from teen sketch comedy to directing Obsession, a TIFF debut sold to Focus Features for $15 million with Jason Blum aboard. Barker’s horror blends relatable romantic longing with psychological dread, eschewing cheap jump scares in favor of the unknown. He’s developing Anything but Ghosts and a Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot for A24, while continuing collaborations with Cooper Tomlinson and family on future projects.
Bob Odenkirk stars in 'Normal,' a hyper-violent, genre-blending crime caper directed by Ben Wheatley, premiering at TIFF, featuring a small-town setting, dark humor, and a mix of Western and grindhouse elements.
The 2025 TIFF Awards announced winners, with Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ winning the People’s Choice Award, making her the first filmmaker to win two such awards, highlighting TIFF’s role as an Oscar predictor.
Brian Cox's directorial debut 'Glenrothan' is a Scottish drama that receives a negative review at TIFF, criticized for its simplistic story and underwhelming role for Cox, who is known for his sharp acting edges.
Sydney Sweeney stars as boxer Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic 'Christy,' which premiered at TIFF and is set for release on November 7. The film depicts Martin's rise in boxing amid personal challenges, with Sweeney undergoing extensive training for her role. Critics have noted her performance and the film's unflinching portrayal of domestic violence.
Dust Bunny, a family-friendly horror film by Bryan Fuller, offers restrained violence and imaginative storytelling inspired by Gremlins, making it suitable for all ages and a potential household classic, despite its R rating.
James McAvoy was unexpectedly punched by a drunk man at a Toronto bar during TIFF, but remained calm and continued his evening. The incident occurred shortly after he premiered his directorial debut, California Schemin', at the festival.
The 50th Toronto International Film Festival showcased a lively scene with star appearances, promising film deals, and a competitive Oscar race featuring standout performances from actors like Sydney Sweeney and Channing Tatum. The festival highlighted a shift in horror towards auteur-driven films and a trend of crowd-pleasing movies that prioritize entertainment over heavy themes, amidst a challenging box office environment.
Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of Frankenstein stays true to Mary Shelley's original while adding his unique touch, exploring deeper themes of obsession and reanimation, inspired by his personal reflections and experiences as a father.
Bryan Fuller, known for TV series like 'Hannibal,' is making his feature film debut with 'Dust Bunny,' a family-friendly horror movie premiering at TIFF, inspired by '80s childhood films like 'Gremlins,' and featuring a young girl, a magical beast, and a hitman, with Fuller emphasizing a playful and colorful visual style.