BKonthescene

By The BKONTHESCENE crew

Our first stop was the Industry Special Event, The Ankler’s Prestige Junkie LIVE with Katey Rich and Hugh Grant at Glenn Gould Studio CBC

In this live edition of The Ankler’s Prestige Junkie podcast, host Katey Rich went over the highlights and awards buzz of the festival thus far with Vulture’s Joe Reid. Then Katey was joined onstage by the charismatic Hugh Grant, whose new film Heretichas its world premiere at this year’s TIFF.

He spoke about his turn in the tense thriller and how this character is different from others he’s played. He discussed highlights from his iconic, critically acclaimed career. The audience was enamored by Hugh Grant’s presence and time he spent discussing and answering questions. A really informative discussion of a well-known actor’s career.  

Next stop was the movie, Beloved Tropic. The stage was set in this Latino America  story about a pregnant Colombian who has the challenges of immigrant status in Panama City. From her past experience as a care giver, she accepts a position with a middle aged women suffering from the early stages of dementia and helping her with her daily life and routines.

The caregiver has a  deep secret that would affect her status as an immigrant in the city, each depending on each other through out the film as this film explores the extent of what a person needs to do to stay in a country for a better life.

Scrambling to be there for the Industry Conference. Accessibility Talk at Glenn Gould Studio CBC Building

PERSPECTIVES Building Inclusive Futures: The Means of Accessibility

In collaboration with the Disability Screen Office, PERSPECTIVES was a panel discussion on accessibility and redefining perceptions of disability within the film industry and beyond. Leading voices on the panel stage were Kyla Harris (Patrice: The Movie), Viktor Korotovskyi (Viktor), Aria Mia Loberti (All The Light We Cannot See), Olivier Sarbil (Viktor), and Sean Towgood (You’re My Hero).

A panel to explore the challenges, awareness and opportunities for people living with disabilities, goals are to further inclusivity and broaden knowledge of accessibility. Animated, interesting discussions and Q & A at the end led to informative and future quests. SW

The Toronto Film Festival premiere of Ron Howard’s “Eden,” a survival thriller starring Jude Law, Sydney Sweeney, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl.

A glamorous showcase for Ron Howard’s latest historical thriller, featuring a riveting performance by Jude Law. As an Oscar-winning director, Howard brought a palpable sense of prestige to the event, while Law, the film’s leading man, captivated onlookers with his charismatic presence.

Dressed to impress, the cast and crew mingled with fans and the press, setting the stage for what many anticipated to be one of the festival’s standout films. The excitement was heightened by the film’s compelling plot and Law’s portrayal of a complex, morally conflicted character in the midst of historical turmoil, making the premiere a highlight of the 2024 TIFF lineup.

We arrived for Carnival is Over (Os Enforcados – in Portuguese)

The WORLD PREMIERE of this film from Brazil, Portugal in Portuguese Regina and Valerio are a happy couple seeking to escape their criminal family business. Their efforts push them deeper into the life they were hoping to escape.

This funny neo-noir film marks the Festival return of Brazilian writer-director Fernando Coimbra (A Wolf at the Door, TIFF ’13). Regina (Leandra Leal) and Valerio (Irandhir Santos) are happy in their relationship and lead a relaxed life in their luxury villa in the Rio de Janeiro area of Brazil. However, the death of Valerio’s father, the city’s biggest mafioso, creates havoc. With considerable expenses and debts  Valerio’s uncle Linduarte (Stepan Nercessian) insists Valerio take over the business.

The film is one ‘hold your breath’ moment after another. It’s a beautifully made film with a suspenseful plot.  The main emphasis of the film is the relationship between Regina and Valerio. Leal and Santos are both very well renowned film stars in Brazil. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to discover these actors’ wonderful talent. And we do… in this fantastic Brazilian film.  Not to be missed. One of the best! SW

The red carpet at TIFF was ablaze with excitement for the premiere of The Room Next Door, the latest film from renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The celebrated auteur, known for his vibrant storytelling and emotionally charged narratives, arrived to thunderous applause from fans and industry insiders alike.

The film, shrouded in intrigue, promised a deep exploration of human relationships, drenched in Almodóvar’s signature style of vivid color and raw emotion. The cast, dressed in stunning fashion, shared their experiences working with the legendary filmmaker.

With Almodóvar at the helm, the premiere was one of the most anticipated events of the festival, reaffirming his place as a master of cinema.

It was a real eventful evening and we had to make some quick stops for cast parties, therefore it was – “Dullsville and The Doodleverse,” a groundbreaking animation and music experience, at an event that took place during the Toronto International Film Festival at Toronto’s Design Exchange in the historic Toronto Stock Exchange building last night.

Coi Leray, who created music for the soundtrack and lent her voice to a character featured in the animated special, joined Pharrell Williams, the Doodles team,Trippie Redd, and a range of culture and entertainment leaders at the film’s debut in Toronto.  Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Swae Lee, and Coi Leray Lend Their Voices to Doodles’ Debut Short Film and Musical Soundtrack.

Next event was- Saba 9.7 at Mademoiselle Raw Bar & Grill for our next event stop. This was directorial debut, Bangladeshi filmmaker Maksud Hossain refracts end-of-life care through two completely opposite views held within a fraught mother–daughter relationship. Some of the cast members were on site at this visual lounge at Mademoiselle.

Next we walked a few blocks the street on King St.West for-All Of You, Starring Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso), Jenna Colema (Doctor Who), and Writer/Director, William Bridges (Stranger Things) at the cozy lounge- Kissa

That truly was an eventful day and night. We ended our day and it was time for some needed rest, to be ready for Day #4 of TIFF.