World Premiere of SHEIKH JACKSON to Close TIFF Special Presentations Programme

Today the Toronto International Film Festival® announced that the World Premiere of SHEIKH JACKSON will be the Closing Night Special Presentation. Written and directed by Amr Salama, Sheikh Jackson tells the story of a young imam and former Michael Jackson devotee who falls into a tailspin following the news of the King of Pop's death.

"We couldn't be happier to have Sheikh Jackson close the Special Presentations programme and to welcome Amr Salama to TIFF for its World Premiere," said Piers Handling, Director and CEO of TIFF. "With this film he has provided a deeply personal look at one man's life through the lens of the passing of his larger-than-life hero. Film lovers can expect a tender and moving account of fandom and faith and their influence on the more intimate aspects of our lives."

"I'm thrilled to have this film premiere at such a prestigious festival," said Amr Salama, writer and director, Sheikh Jackson. "Though this film was a collaborative effort, it's my most personal film to date. It's about faith, identity, self-discovery and embracing one's
contradictions."

Sheikh Jackson is produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Hani Osama.

The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 7 to 17, 2017. Festival ticket packages start at $105. Purchase packages online at tiff.net/tickets, by phone (416.599.TIFF or 1.888.599.8433), or in person at TIFF Bell Lightbox until August 13 while quantities last.

TIFF prefers Visa.

About TIFF TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world, through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution programme Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $189 million CAD. TIFF Bell Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including Founding Sponsor Bell, the Government of Canada, the overnment of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC.

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