Surprise! In addition to the Toronto International Film Festival's exciting lineup of programming, TIFF welcomes four Special events to this year's festivities, spotlighting unique artists and voices in film.
A first look at Legend of the Demon Cat with director Chen Kaige
An unmissable special event for lovers of this true master of Asian cinema, fans will gather as TIFF offers an exclusive first look at footage from Chen Kaige's highly anticipated epic Legend of the Demon Cat. Set during the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago, this ambitious, large-scale spectacular was shot over three seasons on a functional city-sized set constructed for the production.
Chen Kaige is one of China's most prolific and influential directors. His Yellow Earth announced the arrival of the "Fifth Generation" filmmakers who brought Chinese cinema to the world. His Farewell My Concubine won the Palme D'Or at Cannes and was nominated for two Academy Awards. This year, Chen will also be a member of the Festival's Platform jury, selecting the winner of this year's Toronto Platform Prize presented by Air France.
Hear from the man himself as Chen Kaige joins us for an audience Q&A moderated by Variety's Patrick Frater. Preceding will be a sneak peek at footage from the film and a video tribute showcasing Chen's career and extensive body of work.
Pahuna: The Little Visitors Audiences can join one of the world's most celebrated activists and actors, Priyanka Chopra, for an evening celebrating actor and first time feature filmmaker Paakhi A. Tyrewala's newest work Pahuna: The Little Visitors.
Pahuna: The Little Visitors details
THE JOURNEY of three Nepalese children separated from their parents and their harrowing voyage back home. Showcasing her eye for emerging talent via her production company Purple Pebble Pictures, Pahuna: The Little Visitors is produced by TIFF's newest Share Her Journey ambassador Priyanka Chopra and by Dr. Madhu Chopra.
Just one arm of her multitude of philanthropic work, TIFF supports and applauds Chopra for her support of burgeoning female filmmakers. The Toronto screening will be a World Premiere for the film. With both Tyrewala and Chopra in attendance, this moment celebrating the powerful voices of women in the industry is one not to be missed.
On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi From directors Brandon and Skyler Gross comes a fresh look at real-world relationships. On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi is a new 40-minute documentary profiling Roman and Ruth, two 95-year-old Holocaust survivors, and the secret that throws a wrench into their 65-year-long relationship.
Produced by director, producer, author and documentarian Barry Avrich and actor and comedian Howie Mandel, On My Way Out is a passionate, insightful addition to this year's Festival. This event will feature an introduction and audience Q&A with Brandon and Skyler Gross and Barry Avrich.
Struggling Presented in partnership with China Film Archive, TIFF brings the World Premiere of a new restoration of Shi Dongshan's Struggling to the Festival. Cinephiles can enjoy a presentation of this wartime survival story, complete with live piano accompaniment, from one of pre-Communist China's most notable filmmakers, beautifully restored and preserved for years to come. TIFF is honoured to welcome Ms. Sun Xianghui, the director of the China Film Archive, who will be in attendance and who will introduce the film.
Struggling is a free TIFF experience.
The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 7 to 17, 2017.
For film synopses, cast lists, images and more information see tiff.net/tiff
Festival tickets go on sale September 4 at 10am (TIFF Member pre-sale September 2 from 10am to 4pm). Buy tickets online at tiff.net, by phone at 416-599-TIFF or 1-888-599-8433, or in person at a box office. See box office locations and hours at tiff.net/tickets.
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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 Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net
