The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to feature an impressive lineup of speakers, despite the ongoing industry strikes that have barred a number of participants from attending. One notable addition to the lineup is actor Viggo Mortensen, who will take the stage to discuss his feature directorial debut, the western film “The Dead Don’t Hurt”. Mortensen, who also stars in the film alongside Garret Dillahunt, Danny Huston, and Vicky Krieps, will appear at the festival under the guise of a director, despite the SAG-AFTRA strike. He will be joined by producer Jeremy Thomas and Regina Solórzano. The film’s global rights are available, with HanWay Films handling the distribution.
TIFF has also secured discussions with two highly acclaimed directors, Guillermo del Toro and Spike Lee. Del Toro, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his fantastical worlds, will engage in a conversation about the liberating potential of his imaginative creations. Spike Lee, on the other hand, will delve into the process of forging a distinct filmic language throughout his multi-decade career. Both directors bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the stage, offering attendees a chance to gain insights into their creative processes and achievements.
In addition to Mortensen, del Toro, and Lee, several other industry luminaries have been announced as part of the festival’s speaker lineup. Pedro Almodovar, who is already receiving a tribute at TIFF, will participate in an onstage conversation. Hong Kong actor Andy Lau and the stars of the Korean disaster epic “Concrete Utopia” are also set to have sitdown discussions. These additions further enrich the diversity of perspectives and voices present at the festival, fostering creative exploration and innovation within the industry.
The Industry Conference at TIFF encompasses various programming segments, including Visionaries, Dialogues, Perspectives, Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlights. All sessions will be held at the Glenn Gould Studio, providing a pivotal platform for thought-provoking discussions by industry leaders. Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer, emphasizes the commitment to diverse perspectives and creative exploration within the industry. The conference caters to both emerging creators and experienced producers, supporting the growing industry attendance.
The Visionaries segment of the conference offers inspirational onstage conversations with individuals who are forging creative and business pathways in the industry. Among the featured speakers are Spike Lee, discussing his expansive career and filmic language; Ladj Ly, exploring his bold approach and commitment to telling stories about communities revolting against broken systems; Guillermo del Toro, reflecting on the liberating potential of fantastical worlds; See-Saw Films, celebrating their remarkable 15 years of delivering critically acclaimed stories; Nadine Labaki, sharing insights into her meticulous creative process and the social impact of cinema; and Lucy Walker, discussing her incredible career in the documentary genre.
The Dialogues sessions focus on conversations about the art and craft of storytelling, featuring screen-based creators, directors, producers, and series creators, as well as industry professionals. These discussions provide a platform for sharing experiences, techniques, and insights into the storytelling process, offering valuable knowledge and inspiration to attendees.
Perspectives sessions are moderated and focused discussions on the current state and future of the industry. This segment covers a range of topics, including the long-term sustainability of AI in filmmaking and its ethical implications, the current landscape of international series production, the cinema of the Korean diaspora, African cinemas and its industries, and strategies for independent documentary filmmakers to seize control of their distribution. Each session provides a unique perspective on important industry trends and challenges, offering attendees an opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions.
Despite the challenges posed by industry strikes, TIFF continues to expand its speaker lineup for the 48th edition of the festival. With a diverse range of panelists and discussions spanning the creative and business aspects of the industry, the festival aims to inspire, educate, and foster innovation within the film community.