Animation Takes Center Stage at Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO, Sept 7 (Reuters) – The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday with a groundbreaking twist. For the first time in its history, an animated feature has taken the coveted opening spot. “The Boy and the Heron,” directed by the famed Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, delighted audiences with its unique storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
The festival, which spans over 11 days, promises to showcase around 50 films, despite the absence of many Hollywood stars due to the ongoing actors’ strike. Among the highly anticipated films are Craig Gillespie’s “Dumb Money,” featuring an all-star cast, including Kate Winslet in the lead role. Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” is also expected to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story.
In addition to established directors, the festival will also highlight the directorial debuts of renowned actress Patricia Arquette with “Gonzo Girl” and Kristin Scott Thomas with “North Star.” These new voices bring fresh perspectives and add to the diverse lineup of films.
Studio Ghibli executive Junichi Nishioka expressed his honor at “The Boy and the Heron” being chosen as the opening film. He remarked, “It shows that animation and live-action films don’t need to be differentiated anymore,” emphasizing the growing recognition of animated storytelling as a legitimate art form.
“The Boy and the Heron” tells the touching tale of a young boy struggling to cope with the loss of his mother. At 82 years old, Miyazaki is said to consider this film his swan song, making it a particularly poignant moment for both the director and audiences.
However, the festival is not without its challenges. The ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has impacted the attendance of many actors. Only a handful, including Arquette, Camila Morrone, and William Dafoe, gained union approval to promote their films. Morrone expressed her gratitude for being able to attend but acknowledged the importance of the strike, calling it “essential” to address industry issues.
The strike has had a widespread impact across the entertainment industry, with over 150,000 actors and 65,000 writers refusing to resume shooting or promote films. The 2023 Emmy Awards have also been postponed to January next year as a result of the strike.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director of SAG-AFTRA, expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement. He stated, “We will get back to the bargaining table at some point. I hope it’s tomorrow but it may be a little longer than that. And once we do, I’m confident that we will be able to hold the line and make sure that whatever agreement we end up with is fair, equitable, and respectful for our members.”
The Toronto International Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for both established and emerging talent, pushing boundaries and celebrating the art of filmmaking. Despite the challenges, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts from around the world.
Reporting by Divya Rajagopal, Nivedita Balu, and Jenna Zucker; Editing by Edwina Gibbs