As Hollywood studios and streamers flock to the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF), the spotlight is on the myriad of films set to premiere. With the festival acting as a launchpad for movies vying for recognition during awards season, industry players are not just showcasing their latest projects but are also on the lookout for compelling films to enhance their lineups. This year, TIFF boasts an impressive slate of new releases from acclaimed directors and star-studded casts, including talents like Angelina Jolie, Riz Ahmed, Michaela Coel, and Chris Evans.
However, history shows that not every film with high expectations resonates with audiences. Despite their impressive pedigree, many entries have faced lukewarm receptions. Here, we explore 15 films expected to ignite intense bidding wars at TIFF.
Cast: Riz Ahmed, Joe Alwyn, Timothy Spall, Art Malik, Sheeba Chadha
Director: Aneil Karia
Sales Agent: WME Independent / CAA Media Finance
Why Buyers Are Circling: This innovative adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale reimagines Hamlet in contemporary London, featuring Ahmed as the troubled heir of a business tycoon. The narrative unfolds in luxurious settings like boardrooms and wedding halls, bringing a fresh perspective with a predominantly South Asian cast.
Director: Nick Davis
Sales Agent: UTA Independent Film Group
Why Buyers Are Circling: This nostalgic documentary revisits the Toronto production of “Godspell” in 1972, which launched the careers of comedy legends like Martin Short and Eugene Levy. Through interviews with surviving cast members, the film illustrates the profound impact this show had on the comedy landscape.
Cast: Michaela Coel, Ian McKellen, Jessica Gunning, James Corden
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Sales Agent: CAA Media Finance
Why Buyers Are Circling: In this dramedy, McKellen portrays an aging artist whose children, played by Corden and Gunning, hire a forger to complete his unfinished masterpieces. Soderbergh’s exploration of family dynamics and art promises a captivating viewing experience.
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kate Mara, Shania Twain, Al Pacino
Director: Nic Pizzolatto
Sales Agent: CAA Media Finance/WME Independent/Range
Why Buyers Are Circling: Pizzolatto, renowned for his work on “True Detective,” returns to the spotlight with this tale of a washed-up crooner (Vaughn) who seeks redemption under the mentorship of a former star (Pacino). The film's exploration of second chances is sure to resonate with audiences.
Cast: Sam Nivola, Sophie Telegadis, Mohana Krishnan, Aidan Laprete, Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani
Director: Bobby Farrelly
Sales Agent: UTA Independent Film Group/AGC Studios
Why Buyers Are Circling: Farrelly, known for raunchy comedies, presents a new story about a teenager who steals a driving instructor's car for a romantic rendezvous. If the humor hits the mark, this film could be a prime acquisition for a distributor or streaming service.
Cast: Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Sales Agent: CAA Media Finance/Party Film Sales
Why Buyers Are Circling: After receiving a standing ovation at Venice, this poignant drama about a young Palestinian girl left behind while fleeing Gaza is poised to make waves at TIFF. The film’s timely themes and emotional depth are likely to attract significant attention.
Cast: Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Leslie Mann
Director: Maude Apatow
Sales Agent: WME Independent
Why Buyers Are Circling: In her directorial debut, Apatow tells the story of two college friends who fall for the same woman. The film is anticipated to balance humor and emotional stakes, making it a potential favorite among audiences.
Cast: Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek, Charli XCX, Vincent Cassel
Director: Romain Gavras
Sales Agent: CAA Media Finance
Why Buyers Are Circling: This film presents a wild premise where a movie star (Evans) is drawn into a radical group’s chaotic charity event that escalates into a ritualistic sacrifice. Its audacious concept and star-studded cast are sure to capture the interest of distributors.
Director: Billy Corben
Sales Agent: UTA Independent Film Group
Why Buyers Are Circling: This documentary revisits Paula Deen’s fall from grace after her culinary empire crumbled due to scandal. The film promises to spark discussions about race and reputation in America, making it a compelling conversation starter.
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Louis Garrel
Director: Alice Winocour
Sales Agent: UTA Independent Film Group/Han Way Films
Why Buyers Are Circling: Jolie takes on a new challenge as an American director in Paris, navigating personal and professional turmoil while capturing a fashion event. The film’s unique premise and Jolie’s performance in French are set to intrigue festival-goers.
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Jacob Anderson, Eddie Waller
Director: Jonatan Etzler
Sales Agent: FilmNation
Why Buyers Are Circling: Ronan’s portrayal of a teacher battling both a classroom bully and a dismissive administration offers a sharp satire relevant to today’s educational landscape. This film’s provocative themes could resonate well during awards season.
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Abbott, Thomasin McKenzie
Director: Mona Fastvold
Sales Agent: CAA Media Finance/Charade
Why Buyers Are Circling: Seyfried takes a deep dive into the Shaker community in this musical, exploring themes of celibacy and faith. Having garnered critical acclaim at Venice, this film is generating buzz among cinephiles.
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, Dacre Montgomery, Al Pacino
Director: Gus Van Sant
Sales Agent: WME Independent/Elevated
Why Buyers Are Circling: This gripping hostage drama, reminiscent of “Dog Day Afternoon,” follows an entrepreneur (Skarsgård) who kidnaps his mortgage broker, stirring media frenzy. Van Sant’s return to feature films after a six-year hiatus adds to the film’s intrigue.
Cast: Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, Lior Raz, Tovah Feldshuh, Jean Reno
Director: Daniel Roher
Sales Agent: WME Independent/UTA Independent Film Group
Why Buyers Are Circling: “Tuner” explores the life of a piano tuner harnessing his unique auditory abilities for a darker purpose. With strong performances from seasoned actors like Hoffman, this film represents a significant shift for documentarian Roher, following his Oscar-winning work.
With so many promising films set to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, industry insiders are eagerly anticipating which projects will lead to fierce bidding wars, potentially shaping the upcoming awards season landscape.
