Toronto International Film Festival: GameStop stock frenzy, true crime in focus at Toronto film fest (2024)

The Toronto International Film Festival on Friday served up two world premieres based on stranger-than-fiction true stories: "Dumb Money," about the GameStop stock trading mania, and "Woman of the Hour," about a serial killer's chilling appearance on a 1970s game show.

TIFF, the biggest film festival in North America, has opened with a stacked lineup of debuts and marquee screenings against the backdrop of a strike by Hollywood actors and writers over pay, the use of artificial intelligence in art and other issues.

The effects of that strike were felt at both high-profile premieres, with none of the cast members present in a show of solidarity with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) walkout.

"Dumb Money" director Craig Gillespie turned up with his production team to support the Sony Pictures release about the amateur investors who turned GameStop into a Wall Street phenomenon in 2021.

The film -- which earned enthusiastic cheers from the audience -- follows Keith Gill (Paul Dano), who invested his life savings in GameStop and posted on social media about it under the username Roaring Kitty.

Other small-time investors got in on the tip, and the so-called "meme stock" blew up amid wild trading in January 2021.

Toronto International Film Festival: GameStop stock frenzy, true crime in focus at Toronto film fest (1)

Executive producers and writers Rebecca Angelo (L) and Lauren Schuker Blum (R) repped their film 'Dumb Money' with their handbags at the Toronto premiere / © AFP

The surge was seen as driven at least in part by retail investors communicating on the Reddit platform who banded together to retaliate against short sellers like hedge fund billionaire Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen).

In the post-screening question and answer session, Gillespie explained that his son got in on the GameStop madness, and so he had a front row seat to "the outrage and the frustration" of ordinary people in the face of Wall Street power.

"This story gives a voice to the little guy, and takes us on a wild, subversive ride that hopefully, in some small part, shines a light on the disparity of wealth in this country," he said in pre-screening notes offered to the media.

The film opens in theaters in select North American cities on September 15.

- Kendrick makes directorial debut -

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US actress Anna Kendrick will unveil 'Woman of the Hour,' her directorial debut, at the Toronto International Film Festival / © AFP/File

Earlier in the day, Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick ("Up in the Air," "Pitch Perfect") made her directorial debut -- and starred -- in "Woman of the Hour," about a murderer who was a contestant on "The Dating Game" in the midst of his 1970s killing spree.

Each episode of the popular US television show featured three bachelors who answered questions from a woman hidden behind a wall, who would choose the winner based on their responses. The couple would go on a trip paid for by the show.

Kendrick plays struggling actress Cheryl Bradshaw, who went on the show to get exposure. The killer, Rodney Alcala, won the date with Bradshaw-- but his worrying behavior gave her pause. Years later, he was arrested.

The film recounts the real-life story of Alcala, but also makes a statement about the everyday predatory behavior of men as experienced by women -- the unwanted advances, uncomfortable comments, and the failure to believe victims.

"I truly cannot express how proud I am to have the world premiere of 'Woman of the Hour' at TIFF. It is more than a dream come true. I am heartbroken to not be with you all," Kendrick said in a statement read out by producer Miri Yoon.

"As proud as we are of this film, we are equally proud to stand with our union in demanding fair wages."

Alcala was eventually sentenced to death in California and died in prison.

- Nickelback in concert -

The Toronto film fest has been a launchpad for numerous Oscar-winning films in years past, and the filmmakers behind the 2023 crop of starry projects are hoping some of that awards pixie dust will be sprinkled on them.

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Canadian rock band Nickelback performed for free in Toronto as their new documentary "Hate to Love: Nickelback" premiered / © AFP

Also on Friday, French filmmaker Ladj Ly unveiled "Les Indesirables," a follow-up look at marginalized communities in the suburbs of Paris four years after his Oscar-nominated debut feature "Les Miserables."

TIFF returned to full strength in 2022, after two years of online or hybrid events staged amid the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the TIFF street festival was revived, with Canadian rock group Nickelback performing Friday to promote their new documentary.

The festival in Canada's largest city runs until September 17.

Toronto International Film Festival: GameStop stock frenzy, true crime in focus at Toronto film fest (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Toronto International Film Festival? ›

TIFF is a charitable cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film.

What Oscars have been given at the Toronto International Film Festival? ›

Past recipients of this award include Oscar-winning films, such as Chariots of Fire (1981), Life Is Beautiful (1998), American Beauty (1999), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), The King's Speech (2010), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), 12 Years a Slave (2013), The Imitation Game (2014), ...

Is Toronto International Film Festival big? ›

It was founded in 1976 as the Festival of Festivals, with the aim of screening movies from other film festivals, and has since become one of the world's largest annual showcases of film, attended by both industry professionals and the public.

What is the prize money for the Toronto Film Festival? ›

TIFF continues to celebrate the unique craft and storytelling within Canadian cinema with the Best Canadian Feature Film Award. All Canadian feature films in the Official Selection — excluding first or second features — will be considered for the award. The winning filmmaker will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

What is the purpose of the International film festival? ›

The festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos, and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of ...

Why is Toronto popular for filming? ›

The magazine also pointed to Toronto's strong union presence, quick turnaround times, rental facilities and local film programs as contributing factors to being a great place to live for those working in the industry.

Who won the Toronto Film Festival? ›

Winners
YearFilmDirector(s)
Glass Onion: A Knives Out MysteryRian JohnsonBest Adapted Screenplay nominee
2023American FictionCord Jefferson
The HoldoversAlexander PayneBest Picture nominee Best Original Screenplay Nominee
The Boy and the HeronHayao MiyazakiBest Animated Feature winner
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How old is Toronto International Film Festival? ›

2024 Toronto International Film Festival
Opening filmNutcrackers by David Gordon Green
Closing filmThe Deb by Rebel Wilson
LocationToronto, Ontario, Canada
Founded1976
Festival dateSeptember 5–15, 2024
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What movie won TIFF? ›

'American Fiction' Wins People's Choice Award at TIFF 2023: See the Full Winners List | A. frame. Cord Jefferson's directorial debut has taken home TIFF's top prize. Following two weeks of screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival, American Fiction received this year's coveted People's Choice Award.

What is the biggest film festival in the world? ›

The biggest three film festivals are the Cannes Film Festival in France, the Venice Film Festival in Italy, and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. These festivals are renowned globally for their prestige and influence in the film industry.

What is the dress code for the Toronto International Film Festival? ›

TIFF parties are half the fun of the festival – and of course you never know what celebrities you might bump into. Much like the movie premiere there really is no dress code, but with many of the parties taking place at some of the hottest venues in the city you do want to up your game and dress the part.

Can anyone submit to TIFF? ›

Upon submission, films or series must have a World, International or North American premiere status. At our discretion, TIFF reserves the right to accept submissions with only a Canadian premiere status. programming decisions are made.

What is the acceptance rate for the Toronto International Film Festival? ›

For example, 6,876 films were submitted to the Toronto International Film Festival (tiff) last year. And only 94 movies were screened (58 feature films and 36 short films). Thus, the acceptance rate for the TIFF was 1,4 %.

Can anyone attend film festivals? ›

Yes, generally speaking, most film festivals are open to the public, but the specifics can vary. Here's a general overview: Tickets and Passes: Some festivals sell individual tickets for screenings, while others offer passes that grant access to multiple events.

Why is Toronto film festival important? ›

Supporting the Past and Future of Film

It also inspires, changes perspectives, and connects us to the world. Through programmes like TIFF Next Wave and access initiatives, TIFF is ensuring that the future of film is filled with diverse perspectives and strong advocates.

What is the purpose of the International festival? ›

International festivals play a crucial social role by fostering cultural exchange, enhancing community pride, and improving quality of life.

What is the significance of film festivals? ›

These events hold significant importance for various stakeholders within the film industry and contribute to the cultural, artistic, and economic landscape in several ways. One of the primary functions of film festivals is to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to exhibit their creations to a wider audience.

What is the purpose of the National Film Board of Canada? ›

National Film Board of Canada

The NFB is Canada's public producer and distributor, with a vast and growing collection of works that include award-winning creative documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories, and participatory experiences.

What is the world's largest film festival? ›

The biggest three film festivals are the Cannes Film Festival in France, the Venice Film Festival in Italy, and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. These festivals are renowned globally for their prestige and influence in the film industry.

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