Toronto Film School alumni and staff shine at 49th edition of TIFF®
TORONTO, August 26, 2024 — Toronto Film School graduates and staff will be well-represented when the Toronto International Film Festival opens next month.
The programming of the notable festival kicks off September 5th, and includes several productions that include the work of Toronto Film School alumni and faculty Toronto Film School is also a proud partner of TIFF since 2023.
“To have such a great presence at a festival with the prestige of TIFF is a testament to the talent that is trained and prepared right here in the city,” says Andrew Barnsley, President of the Toronto Film School. “TIFF is obviously a huge deal for Toronto and the whole country, so to have that local connection is extremely important and exciting.”
Among the films beings screened at TIFF that have a Toronto Film School connection:
- “Shook“ — Toronto Film School Film Production alumni Akhil Khithani (2015) and Mark Andrew Sirju (2013) contributed to this Amar Wala feature. Khithani served as the 3rd Assistant Director, while Sirju worked as the Line Producer. The film, starring Saamer Usmani and Amy Forsyth, delves into the life of a struggling writer facing personal challenges.
- “Without Blood“ — Acting for Film, TV & the Theatre graduate Juan Carlos Huguenin (2013) appears in Angelina Jolie’s directorial venture, starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir. Huguenin plays ‘The Waiter’ in this powerful story of family, war and revenge.
- “40 Acres“ — Video Production alumnus Christopher Kezar (2021) and Acting instructor John Tench worked on this apocalyptic thriller from R.T. Thorne. Kezar was the Dailies Operator, while Tench portrayed a menacing leader with a taste for cannibalism in this gripping post-apocalyptic narrative.
- “Measures for a Funeral” — Sofia Bohdanowicz, a 2007 Film Production graduate, directed this extraordinary film about 20th century Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow, blending her true story with some fictionalized family history.
- “Sweet Angel Baby” — A beautiful and heartbreaking look inside small-town identity politics, this movie — the second feature film directed by Mealnie Oates, is making its world premiere at TIFF. It was produced by Film Production graduate Chris Hatcher (2009).
- “The Best” — A short film playing in TIFF’s Short Cuts program, the movie focuses on a South Asian bodybuilder whose confidence is threatened by waves of grief. The character Son is portrayed by Ahmed Mokdad, a 2021 graduate of the Acting for Film, TV and the Theatre program, with a Bachelor of Creative Arts.
Toronto Film School launched a partnership with TIFF last year, creating exclusive access for Film School students to screenings and networking events. Details on the expanded partnership between Toronto Film School and TIFF will be announced in the coming weeks.
TIFF’s 49th edition takes place September 5th to 15th, offering 11 days of Canadian and international cinema, special events and talks with some of the biggest names in film and TIFF’s Industry Conference: A place to connect with film professionals and explore the art and business of cinema.
For more details on showtimes and to purchase tickets, please visit tiff.net.
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