By Ray Bennett
The Toronto International Film Festival has selected Stephen Chbosky’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (pictured), based on the hit Broadway show, to be its Opening Night film on September 9. Zhang Yimou’s ‘One Second’ will close the festival on September 18.
Artistic director and Co-Head Cameron Bailey said there was no question that ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ was the ‘ideal film ‘to launch this year’s festival. ‘This film is ultimately about healing, forgiveness, and reaffirms how connected and essential we all are to one another. We couldn’t think of a more important idea to celebrate this year as we come together once again to share the power and joy of cinema in theatres together.’
TIFF GALA PRESENTATIONS 2021
Opening Night Film
Dear Evan Hansen Stephen Chbosky | USA | World Premier
Closing Night Film
One Second Zhang Yimou | China | North American Premiere
Belfast Kenneth Branagh | United Kingdom | World Premiere
Clifford the Big Red Dog Walt Becker | USA/United Kingdom/Canada |World Premiere
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Will Sharpe | United Kingdom | Canadian Premiere
Jagged Alison Klayman | USA | World Premiere
Last Night in Soho Edgar Wright | United Kingdom | North American Premiere
The Mad Women’s Ball (Le Bal des folles) Mélanie Laurent | France |World Premiere
Night Raiders Danis Goulet | Canada/New Zealand | North American Premiere
The Survivor Barry Levinson | USA/Canada | World Premiere