Celebrating International Cinema: Toronto Film Festival 2020

Toronto, Canada remains one of the most popular hotspots in the world when it comes to cinema. That is because of the acclaimed, massive Toronto International Film Festival that has been held yearly, since 1976. This is the place where not only Canadian filmmakers but filmmakers from across the entire world can make it big. Hundreds and thousands of directors worldwide can submit their movies to the festival judges, who then decide what to showcase. TIFF holds film screenings (both new releases and previous titles), red carpet events, Q-and-A panels with directors and stars, press conferences, lectures from film industry professionals, and so much more. It is a huge cultural phenomenon in which the public can buy tickets and participate, while critics and the press attend as well, via invitations. Additionally, the showcased films are eligible to earn awards, either judged by professionals or judged by public audiences, who vote on their favorites.

TIFF is where many popular and award-winning movies first launched into the spotlight and gained critical attention and buzz. Films that premiered in Toronto include titles such as "Amelie", "Slumdog Millionaire", "The King's Speech", "Room", "La La Land" and "A Star is Born", among many others that later went on to gain nominations and wins at the Academy Awards.

Unfortunately, due to COVID, the 2020 festival looks very different, but that has not stopped filmmakers from sharing their craft. This year, film screenings and various events are being shown virtually, in-person with social distancing, and even through drive-ins, so that everyone can still participate!

TIFF 2020 began on September 10th and will be celebrated through September 19th. Selections that debut this year include "Bruised", "Falling", and "One Night in Miami", the highly anticipated directorial debuts of actors Halle Berry, Viggo Mortensen and Regina King. Other films include "Ammonite" starring Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet, "Nomadland" starring Frances McDormand, and "David Byrne's American Utopia", a new musical concert documentary from director Spike Lee.

I've always wanted to attend this, and I hope that I can in the near future. I love film so much, and the Toronto International Film Festival is just the place where people from all over the world can come together and celebrate the diversity, beauty, and importance of cinema!

Spike Lee brings the Broadway experience "David Byrne's American Utopia" to the big screen at TIFF 2020.