TIFF 2022 starts just 2 days from today, and we couldn’t be more excited. We are looking forward to the world’s talent descend upon the city and share with us their latest and greatest creative project.
From the chaos of TIFF schedules, I’ve picked 10 films you should see at the festival for various reasons. Here’s hoping I get to max this list out (and see many more), and be able to report back on what I thought about each one of them.
1. Short Films
I’m going to cheat with #1 and say Short Films in general. Short Films for me are like golden nuggets. They are priceless for how much story they can tell and how much impact they can make on a viewer. Any festival I attend, short films are always on my list. If I listed every single short list I am aiming to watch and why, this article will be a couple of thousand words long. However, to a name a few: N’xaxaitkw, Pleasure Garden, Nanitic, Diaspora, CANARY, Hills and Mountains. I certainly hope to watch a lot more! Short films are beautiful in what story they can gift audiences, and with most around 10-15 minutes long, they are perfect for any film-lover to enjoy without carving out so much time from one’s schedule. TIFF has curated a number of programmes for Short Cuts that feature collections of shorts with similar or overlapping themes. Be sure to check out some of these programmes if you get a chance.
Still from ‘CANARY’ Short Film | Courtesy of TIFF 20222. What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, this romantic comedy was on my watch list the moment I heard about it. Starring Lily James and Shazad Latif (among a slew of other amazing talent), this film caught my eye more so of who has written it: Jemima Khan. Knowing who she is, her background, and her work in journalism, philanthropy and social initiatives, I feel this film will have a story of profound relevance to audiences of today. I feel she has an interesting take on storytelling generally, and I’d love to see what magic legendary director Shekhar Kapur will do with her story.
Still from ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20223. The Banshees of Inisherin
Martin McDonagh is one of a handful of directors who’s works I immerse myself into. From In Bruges to Seven Psychopaths, his films continue to be a staple film experience for me. He brings a very different perspective to films, and the way he crafts them is very unique. He also has an uncanny ability to work with pretty much anyone to create an engaging story for the masses. In Bruges is one of my all-time favourite films, and seeing McDonagh team up again with the films co-stars, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, again for this new film is beyond exciting for me.
Still from ‘The Banshees Of Inisherin’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20224. The Whale
I’ve never had a change in opinion for Brendan Fraser. He has always been a talented actor, who has created some of the most memorable and iconic films. While I was saddened when he slipped away from the limelight, I am glad he is getting his day on the big stage with The Whale. If Venice is any indicator, we are all in for a treat with this film and I really hope to get to watch the film and appreciate a talent I think many of us have taken for granted.
Still from ‘The Whale’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20225. The Greatest Beer Run Ever
Yeah, this film is on my list for TIFF 2022. For a very simple reason too. Films are meant to also be fun and enjoyable, and Zac Efron is one of those actors who brings a fun attitude to his projects. The film is based on a true story of John “Chickie” Donohue, and I think Efron is the perfect person to play the energetic character on screen. Looking forward to this!
Still from ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20226. Women Talking
It’s been 11 years since we saw a feature fictional film from Sarah Polley, the last one being Take This Waltz in 2011. While she did do Stories We Tell (2012) and work on Hey Lady! (2020), this will be the first feature since Waltz. Polley is a world-class storyteller with a very focused approach to what stories she wants to tell and how she wants to tell them. Women Talking is adapted from a novel by Miriam Toews, featuring an all star cast including Rooney Mara, Frances McDormand, Ben Whishaw and Claire Foy. Given how often Polley makes a film, and the effort and focus she puts into her projects, this is a must-watch this TIFF.
Still from ‘Women Talking’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20227. In Her Hands
Politics in Afghanistan is not easy. With how much trouble the country has been through over the last few decades, considering to run any aspect of it is takes courage and tenacity. This new documentary film from Tamana Ayazi and Marcel Mettelsiefen follows the story of Zarifa Ghafari, the youngest female mayor if Afghanistan’s history. This film hopes to tell her story, her journey in politics, and the dangers she as both a politician and a woman has to face in a region of the world filled with conflict.
Still from ‘In Her Hands’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20228. Butcher’s Crossing
I think Nicolas Cage has been reborn in recent years with his quite distinct, diverse portfolio of films. He is not afraid to try new characters, and new genres even, and I think that is what makes him a versatile actor. Gabe Polsky’s Butcher’s Crossing is that perfect blend of adventure and grit, what programmers have dubbed as a beautiful adaption of John William’s literary western. It be interesting to see the depth to which Cage goes to portray the veteran buffalo hunter.
Still from ‘Butcher’s Crossing’ | Courtesy of TIFF 20229. The Woman King
Viola Davis.
Honestly, I don’t have to say anything more. Davis is a powerhouse, and she brings more than her A-game to her productions. If the trailers are any indicators, The Woman King is going to case study on just how powerful Davis can be as a screen presence and I cannot wait to see Gina Prince-Bythewood bring Davis’ acting magic to the screen in this epic tale.
Still from ‘The Woman King’ | Courtesy of TIFF 202210. Wildflower
Kiernan Shipka is a powerhouse talent who has presented awesome characters in productions like Mad Men and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Wildflower is penned as a funny, compassionate coming-of-age story that celebrates the will of a young woman, who tries to battle caring for intellectually disabled parents while seeking independence. This film is a celebration of family, and we are excited to see Shipka captivate us as Bea in this new film, supported by a stellar cast including Charlie Plummer, Alexandra Daddario, Jacki Weaver, Jean Smart and many more.
Still from ‘Wildflower’ | Courtesy of TIFF 2022There are of course many other films we’d like to watch, but these are the films that caught my eye. I am looking forward to seeing what the festival presents and immersing myself in a week of film and TV magic.
Happy TIFF everyone!
Cover Photo: Still from The Banshees Of Inisherin | Photo: Blueprint Pictures / Searchlight Pictures
