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Toronto Film Festival CEO Assures Strong Film Presence Amidst Strike

Toronto Film Festival CEO, Cameron Bailey, has expressed confidence in the strong American film presence at this year's event, despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. By: Syahmi Zulqarnain

US - Bailey announced that the festival will feature 37 world premieres, including films by Anna Kendrick, Michael Keaton, Maggie Betts, and Viggo Mortensen.

While the strike has disrupted Hollywood, Bailey emphasised that Toronto remains an important platform for studios and streamers to test their films with audiences and kickstart the awards season. He clarified that major stars attached to studio and streamer titles won't attend the festival, but the films themselves will still be shown.

However, the fate of actors associated with independent U.S. titles remains uncertain. Bailey suggested that SAG-AFTRA could offer waivers to actors promoting unaligned indie films in Toronto, as the union has done for certain productions in the U.S.

Bailey highlighted the world premieres of films by Hollywood actors-turned-directors, including Michael Keaton's "Knox Goes Away," Anna Kendrick's directorial debut "Woman of the Hour," and Chris Pine's "Poolman." He praised the growing trend of A-listers embracing passion projects during the pandemic and stepping into the director's chair.

Other directors like Viggo Mortensen and Ethan Hawke, who have long been committed to directing, will also showcase their works. Kendrick's "Woman of the Hour," a true crime drama exploring male violence's impact on women, adds depth to her storytelling mission.

As the Toronto Film Festival prepares to make additional lineup announcements, Bailey assured that the event will continue to be a significant platform for global cinema, with a diverse array of films from various countries. The 48th edition of TIFF is scheduled to run from September 7 to 17, showcasing the latest and most captivating works in the world of film.

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