Nickelback, Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Lil Nas X all expected in town
Music films are often an important part of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), providing an opportunity for major acts to drop by and the 48th edition, running Sept. 7–17, is no exception. Among the documentary subjects are Nickelback, Lil Nas X, Paul Simon and the restored version of the Talking Heads ground-breaking concert film, Stop Making Sense, for with all of the above artists, including the feuding Heads, expected in town. There are also some other music-related activities going on, such as free performances on Festival Street (Sept. 5–8) including one by Nickelback, and the feting of Nelly Furtado for her humanitarian work at the private Artists For Peace & Justice fundraising gala on Sept. 9, along with Director X as Canadian changemaker.
In addition to the films below, there are also two getting attention under TIFF Classics programming, which is free to attend: Chen Kaige’s 1993 Farewell My Concubine about lifelong friends who become stars of the Peking Opera, and Brigitte Berman’s 1985 Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got. Another film in the Wavelength selection of TIFF is Boil Alert, a documentary about the lack of clean water at many Indigenous reserves, by musician and filmmaker Stevie Salas and Justin Timberlake, as actor, is in the crime thriller Reptile, alongside Benicio Del Toro and Alicia Silverstone.
The premieres are often sold out, but there are same-day and “rush” opportunities. Prices aren’t cheap, though. Regular screenings run from $26 to $32; Premium screenings range from $39 to $88. Some screenings will be available to Under-25 Free Pass holders and community partners beginning at $13. Note, the festival box offices are cashless, with the exception of TIFF Bell Lightbox. Call 1-888-258-8433 to order by phone.
'Wicked', 'Dune: Prophecy', and free movies at the library
By Gabrielle Marceau and Michael Hollett