The middle of August in Toronto is always an interesting time. While most people hold on desperately to the final fleeting weeks of Summer, there’s a number of us that sit in secret anticipation, counting down the days until September’s annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Now in its 49th iteration and its first iteration post industry strikes, this pre-TIFF season has been filled with waves of announcements each more impressive than the last. This year I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Countdown to TIFF event to get a preview of the events to come and let me tell you, there’s a lot to get excited about!

On August 13th, 2024 the TIFF 2024 schedule was officially released and as per usual I started the process of peeling away meticulously through each title and synopsis to plan out my festival schedule and create my most anticipated list. This year I narrowed down the list to my Top 30. While these films are certainly not the buzziest from the festival, they are all the titles that spoke to my personal sensibilities and piqued my own interest.

My list this year is filled with a few films that even surprised myself but overall I think there’s a good mix. As per usual, my list has a focus on a number of Platform Prize titles, my favourite section of the festival, which TIFF describes as a section that “showcases bold and distinct directorial voices and emerging international talent, offering audiences a first look at some of the most innovative and compelling works from around the globe.” But this year there’s a surprising number of Centrepiece films that made my list, spotlighting international films from almost every corner of the world. While usually a bit too intimidating for me, one Midnight Madness title made my list, a section that showcases the best in horror, action, shock and fantasy. And of course, there are several celebrity-laden buzz-worthy Gala & Special Presentations to sweeten the pot.

I’m hoping to be able to catch most of these during the festival, and maybe even some more in between. So here is my Top 30 TIFF Hotlist. Listed in alphabetical order for ease, and not in any order of specific preference.

#1 Anora | Director Sean Baker | USA | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: This Palme d’Or winner follows a turbulent relationship between a New York–based exotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch.

Why I’m Interested: Since winning the Palme D’Or, Sean Baker’s Anora has rocketed high up on my to watch list. There is an ethereal atmospheric quality to the trailer that feels right up my alley, and Sean Baker has such a solid track record with bringing raw authenticity to the screen. I’m looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds.

#2 Bound in Heaven | Director Huo Xin | China | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: The debut feature of renowned scriptwriter Huo Xin, Bound in Heaven is a poignant tale of love and resilience starring Ni Ni, Zhou You, and Liao Fan. This deeply touching film tackles domestic violence and terminal illness with assured direction and outstanding performances.

Why I’m Interested: There’s a lot of bold statements in the TIFF synopsis that caught my attention, covering a number of powerful subjects and themes. I’m not familiar at all with the works of Huo Xin, and I truly have no idea what to expect from this one, but I hope it can live up to the strong words set out in front of it.

#3 Bird | Director Andrea Arnold | United Kingdom, USA, France, Germany | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Andrea Arnold returns to the Festival with a story about a distracted father (Barry Keoghan) and his lonely and imaginative 12-year-old daughter, Bailey (Nykiya Adams), who must seek attention (and adventure) elsewhere.

Why I’m Interested: Barry Keoghan is such a fascinating and talented actor, and I’m very interested to see him play against newcomer Nykiya Adams in this feature. This is one of two films starring Keoghan at the festival (the other being the Irish feature Bring Them Down), but the one that better speaks to my own sensibilities. Honestly, I’m such a sucker for a good coming-of-age tale, and I’m excited to see how the magical realism elements will play out on screen to build out this potentially profound story. This film was also recommended by the TIFF Next Wave committee.

#4 Can I Get A Witness? | Director Ann Marie Fleming | Canada | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Keira Jang, Joel Oulette, and Sandra Oh star in this introspective live-action and animated feature set in the near future when technology and travel are almost completely banned, and nobody is allowed to live past age 50.

Why I’m Interested: “Soft” Science Fiction is a particularly favourite genre of mine, where science fiction elements act as a canvas to tell human stories. And this Canadian feature feels right up that alley. Couple it with some curious animated elements, and call me intrigued. And I have to show some love for Canadian filmmakers, and specifically Canadian darling Sandra Oh.

#5 Daniela Forever | Director Nacho Vigalondo | Spain/Belgium | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) soulfully portrays a bereaved man who enrolls in a clinical trial for a drug that allows him to reunite with his lost lover, played by Beatrice Grannò (The White Lotus) through lucid dreams.

Why I’m Interested: Debuting in the Platform Prize category, Daniela Forever feels like it could be an interesting one. I feel like this one could capture that deeply personal and emotional flare of a quiet indie flick, but blended with a sleek sci-fi flare, similar to last years’ Fingernails. And I’m looking forward to seeing a more more nuanced performance from Henry Golding.

#6 Emilia Pérez | Director Jacques Audiard | France/USA/Mexico | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Featuring fearless performances from Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and the amazing Karla Sofía Gascón, the latest from director Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, TIFF ’12; The Sisters Brothers, TIFF ’18) audaciously merges pop opera, narco thriller, and gender affirmation drama.

Why I’m Interested: There’s been a ton of buzz since the Cannes Film Festival which saw the star-studded cast collectively take home the Best Actress prize. The star power alone makes this one an intriguing watch, but it’s the powerful themes and unconventional premise that I’m most looking forward to.

#7 Escape from the 21st Century | Director Yang Li | China | Midnight Madness

TIFF Synopsis: Three high-schoolers gain the ability to sneeze themselves 20 years into the future in this maximalist martial-arts time-travel caper from writer-director Yang Li (Lee’s Adventure).

Why I’m Interested: I’m all for a good oddball sci-fi premise, especially in a film that really leans into it wholeheartedly. If this is truly as maximalist as it’s sold, I think this could be an incredibly fun martial arts romp. And if it can nail a strong narrative arc, this one could become a modern classic like Everything Everywhere All At Once.

#8 Happyend | Director Neo Sora | Japan, United States of America | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: In near-future Tokyo, rebellious students struggle to find their path in a society dangerously close to complete and total surveillance.

Why I’m Interested: This is yet another sci-fi laden near-future tale that has me intrigued. From director Neo Sora, son of the late film composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who last directed a documentary concert film honouring his father’s final performance, I’m excited to see his take on a first feature narrative film. I’m hoping that by taking the viewpoint from the students that there is the potential that this could be a really insightful picture.

#9 K-Pops | Director Anderson .Paak | USA | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: A father hopes to ride the coattails of his long-lost son’s rocketing stardom in this feature debut from eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak.

Why I’m Interested: This could be a really great movie, or a not so great one, but the premise alone and the fact that this is directed by Anderson .Paak has me excited. I’m hoping we get to see a real character driven father-son story, painted over the vibrant, glitzy and stylized backdrop of the K-pop music scene. And I’m hoping tonally it remains more reverential to the Korean music industry, and avoids any needless satire.

#10 Love In The Big City | Director E.oni | South Korea | 2024 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: No one believes roommates Jae-hee and Heung-soo are just friends, but they’re used to being misunderstood. Kim Go-eun and Steve Sanghyun Noh star in this romance exploring how young adults live and love in the big city of Seoul.

Why I’m Interested: Kim Go-eun, easily my favourite actress from the recent Korea hit film Exhuma, stars in this upcoming Korean drama film. I’ve been known to dabble in a few k-dramas here and there, and while I have no idea what to expect, I know it will be a welcomed escape to follow the lives of the young & beautiful in the larger than life city of Seoul.

#11 My Sunshine | Director Hiroshi Okuyama | Japan, France | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: From Hiroshi Okuyama, a rising star in Japanese cinema, this beautifully crafted film follows adolescent figure skaters as they navigate budding emotions. It evokes the nuanced storytelling of master director Kore-eda Hirokazu.

Why I’m Interested: Stories told from the perspective of children or adolescents have a special place in my heart, and have the potential to make incredible insightful, honest and authentic cinema. The chemistry between the two young leads in the trailer of this film feels beautiful and authentic, and I can’t wait to catch this quieter film on the big screen. Selected for the Un Certain Regard competition at Cannes, which honours up and coming filmmakers, director Okuyama is certainly one to watch.

#12 Nightbitch | Director Marielle Heller | United States of America | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: An overworked stay-at-home mom (Amy Adams) tries to catch a break, any break, while caring for her rambunctious toddler. Also, she might be turning into a dog.

Why I’m Interested: With a big name like Amy Adams and a synopsis like that, it’s hard not to be interested to see what this one is all about. It sounds a bit crazy, like last years’ Nicolas Cage led Dream Scenario. I just wish it really leans in and takes the craziness and absurdity to the next level, especially in the capable hands of a talented actress like Amy Adams.

#13 On Swift Horses | Director Daniel Minahan | USA | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Set in the 1950s, this gorgeous adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel follows a seemingly sensible newlywed (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her wayward brother-in-law (Priscilla’s Jacob Elordi) as they undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance, and self-discovery.

Why I’m Interested: I don’t know too much about the novel, but from the premise alone it feels like it has the potential to be a really thoughtful and captivating film. I’ll be honest in saying that it’s the cast that adds to my anticipation. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, and Diego Calva are some of the most impressive and exciting up-and-coming actors working today. So I’m excited to see what they are able to do in this film.

#14 Paying For It | Sook-Yin Lee | Canada | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: A cultural snapshot of turn-of-the-millennium Toronto with subtle comic energy and a great cast, Sook-Yin Lee’s adaptation of Chester Brown’s autobiographical 2011 graphic novel is a movie only Lee could make… because it’s her story, too.

Why I’m Interested: Yet another film to make my list that’s competing for the Platform Prize. I’m such a sucker for semi-autobiographical stories told from the perspective of people of colour, and particularly children of first or second generation immigrants, because it’s a perspective we used to never be able to see depicted on screen and a perspective that hits near close to home. I hope this one feels as authentic as it’s sold!

#15 Queer | Director Luca Guadagnino | Italy, USA | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Brilliant, audacious author, meet brilliant, audacious director: it takes chutzpah to translate the work of William S. Burroughs for the screen, but Oscar-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s spin on the Beat legend’s autobiographical novel matches its source material in vulnerability and taboo-smashing adventurousness. Starring Daniel Craig and featuring supporting turns from Jason Schwartzman and Oscar nominee Lesley Manville, Queer is a hallucinogenic odyssey bathed in aching desire.

Why I’m Interested: From the same creative team that brought us this years’ scintillating tennis-flick Challengers, I’m excited to see what comes next from director Luca Guadagnino and writer Justin Kurtizkes. Luca Guadagnino bring’s a certain flair to all of his pictures, pushing the boundaries at times, while still delivering on hard hitting character moments. I’m sure this will be no exception. Can’t wait for this one!

#16 Rumours | Directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson | Canada, Germany | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Cate Blanchett (The New Boy, TIFF ’23) joins a strong ensemble cast and plays the German chancellor in Rumours, an absurd satire of a G7 world leaders meeting that spins wildly out of control — the latest from co-directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson.

Why I’m Interested: There’s so little information about this one out there, and in a way that makes it even more intriguing. Absurd satire isn’t exactly always in my wheelhouse, but the premise alone has me interested to at least see what this one is about. And with Cate Blanchett as the lead, that makes me feel hopeful (although after Borderlands maybe I should be a bit worried).

#17 SATURDAY NIGHT | Director Jason Reitman | USA | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Director Jason Reitman captures the frenzied lead-up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live as a motley bunch of then-unknown and untrained young comedians prepare to step into a revolutionary spotlight that will change history and make them all stars.

Why I’m Interested: Full disclosure, I love Saturday Night Live, and I love sketch comedy in general, and I think I will really enjoy this look behind the scenes of the first SNL show. Jason Reitman I’m a bit hit or miss on, but the cast he’s compiled is absolutely incredible with the likes of Dylan O’Brien, Finn Wolfhard, Rachel Sennott, Lamorne Morris, Gabrielle LaBelle and Willem Dafoe (just to name a few). So glad this was added last minute to the TIFF lineup.

#18 Seven Days | Director Ali Samadi Ahadi | Germany | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: Ali Samadi Ahadi’s latest explores an agonizing struggle. When imprisoned human rights activist Maryam is granted a rare medical leave, she has the chance to escape Iran but at the expense of her battle for equality and democracy.

Why I’m Interested: Written by acclaimed director Mohammad Rasoulof (see The Seed of the Sacred Fig for more details on him), Seven Days feels like a solid character piece set in a world with extreme political and social unrest. I’m really looking forward to a strong lead performance from its featured actress.

#19 Superboys of Malegaon | Director Reema Kagti | India | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Helmed by Reema Kagti (Talaash: The Answer Lies Within) in her latest collaboration with producer Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy), this uplifting story chronicles the life of Nasir Shaikh, whose no-budget, community-sourced movies turned his hometown into an unlikely dream factory.

Why I’m Interested: It just sounds like such a lovely movie, and in a TIFF line-up filled with incredibly dark and depressing tales, sometimes it’s nice to have an uplifting and fun film as a bit of a palate cleanser. From the creative team that brought us Gully Boy, I think this one will be a great watch. And even if its not, it’ll still be a great time.

#20 The Assessment | Director Fleur Fortuné | United Kingdom, Germany, United States of America | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Set in a future world destroyed by climate change, a couple must pass an assessment before they are allowed to have a child in this sci-fi thriller starring Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen.

Why I’m Interested: Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Olsen are likely both in my top 5 list of favourite actresses (not that I actually keep a list), both with so much experience in the sci-fi realm. To put them in an introspective post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller and watch them play off each other – say no more, I’m sold.

#21 The Mother and the Bear | Director Johnny Ma | Canada, Chile | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: When her grown daughter Sumi has a bad fall in Winnipeg, anxious widow Sara (Kim Ho-jung) travels from Korea to be with her — and discovers she doesn’t really know Sumi at all.

Why I’m Interested: This one feels like it could be a really solid introspective film about familial bonds, depicting an Asian multi-generational immigrant story in a distinctly Canadian way. I’m not too acquainted with Canadian director Johnny Ma’s work, but am hoping this would make for a nice introduction to the Chinese Canadian director.

#22 The Room Next Door | Pedro Almodóvar | Spain | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Two long-time friends, played by Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, face the challenges of an illness while grappling with the past, present, and future in Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature.

Why I’m Interested: Pedro Almodóvar is just such an exceptional filmmaker, being able to draw out incredible performances from the likes of Penelope Cruz in Parallel Mothers and Antonio Banderas in Pain and Glory. I’m expecting his first English feature will be no exception, helmed by two most talented veteran actresses in Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. There’s a vibrancy to the visuals and a poignancy to the subject matter that are both exciting prospects. This will certainly be an impressive feature.

#23 The Seed of the Sacred Fig | Director Mohammad Rasoulof | Iran, France, Germany | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: From renowned filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, The Seed of the Sacred Fig (winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival) is a social drama turned cat-and-mouse thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat.

Why I’m Interested: Coming off of some incredible buzz from the Cannes Film Festival, The Seed of the Sacred Fig has slowly started to appear on several Oscars lists, and hopefully for good reason. Director Mohammad Rasoulof’s story alone is a powerful testament to the cultural importance of film, and reason enough to make this a must watch.

#24 The Village Next to Paradise | Director Mo Harawe | France, Austria, Germany, Somalia | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: One of the breakout debuts from this year’s Cannes Film Festival, writer-director Mo Harawe’s sensitive and empathetic The Village Next to Paradise announces a bold new voice in art house and a new era for Somali cinema.

Why I’m Interested: There’s a certain visual beauty and sensibility in the brief trailer provided by TIFF that is reminiscent of Japanese filmmaking, but told through the lens of Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe. This debut feature was selected for the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, cementing Harawe as a filmmaker to watch. I’m very much looking forward to watching this one!

#25 The Wild Robot | Director Chris Sanders | United States of America | 2024 | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Featuring the voices of Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Lupita Nyong’o, Stephanie Hsu, and Bill Nighy, this DreamWorks Animation sci-fi adventure follows a robot designed to assist humans who finds herself stranded on an island populated exclusively by beasts.

Why I’m Interested: The Wild Robot is an intriguing project. Dreamworks as an animation studio has a decent track record in producing some solid animated features that appeal to kids and adults alike, with solid emotion at its core. And more recently, they have also had some great success experimenting with its art style in ways that have really paid off like the recent Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. I’m hoping that The Wild Robot can capture all of that magic.

#26 The Wolves Always Come at Night | Director Gabrielle Brady | Australia, Mongolia, Germany | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: After a devastating storm wrought by climate change forces them from their home in the Mongolian countryside to the city, a young couple are forced to adapt to a new way of life in this breathtaking and heartbreaking hybrid film.

Why I’m Interested: Another Platform Prize contender, I’m interested to see this familiar fish out of water tale told through a distinctly Mongolian lens. I’m curious what is fully meant by a hybrid film, with Screen Australia listing this one as a documentary. It makes this even more of an intriguing watch.

#27 Universal Language | Director Matthew Rankin | Canada | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: Matthew Rankin’s second feature is a lovingly detailed, charmingly impossible story of a Canada where Persian and French are the two official languages, and loneliness is the common currency.

Why I’m Interested: I think this one has the potential to be a modern Canadian classic comedy. It’s premise alone feels so distinctly Canadian. Fresh off of its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Universal Language is set to have its Canadian premiere at TIFF and I am very much so excited to give it a watch.

#28 We Live in Time | Director John Crowley | United Kingdom/France | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Featuring gorgeously detailed performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this inventively structured romance explores the question of how to make the most of our time in this world.

Why I’m Interested: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield are probably the most talented actors of our generation, and I can’t wait to see them bounce off each other in this film. There isn’t anything in John Crowley’s filmography that has particularly resonated with me, but I’m excited to see what this creative team is able to put together.

#29 When the Light Breaks | Director Rúnar Rúnarsson | Iceland, Netherlands, Croatia, France | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: A tragedy unleashes an unwieldy storm of emotion and confusion for a group of young friends in this intimately scaled and keenly felt fourth feature by Iceland’s Rúnar Rúnarsson.

Why I’m Interested: There’s an intimacy and vibeyness of the TIFF trailer that feels quite captivating, in this film that also competed at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard category. A part of me hopes that the tragedy of this film is balanced by some much needed youthful levity, as that could make this one a sincere masterpiece.

#30 Winter in Sokcho | Director Koya Kamura | France | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: In this debut from filmmaker Koya Kamura, a young woman struggling to claim her identity and independence has her routine disrupted when a French artist checks into the small guesthouse in snowy Sokcho where she works.

Why I’m Interested: Competing in the Platform Category, Koya Kamura’s Winter in Sokcho feels quite contemplative and frankly beautiful, despite its desolate setting. I’m interested in the slower, more meditative pace that this one will likely provide.

In Conclusion

So there you have it, my top 30 most anticipated movies for #TIFF24. You can review the entire schedule here and I would encourage you to start planning now if you’re thinking of attending. So let me know, what’s on your most anticipated list for TIFF this year? Any films I may have missed that I should check out?

Looking forward to seeing you at the festival!