TIFF lineup features homegrown films

As the 39th annual Toronto International Film festival quickly approaches, we are learning more about this year’s lineup from film makers close to home.

TIFF is a world renowned festival, and it’s a chance to celebrate our own talent.

Cameron Bailey: “We’re so committed to the Canadian film industry, because this is like a big party.”

And the party is an opportunity — for film makers like Jeffery St. Jules who’s feature “Bang, Bang Baby” was 10 years in the making: “Because everybody’s here from all over the world, so the potential for the right people to see it is really big with TIFF.”

‘Bang Bang Baby’ was partially shot in Hamilton, and is the story of a young girl in the 1960’s who dreams of becoming famous. That is until, a chemical leak in her home town starts changing things. It’s one of 25 feature films and 42 shorts that are strictly Canadian.

And as we showcase the Canadian talent today, the festival is still a month away. But as you can see, the excitement’s already started.

Film makers and young stars alike flooded today’s announcement, eager to get the word out. But while some of the Canadian list features lesser known film makers hoping to create a hit, it also features big name Canadians like David Cronenberg’s “Maps to the Stars” and Quebec Director Philipe Falareau’s “The Good Lie” starring Reese Witherspoon.

Cameron Bailey: “To see them together, you really get a sense that this is a community.”

The festival opens on September 4th, and continues until the 14th.