TIFF 2023 commences amid actors and writers strike

The Toronto International Film Festival got underway on Thursday, with 60 announced films on the schedule.

The red carpet has been rolled out on King Street in Toronto, which is closed down for the festival, the first big premiere taking place is “The Boy and the Heron.”

It’s potentially the last film from legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, who has announced his retirement.

But the cast and legendary director aren’t expected to walk the carpet and greet fans.

It still remains to be seen which celebrities will be here this year, as SAG-AFTRA and writers are still on strike, after many weeks.

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Canadian and independent films are free to promote their movies, so we’re expecting to see lots of local talent.

Even maybe a famous rock star or two. Nickelback is expected to show at the world premiere on Friday of their documentary “Hate to Love: Nickelback.”

Some Hollywood productions have been granted permission slips from the union to still attend and promote the films.

Especially when those stars are also directors, like Ethan Hawke’s film “Wildcat,” starring his daughter Maya Hawke as author Flannery O’Connor.

The international premiere is on Monday. But even with significantly less star power, King Street is still pretty busy.

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