The guest list has been announced and, as usual, the red carpet will be shining with star power. With scheduled appearances by Rachel McAdams (Spotlight, Every Thing Will Be Fine), Jake Gyllenhaal (Demolition—which is the festival opener), Sandra Bullock (Our Brand is Crisis), Julianne Moore (Freeheld) and Ryan Reynolds, you'll think you stepped from Toronto right into Hollywood.
Fan favorite Anna Kendrick is also set to make an appearance in the action comedy Mr. Right—which is the festival's closing film—and Johnny Depp will be there in support of his biopic Black Mass, in which he plays notorious Irish-American gangster Whitey Bulger.
Notable directors include Michael Moore, who's debuting his comedy Where to Invade Next; Ridley Scott with The Martian (starring Matt Damon who will also be in town), Deepa Mehta with the Beeba Boys cast, and Rob Reiner with his comedy drama Being Charlie.
Other stars scheduled for appearances include Drew Barrymoore, David Oyelowo, Kate Winslet, Steve Martin, Sarah Silverman, Kristen Stewart, Shia LaBeouf and Jessica Chastain.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, TIFF started out as the Festival of Festivals, featuring mainly Canadian films and previously debuted films. Now, it's recognized worldwide as a film festival hot spot, highlighted by the appearance of not just Hollywood talent, but international talent from all over the world.
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 to September 20. ~Sandra D. Sukraj