TIFF 2019 has begun! What to see and do on the first day

It's the first day of TIFF and screenings of an assortment of films begin today. The highlight is the Gala Presentation of the documentary Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band, about Robbie Robertson, including his early life and the formation of The Band. This marks the first time in history that a Canadian film has been the opening gala film at TIFF.

The film starts at 8 p.m., but the stars and filmmakers begin walking the red carpet at 6:20 p.m., so make sure to get there in plenty of time. Expected guests on the red carpet include Robbie Robertson, the film's director Daniel Roher, and the film's executive producers: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese and Jared Levine. Some of the musicians who appear in the film will be there, including Ronnie Hawkins and Tom Cochrane. Robbie's daughter, Delphine Robertson and his ex-wife, Dominique Robertson, both of whom appear in the film, will be on the red carpet as well.

Also making its TIFF debut tonight is The Personal History of David Copperfield, starring Dev Patel. Based on the story by Charles Dickens, this period piece screens at 9:00 p.m. at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Expected to walk the red carpet beginning at 8:00 p.m. are the film's stars, including Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, Aneurin Barnard, Morfydd Clark, Rosalind Eleazar and Aimée Kelly, as well as the film's director, Armando Iannucci.

One movie you're not going to want to miss at this year's TIFF is Clifton Hill. I attended a press screening for this last week and it's an extremely intelligent and very entertaining film, starring Tuppence Middleton (whom you'll also see in the Downton Abbey movie hitting theatres later this month). Clifton Hill is showing at the Winter Garden Theatre at 5:30 p.m., with the stars arriving at 4:45 p.m. Expected to attend are Tuppence Middleton as well as her co-stars: Hannah Gross, Eric Johnson (you'll remember him from the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy), Marie-Josée Croze, Andy McQueen and Noah Reid.

If you're looking for something with an earlier showtime, I Am Woman, the story of popular singer Helen Reddy, screens at 5:00 p.m. at the Elgin Theatre. Celebrities begin walking the red carpet at 4:00 p.m., including director Unjoo Moon and the stars of the film: Tilda Cobham-Hervey (who plays Helen), Danielle Macdonald and Evan Peters. Also attending are Helen Reddy's daughter Traci Donat and granddaughter, Lily Donat, as well as songwriter/producer Alex Hope.

While you're at TIFF, don't miss the annual Festival Street event along King Street from University Avenue to Peter Street, which begins today and runs through to Sunday. The entire street is blocked off to traffic and features food samples, giveaways, contests and games.

Also this year, the TTC has partnered with TIFF to offer a free movie screening to transit riders. The film, which will be announced on Saturday evening, will screen at Roy Thomson Hall on Sunday at noon and will be open to anyone with either a Presto card or a TTC transfer. ~Alexandra Heilbron

Tags:

I Am Woman, Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band, The Personal History of David Copperfield, TIFF 2019

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