The Toronto International Film Festival is launching its first-ever formal industry market this September, and it arrives with a lineup of 51 projects spanning features, series and immersive works. The event, known as TIFF: The Market, runs September 10-16 alongside the festival itself.
According to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the 51 projects include 40 features, six series, and five innovative or immersive works. All are looking for financing, co-production partners, and international distributors.
Among the more high-profile projects is an animated feature tentatively titled Central Park Tale, which has Keke Palmer, Alan Cumming, Common and Regina Hall attached to its voice cast. The film is directed by Daniel Jeanette and produced by Jacqui Barcos and John Fragomeni.
Another notable entry is Sher, a project directed by acclaimed Indian-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, known for her Fire, Earth and Water trilogy. Oscar winner Jeremy Irons is attached to star. The film is produced by David Hamilton, Rajiv Maikhuri and Craig Stovel.
A drama with Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and Jacob Tremblay is also part of the lineup, alongside a documentary featuring Booker Prize winner Marlon James. Other filmmakers represented in the selection include Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Shasha Nakhai, Karen Chapman, Darlene Naponse and Tyler Hagan, all of whom have previous connections to the festival.
The market is described as a curated incubator, presented by Ontario Creates, that brings together more than 50 established producers with financiers, distributors, sales agents and other executives. The focus is on projects in advanced development, financing and packaging stages.
Charles Tremblay, head of TIFF: The Market, said: "The projects, the award-winning talent, and the enthusiasm amongst key decision-makers all reflect the emphasis we've placed on closing the loop between the ideas and the investments that fuel our global industry. When projects find the right champions, opportunities become reality and exceptional stories continue to be developed, financed, produced, and shared with audiences across the globe."
