It’s that time of the year again folks, where the city of Toronto truly transforms and lights up like no other time of the year… for the Toronto International Film Festival (also known as TIFF). With over 60-films from all over the world premiering this year, we tapped both our VIBE cover star alumni rising star director, Justin Wu, and the head of TIFF himself, Cameron Bailey for a little help navigating the list. And, if you’ve had the chance to read Wu’s story, you’d know that he’s quite the advocate both for Canadian content AND Asian representation. Interestingly enough, after a recent conversation with Bailey in studio for our sister platform, Gent’s Post’s podcast, Gent’s Talk… it was clear that there was some overlap (they both raved about how they’re excited about this one particular film…read on to find out which one. We’re stoked to deep dive into the list with you.
Justin Wu: These are the Top 10 most anticipated film at TIFF this year
10. Yellow bus
World Premiere, by Wendy Bednarz (presented by Air France).
“This year’s line-up is exceptionally diverse and exciting with the return of visionaries like Hayao Miyazaki and rising stars like Um Tae-hwa.”
Justin Wu, Toronto-based tv and film director (and VIBE cover star alum)
9. Lee
World Premiere by Ellen Kuras (presented by dyson).
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8. Knox goes away
World Premiere by Michael Keaton.
7. Reptile
World Premiere by Grant Singer.
6. Monster
North American Premiere by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
“I’m equally excited to dive into many 1st time director’s compelling stories and discover new talent from around the world.”
Justin Wu, Toronto-based tv and film director (and VIBE cover star alum)
5. Concrete utopia 콘크리트 유토피아
North American Premiere by Um Tae-hwa.
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4. Anatomy of a fall
Canadian Premiere by Justine Triet.
3. Hit man
North American Premiere by Richard Linklater.
2. Quiz lady
World Premiere by Jessica Yu.
1. The boy and the heron
International premiere by Hayao Miyazaki, and both Justin Wu’s most anticipated film (which is also the opening night film) and the one that Cameron Bailey said he was most excited about in a conversation with the Gent’s Talk team in this week’s podcast episode.
Notable Mentions:
Wu is known to highlight and favour encouraging people to go out, support and watch the films that have not yet been distributed. Nonetheless, there are a couple that he is excited about too, that have secured distribution but he couldn’t help but mention…like:
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- Dicks: The Musical by Larry Charles
- Close to You by Dominic Savage
- Dream Scenario by Kristoffer Borgli
- Pain Hustlers by David Yates
- Dumb Money by Craig Gillespie
Stay tuned for all our #TIFF2023 festival coverage, guides, celebrity sightings and more, right here at ViewtheVIBE.com and on Instagram at @viewthevibe and TikTok at @viewthevibe.com.
Film images courtesy of TIFF; here photo of Justin Wu, shot by Steven Branco/View the VIBE
