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The Boy and the Heron @TIFF 2023

The first animated feature to ever open TIFF comes from legendary Hayao Miyazaki

Published

4 months ago

January 8, 2024

FERNTV attended the much-anticipated opening night of Hayao Miyazaki‘s enchanting film, The Boy and the Heron, at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023, was a dazzling spectacle that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the festival’s history. The opening night was graced by esteemed guests, including Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow, Governor of Canada Elizabeth Dowdeswell,GKIDS president David Jesteadt and founder Eric Beckman. TIFF rising stars Léah Aubert and Cody Lightning, who delivered in their films were also present. Their presence added to the excitement, highlighting the cultural significance of Miyazaki’s work and the global appeal of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The red-carpet event was a glamorous affair, with Aubert and Lightning shining as the emerging stars of the industry. Mayor Chow and Governor Dowdeswell expressed their appreciation for the film’s cultural impact, praising Miyazaki’s ability to create a magical world that transcends borders. GKIDS president Jesteadt and founder Beckman, who played a pivotal role in distributing the film to North America, were also present, showcasing the collaboration that brought this masterpiece to a broader audience. “The Boy and the Heron” not only marked a triumphant opening for the Toronto International Film Festival but also solidified the city’s reputation as a hub for celebrating cinematic excellence and cultural diversity.

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Fernando Fernandez

Fernando Fernandez is a graduate of Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto. He became interested in entertainment journalism in the late 2000s writing for online startups. He founded FERNTV in 2009 and focused mainly on the film industry. With over a thousand interviews conducted with all walks of life in film, he is still learning as if every day is day one.