TIFF TRIBUTE AWARDS LEAVES HOPE FOR THE INDUSTRY

Sitting in front of icons who have contributed their lives to film and the Toronto International Film Festival was delightful. The TIFF Tribute Awards press conference brought a sense of relief to myself and those who were in attendance. Despite the pandemic with strict COVID-19 protocols in place at this year’s festival, these stars lit the stage. It was nice to see stars like Benedict Cumberbatch and Jessica Chastain return to TIFF after a year long absensce. All of these winners had something important to say during the Press Conference.

Denis Villeneuve

The director of the anticipated film of this year Dune receives the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media. Screening on IMAX at the Ontario Cinesphere during the festival, Dune brings a new hope to the director. He wishes that the big screen experience does not disappear anytime soon because of streaming. With Marvel around, there should not be a worry in the world from this director. But we think that other directors who are not under that umbrella will be able to do what Villeneuve has done with Dune.

Alanis Obomosawin

What more can we say about Alanis Obomosawin? She has been the advocate for indigenous and First Nations people in this country. With over 50 films under her belt, just listening to what Alanis has to say about anything is a pleasure. She is obviously a jedi in film. Alanis had much to about bringing the National Film Board and Canadian film to the levels that they are today. It was quite amusing that she thought the word movie was a location but she was not all wrong there. Her bear story at the end of the conference was such a nice way to end the press conference. This year we Celebrate Alanis!

Jessica Chastain

Here to receive the TIFF Tribute Actor Award, Jessica Chastain praises how TIFF and Canada helped her career. Films such as The Debt, Molly’s Game and Crimson Peak made their premieres at TIFF. Jessica Chastain is a workhorse. She is here to promote The Forgiven and The Eyes of Tammy Faye where she both produces and acts in. She has been working so much in Canada that she feels that she should be allowed to become one.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Here to receive the TIFF Tribute Actor Award as well, Benedict Cumberbatch is a household name at TIFF. From The Imitation Game to The Fifth Estate, Cumberbatch presence in film is inspiring. Just him talking how good it feels to be celebrating film again brings hope to TIFF and all film festivals around the world. What a great sport to the film industry and making it down to TIFF for the The Power of the Dog and The Electrical Life of Louis Wan.

Dionne Warwick

The iconic singer who is receiving the TIFF Special Tribute Award has done so much for not only Black artists but women as well in the industry. After telling us that she had the Apollo Theatre to herself to watch Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over, this is a music documentary that is set to go right at TIFF this year. She even likes herself in the film. Just seeing her on stage and the aura that she still has with her that made her such a star is dynamic.

Danis Goulet

Receiving an award for TIFF Emerging Talent and plugging her new film Night Raiders, Danis Goulet is one to keep an eye on. The director spoke of her time being behind the scenes in putting the festival together for several years. She spoke of growing up in a little town in Saskatchewan. So she has come such a long way in film. She remembers watching E.T. in small theatre in that town when she was a child. There were not that many venues to watch films. She hopes to bring more film experiences to those small towns that truly need them.