TORONTO – Canadian filmmakers are seizing the spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), even as Hollywood experiences strikes by actors and writers. Montreal-based writer-director Chloe Robichaud has noticed heightened interest in her francophone feature, “Days of Happiness,” compared to her previous TIFF entries. She attributes this to the absence of Hollywood stars promoting their upcoming films.
Actor and producer Devery Jacobs has experienced success with her queer cheerleading film, “Backspot,” which has sold out all three of its screenings. She speculates that the labor protests may be contributing to the film’s popularity. Jacobs, a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, supports the strikes but is pleased to be in Toronto to promote her project.
Both filmmakers sense a different atmosphere at this year’s festival, with fewer Hollywood celebrities in attendance. Jacobs sees this as an opportunity for smaller projects to shine and hopes it will rejuvenate interest in indie films.
Robichaud aims to secure foreign distribution for her orchestra-set film, which stars Sophie Desmarais as a young conductor facing a career crossroads. She emphasizes the importance of trust in the film and believes that if a film is good, the audience will respond positively.
Jacobs suggests that part of “Backspot’s” success is due to the limited presence of celebrities promoting larger projects during the strike. She supports the strike as a striking actor herself but refrains from discussing her other projects.
The strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, aimed at improving compensation and job protections, have impacted U.S. productions in Canada. This has affected many Canadians working in the film industry, both on and off-camera.
Despite the absence of Hollywood star power on the red carpets, film enthusiasts continue to flock to the festival. For instance, sisters Gia and Lia Ui eagerly attended the world premiere of Anna Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour” despite the star’s absence, highlighting the allure of being among the first to see a highly anticipated film at TIFF.
