Pro-Palestinian Protesters Disrupt Toronto Film Festival Opening

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), North America's largest film event, kicked off on Thursday with Ben Stiller’s family movie "Nutcrackers," but was briefly interrupted by a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters.

The four demonstrators voiced their objections against the Royal Bank of Canada, a festival sponsor criticised for its investments in companies linked to Israel, amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. They chanted slogans in the Princess of Wales Theatre, causing a disruption during the opening night screening. Despite the interruption, other attendees booed, and TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey continued his introduction before security escorted the protesters out, allowing the film’s screening to resume.

The protest provided a political backdrop to the start of TIFF, a ten-day showcase of potential Oscar contenders and celebrity glamour.

This year’s festival marks a return to its usual format after last year's event was subdued by strikes from actors and writers, which prevented many stars from attending. The 2023 festival, although featuring notable films, was marked by a lack of red carpet appearances due to union regulations.

This year, however, TIFF is set to welcome a host of A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett, and Nicole Kidman, who are expected to debut new projects in Canada's largest city.

"Toronto is renowned for its enthusiastic audience, and that excitement reaches its peak with the presence of the world's biggest stars," Bailey told AFP. "We’re pleased to host the festival this year without the constraints we faced last year, although we did our utmost under those circumstances."

Stiller received a warm reception from moviegoers as he introduced "Nutcrackers" alongside director David Gordon Green. The film, set during the holidays, follows a Chicago real estate developer who must look after his four orphaned nephews after the death of his sister and her husband. The comedy highlights his challenges adapting to rural life and caring for the boys, who are brothers in real life.

“When I read the script, which was so heartfelt and not cynical, I felt a strong connection to the character's journey and his relationship with his family,” Stiller said on the red carpet. “I think that’s a significant message, especially at this time.”

Among the festival’s notable world premieres are Ron Howard’s secretive "Eden," a survival drama set in the Galapagos Islands, and "The Wild Robot," the latest from DreamWorks Animation.

Angelina Jolie, fresh from her Venice success portraying opera legend Maria Callas in "Maria," brings her new directorial project "Without Blood" to Toronto. The film, starring Salma Hayek, explores themes of family and revenge in the early 20th century.

In total, TIFF will feature 278 films. John and Springsteen will be presenting new documentaries about their illustrious careers, joined by other music industry stars like Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Paul Anka, and Pharrell Williams, who will appear at screenings of films about their personal and professional lives.

The festival also includes a selection of inspirational sports dramas, such as "Unstoppable," which follows a college wrestler (played by Jharrel Jerome) who dreams of going professional despite having only one leg. Lopez co-stars as his mother.

TIFF, open to the public rather than just media and industry insiders, is part of a busy autumn film festival circuit alongside Venice and Telluride, previewing films that may contend for Oscars. The event runs from Thursday through September 15, with the People's Choice Award — voted on by the audience — being announced on the final day. This award often forecasts potential Academy Award winners, such as "Nomadland" and "Green Book."