Toronto International Film Festival Announces Galas and Events

Jul 04, 2000 by Ian Evans

At a packed press conference called to launch the countdown to September’s big event, Festival Director Piers Handling and Managing Director Michele Maheux announced details about the 25th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Opening Night Gala will be from two-time Oscar®-nominated Canadian director Denys Arcand. His new film, Stardom, is a look at fame-obsessed culture and stars Dan Aykroyd,Frank Langella, Thomas Gibson, Robert Lepage and Jessica Pare.

The Festival will also feature the world premiere of Cameron Crowe’s as yet untitled film about a young writer for Rolling Stone. The film stars Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee and Anna Paquin.

Turning the Festival up to 11, Spinal Tap alum Christopher Guest will screen his new mockumentary Best in Show, which features Parker Posey, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Bob Balaban and Fred Willard as a group of eccentric dog owners preparing for the big dog show.

Jeff Bridges will be back at the Fest again this year in Rod Lurie’s The Contender, which also stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Christian Slater and Sam Elliott.

The Luzhin Defence, directed by Academy Award®-winner Marleen Gorris, will make its international premiere at the Festival. The film stars John Turturro and Emily Watson.