It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of TIFF and try to chase down big premieres, but with over 200 films there are always a ton of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Here are 5 that may have flown under your radar.
SONGS OF EARTH: TIFF always has a strong slate of documentaries and this year is no exception. Unless you’ve got a trip to Norway planned soon, Margreth Olin’s film (which also stars her own father) looks like the best way to view the majesty of the Nordic landscape on a giant screen.
WHEN EVIL LURKS: Much like the documentary section, Midnight Madness is always a goldmine. The opening weekend crowd pleasers often sell out but it’s the midweek films that put the Madness in Midnight. When the content advisory states: “explicit violence, horror, frightening scenes, coarse language” you know you’ve got a winner. Demián Rugna’s Argentinian nightmare is sure to deliver.
HAJJAN: When else will you ever get to see a film “… set in the legendary, high-stakes world of Bedouin camel racing.”? Let alone see it on a big screen. Admit it, you’ve always been curious. Abu Bakr Shawky’s high-octane camel-based adventure is ready to scratch that itch.
LOST LADIES: India isn’t just big time Bollywood song and dance features anymore. While THANK YOU FOR COMING is getting the Gala treatment, if you want a lower key affair to get your Southeast Asian fix then check out LOST LADIES in the Centrepiece section. Kiran Rao’s comedy features an unexpected bridal swap and a case of mistaken identity taken to it’s extreme.
ROBOT DREAMS: I get it: everyone wants to see THE BOY AND THE HERON; but if you can’t score tickets to one of the hottest seats in town why not try one of the other animated films? ROBOT DREAMS, directed by Pablo Berger and based on Sara Varon’s graphic novel, is also hand drawn and doesn’t yet have a release date so this may be your only chance to see it in a theater.
Find information about the Festival, including schedule and ticket information at TIFF.net ! The Festival runs from September 7-17, 2023 and you can find coverage right here at Biff Bam Pop!
