Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest’s Programming Manager made his way up to Toronto earlier this month to attend the Toronto International Film Festival! The festival includes 11 days of both Canadian and international cinema. There are also special events that include some of the biggest names in the film industry, and the TIFF Industry Conference which is where film professionals can connect with each other and learn more about the art and business of cinema!
Anthony was asked a series of questions about his time at TIFF!
What celebrities did you see?
I was definitely spoiled by just how many celebrities I saw! So I’m just going to name drop one or twenty! Kate Hudson, Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Barry Jenkins, Bryan Tyree Henry, Elizabeth Olsen, Hamesh Patel, Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alicia Vikander, Luca Guadagnino, Imogen Poots, Brett Goldstein.
Dang…Lucky you Anthony.. I hope you said hi to Andrew Garfield for me..đź¤
What did you eat/what was your favorite meal?
I’ll be honest, I became a huge fan of Gabby’s Bar & Grill across from the TIFF Lightbox. I found their wings pretty incredible and they made a wing night special on Mondays and Wednesdays that I may have partaken in both days!
On my way to Toronto! Wings are calling! 🍗 I hope they have honey barbeque…
What were some films you watched?
To look at the full list of films Anthony watched visit:
https://letterboxd.com/fbac/list/tiff-2024-what-we-saw/
Favorite thing you did at the festival?
One of my favorite things about attending the festival, aside from watching movies, was talking with other moviegoers in line. I loved hearing what films they enjoyed, what sparked their passion for cinema, and how many years they’d been going to TIFF. It’s such a great experience to be surrounded by fellow film buffs!
Awww…we love hearing that you made some new film friends Anthony!! 🫶
How does attending TIFF play a role in how we select films for our cinema?
What I love about TIFF is that it offers a first look at the upcoming season. Many of the major fall and winter releases premiere there, which helps us at the FBAC plan our programming based on what we think will resonate best with our audience. TIFF is also great for discovering hidden gems—films that might become audience favorites, major awards contenders, or cult classics. Sometimes, I even come across films at TIFF that won’t be released for a year or more, giving us a unique perspective on what’s to come.
What were your top 5 movies from TIFF?
- Anora – What can I say? This movie was an absolute blast—the most fun I’ve had at the movies in a long time. It’s also completely bonkers! Honestly, it feels like Sean Baker has been hanging out with the Safdie brothers because the level of chaos here is something they would pull off. I didn’t want it to end; I could’ve watched three more hours of these characters screaming at each other while the audience laughed hysterically. Easily my favorite moviegoing experience of the year! And let’s be clear, Mikey Madison is a star. If she doesn’t get a Best Actress nomination, I’ll be appalled.
- The Life of Chuck – What a pleasant surprise! I hadn’t heard of this film before TIFF, but with Mike Flanagan directing and it being based on a Stephen King novella, I’m intrigued! Starring Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mark Hamill, The Life of Chuck nestled deep into my soul. This heartwarming, existential tale is told in three acts in reverse order, featuring a stunning score, an excellent ensemble, and an unforgettable musical dance number from Hiddleston himself. I wasn’t surprised at all that it won the festival’s top prize, the People’s Choice Award.
- The Brutalist – At 3.5 hours, this movie flies by without ever feeling its length. It’s bold and ambitious, channeling the spirit of classic Hollywood epics while still being raw and visceral. In my opinion, this is the best performance of Adrien Brody’s career—and that’s saying something, considering he already has an Oscar. Don’t be surprised if he picks up a second for his portrayal of LászlĂł TĂłth. Oh, and did I mention there’s an intermission? Yes, an actual intermission with a countdown clock and everything! I don’t mind long movies, but honestly, we need to bring back the intermission full time. The buzz during the break was electric—everyone was eager to dive into the second half!
- Souleymane’s Story– A beautifully crafted piece of realist filmmaking told from a bicycle messenger’s perspective. This is one of those films that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Abou Sangare delivers a gut-wrenching performance.
- Friendship – My stomach hurt from laughing so much. Cringe humor at its absolute finest—exactly what you’d expect from Tim Robinson! Definitely see this in a theater with an audience.
