TIFF Talks: Rock, Caine, Levinson and Egoyan Lead Fest’s Announced Events

TIFF "Maverick" Chris Rock scene from "Good Hair," which is screening at the festival. Image courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

Chris Rock, Michael Caine, Neil Jordan, Frederick Wiseman, Barry Levinson, Joe Dante, Peter Berg, and Atom Egoyan are among those set for the 34th Toronto International Film Festival’s extensive discussions, panels and master classes.  Announced today, those names are divided up into both the Mavericks and Dialogues: Talking With Pictures programmes, as well as a variety of industry events including a Master Class with Canadian director Egoyan (who is world premiering his latest film, “Chloe,” at the festival).

The Mavericks programme - which puts “audiences in the same room as headline-making leaders from the world of film, and beyond, for unforgettable conversations on their latest projects” - will this year place spotlight on the world of performing arts, sports and African American hairstyles, and those in attendance will include director Peter Berg, actor Sir Michael Caine, director Barry Levinson, comedian Chris Rock and documentarian Frederick Wiseman. While Dialogues: Talking with Pictures - a film series curated by directors or film artists - will find Ted Kotcheff, Neil Jordan, Joe Dante and Sook-Yin Lee each presenting films that “have inspired them or have marked a significant period in their careers.”

Additionally, the festival has introduced new programmes this year, including the aforementioend Master Class with Atom Egoyan, and Short Cuts Canada Roundtables, “an informal networking opportunity for filmmakers and producers with films in this year’s Short Cuts Canada programme.” Returning industry programs include Telefilm Canada’s “Pitch This!,” a live pitch competition with a $10,000 CAD prize to assist with project development, and “Talent Lab,” which welcomes 25 emerging filmmakers to build networks in a creative environment with “some of the most esteemed filmmakers and artists in the world.”  Filmmakers and producers will also be able to network at “Match Club,” the hub for all Sales & Industry and Guest Relations Office delegates.

A complete list of aforementioned events for the festival - which runs September 10-19, 2009 - is below (with descriptions provided by the festival).

Mavericks

Barry Levinson Presents The Band That Wouldn’t Die
Barry Levinson has covered a lot of ground in his film career – from Southeast Asia in Good Morning, Vietnam to Las Vegas in Rain Man – but he always comes back to Baltimore. In this session, Levinson will present the world premiere of his latest work set in Baltimore, The Band That Wouldn’t Die, an hour-long documentary produced for ESPN Film’s 30 for 30 project, about a marching band that kept hope alive for the city’s football fans.

News » Oscar Noms News » Sundance Winners Features » Critics Speak

An Afternoon with Chris Rock Chris Rock brings his comic insights to this Mavericks conversation, sitting down for an interview to highlight his new documentary, Good Hair (part of this year’s Festival), and branching out in spontaneous directions. Rock is never short on opinions. In Good Hair he focuses on the commerce and creativity behind African American hairstyles, unpacking a lot of cultural baggage that all of us carry, whether our hair is straight or curly. La Danse – Le Ballet de l’Opera de Paris In this veritable feast of a Mavericks session, documentary master Frederick Wiseman (Public Housing, Ballet, Titicut Follies) will present the North American premiere of his 160-minute film La Danse, followed by an extended conversation about this new work and his career. In La Danse, Wiseman allows us to observe multiple corners of the Paris Opera Ballet, from rehearsal studios to costume rooms to administrative offices. We get extensive access to choreographers as they work with dancers in both classical and modern styles. You needn’t be a dance aficionado to marvel at the beauty and athleticism on display. Peter Berg Presents Kings Ransom Peter Berg presents the world premiere of Kings Ransom, produced for ESPN Film’s 30 for 30 project. The hour-long documentary explores how Wayne Gretzky’s move from Canada to Los Angeles changed the game of hockey. For fans, it’s a must-see. But even those unfamiliar with the sport can connect to the universal themes and will be dazzled by the archival clips of Gretzky’s mastery on ice. The resulting work tells a powerful story of family, money, national pride and opportunities lost and gained. Afterwards, Berg will sit down for an extended discussion of the film and his friendship with Gretzky. In Conversation with… Michael Caine Sir Michael Caine has described himself as an Everyman. But not every man can match his achievements. In this Mavericks conversation, we’ll get a generous helping of the raconteur’s talents. The discussion will range freely around his distinguished career, including his latest film, Harry Brown, which premieres at this year’s Festival. -For Dialogues and Industry Events, please continue to page 2- Loading ... Who would you be most interested in hearing speak at the Toronto Film Festival? Joe Dante Barry Levinson Chris Rock Frederick Wiseman Michael Caine Peter Berg Neil Jordan Atom Egoyan Read & React: TIFF Talks: Rock, Caine, Levinson and Egoyan Lead Fest’s Announced Events   (1 of 2)  Next Page › Login to recommend this article » posted on August 18, 2009 |Share Login to Leave a Comment »