The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is still six weeks away, but the city is already getting some exciting information on the big films and even bigger celebrities set to arrive in September.

TIFF just revealed an exciting lineup of 60 films in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes for this year’s festival. Representing 70 countries, these films showcase imaginative storytelling, exceptional performances, and innovative filmmaking.

The first wave of the 2023 Official Selection includes 37 World Premieres, 7 International Premieres, 12 North American Premieres, and 4 Canadian Premieres.

The lineup features a diverse range of films from renowned directors and promising newcomers. Some notable Gala Presentations include Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money, Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour, Viggo Mortensen’s The Dead Don’t Hurt, and Ning Hao’s The Movie Emperor. The Special Presentations category includes films like Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, and Marco Bellocchio’s Kidnapped.

Dumb Money stars Canadian actor or cannabis impresario Seth Rogen. We are also excited about the world premiere of Next Goal Wins the latest comedy from Taika Waititi of Jojo Rabbit fame.

Waititi was last at the Festival in 2019 with the World Premiere of Jojo Rabbit, which went on to win the TIFF People’s Choice Award and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Taika back to the Festival and share his audacious take on the most popular sport in the world,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Next Goal Wins is perfect for TIFF fans of the beautiful game looking for their football fill until the 2026 World Cup arrives.”

Two Canadian films by directors Leigh Brooks and Sophie Dupuis will get their world premieres at TIFF galas this year. 

“This year’s Galas & Special Presentations showcase a rich tapestry of talent, vision, and storytelling. Each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences,” said Bailey.

“From thought-provoking narratives to breathtaking visuals and stories so unreal they have to be real, each work embodies the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and move audiences. Get ready to experience an unforgettable celebration of film and a memorable and star-studded festival, showcasing the best of global cinema for film lovers in September.”