July
20 Toronto Fest Adds Galas to Lineup

The Toronto International Film Festival is pleased to announce Gala Presentations and Special Presentations for the programming lineup for TIFF08, which runs September 4 through 13. For further ticket information, contact us online at tiff08.ca, by phone at 416-968-FILM or 1-877-968-FILM or in person at the Festival Box Office at Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West (main floor, north entrance). Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The 33rd Toronto International Film Festival® opens September 4 with the world premiere Gala Presentation of Passchendaele, written, directed and produced by celebrated Canadian filmmaker Paul Gross. Co-produced by Niv Fichman, Frank Siracusa and Francis Damberger, Passchendaele stars Gross (Men with Brooms, “Due South,” “Slings & Arrows”), Caroline Dhavernas (Hollywoodland, Breach, Niagara Motel), Gil Bellows (The Shawshank Redemption, “Ally McBeal”) and Joe Dinicol (George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead, “Train 48”). The 33rd Toronto International Film Festival runs September 4 to 13, 2008.

GALA PRESENTATIONS
Rachel Getting Married Jonathan Demme, USA
North American Premiere

When Kym (Anne Hathaway) returns to the Buchman family home for the wedding of her sister Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt), she brings a long history of personal crisis and family conflict along with her. The wedding party’s abundant cast of friends and relations has gathered for an idyllic weekend of feasting, music and love, but Kym—with her black-comic one-liners and knack for bombshell drama—is a catalyst for long-simmering tensions in the family dynamic. Filled with the rich and eclectic characters that have always been a hallmark of Jonathan Demme’s films, Rachel Getting Married paints a strikingly perceptive and sometimes hilarious family portrait. Director Demme, first-time writer Jenny Lumet and the stellar acting ensemble leaven the drama of these difficult but compelling people with wry affection and generosity of spirit. Rachel Getting Married is a Sony Pictures Classics presentation and will be distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media.

The Other Man Richard Eyre, United Kingdom/USA
World Premiere

From the director of Notes on a Scandal comes this adaptation of a short story by Bernhard Schlink. The Other Man tells the story of Peter (Liam Neeson) who discovers that his wife Lisa (Laura Linney) has been receiving emails and mobile messages from Ralph (Antonio Banderas), a man he never knew existed. His obsession with this unknown rival escalates and, against the advice of his estranged daughter Abigail (Romola Garai), a hurt and vengeful Peter flies to Milan to seek out the mysterious Ralph and the truth about his relationship with Lisa. Directed by Richard Eyre (Iris), The Other Man is produced by Frank Doelger, Tracey Scoffield and Michael Dreyer. The Executive Producers are Mary Beth O'Connor and David Richenthal.

Secret Life of Bees Gina Prince-Bythewood, USA
World Premiere
Based on the bestselling novel The Secret Life of Bees and set in South Carolina in 1964, the film is the moving tale of Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning), a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother (Hilarie Burton). To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father (Paul Bettany), Lily flees with Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys), Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey and the Black Madonna. Secret Life of Bees is a Fox Searchlight Pictures presentation.

The Duchess Saul Dibb, United Kingdom
International Premiere
Long before the concept existed, the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley), was the original “It Girl” -- ravishing, glamorous and adored by an entire country. Determined to be a player in the wider affairs of the world, she helped usher in sweeping changes to England as a leader of the forward-thinking Whig Party. But even as her power and popularity grew, she was haunted by the fact that the only man in England she seemingly could not seduce was her very own husband, the Duke (Ralph Fiennes). Directed by Saul Dibb (Bullet Boy, The Line of Beauty), The Duchess is the story of an extraordinary woman who rose to fame by staying true to her passions in a world of protocol, gossip and social rules – and paid the price. Academy Award™ nominees Knightley and Fiennes head an international cast that also includes Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell and Charlotte Rampling. Based on the award-winning biography Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, The Duchess is written by Dibb, Jeffrey Hatcher and Anders Thomas Jensen. The Duchess is a Paramount Vantage presentation.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Appaloosa Ed Harris, USA
World Premiere

Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger and Jeremy Irons star in the Western Appaloosa, adapted from the Robert B. Parker novel. Set in the Old West territory of New Mexico, Appaloosa revolves around a pair of hired guns (Harris and Mortensen) who come to clean up a dangerous town run by a ruthless, powerful rancher (Irons) and his band of outlaws. While boldly bringing new order to the town, the two fearless lawmen meet a provocative outsider (Zellweger) whose unconventional ways threaten to destroy their decade-old bond. Appaloosa is co-written and directed by Ed Harris.

La Fille de Monaco Anne Fontaine, France
North American Premiere

A brilliant and neurotic attorney (Fabrice Luchini) goes to Monaco to defend a famous criminal. But instead of focusing on the case, he falls for a beautiful she-devil (Louise Bourgoin), who turns him into a complete wreck. Hopefully, his zealous bodyguard (Roschdy Zem) will step in and put everything back in order... or will he? La Fille de Monaco is directed by Anne Fontaine (Nouvelle chance, TIFF 2006 and Entre ses mains, TIFF 2005).

I’ve Loved You So Long (Il y a longtemps que je t'aime) Philippe Claudel, France
North American Premiere

Coming off a hugely successful run in France, I've Loved You So Long is written and directed by acclaimed novelist/filmmaker Philippe Claudel. I've Loved You So Long is a film about the strength of women, and their capacity to shine forth, reconstruct themselves and be reborn. It is also a story about secrets, about confinement, and about the isolation we all share. For 15 years, Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) has had no ties with her family who had rejected her. Although life once violently separated them, her younger sister Léa (Elsa Zylberstein) takes Juliette into her home, which she shares with her husband Luc, her father-in-law, and their two daughters.

Every Little Step James Stern, Adam Del Deo, USA
World Premiere
Every Little Step is a theatrical documentary on the making of Broadway’s greatest hit and current revival of “A Chorus Line.” The film culls behind-the-scenes footage of the auditions, rehearsals and performances of the 1975 original and the 2006 Broadway revival – revealing how life imitates art as performers from both productions undergo intense experiences similar to the roles in the show itself. Every Little Step, directed by James Stern and Adam Del Deo (…So Goes the Nation, TIFF 2006 and The Year of the Yao, TIFF 2004) spotlights the similarities and the differences between the two shows separated by a generation, the enduring popularity of “A Chorus Line,” and the creative minds behind one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history.

Ghost Town David Koepp, USA
World Premiere
Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni). Also starring Billy Campbell, Kristen Wiig and Dana Ivey.

The Good, The Bad, The Weird Kim Jee-woon, South Korea
North American Premiere
Drawing inspiration from Sergio Leone’s 1966 classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Kim (The Foul King, TIFF 2000) returns to TIFF with the first-ever “kimchi western.” This is also South Korea’s biggest budget movie ever. In the 1930s, Northeast Asia lies in chaos. The Korean Peninsula has fallen to Japanese Imperialists. Many Koreans have retreated to the vast wilds of Manchuria, including a thief named Tae-gu (The Weird). A train robbery lands Tae-gu with a mysterious map promising untold treasure, but cold-blooded hitman Chang-yi (The Bad) and bounty hunter Do-won (The Good) are also hot on the trail of the map. On the heels of them all is a larger, more powerful cast of characters, including Chinese, Russian and Korean bandits, the Japanese army and the Korean resistance. In true western style, it all builds towards the climactic final showdown – a breathtaking bullet ballet. Starring Jung Woosung, Lee Byung-hun, and Song Kang-ho, The Good, The Bad, The Weird is a Barunson Co. Ltd. Film Division and Grimm Pictures production, produced by Choi Jae-weon and Kim Jee-woon, and executive produced by Miky Lee.

Religulous Larry Charles, USA
World Premiere
Religulous follows political humorist and author Bill Maher (Real Time with Bill Maher, Politically Incorrect) as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion. Known for his astute analytical skills, irreverent wit and commitment to never pulling a punch, Maher brings his characteristic honesty to an unusual spiritual journey. Directed by Larry Charles, Religulous will mark Charles’s first feature project since the critically acclaimed, wildly successful Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (TIFF 2006). Teaser clips of Religulous were presented as a special Mavericks presentation at TIFF 2007 with Maher and Charles in attendance.

Ashes of Time Redux Wong Kar-wai, Hong Kong,China
North American Premiere
Wong Kar-wai works his magic in this long-planned "reworking" of his legendary, romantic and one and only martial arts film, previously unreleased in North America. Set in ancient China, Ouyang Feng (Leslie Cheung) is a fallen swordsman who is afraid of love after having his heart broken. But the bounty hunters that work for him, like "Blind Swordsman" (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and Hung Chi (Jacky Cheung), discover the intangible secret of true love while Ouyang retains his attitude towards his fighters and the precious lessons that they have taught.

Happy-Go-Lucky Mike Leigh, United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Poppy (Sally Hawkins), is an irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who brings an infectious laugh and an unsinkable sense of optimism to every situation she encounters as a single woman in London. When Poppy’s commuter bike is stolen, she enthusiastically signs up for driving lessons with Scott (Eddie Marsan), who turns out to be her polar opposite – a fuming, uptight cynic. As the tension of their weekly lessons builds, Poppy’s story takes alternately hilarious and serious turns, becoming a touching, truthful and deeply life-affirming exploration of one of the most mysterious of all human qualities: happiness. Happy-Go-Lucky is a new comedy from director Mike Leigh.

RocknRolla Guy Ritchie, United Kingdom
North American Premiere
When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London’s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. Written and directed by Guy Ritchie, RocknRolla stars Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Chris Bridges, Jeremy Piven and Idris Elba.

Waltz with Bashir Ari Folman, Israel/France/Germany
North American Premiere
One night in a bar, an old friend tells director Ari Folman about a recurring nightmare. The two men conclude that there is a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the Lebanon War in the early 1980s. An astonishing and powerful animated feature that journeys into the director's memory in search of some missing pieces.

Blindness Fernando Meirelles, Canada/Brazil/Japan
North American Premiere
It begins in a flash, as one man is instantaneously struck blind while driving home from work, his whole world suddenly turned to an eerie, milky haze. One by one, each person he encounters will in due course suffer the same unsettling fate. As the contagion spreads, and panic and paranoia set in across the city, the newly blind victims of the "White Sickness" are rounded up and quarantined within a crumbling, abandoned mental asylum, where all semblance of ordinary life begins to break down. But inside the quarantined hospital, there is one secret eyewitness: one woman (four-time Academy Award™-nominee Julianne Moore) is pretending to be blind in order to stay beside her beloved husband (Mark Ruffalo). Armed with increasing courage and the will to survive, she will lead a makeshift family of seven people on a journey to break out of the hospital and into the devastated city where they may be the only hope left. Directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God, TIFF 2002), from a screenplay by Don McKellar (based on the international bestseller by José Saramago), Blindness also stars Alice Braga, Yusuke Iseya, Yoshino Kimura, Don McKellar, Maury Chaykin, Danny Glover and Gael García Bernal.

Disgrace Steve Jacobs, Australia/South Africa
World Premiere
Professor David Lurie’s (John Malkovich) life falls apart after he has an impulsive affair with one of his students. Forced to resign from Cape Town University, he escapes to his daughter’s farm in the Eastern Cape. Their relationship is tested when they both become victims of a vicious attack. In order not to lose the love of his daughter, David stands by her as she accepts her tragic circumstances. She continues her life on the farm and their individual disgrace finally settles to an uneasy grace.

Good Vicente Amorim, United Kingdom/Germany
World Premiere
John Halder (Viggo Mortensen) is a good, decent individual with family problems: a neurotic wife, two demanding children and a mother suffering from senile dementia. A literature professor in the 1930s, Halder explores his personal circumstances in a novel advocating compassionate euthanasia. When the book is unexpectedly enlisted by powerful political figures in support of government propaganda, Halder finds his career rising in an optimistic current of nationalism and prosperity. Seemingly inconsequential decisions lead to choices, which lead to more choices...with devastating effect. Directed by Vicente Amorim (The Middle of the World, TIFF 2003), Good also stars Jason Isaacs, Jodie Whittaker, Mark Strong and Gemma Jones.

Miracle at St. Anna Spike Lee, USA
World Premiere
Directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay written by James McBride, the author of the acclaimed novel of the same name, the film chronicles the story of four black American soldiers who are members of the US Army as part of the all-black 92nd "Buffalo Soldier" Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy, during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy. Starring Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller, Matteo Sciabordi, John Leguizamo and Joseph Gordon Levitt, Miracle at St. Anna explores a deeply inspiring story that transcends national boundaries, race and class to touch the goodness within us all.

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist Peter Sollett, USA
World Premiere
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a comedy about two people thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living and live, loud music. Nick (Michael Cera) frequents New York's indie rock scene nursing a broken heart and a vague ability to play the bass. Norah (Kat Dennings) is questioning pretty much all of her assumptions about the world. Though they have nothing in common except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band's secret show and ends up becoming the first date in a romance that could change both their lives.

Il Divo Paolo Sorrentino, Italy/France
North American Premiere
Giulio Andreotti (Toni Servillo) has been the alpha and omega of Italian politics. Unreachable and enigmatic, he hides behind a calculated semblance of normality. Seven times prime minister, 25 times minister, he was the man who held the fate of Italy in his hands for over half a century until the disconcerting accusations of involvement with the Mafia. Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes 2008, Il Divo is an insightful, intensely political film that delves into the hidden character of one of the most powerful figures in the history of Italian politics.

The Hurt Locker Kathryn Bigelow, USA
North American Premiere
Forced to play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the chaos of the current Iraq war, an elite Army bomb squad unit must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. From Kathryn Bigelow (The Weight of Water, TIFF 2000) comes an explosive adventure revealing the daily heroism of these willing daredevils, starring Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, David Morse, Jeremy Renner and Christian Camargo.

Everlasting Moments Jan Troell, Denmark/Sweden
World Premiere
From Academy Award™-nominated Swedish filmmaker Jan Troell (The Emigrants; As White as in Snow, TIFF 2001) comes a true story from early 20th-century Sweden. In a time of social change and poverty, the young working-class woman Maria wins a camera in a lottery. The camera enables Maria to see the world through new eyes, but it also becomes a threat to her somewhat alcoholic womanizing husband, as it brings the charming photographer Pedersen into her life.

Tokyo Sonata Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Japan/The Netherlands/Hong Kong
North American Premiere
Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner at Cannes 2008, Tokyo Sonata from filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Bright Future, TIFF 2003) is a portrait of a struggling Japanese family: a father who abruptly loses his job and conceals it from his family; the eldest son who hardly ever returns home from college; the youngest son who furtively takes piano lessons without telling his parents; and the mother, who knows deep down that her role is to keep the family together, but cannot find the will to do so. Somehow a single, unforeseeable rift has developed within the family, spreading quickly and quietly, and threatening to break them apart.

Adoration Atom Egoyan, Canada
North American Premiere
The twelfth feature film from celebrated Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan. High school student Simon (Devon Bostick) is caught up in family history, technology and a shocking and explosive lie that intertwines the lives of his uncle (Scott Speedman) and his French teacher (Arsinée Khanjian), while forcing him to reconcile conflicting memories of his deceased parents (Noam Jenkins and Rachel Blanchard).

Un conte de Noël Arnaud Desplechin, France
North American Premiere
A dysfunctional family, torn apart by illness, death and loss, come together for Christmas in the North of France. Exploring the relationships among them, one by one they open up to acceptance, forgiveness and understanding. Winner of a Special Prize at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Desplechin’s (Rois et Reine, TIFF 2004) Un Conte de Noël stars Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Mathieu Amalric, Anne Consigny, Melvil Poupaud, Emmanuelle Devos and Chiara Mastroianni.

Gomorrah Matteo Garrone, Italy
North American Premiere
Power, money and blood – these are the “values” that the residents of the Province of Naples and Caserta have to face every day. They hardly ever have a choice, and are almost always forced to obey the rules of the “system,” the Camorra. Only a lucky few can even think of leading a normal life. Five stories are woven together in this violent scenario, set in a cruel and apparently imaginary world, but one that is deeply rooted in reality. Winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

MASTERS

24 City Jia Zhang-ke, China
North American Premiere
A state-owned factory in Chengdu is shut down, giving way to a luxury apartment complex called 24 CITY. Reflecting on the life of work that binds them all, old workers, factory executives and yuppies assemble the history of China. Written and directed by filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke (Still Life, TIFF 2006; Useless, TIFF 2007), 24 City stars Joan Chen, Zhao Tao, Lv Liping and Chen Jianbin.

Four Nights with Anna Jerzy Skolimowski, Poland/France
North American Premiere
From influential Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski comes the story of Leon, a hospital worker who once witnessed the brutal rape of Anna, now a young nurse working in the same hospital. Secretly forcing himself into her life, and her bedroom, Leon develops an intense fixation with Anna that begs the question, “how far will he go?”

Of Time and the City Terence Davies, United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Acclaimed British director Terence Davies (Distant Voices, Still Lives; TIFF 1988) returns to his native Liverpool and to his filmmaking roots to capture a sense of the city today and its influences on him growing up in the late 40s and early 50s.

Le Silence de Lorna Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, Belgium/France/Italy
North American Premiere
Lorna, a young Albanian woman living in Belgium, becomes entangled in a sham marriage orchestrated by mobster Fabio, an arrangement that will end in murder if Lorna chooses to keep silent. Best Screenplay winner at Cannes 2008, Le Silence de Lorna is written, directed and produced by two-time Palme d’Or winners Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (L’Enfant, TIFF 2005).

Three Monkeys Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Turkey/France/Italy
North American Premiere
Winner of Best Director at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Climates, TIFF 2006) tells the story of a dislocated family battling the odds to stay together by covering up the truth.

CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA

Fear Me Not Kristian Levring, Denmark
World Premiere
Desperate to change his life, 42-year-old Michael signs up to take part in clinical trials for a new anti-depressant. But when the tests are abandoned due to the discovery of serious side effects, Michael decides to continue the experiment on his own. Intoxicated by a new sense of self control, Michael feels an urge to take control of other people’s lives as well. Slowly, his minor psychological games grow more drastic and frequent, until Michael makes a discovery that forces him to view his actions in a terrifying new light.

El Greco Iannis Smaragdis, Greece/Spain/Hungary
World Premiere
From acclaimed Greek director Iannis Smaragdis (Cavafy, TIFF 1996) comes the epic tale of an uncompromising artist and fighter for freedom, known to the world as El Greco. In the 16th-century, El Greco’s search for liberty and love takes him across Europe. Never backing down from the establishments of his day, he is led on a quest to confront his greatest adversary: the Holy Inquisition. El Greco’s story is one of unusual heroism, betrayal, love and the power of one man to battle barbarity and ignorance.

The Narrows François A. Velle, USA
World Premiere
Brooklyn-born Mike (Kevin Zegers) lives with his dad Vinny (Vincent D’Onofrio), a sanitation worker with low-level ties to local mob boss Tony (Titus Welliver). A talented photographer, Mike secretly applies to college, taking a job from Tony in order to pay his tuition. Torn between two worlds that threaten to collide, Mike learns the far-reaching consequences of his personal choices.

Pandora’s Box Yesim Ustaoglu, Turkey/France/Belgium/Germany
World Premiere
When three fortysomething siblings in Istanbul receive a call that their aging mother has disappeared from her home along the Eastern Black Sea Coast of Turkey, they put aside their problems and set out to find her. As the siblings come together, the tension between them quickly become apparent, and they are forced to reflect upon their own shortcomings and ignorance of each other’s lives.

My Mother, My Bride and I Hans Steinbichler, Germany/Romania
International Premiere
Of course it’s crazy: going to Bucharest to meet prospective wives chosen from a catalogue. But it’s alright with Erwin, who knows little of life and even less of women. Up to now, the only woman in his life has been his mother. Erwin is a mama’s boy, and mama isn’t into sharing. This becomes distressingly clear to Irina, the shy young woman Erwin brings back from the city. While Mother sharpens her claws and Irina transforms from meek to manic, Erwin must decide – in just three weeks – if this truly is his idea of “happily ever after.”

White Night Wedding Baltasar Kormakur, Iceland
International Premiere
Jon, a middle-aged professor, is about to embark on marriage number two. His bride-to-be? A former student half his age. Not everyone thinks that this “blessed union” is a good idea, among them the parents of his future wife. As the guests flock to the island where the marriage is to be held, the groom begins to get cold feet.

33 Scenes from Life Malgosia Szumowska, Germany/Poland
North American Premiere
Julia is a beloved daughter and wife, and a successful photographer. But the pieces of her happy life begin to fall apart all around her, beginning with the death of the family dog. When Julia’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, her husband, a famous composer, is of no help, spending most of his time abroad, while her father seems to need help even more than she does. Sickness and death from a close perspective are much more absurd, nonsensical and ridiculous than Julia expected.

The Country Teacher Bohdan Sláma, Czech Republic/Germany/France
North American Premiere
When a gifted young teacher takes a job at a grammar school in the country, he quickly forms a strong bond with Marie, a local farm owner. But their friendship is challenged by the arrival of the teacher’s jealous ex-lover from the city, who, upon discovering that the teacher is harbouring a secret affection for Marie’s 17-year-old son, plots to expose him. From the director of Something Like Happiness (TIFF 2005).

Delta Kornél Mundruczó, Hungary/Germany
North American Premiere
Having been away since childhood, a young man returns to the wild, isolated landscape of the Danube Delta. Introduced to the sister he never knew he had, he and his newfound sibling build a house on stilts in the middle of the river, far away from everyone else. But when they invite the villagers over to share a meal together, it becomes apparent that the coarse locals do not accept their “unnatural” relationship.

Knitting Yin Lichuan, China
North American Premiere
Daping hates Haili, who strode out of nowhere into her apartment, her life, and her blossoming relationship with Chen Jin. Though Daping tries to be a kind and honest person, Haili bullies her mercilessly. Then Chen Jin disappears, leaving Daping pregnant and alone. Having experienced many hardships in her life, Haili might be just the person to help Daping during these troubled times.

Teza Haile Gerima, Germany/Ethiopia/France
North American Premiere
Upon graduating from a university in Germany, Anberber returns to his native Ethiopia during the war of the 1990s. Hoping to put his newly acquired knowledge to good use and eager to strengthen and rebuild his homeland, which has become impoverished under the military junta, Anberber both inspires hope and faces disillusionment, feeling estranged from his own people.

Acne Federico Veiroj, Uruguay/Argentina/Spain/Mexico
North American Premiere
At age 13, Rafael loses his virginity thanks to arrangements made by his older brother. His first kiss, however, proves harder to get.

Linha de Passe Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas, Brazil
North American Premiere
In the heart of São Paulo, four fatherless brothers try to find a way out from their preordained paths. Reuniting directors Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries, TIFF 2004) and Thomas, Linha de Passe garnered Best Actress (Sandra Corveloni) at Cannes 2008.

O’Horten Bent Hamer, Norway/Germany/France
North American Premiere
In the driver’s cab of a train journeying through the Norwegian countryside, Odd Horten is on his penultimate journey from Oslo to Bergen. Tomorrow he’ll make his last trip. But, for the first time in almost 40 years, he will arrive too late and miss his last departure.

Lion’s Den Pablo Trapero, Argentina/South Korea/Brazil
North American Premiere
Julia awakes in her apartment one morning, pregnant and in the company of the bloodied bodies of two men who had been her lovers. In an instant, her life becomes that of a single mother in prison.

Restless Amos Kollek, Israel/Germany/Canada/France/Belgium
North American Premiere
Recently discharged from the Israeli army, Tzach travels to New York to confront his father Moshe, a struggling artist who left his family behind some twenty years ago.

Revanche Götz Spielmann, Austria
North American Premiere
Alex is an errand boy; Tamara, a prostitute. Entwined in a forbidden love affair, both are determined to escape the Viennese brothel where they work. But carrying out their plan proves fateful once police officer Robert walks into their lives.

REAL TO REEL

Blind Loves Juraj Lehotský, Slovakia
North American Premiere
Finding one’s place in this world is not an easy thing for any person, but how much more difficult can it be for someone who is blind?

VISIONS

Liverpool Lisandro Alonso, Argentina/France/Netherlands/Spain/Germany
North American Premiere
During an Atlantic crossing, Farrel asks the captain of the freighter he is sailing for permission to go ashore at the next port. He wants to visit the place where he was born to find out if his mother is still alive.

Service Brillante Mendoza, Philippines/France
North American Premiere
The Pineda family operates a run-down movie house that shows sexy double features. While they endure each other’s sins and vices, the matriarch, Nanay Flor, receives a long-awaited court decision on the bigamy case filed against her estranged husband.

DISCOVERY

Hunger Steve McQueen, United Kingdom
North American Premiere
Winner of this year’s Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Hunger follows Bobby Sands and the other political inmates of Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison in 1981 as they seek to gain special category status for republican prisoners.

Medicine for Melancholy Barry Jenkins, USA
Canadian Premiere
Two African-American twentysomethings wake up in bed together having no recollection of how they arrived there. Wandering the streets of San Francisco, the pair meditate on issues of race, class, identity and gentrification, exploring sights of the city less seen in today’s cinema.

The Paranoids Gabriel Medina, Argentina
International Premiere
At once an unmotivated procrastinator, fearsome hypochondriac and unenthused children’s party entertainer, Luciano is on the fast track to nowhere. When his successful friend arrives from Spain, Luciano is forced to face the realities of his own uninspired existence.

Salamandra Pablo Agüero, Argentina/France/Germany
North American Premiere
In the valley of El Bolson in Patagonia – a haven for renegades from all over the world – Alba and Inti try to build a normal life as mother and son.

Three Blind Mice Matthew Newton, Australia
International Premiere
Tension mounts between three young Australian naval officers as they hit the streets of Sydney before being shipped out to Iraq. Written and directed by Matthew Newton, who also stars.

Tony Manero Pablo Larraín, Chile/Brazil
North American Premiere
Santiago de Chile, 1978. Dancer Raúl Peralta is obsessed with imitating Tony Manero, John Travolta’s character in Saturday Night Fever. His quest for stardom seems within his grasp when a TV station announces a Manero impersonation contest.

Tulpan Sergey Dvortsevoy, Germany/Switzerland/Kazakstan/Russia/Poland
North American Premiere
Before he can realize his ambition of becoming a shepherd, Asa must first get married. Tulpan, his sole prospect for a future bride, rejects Asa due to his big ears. But Asa refuses to give up. Winner of this year’s Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.