Written by Kianna Best on Sep 10, 2024. Posted in Awards and Festivals

TIFF premieres rolls out star studded red carpet for Angelina Jolie and Ron Howard projects

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off this weekend for the 10 days of premieres, screenings and networking events. Euphoria stars Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney matched up against each other for the opening weekend premieres of On Swift Horses and Eden, followed by  Angelina Jolie’s adaptation of Without Blood making its premiere yesterday

Image courtesy of Stefano Cristiano Montesi

Baricco had continued words of advice for Jolie as she brought his story to life for the screen, urging the director to “try to hold,” in regards to identifying the setting and time frame, “because this is what it’s intended to be”. The story, which notably withholds any information on the year or country that the film takes place, filmed at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, taking a journey back to the home country of the author.

The film follows a woman who must come face to face with her brother’s murderer, her father, played by Hayek and Bichir respectively, and hash out their misfortunes. In addition to Jolie’s premiere, the actress and director also received the TIFF Tribute Award for Impact Media. The star-studded tribute event, held a the Royal York Hotel honoured Jolie, alongside Moonlight and When They See US actor Jharrel Jerome, as well as prominent directors David Cronenberg and Mike Leigh. The awards were presented by  Julie Delpy, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Franklin Leonard and honorary chair for this year’s edition, Sandra Oh.

Image courtesy of TIFF

Eden, a true story of Darwinian survival, follows a group of eight idealistic Germans. Starring Vanessa Kirby and Jude Law as Dore Strach and German philosopher Friedrich Ritter, the film, set on the Galapagos Island, shot across Queensland, Australia, a location known for it blockbusters such as Elvis and Thor:Ragnarok for its contribution of expansive landscapes and mega studio spaces. The Lord of the Flies-esque film also sees Sydney Sweeney as dutiful wife of war vet played by Daniel Bruhl.

Sweeney’s co-star Elordi also took over the opening weekend’s premiere with On Swift Horses alongside Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing actress Daisy Edgar-Jones. The 1950’s drama follows young couple Muriel and Lee, played by Jones and husband Will Poulter, who make the move from Kansas to California. Finding a deeper attraction for her brother in law Julius, played by Elordi, a love square arises as his relationship with Henry, played by Diego Calva enters the equation. Filming took place on location in Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the 50’s West, starting principal photography in February of last year.

The festival will also welcomed the premieres of Elton John: Never Too Late and Pharrel’s LEGO documentary Piece by Piece, with activity to continue until its conclusion on 15 September.