NYWIFT Blog

By Judith Davis

Since COVID shut down almost every major event in 2020, many of the large film festivals went virtual and while the viral experience was well done, there is nothing like being in person at a film festival.  Seeing all the celebrities, the films, listening to panels, attending awards shows, going to parties, and seeing all of the fans are so much a part of the event being successful.

For 2020 and 2021, all film festivals large, medium, and small had to regroup and figure out a way to keep the festival goers engaged – and TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) was no different. 

For 2022, many of the festivals were back in person and from September 8-18, TIFF was back in full swing with 300 films (shorts and features) to be screened. This was exciting for all who attended, but even more for me as a NYWIFT member who was in the midst of all of this talent and creativity.

NYWIFT Member, Judith Davis on the red carpet at TIFF

Upon arriving at TIFF on the morning of Saturday, September 10, the first plan was to check in, grab my badge, and head to the Viola Davis starring The Woman King. Listening to director (and NYWIFT Muse honoree) Gina Prince-Bythewood, Gina shared her experience as to how after reading the first five pages of the script, she knew that she had to do this film and how great it was to have Viola Davis as a producer.

During the panel, both Gina and Viola left such great nuggets of wisdom for actors, directors, and anyone looking to be a part of the industry. In addition, Viola discusses the importance of having a female director and a mostly female cast. Then after seeing the film, I was quite blow away. I had a feeling I would enjoy the film and after seeing it, The Woman King is one of my favorite films for the year.

Viola Davis and Gina Prince-Bythewood discuss the film The Woman King at TIFF

After The Woman King I had the pleasure of seeing actor Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) be honored for her work. She is a powerhouse and was a great choice for the inaugural TIFF Tribute Award.

Michelle Yeoh on the red carpet at TIFF to receive the first TIFF Tribute Awards

The “Queen of Talk” Oprah Winfrey graced the TIFF red carpet and talk to the press about her being asked to be a producer on the upcoming Sidney Poitier documentary, Sidney. She mentioned how much of a pleasure it was to be a part of a film featuring someone she admired so much. 

Oprah on the red carpet for the premiere of the Sidney Poitier documentary at TIFF

The fans went wild seeing the beautiful Jennifer Lawrence looking gorgeous after having her child who is now six months. She glowed on the carpet and spoke briefly about the film Causeway.

Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Causeway

Maribel Verdu on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Raymond & Ray

Michelle Williams on the red carpet for the premiere of the film The Fabelmans

Sanaa Lathan on the red carpet for the premiere of the film On the Come Up

Kate Hudson on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Janelle Monae on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Kathryn Hahn on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Anna Diop on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Nanny

Michelle Monaghan on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Nanny

Sophie Okonedo on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Raymond & Ray

Anna Kendrick on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Alice Darling

Mary Nighy on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Alice Darling

Zephani Idoke on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Nanny

And who can forget all of the fine gentlemen who graced the TIFF 2022 red carpet!

Steven Spielberg on the red carpet for the premiere of the film The Fabelmans

Ewan McGregor on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Raymond & Ray

Hugh Jackman on the red carpet for the premiere of the film The Son

Ethan Hawke on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Raymond & Ray

Leslie Odom on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Rupert Everett on the red carpet for the premiere of the film My Policeman

Harry Styles on the red carpet for the premiere of the film My Policeman

Daniel Craig on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Brendan Fraser on the red carpet for the premiere of the film The Whale

Charlie Carrick on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Alice Darling

Seth Rogan on the red carpet for the premiere of the film The Fabelmans

Sinqua Walls on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Nanny

Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos on the red carpet for the premiere of the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain on the red carpet at TIFF for the premiere of the film The Good Nurse.

Due to the success of the first Knives Out film, Netflix jumped into place to create a much-anticipated sequel.

It was great to see the celebrities on the carpet showcasing their films and watching a few films online. In addition, there were quite a few female directors premiering their films at TIFF which is awesome for women in film. I was fortune enough to cover films by five of the female directors. Keep an eye out for the following films – the five by women are in bold:

1. Causeway – directed by Lila Neugebauer and starring Jennifer Lawrence
2. The Fabelmans – directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Seth Rogan and Michelle Williams
3. Sidney – directed by Reginald Hudlin and produced by Oprah Winfrey
4. Alice Darling – directed by Mary Nighy and starring Anna Kendrick
5. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – starring Daniel Craig, Leslie Odom, Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Ed Norton, Kathryn Hahn
6. My Policeman – Harry Styles, Rupert Everett
7. On the Come Up – directed by Sanaa Lathan
8. Nanny – directed by Nikyatu Jusu and starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Zephani Idoke
9. The Whale – directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser
10. Raymond and Ray – directed by Rodrigo Garcia and starring Ethan Hawke, Maribel Verdu, Ewan McGregor, Sophie Okonedo, Vondie Curtis Hall
11. The Son – directed by Florian Zeller and starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern
12. The Woman King – directed by Gina Prince- Bythewood and starring Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Sheila Atim and Thuso Mbedu

NYWIFT Member and Blogger Judy Davis

Now that the world has a bit of a handle on COVID-19, I look forward to attending other amazing and groundbreaking film festivals like TIFF this year and in 2023, and even more exciting is that there are more women directors to watch for in the coming years. If you have not yet attended, make the effort to do so next time!

(Photo Credits: Judith Davis)