TIFF reveals more programming, including Greta Thunberg doc

We’re just a few short weeks away from the buzziest film festival in Canada, and although the Toronto International Film Festival is going virtual this year that hasn’t stopped the planners from putting together one of its most impressive schedules yet.On August 27 TIFF revealed the latest additions to its already packed lineup, announcing newly confirmed special events, talks, and “Best of TIFF” reunions that will be a part of Bell’s enhance the audience experience at this year’s event. Among the announcements was the news that the upcoming Greta Thunberg documentary, I Am Greta, will make its debut ahead of its global October 16 release. The anticipated film follows the teen climate activist and her year-long climb from high school student to one of the most recognized faces of the global environmental movement.

Just announced: Follow environmental activist @GretaThunberg’s meteoric rise from everyday high-schooler to worldwide inspiration in Nathan Grossman's documentary I AM GRETA. https://t.co/SdxWmXZ8EA #TIFF20 pic.twitter.com/SapCGlu54Y

— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) August 27, 2020

I Am Greta is one of two newly announced TIFF films revolving around teen activism. The organization also confirmed that The Water Walker, which traces 15-year-old Autumn Peltier’s journey from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory to New York City to speak in front of the United Nations on behalf of Indigenous communities, will also be a part of this year’s lineup. According to a release, both screenings will be accessible on the Festival’s online film platform, Bell Digital Cinema, and The Water Walker in particular is a free event.[video_embed id='1892356']RELATED: Cameron Bailey reveals how he picks films for the Toronto International Film Festival[/video_embed]In conjunction with those announcements, TIFF also revealed it is hosting a live conversation with Peltier and author Naomi Klein in order to chat about climate activism and its impact on future generations. That will also be free to audiences, although an exact date hasn’t yet been set. Meanwhile, programmers have set a date for a filmmakers panel based on the previously announced Planet Africa 25. The Black Film Now conversation takes place on September 16 and will be moderated by TIFF co-head Cameron Bailey. Directors Charles Officer (Akilla’s Escape), Dieudo Hamadi (Downstream to Kinshasa), Tommy Oliver (40 Years A Prisoner), and Dawn Porter (The Way I See It) are expected to take part.

Join filmmakersCharles Officer (AKILLA’S ESCAPE)Dieudo Hamadi (DOWNSTREAM TO KINSHASA)Tommy Oliver (40 YEARS A PRISONER)Dawn Porter (THE WAY I SEE IT)

for a vital panel discussion on filmmaking at Planet Africa 25: Black Film Now. https://t.co/KzBnKYehQ1 #TIFF20 pic.twitter.com/UDuLHIo3aN— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) August 27, 2020

That panel isn’t the only walk down memory lane that Festival fans can look forward to. In celebration of TIFF’s 45^th year, programmers have also put together a series of reunion discussions. So far they include a chat with Darren Aronofsky and Ellen Burstyn for Requiem for a Dream on September 13; a special drive-in screening of Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and a pre-recorded panel discussion with some of the stars and behind-the-scenes talent on September 18; and a celebratory look back at the legacy of Claudia Weill’s 1978 flick Girlfriends (which was the inaugural TIFF People’s Choice Award Winner), on September 11.To honour one of today’s most celebrated female directors, Greta Gerwig, the festival also plans on hosting a Twitter watch party for her 2017 TIFF entry Lady Bird starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Beanie Feldstein, and Lucas Hedges. That goes down September 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with some “special appearances from surprise guests.”This year’s 45^th Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10-19. The TIFF Member pre-sale opens up on August 28, with the public tickets going up for grabs beginning September 5^th. In addition to these new announcements, programmers have already confirmed a wide lineup of specialty and gala debuts, including the buzzworthy movie Ammonite starring Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet; Halle Berry’s directorial debut Bruised; and the opening night selection David Byrne’s American Utopia from filmmaker Spike Lee.[video_embed id='1833383']Before you go: Greta Thunberg time traveller conspiracy has the internet scratching its head[/video_embed]