The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 17) is around the corner once again!   Anyone who knows me can feel my excitement in the way I walk and talk.  This year I have been bestowed my greatest wish.  I have a press pass and will be doing coverage of TIFF at Vitalize Magazine.  I’m very excited and a little intimidated.  Again, anyone who knows me knows that I’ll knock it out of the park.

I spent the majority of last night reviewing TIFF 17’s movies.  Here are a few that caught my eye.  Whether they are Oscar contenders or not is irrelevant in this post.  It what appeals to me as a moviegoer.  Check these out and give me your TIFF wish list on Instagram @trina_stewart or on Facebook.

Breathe (World Premiere, Roy Thompson Hall, September 11, 2017)

Actor Andy Serkis makes his directorial debut with the inspiring true love story of Robin and Diana Cavendish (Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy), an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease.

Stronger (World Premiere, Roy Thompson Hall, September 8, 2017)

David Gordon Green (George Washington, All the Real Girls) directs Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany in this adaptation of the memoir by Jeff Bauman, recounting his struggles to adjust after losing his legs in the Boston Marathon bombing.

The Leisure Seeker (International Premiere, Roy Thompson Hall, September 9th, 2017)

Oscar winner Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland star as an elderly couple looking for adventure on one boisterous and bittersweet final road trip. Based on the novel by Michael Zadoorian, The Leisure Seeker is a pleasure giver. Despite the sombre rationale behind Ella and John’s journey, the film brims with humour, affection, observation, and more than a little satire.

First They Killed My Father (Canadian Premiere, Princess of Wales Theatre, September 11, 2017)

Angelina Jolie co-produces, co-writes, and directs this adaptation of the memoir by Loung Ung, which recounts the author’s horrifying childhood experiences under the murderous Khmer Rouge regime in her native Cambodia.

Long Time Running (World Premiere, Roy Thompson Hall, September 13, 2017)

Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier capture the emotional and powerful 2016 final tour of Canadian rock icons The Tragically Hip.

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