Deepa Mehta’s first documentary in decades will premiere at the Toronto film Festival Centrepiece program, formerly known as Contemporary World Cinema along with eight other Canadian films. Mehta poses for a photo after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on Sunday, March 31, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
TORONTO – A Deepa Mehta documentary about a transgender woman in India and a comedy starring Sandra Oh and Awkwafina are among the latest films added to the Toronto International Film Festival lineup.
The projects are screening as part of TIFF’s Centrepiece program that spotlights contemporary films from around the globe.
Mehta’s film, titled “I Am Sirat,” is a collaboration between the Canadian filmmaker and the subject, Sirat Taneja. It’s shot on smartphones to provide an intimate look into her life.
Meanwhile, Ottawa native Oh and Awkwafina portray sisters in “Quiz Lady,” directed by Oscar winner Jessica Yu.
Other newly announced Canadian films include Monia Chokri’s romantic comedy “The Nature of Love” and Zarrar Kahn’s horror “In Flames,” which both premiered at Cannes earlier this year.
Among notable international names is Spanish auteur VÃctor Erice who will screen “Close Your Eyes,” his first feature film in 30 years, and Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki’s Cannes jury prize winner “Fallen Leaves.”
The festival runs from Sept. 7 to 17, with more lineup announcements expected over the next few weeks amid a dual Hollywood strike that is expected to affect celebrity attendance.
