Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ to kickstart Toronto Film Festival

It's the first time an animated movie will serve as the fest's opening night film.

In light of ongoing strikes affecting A-list star attendance, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has adapted its approach this year. Despite that hurdle, TIFF successfully unveiled an impressive lineup earlier this week, featuring celebrated directors who are able to attend the festival.

In an unprecedented move, the festival, scheduled to take place from September 7 to 17, has revealed that it will open with an animated film for the very first time. Hayao Miyazaki, the esteemed Japanese filmmaker, brings his latest masterpiece, "The Boy and the Heron", to captivate audiences.

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Written and directed by Miyazaki and produced by the studio he co-founded, Studio Ghibli, The film revolves around a young boy's journey of discovery. Upon stumbling upon an abandoned tower, the boy embarks on a thrilling adventure in a fantastical realm alongside a talking grey heron. In a bold move, Studio Ghibli released this hand-drawn animated feature without any prior promotion in Japan, allowing viewers to experience it without preconceived notions. The film's reception in Japan has been nothing short of astounding, breaking records and leaving audiences in awe. Soon, it will hit screens in the US, distributed by GKIDS.

Describing the film as a masterpiece in Japan, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey expresses excitement for the audience, stating, "Already acclaimed as a masterpiece in Japan, Hayao Miyazaki's new film begins as a simple story of loss and love and rises to a staggering work of imagination," said Cameron Bailey. 

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"I look forward to our audience discovering its mysteries for themselves, but I can promise a singular, transformative experience," he added.

Several of Studio Ghibli's films have played at TIFF previously, including "The Red Turtle" (2016), "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" (2014), "The Wind Rises" (2013), "From Up on Poppy Hill" (2011), "Spirited Away" (2002), and "Princess Mononoke" (1999).

While opening an animated film may seem unconventional for a festival known to launch Oscar contenders, Miyazaki's works consistently defy expectations. Despite the dominance of Disney and Pixar in the animated category, Miyazaki's films have emerged as strong contenders, with "Spirited Away" even winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2001. Additionally, it held the distinction of becoming Japan's highest-grossing film, maintaining the record for an impressive 19 years. Now, with the prestigious platform of TIFF, "The Boy and the Heron" aims to soar high in the race for accolades in the coming months.