TIFF 2022 Defies Hollywood Strikes, Plans Unchanged
The 2022 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to occur without a hitch, irrespective of the dual labor strike looming over Hollywood. With the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members withholding their services, festival organizers have had their work cut out to ensure a seamless execution. However, according to TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey in his conversation with Deadline, the dates remain unchanged, and the films are on schedule.
Despite the industry upheaval brought on by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, TIFF is anticipated to screen over 200 features, surpassing the previous year’s total. The slate is made up of 70% international films and 30% Hollywood/awards season films, in line with the festival’s tradition. The inaugural film is Luca Guadagnino’s R-rated romance, "Challengers," featuring Zendaya.
As the annual fall film festival stalwarts, Venice and Telluride, brace themselves for the impact of the strikes, Venice anticipates greater foreign title bookings. Despite these challenges, the movie studios intend full-throttle participation in the awards season. Taika Waititi’s soccer comedy, "Next Goal Wins," has commenced screening at the festival.
TIFF 2022 is not only about movie screenings; the festival is keeping the glitz and glamour of Hollywood alive. The red carpet ceremonies will carry on, and King Street will be closed for pedestrians as it usually does during the first four festival days. Advanced festival passes are already exceeding the previous year's tally, where the festival drew an impressive 400,000 attendees.
Now, let's unlock the "Prentice Perspective." Reports suggested that the SAG-AFTRA strike, if it stretches beyond four weeks, could cast a shadow over star appearances at fall festivals. However, TIFF has an ace up its sleeve - independent acquisition titles with A-list actors. Cameron Bailey hinted that these movies could get a free pass from SAG-AFTRA as they don't represent companies affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Think of it as TIFF's cinematic equivalent of a Hail Mary pass. If SAG-AFTRA gives these films the green light, their stars might be able to hit the festival, essentially opening the floodgates for others to follow. As Bailey put it, "It would just take one star to step out and make others feel comfortable that it’s OK to support their indie, non-major studio work."
Bailey also dispelled the rumor that doing away with film press conferences this year was a precautionary measure against the strikes. He stated that it was mainly to avoid conflict with the journalists' screening schedule, fair enough. Moreover, the festival's awards gala is marching forward, adding a glamorous sidelight to the movie extravaganza.
While Bailey and his team harbor a quiet optimism, they are prepared for any eventuality. As he rightly pointed out, "We have to prepare for the possibility that the strike will extend into the fall." Here's a toast to the resilient spirit of TIFF and the relentless pursuit of cinema, regardless of the strikes and twists of fate that might come its way. Now pass the popcorn and let the show go on.
