Viggo Mortensen Dodges SAG-AFTRA Strike, Heads to TIFF with 'The Dead Don't Hurt'

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) continues to build out its speaker lineup for this year's 48th edition, despite the ongoing strikes from SAG-AFTRA and WGA preventing many participants from attending. In particular, actor Viggo Mortensen will take the stage in Toronto to discuss his second time directing, for the western film The Dead Don't Hurt. Mortensen also stars in the film alongside actors Garret Dillahunt, Danny Huston, and Vicky Krieps.

Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, Mortensen will appear at TIFF under his director status, joined by producer Jeremy Thomas and Regina Solórzano. The global rights for The Dead Don’t Hurt are currently up for grabs, with HanWay Films handling the process.

Moreover, the Visionaries section will feature onstage conversations with Oscar winners Guillermo del Toro and Spike Lee. Last week, TIFF confirmed additional speakers, including a tribute for Pedro Almodóvar, a conversation with Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, and the stars of the Korean disaster epic Concrete Utopia.

The Industry Conference of TIFF, featuring sessions from industry leaders, will take place at the Glenn Gould Studio. The conference includes tailored sections for Visionaries, Dialogues, Perspectives, Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlights. Its aim, according to TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee, is to "be a pivotal platform for thought-provoking discussions" that engage diverse perspectives and spark innovation. Geoff Macnaughton, TIFF's Senior Director of Industry & Theatrical, assured that there would be contents for both emerging creators and seasoned producers.

Now, here's a dose of the usual Prentice perspective.

Viggo Mortensen dodging the SAG-AFTRA strike by donning his director's hat is nothing short of genius. It's like saying, "You can't act: fine, I'll direct." Occupying the dual roles gives him a rare sort of malleability in this industry, like chocolate that can be either candy or frosting.

The Dead Don’t Hurt being up for global rights with HanWay Films handling, sets the stage for prospective bidders. Would it be too bold to suggest a bidding war worthy of a classic Western standoff?

Now, this Visionaries software engineers talk during TIFF, it promises to be a whirlwind of industry insights, like eating a box of assorted chocolates with the guide included. You have del Toro's love letters to the fantastical worlds, and Spike Lee's multi-decade journey forging a unique filmic language, like a cinema Rosetta Stone.

Then there’s Almodóvar being honored with a tribute. And let's not forget the sitdown with Andy Lau and the stars of Concrete Utopia, promising a cross-cultural cinematic soup that's spicy and flavorful.

Let the drumroll started for TIFF’s Industry Conference. Staged in the Glenn Gould Studio, named after Canada's famed pianist, it hopefully promises a symphony of networking, business, and ideas. Now, wouldn't that be music to our industry ears?