TorontoFilmFestivalReviews.com: Gala Presentations

Gala Presentations

Gala Presentations show premieres of Canadian, and international film productions presented at Roy Thompson Hall. Past Gala Presentations include Niki Caro’s North Country and Academy Award winning film Walk the Line.

This year’s Toronto International Film Festival will screen many titles including Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck’s Dixie Chicks—Shut Up and Sing, a behind-the-scenes account of a critical time in the country group’s careers. As the best-selling female group of all time, the Dixie Chicks’ name emblazoned across headlines all over the world in March 2003 when front woman, Natalie Maines said, “We're embarrassed that the President is from Texas .” Her comment evoked angry Pro-Bush reactions such as boycotting and even a death threat.

The film also journeys along with the band as they juggle their rising careers and motherhood.

You can watch Dixie Chicks—Shut Up and Sing on Tuesday September 12^th at 6:30 p.m. in Roy Thompson Hall and Wednesday September 13^th at 9:30 a.m. in Ryerson.

Another addition in the Gala Presentations series is festival regular Michael Apted with his film Amazing Grace, a historical drama of British politics, abolitionists and slavery. The film opens with William Wilberforce, the passionate yet disillusioned British Parliamentarian who led abolitionists in their attempt to end slavery, who feels haunted by his failures. The film then moves backwards, showing us the younger Wilberforce amidst his political career.

Closing this year’s festival, catch Amazing Grace on Saturday September 16^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Visa Screening Room and Saturday September 16^th at 8:00 p.m. in Roy Thompson Hall.