The 2022 Toronto International Film Festival kicks off this week!
As the popcorn starts popping, the stars start arriving and the streets of King West are abuzz...you know it can only mean one thing. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to kick off its world-renowned film festival this week!
As I prepare myself for--arguably--the most exciting 10 days in the city, I think about the movies being showcased. This year, in particular, I am overjoyed to see the abundant list of South Asian films being honored. From documentaries to romantic comedies and dramas, the list is impressively quite extensive.
As a South Asian woman, this makes me feel so proud and represented by not only TIFF but also the larger film industry as a whole. To see that our stories and storytellers are being celebrated at one of the world's largest cinematic events, speaks volumes about the direction the industry is moving in and its recognition of diverse stories. While I am slated to see a few and will most definitely share my thoughts, I thought it would fun to share some South Asian films that I'm excited to be showcased this year!
What's Love Got To Do With It?
Top on my list of all movies being presented at TIFF this year is Shekhar Kapur's What's Love Got To Do With It? This oh-so-relevant romantic comedy follows a filmmaker (Lily James) who decides to document her best friend’s (Shazad Latif) journey toward arranged marriage. This amalgamation of culture and cultural norms/values feels remiscent of classics like Bend it Like Beckham and Bridget Jones Diary (both of which were produced by the same studio, Working Title Films).
Kacchey Limbu
Another sure-to-be showstopper at this year's TIFF will be Kaccey Limbu featuring the fan-favourite, Radhika Madan. This Hindi-language film follows a pair of siblings who find themselves on competing cricket teams as they struggle to balance familial loyalty with the pursuit of their passions (think Serena and Venus Williams, but in Mumbai). Not unlike other big screen faves like Bend it Like Beckham and Love & Basketball, this film puts women in sport at the core of its plot. Kaccey Limbu is sure to score big time at this year's festival!
Zwigato
Zwigato is a film that takes a sociopolitical gaze on the gig economy, by following the trials and tribulations of a food-app delivery driver played by, Indian comedian Kapil Sharma. Director Nandita Das is back again with another timely showstopper that focuses on how everyday men and women around the world are becoming increasingly invested in labour rights. With a dash of humour, a touch of relatability, and a whole lot of rawness, this film is sure to make waves at the festival this year.