Coming soon to a theatre near you: 13 films that got distribution deals during TIFF

Coming soon to a theatre near you: 13 films that got distribution deals during TIFF

Nicole Kidman and Paul Giamatti each have a film that got picked up at TIFF (Images: Karon Liu, Stefania Yarhi)

More than ever, TIFF is an event to which filmmakers come to get North American distribution for their films (and not just a chance to get sloshed and walk across a giant rug). After eight days of wheeling and dealing, the following 13 films have been picked up for release.

Barney’s Version, a movie adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s novel, starring Paul Giamatti as the title character. Early reviews are good and Giamatti is the first actor to get the Oscar-contender label slapped on to him this season.

Rabbit Hole, Nicole Kidman’s drama about two parents dealing with the loss of their son after a car accident. Not exactly a new concept, but Kidman, too, is getting the Oscar buzz—much needed after a string of box office duds (Australia, Nine).

Incendies, a Canada-France joint film based on Wajdi Mouawad’s play about a pair of twin siblings traveling to the Middle East to find out more about their recently deceased mother.

The Conspirator, Robert Redford’s Civil War-era period piece about the attempted assassination of Lincoln.

Super, another regular Joe-cum-crime fighter action film. It stars Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, Ellen Page and Kevin Bacon.

Potiche, Catherine Deneuve’s comedic spin as a trophy wife-turned-Norma Rae. It’s time the younger generations get to know the legendary leading lady!

Sarah’s Key, a drama about an American journalist (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) investigating the life of a 10-year-old girl who went through a mass arrest by Nazis in Paris during the Second World War.

Those are the major titles. Other films that have been picked up so far include Dirty Girl, Insidious, Submarine, Beautiful Boy, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, I Saw the Devil, and Outside The Law.

Festival opener Score: A Hockey Musical and much-buzzed film Black Swan already have release dates (as evidenced by the posters and billboards everywhere in the city) and will open across the country on October 22 and December 1, respectively.