Toronto - A new film by Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee, Demolition, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, will open the Toronto International Film Festival this year.
"Vallee has a tradition of presenting strong characters who are on journeys to self-discovery and redemption," the festival's artistic director Cameron Bailey said.
Demolition tells the story of Davis, a brilliant investment banker played by Gyllenhaal, who must come to terms with the death of his wife in a terrible automobile accident.
It portrays Davis, torn by the pull between his professional obligations and his family, in a hellish descent before an unexpected encounter leads to his redemption.
Co-stars include Chris Cooper and Naomi Watts.
"I can't think of a better place to introduce 'Demolition' to the world than at home. That's how I feel about TIFF," Vallee said in a statement, referring to the festival.
The Quebecois director is the only filmmaker in the festival's 44-year history to both open and close the event, which runs September 10-20.
At least 22 other films will make their world debut at the festival.
Here are some of them:
- The Martian by director Ridley Scott recounts the survival of an astronaut left for dead on Mars. Starring Matt Damon, with Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels and Michael Pena.
- Where to Invade Next, the first film in six years by controversial US documentary maker Michael Moore. Festival organisers say it may be his "most provocative and hilarious movie yet."
- Un plus une by French director Claude Lelouch starring Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin as a composer who heads to India, where he meets a tantalizing muse played by Elsa Zylberstein.
- Colonia, a thriller by German director Florian Gallenberger about a young couple grappling to survive in the dark years under Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Stars Emma Watson and Daniel Bruehl.
- Desierto by Mexican Jonas Cuaron follows undocumented Latin Americans seeking a new life in the United States, but who come onto the radar of an American vigilante. Stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
- The Dressmaker, Australian drama by Jocelyn Moorhouse. In the 1950s, a young dressmaker returns from the haute couture world of Paris determined to dress the young women from her village. Stars Kate