Most press and premium holders received an email this afternoon from TIFF about ticket packages.
There’s a peculiar note in the messaging: the festival will have 175+ films this year. That’s about the same amount as last year’s pandemic-induced edition, which had 177 films (118 features, 45 shorts and 14 docs).
The pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 had a lineup of about 330 films. This is a peculiar development as I was under the impression TIFF was going back to normal business this year. Maybe this is going to be their new normal? A more slimed-down affair? The fest has been criticized in the past for having too many films.
Last year’s lineup was missing a few key films that went to Venice and/or Telluride, most notably “King Richard,” “The Lost Daughter,” “C’mon C’mon,” “The Hand of God,” “Parallel Mothers,” and “Cyrano.” Let’s hope TIFF head Cameron Bailey doesn’t miss out on that action again this year …
Some TIFF ‘22 titles will actually be announced next week.