The start of the 41st annual Toronto International Film Festival is mere days away. If you're looking to experience a bit more music at this year's festival, here are eight films that will help you out on your cinematic journey.
Gimme Danger
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Indie auteur (and hardcore the Stooges fan) Jim Jarmusch turns his camera towards Iggy Pop and the story of his band's struggle for survival throughout the '60s and '70s. Made up of interviews with the man himself and the band's late members (including Ron and Scott Asheton), this in-depth look at their rise to fame is a must-see for rock and punk fans alike.
The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé! : A Trip Across Latin America
Directed by Paul Dugdale
Continuing upon the success of Morgan Neville's 2015 TIFF selection (and Netflix exclusive) Keith Richards: Under the Influence, Grammy-nominated director Paul Dugdale is the latest documentarian to take a deeper look at the late-career Rolling Stones. Olé Olé Olé! chronicles the band's 2016 tour across Latin America, culminating with their now historic concert in Havana (their first in Cuba).
Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
Directed by John Scheinfeld
Denzel Washington, Carlos Santana, Common, Cornell West and Bill Clinton all share their thoughts on the music of legendary saxophonist John Coltrane in John Scheinfeld's (2010's Who Is Harry Nilsson?) latest documentary. Chasing Trane marks the filmmaker's first return to the festival since The U.S. vs. John Lennon.
I Called Him Morgan
Directed by Kasper Collin
The strange circumstances surrounding the death of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, who was murdered by his wife in a New York City bar in 1972, is the focus of Kasper Collin's latest film. A mixture of jazz history and true crime, documentary programmer Thom Powers perfectly describes it as "a beautifully constructed double portrait of individuals transformed by art, love, and overpowering impulses."
La La Land
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Two years after being the taste of the festival with his taut jazz drumming drama Whiplash, Damien Chazelle returns with his most bold and beautiful production yet. The big-budget musical starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and John Legend has awards season written all over it.
Moonlight
Directed by Barry Jenkins
Although not about music, R&B superstar Janelle Monáe makes her real-life acting debut (having already provided voice work for Rio 2 and American Dad) in Florida-born filmmaker Barry Jenkins' sophomore effort, Moonlight, described by TIFF as an "impeccably crafted study of African-American masculinity."
The Sixth Beatle
Directed by Tony Guma and John Rose
Fans of the Fab Four know that many have claimed the title of "the fifth Beatle" over the years, from drummer Pete Best to producer George Martin. American filmmakers Tony Guma and John Rose shed light on the story of Sam Leach, a Liverpool concert promoter who helped the band gain notoriety in their early years, in the duo's feature-length documentary debut.
nirvanna the band the show
Created by Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol
Last but certainly not least, cult Canadian filmmakers Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol revive their classic web series about two dudes who will stop at nothing to play The Rivoli. With Viceland on board and the project being executively produced by Spike Jonze, the local favourite is expected to reach a whole new audience worldwide.
TIFF runs from September 8 to 18. Keep up with all of our coverage by reading reviews, news and features from the festival.
Gimme Danger
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Indie auteur (and hardcore the Stooges fan) Jim Jarmusch turns his camera towards Iggy Pop and the story of his band's struggle for survival throughout the '60s and '70s. Made up of interviews with the man himself and the band's late members (including Ron and Scott Asheton), this in-depth look at their rise to fame is a must-see for rock and punk fans alike.
The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé! : A Trip Across Latin America
Directed by Paul Dugdale
Continuing upon the success of Morgan Neville's 2015 TIFF selection (and Netflix exclusive) Keith Richards: Under the Influence, Grammy-nominated director Paul Dugdale is the latest documentarian to take a deeper look at the late-career Rolling Stones. Olé Olé Olé! chronicles the band's 2016 tour across Latin America, culminating with their now historic concert in Havana (their first in Cuba).
Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
Directed by John Scheinfeld
Denzel Washington, Carlos Santana, Common, Cornell West and Bill Clinton all share their thoughts on the music of legendary saxophonist John Coltrane in John Scheinfeld's (2010's Who Is Harry Nilsson?) latest documentary. Chasing Trane marks the filmmaker's first return to the festival since The U.S. vs. John Lennon.
I Called Him Morgan
Directed by Kasper Collin
The strange circumstances surrounding the death of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, who was murdered by his wife in a New York City bar in 1972, is the focus of Kasper Collin's latest film. A mixture of jazz history and true crime, documentary programmer Thom Powers perfectly describes it as "a beautifully constructed double portrait of individuals transformed by art, love, and overpowering impulses."
La La Land
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Two years after being the taste of the festival with his taut jazz drumming drama Whiplash, Damien Chazelle returns with his most bold and beautiful production yet. The big-budget musical starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and John Legend has awards season written all over it.
Moonlight
Directed by Barry Jenkins
Although not about music, R&B superstar Janelle Monáe makes her real-life acting debut (having already provided voice work for Rio 2 and American Dad) in Florida-born filmmaker Barry Jenkins' sophomore effort, Moonlight, described by TIFF as an "impeccably crafted study of African-American masculinity."
The Sixth Beatle
Directed by Tony Guma and John Rose
Fans of the Fab Four know that many have claimed the title of "the fifth Beatle" over the years, from drummer Pete Best to producer George Martin. American filmmakers Tony Guma and John Rose shed light on the story of Sam Leach, a Liverpool concert promoter who helped the band gain notoriety in their early years, in the duo's feature-length documentary debut.
nirvanna the band the show
Created by Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol
Last but certainly not least, cult Canadian filmmakers Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol revive their classic web series about two dudes who will stop at nothing to play The Rivoli. With Viceland on board and the project being executively produced by Spike Jonze, the local favourite is expected to reach a whole new audience worldwide.
TIFF runs from September 8 to 18. Keep up with all of our coverage by reading reviews, news and features from the festival.
