Canada: The long wait for TIFF 2018 is at last over

The venue was full of hustle and bustle with people of all ages and from all communities in bright attires turning up to soak in the spirit of a film festival that is an integral part of the city's annual events.

Justin, who was with his family, said that he was going for the first time to see the festivities since he had migrated from England only last year.

Two students, Mary and Elizabeth, said they are going there for the third time and this year they had purchased ticket for film Can You Ever Forgive Me which was filmed at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.

Many youngsters had gathered to take pictures of either their family members or friends in front of the TIFF sign.

Police force were installed at different spots to maintain law and order at TIFF and in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the entire starcast of  English-language French-Belgian drama Kursk were present at the premiere of the movie on the first day of the festival.

Kursk stars Matthias Schoenaerts, Colin Firth, Lea Seydoux, Peter Simonischek, Max von Sydow, Matthias Schweighofer and Michael Nyqvist.

The plot of the film is based on the 2000 K-141 Kursk submarine disaster. The disaster had killed 118 Russian sailors.

TIFF this time has appointed Joana Vicente as the new Executive Director and co-head of the festival, media reports said.

The announcement was made by Jennifer Tory, Chair, on behalf of the Board of Directors of TIFF.

The festival will run till Sept 16. 

TIFF, an international leader in film culture, is a charitable cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film.   

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)