‘Dear Evan Hansen’ will Open Toronto International Film Festival

The feature-film adaptation of the Tony Award–winning musical Dear Evan Hansen is the Opening Night Gala Presentation at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, Dear Evan Hansen is the story of a high-school senior with a debilitating anxiety disorder whose private letter to himself as part of a therapy exercise lands in the hands of a fellow classmate, with tragic consequences. The incident propels Evan on a journey of self-discovery that leads him toward belonging and acceptance, not only among the people who love him, but also by Evan himself. Starring Tony winner Ben Platt as Evan, along with Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, and Nik Dodani, Dear Evan Hansen features songs from the original Broadway sensation.

“Dear Evan Hansen is a film about allowing ourselves to be found, and giving ourselves permission to be our true, authentic selves,” said Stephen Chbosky. “After a year and a half of isolation, so many of us are finding our way back to each other. So, now more than ever, I am honored that the Toronto International Film Festival has chosen Dear Evan Hansen to open this year’s Festival. We could not have asked for a more ideal festival, or audience, or moment to premiere our film.”

Watch the trailer for Dear Evan Hansen

The Closing Night Gala of TIFF 2021, One Second, is the newest offering from the acclaimed Chinese director of Raise the Red Lantern and Hero, Zhang Yimou. The film tells the story of a traveling film projectionist and an escaped prisoner connected through cinema. One Second is a love letter to movies and a reminder of how they can unite people, regardless of our differences. “Every September we invite the whole film world to Toronto, one of the most diverse, movie-mad cities in the world,” said Bailey. “And to have Zhang Yimou’s film here, now, is a true joy.”

TIFF also announced the first titles selected for the Festival’s Gala and Special Presentations programs.

GALA PRESENTATIONS 2021

Belfast Kenneth Branagh | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Clifford the Big Red Dog Walt Becker | USA/United Kingdom/Canada
World Premiere

Opening Night Film.
Dear Evan Hansen Stephen Chbosky | USA
World Premiere

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Will Sharpe | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

Jagged Alison Klayman | USA
World Premiere

Last Night in Soho Edgar Wright | United Kingdom
North American Premiere

The Mad Women’s Ball (Le Bal des folles) Mélanie Laurent | France
World Premiere

*Night Raiders Danis Goulet | Canada/New Zealand
North American Premiere

Closing Night Film.
One Second Zhang Yimou | China
North American Premiere

The Survivor Barry Levinson | USA/Canada/Hungary
World Premiere

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2021

Ali & Ava Clio Barnard | United Kingdom
North American Premiere

All My Puny Sorrows Michael McGowan | Canada
World Premiere

*Benediction Terence Davies | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Bergman Island Mia Hansen-Løve | France
International Premiere

Charlotte Eric Warin, Tahir Rana | Canada/France/Belgium
World Premiere

Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over Dave Wooley, David Heilbroner | USA
World Premiere

Drive My Car Ryusuke Hamaguchi | Japan
North American Premiere

Encounter Michael Pearce | United Kingdom/USA
International Premiere

The Eyes of Tammy Faye Michael Showalter | USA
World Premiere

The Guilty Antoine Fuqua | USA
World Premier

I’m Your Man Maria Schrader | Germany
North American Premiere

Inexorable Fabrice du Welz | Belgium/France
International Premiere

Lakewood Phillip Noyce | Canada
World Premiere

The Middle Man Bent Hamer | Norway/Canada/Germany/Denmark
World Premiere

Official Competition (Competencia Oficial) Mariano Cohn, Gastón Duprat | Spain/Argentina
North American Premiere

Paris, 13th District (Les Olympiades) Jacques Audiard | France
North American Premiere

Petite Maman Céline Sciamma | France
Canadian Premiere

The Starling Theodore Melfi | USA
World Premiere

The Story of My Wife Ildikó Enyedi | Hungary/Germany/Italy/France
North American Premiere

Three Floors (Tre Piani) Nanni Moretti | Italy/France
North American Premiere

Violet Justine Bateman | USA
International Premiere

The Worst Person In The World (Verdens Verste Menneske) Joachim Trier | Norway/France/Sweden/Denmark
North American Premiere