The world premiere of Jon Amiel’s “Creation” will open the 2009 Toronto Film Festival, which begins Sept. 10, the festival announced on Tuesday.
Also announced were four Gala Presentations and 18 Special Presentations for the festival, which runs through Sept. 19.
Included are works from filmmakers Jane Campion, Lu Chuan, Raoul Peck, Steven Soderbergh and Johnnie To, starring Mariah Carey, Abbie Cornish, Matt Damon, Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, Ricky Gervais, Eva Green, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Clive Owen, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sissy Spacek and Ben Whishaw.
Part ghost story, part romance, "Creation" is the story of Charles Darwin (Paul Bettany), who is torn between his love for his deeply religious wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly) and his growing belief in a world where God has no place.
Written by John Collee and based on the Randal Keynes biography of Darwin, "Annie’s Box," it was produced by Jeremy Thomas and co-developed by Recorded Picture Company with BBC Films and the UK Film Council.
“We are honoured to open the Festival with Jon Amiel’s latest feature,” Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of the Toronto International Film Festival, said. “By telling a story on many levels, weaving scenes from past and present, this depiction of Darwin promises to deeply move audiences by drawing them into the conflicted mind of a man who presented a concept that changed the world.”
Following is the full list of films scheduled for the festival:
GALAS
"Get Low." Aaron Schneider, USA , World Premiere. Inspired by the true story of Felix “Bush” Breazeale, this frontier drama stars Robert Duvall as a backwoods eccentric who stages his own funeral -- while still alive. Also starring Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and Lucas Black.
"The Invention of Lying." Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson, USA, World Premiere. This satire takes place in an alternate reality where lying -- even the concept of a lie -- does not even exist. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark (Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards.
"Max Manus," Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, Norway/Denmark/Germany, North American Premiere. Based on the true story of Norway’s most colourful resistance fighter Max Manus, and follows him from the outbreak of World War II until the summer of peace in 1945.
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire Lee Daniels," USA, Canadian Premiere. Set in 1987 Harlem, it is the story of an illiterate African-American teenager who jumps at the chance to enroll in an alternative school where she encounters a teacher who will start her on a journey from pain and powerlessness to self-respect and determination. The film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
"The Boys Are Back," Scott Hicks, Australia/United Kingdom, World Premiere. After the untimely passing of his second wife, the ill-prepared Joe (Clive Owen), who is dealing with his own loss, is confronted with the daily challenges of parenthood while coping with his young son Artie’s expressions of grief.
