The Obsession For The Next 'Obsession' At TIFF: Festival Hot List Includes Pics With Cynthia Erivo, Chase Infiniti, The Maras, Dave Bautista & More For Sale
News Source
β’Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:30:35 +0000
π° What Happened
The Toronto International Film Festival has begun, and studios are hunting for the next big hit to buy. Last year's festival produced the record-breaking film Obsession, which earned $512 million worldwide.
This year's list includes films starring Cynthia Erivo, Chase Infiniti, the Mara sisters and Dave Bautista.
Sales of independent films are uncertain. Smaller movies are no longer safe bets at the box office or in awards races.
π The Backstory
Film festivals are where distributors buy movies and decide how to release them. Toronto is one of the biggest markets of the year.
Since the pandemic, many independent cinemas have closed and streaming changed viewing habits. Audiences are pickier about leaving home for a film.
Exhibitors now give smaller films less time to build word of mouth. Only strong arthouse distributors like A24 or Neon can push a film to success.
π― Why It Matters
Festival deals decide which films reach your local cinema or streaming service. A tough market can mean fewer smaller, unusual movies for everyone.
The Toronto International Film Festival has begun, and studios are hunting for the next big hit to buy. Last year's festival produced the record-breaking film Obsession, which earned $512 million worldwide.
This year's list includes films starring Cynthia Erivo, Chase Infiniti, the Mara sisters and Dave Bautista.
Sales of independent films are uncertain. Smaller movies are no longer safe bets at the box office or in awards races.
Film festivals are where distributors buy movies and decide how to release them. Toronto is one of the biggest markets of the year.
Since the pandemic, many independent cinemas have closed and streaming changed viewing habits. Audiences are pickier about leaving home for a film.
Exhibitors now give smaller films less time to build word of mouth. Only strong arthouse distributors like A24 or Neon can push a film to success.
Festival deals decide which films reach your local cinema or streaming service. A tough market can mean fewer smaller, unusual movies for everyone.