Online Desk : The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) opened Thursday with a strong political undercurrent and major star presence, as the 50th edition of North America`s largest film fest began in earnest.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and former U.S. President Barack Obama, along with Michelle Obama, delivered opening remarks — setting the tone for an event that blends entertainment with cultural and political discourse.

The festival runs through September 14, and is set to host more than 400,000 attendees, including Daniel Craig, Sydney Sweeney, Matthew McConaughey, and many others, who will premiere their latest films across the city.

Carney warns of political threats

Speaking just before the screening of the opening film — a documentary on beloved Canadian comedian John Candy — Prime Minister Carney referenced recent inflammatory remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to exert control over Canada.

“Our sovereignty, our identity has come under threat,” said Carney, adding, “When Canadians heard those threats, they channeled their inner John Candy,” a comment that drew loud cheers from the audience.

The Obamas debut `The Eyes of Ghana`

Also on Thursday, the Obamas premiered "The Eyes of Ghana," a documentary produced by their company, Higher Ground Productions. The film explores the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana`s first president, using long-lost archival footage.

“We’re making history tonight by sharing some of [this] footage for the very first time,” said Barack Obama in a video message introducing the film, which emphasizes the power of storytelling through the eyes of the colonized.

Hollywood takes center stage

While politics marked the opening, Hollywood`s influence remains dominant. TIFF 2025 promises a mix of Oscar hopefuls, crowd-pleasers, and provocative indie films:

Daniel Craig returns in Netflix`s Knives Out sequel, "Wake Up Dead Man," premiering Saturday alongside Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, and Josh Brolin.

Sydney Sweeney premieres "Christy" on Friday, a gritty boxing biopic that may mark a serious awards push following recent controversies.

Matthew McConaughey stars in "The Lost Bus," a harrowing wildfire rescue drama inspired by true events.

Other major premieres include:

Russell Crowe as Hermann Goering in WWII courtroom drama "Nuremberg," with Rami Malek.

Keanu Reeves as a bumbling angel in Aziz Ansari`s comedy "Good Fortune".

Channing Tatum as a fugitive hiding in a toy store in "Roofman".

Brendan Fraser in "Rental Family", as an actor hired to perform at strangers’ weddings and funerals in Tokyo.

French cinema brings European edge

TIFF continues its tradition of highlighting international auteurs:

Claire Denis` The Fence, with Matt Dillon, explores a mysterious death on an African construction site.

Arnaud Desplechin premieres romantic drama Two Pianos starring Charlotte Rampling.

Alice Winocour directs Angelina Jolie in Couture, a fashion drama set in Paris.

Romain Gavras debuts "Sacrifice", a celebrity satire starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Evans.

Telluride crossovers, awards buzz

Several critically acclaimed films from the Telluride Film Festival are also getting larger premieres at TIFF:

Paul Mescal stars in "Hamnet", director Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, where he plays a young William Shakespeare. The film has already drawn major Oscar buzz.

Looking ahead

As TIFF celebrates its 50th edition, its scale and influence remain unmatched in North America. Though it lacks the glitz of Cannes or the prestige of Venice, it remains a crucial stop for awards season — and a space where cinema, politics, and global culture intersect.

The festival continues until September 14, with dozens of world premieres, red carpet galas, and Q&As still to come.