{
  "id": 6744768,
  "title": "Toronto film festival kicks off with ode to political activism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/toronto-film-festival-kicks-off-with-ode-to-political-activism-6744768",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-11T09:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/11/toronto-film-festival-kicks-off-with-ode-to-political-activism"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Toronto kicked off its annual film festival with a focus on political activism and social issues, drawing movie stars and audiences alike. The Premier of Apple TV drama \"Being Heumann\" starring Ruth Madeley as US disability rights activist Judy Heumann set the tone. Oscar-winning director Sian Heder emphasized the film's message of collective action in the face of being \"left behind.\" Festival CEO Cameron Bailey referenced a US renaming of Lake Ontario as \"Lake America\" and highlighted Canada's film industry strength amid US President Donald Trump's promotion of domestic movie-making. The 293-film program featured historical drama \"The Housewife\", soccer star Megan Rapinoe's documentary, and Jodie Comer and Harry Melling in \"Stuffed\". Stars such as John Malkovich, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hiddleston, and K-pop sensation Lisa are expected to attend. The lineup also includes biopics \"I Play Rocky\" and \"Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend\", as well as K-pop star Lisa's documentary \"Always Lalisa\". Notable film premieres include \"Misty Green\" by American comedian and actor Chris Rock and \"The Last Photograph\" directed by Zack Snyder. The festival runs until September 20.",
  "summary": "The Toronto International Film Festival opened with the premiere of Apple TV drama 'Being Heumann', starring Ruth Madeley as US disability rights activist Judy Heumann.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Toronto film festival kicks off with ode to political activism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/toronto-film-festival-kicks-off-with-ode-to-political-activism",
        "published": "2026-09-11T09:19:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}