The 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced overnight that it will feature the world premiere of BREATH, the directorial debut of actor Simon Baker. It will compete in the Contemporary World Cinema section of the program.
TIFF will also feature the North American debut of Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country, which will close the Platform competition, and the world premiere of Violeta Ayala’s Cocaine Prison competing in TIFF Docs.
Based on the novel of the same name by Tim Winton, Simon Baker directs a cast that includes himself, Richard Roxburgh, Elizabeth Debicki, and Rachael Blake. Set in 1970s coastal Western Australia, it follows two boys whose relationship with an older man pushes their boundaries.
“From an early age I was both seduced and terrified by the ocean. The Australian coastline raised me; it’s enmeshed in my identity. Tim Winton’s book BREATH authentically captured the rawness of growing up on that coastline,” said Baker.
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“I’m eternally grateful to everyone who committed to this incredible journey. Their support and encouragement is all there, where it should be, on the screen. I’m immensely proud that Breath will represent Australian cinema at the Toronto International Film Festival, and for the opportunity to share with the world the power, beauty and wisdom of the Australian landscape.”
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from 7 September to 17 September 2017. The complete program is yet to be announced.
