Toronto film festival to open with Jean-Marc Vallee’s ‘Demolition’

Toronto, Canada: A new film by Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee, "Demolition," starring Jake Gyllenhaal, will open the Toronto International Film Festival this year, organizers said Tuesday.

"Vallee has a tradition of presenting strong characters who are on journeys to self-discovery and redemption," the festival´s artistic director Cameron Bailey said.

"Demolition" tells the story of Davis, a brilliant investment banker played by Gyllenhaal, who must come to terms with the death of his wife in a terrible automobile accident.

It portrays Davis, torn by the pull between his professional obligations and his family, in a hellish descent before an unexpected encounter leads to his redemption.

Co-stars include Chris Cooper and Naomi Watts.

"I can´t think of a better place to introduce ´Demolition´ to the world than at home. That´s how I feel about TIFF," Vallee said in a statement, referring to the festival.

The Quebecois director is the only filmmaker in the festival´s 44-year history to both open and close the event, which runs September 10-20.

At least 22 other films will make their world debut at the festival. (AFP)