The Toronto Film Festival will open with Spike Lee’s filmed version of David Byrne’s hit Broadway show, American Utopia.
TIFF will be a mix of physical and online exams this year with a greatly reduced industrial presence due to coronavirus.
American Utopia It launched on Broadway in the fall of 2019 and was a hot ticket until February 2020. Lee filmed the production during his career at the Hudson Theater, and the concert film will debut on HBO this fall. It will be screened in Toronto on September 10, the same day it premieres on the cable channel.
The concert comprises performances of songs from Byrne’s 2018 solo album of the same name, as well as works from his Talking Heads years, such as Once in life and Burning house. Byrne also covered Janelle Monáe’s. The hell you speak, a protest song about police brutality. Byrne sings, plays instruments, and dances along with a company of 11 people.
“This joyous film takes the audience on a musical journey about openness, optimism, and faith in humanity,” said Joana Vicente, executive director and co-director of TIFF, in a statement. “This is especially moving at a time of great uncertainty around the world. We can’t wait to share the excitement of Opening Night with the public. “
“Spike Lee has somehow always been exactly his time and ahead of his time,” said Cameron Bailey, artistic director and co-director of TIFF, in a statement. With David Bryne’s ‘American Utopia’, he brings Byrne’s classic songs and lively stage to the screen just when we need it. Spike’s latest union is a call to connect with each other, to protest injustice and, above all, to celebrate life. “
