Overview

• John Early’s surprise satirical debut “Maddie’s Secret” explores a food-network influencer’s dark past and features performers such as Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer and Connor O’Malley.
• The Discovery section will showcase 23 world premieres from first- and second-time filmmakers representing more than 30 countries.
• Programmers Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, June Kim and Jason Ryle curated this year’s lineup.
• Over five decades, TIFF’s Discovery platform has introduced directors including Christopher Nolan, Alfonso Cuarón, Ildikó Enyedi and Barry Jenkins.
• The new International People’s Choice Award will honor audience-favorite Discovery films and will be announced alongside established jury and critics’ prizes on the festival’s final day.