The Swimmers on Netflix, a play by Sally El Hosaini from war-torn Syria Participated in the 96 Rio Olympics and won a 4-minute standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival Thursday night.
Avid Toronto audience cheers Lebanese actresses and real-life sisters Manal and Nathalie Issa as real-life sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, all four young The women all appeared on stage at Roy Thomson Hall for the film’s world premiere.
“It’s an inspiring story,” director El Hosaini said in a post-screening question-and-answer session explaining why she took over the project, as the Toronto Film Festival looked very The tears and emotional breakthrough of the popularswimming team could be the CODA of the season, won Best won at last year’s Oscars.
Swimmer Tracks down the Maldini sisters’ incredible journey to escape war-torn Syria , dragging a small boat refugees safely across the Aegean Sea, all the way to the Rio Olympics.
“I’m speechless. Honestly, it’s an honor to be chosen among the many refugees. But this story is not just about me and my sister. It’s about Sisters, about women, about refugees and stateless people around the world,” said Yusra Maldini.
As they fled their Damascus home, the real Maldini sisters had to swim in the rough Mediterranean to reach the Greek island of Lesbos as asylum seekers, Then go on to play in the pool at the Rio Olympics.
“I still don’t believe we are here today,” added sister Sarah Mardini. “Our purpose in telling this story is to put the refugee story on the table and tell people that we have dreams like you do.”
Festival opening and in Roy Tom Mori Hall’s presentation of British films to invited audiences strikes a somber note in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history Died early 96 .
“When we get together tonight to celebrate the movie In time of strength, I would like to thank Her Majesty Elizabeth II on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen today . Everyone here and around the world mourns her passing,” TIFF Chief Executive Cameron Bailey told the audience at Roy Thomson Hall.
Two major TIFF venues near King Street and Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales Theatre and the Royal Alex Theatre as the festival kicks off on Thursday night All darkened. The marquee lights at 8pm are a tribute to the British monarch.
Mirvish Productions, which operates the two Royal Theatres, must obtain permission from the Toronto Film Festival organisers. Hollywood movies premiere in two theaters every night.
The festival will run until September. will run through the weekend, along with Viola Davis’ “The Queen” Netflix’s follow-up premiere screening of Ryan Johnson MOVIEKnives Out starring Daniel Craig, and Sana Raisen’s feature film directorial debut On the Come Up.
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