WEEK IN WOMEN: Patricia Arquette’s GONZO GIRL opens TIFF’s Discovery program – Brandy McDonnell reports

Gonzo Girl, Oscar-winning actor Patricia Arquette’s directorial debut, will be the opening film of the Discovery program of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival takes place Sept. 7-17. The Discovery lineup, which primarily boasts world and international premieres, includes 26 titles. Thirteen female filmmakers, representing 50% of the total program, are featured in this year’s Discovery section.

“The Discovery section, which is curated by a brilliant team of international programmers, is an integral part of TIFF,” said Dorota Lech, TIFF Lead Programmer, Discovery, & International Programmer for Central, Eastern, & Southern Europe, the Caucasus, Iran, & Turkey.

“It is a bold and exciting showcase of cinema and emerging talent from around the world, and we are honoured to highlight new and distinctive voices from artists creating their first or second feature on our global stage. This year’s programme of 26 titles includes films from 25 countries, accounting for international co-productions and local talent.”

Four-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (Asteroid City) and Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six) star in Arquette’s “Gonzo Girl,” which is based on Cheryl Della Pietra’s semi-autobiographical novel chronicling her time as Hunter S. Thompson’s personal assistant. Continue reading on THE WEEK IN WOMEN