Discussion Series by TIFF Features Park Chan-wook, Dwayne Johnson, and Tessa Thompson
In the heart of September, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will once again grace the screens of North America, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a lineup that is nothing short of stellar.
One of the festival's most anticipated events is the In Conversation With… series, where international stars will gather for intimate discussions about their careers, creative journeys, and specific projects. Confirmed participants include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Tessa Thompson.
Johnson, who will also be premiering his film The Smashing Machine at TIFF, will share insights into his transition from wrestling to film and his producing ventures. His co-star in The Smashing Machine, Emily Blunt, is also set to make an appearance.
Reynolds, on the other hand, will delve into his career, production company Maximum Effort, and his role as producer on TIFF's opening selection John Candy: I Like Me. Thompson and DaCosta, who have reimagined Henrik Ibsen's classic play Hedda Gabler, will also join the series to discuss their respective careers.
The female-led heist thriller Project Y, starring Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, will also be a part of the In Conversation With… series. The two actresses will talk about their roles in the film and their careers, including their work in K-Pop music videos.
Park Chan-wook, the acclaimed director of Oldboy and Decision To Leave, will also be a part of the series, premiering his latest film, No Other Choice, in Venice and getting its North American premiere in Toronto.
TIFF's Industry Conference will also feature panel conversations on various film industry topics, such as international distribution, arthouse film production, inclusion, and AI. However, these are distinct from the In Conversation With… artist-centered series.
A project titled 'Shark Bait' has been successful at MIFF's 37o South Market, but it is not directly related to TIFF.
The TIFF Black Excellence Brunch will return to spotlight the 30th anniversary and legacy of the Planet Africa festival program. The festival will run from September 4 to 14.
[1] Source: TIFF Press Release, 2025 [5] Source: TIFF Industry Conference Schedule, 2025
Movies-and-TV stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Tessa Thompson, Emily Blunt, Han So-hee, and Jun Jong-seo will participate in the entertaining In Conversation With… series during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This series will provide insights into their careers, creative journeys, and specific projects.
