The first round of titles have been announced for films premiering in the Gala and Special Presentation programmes of the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival. Included among them is Dublin’s own John Butler, with his third feature film, Papi Chulo, set to premiere during the prestigious festival.
Papi Chulo marks the third time that one of Butler’s films will receive it’s world premiere at TIFF, following the acclaimed debut’s of The Stag in 2013 and Handsome Devil in 2016.
Butler’s presence at the festival will put him in the esteemed company of many of the best and highest profile international names in directing today, including the likes of Claire Denis, Steve McQueen, Alfonso Cuarón, Barry Jenkins, Damien Chazelle, Amma Asante and many more.
Starring Matt Bomer, best known for television series including Chuck and White Collar as well as his roles in films including The Nice Guys, stars alongside Alejandro Patino, an experienced character actor perhaps best known for his role as the gardener Ralph on Desperate Housewives. The film will tell the story of lonely weatherman who encounters a middle-aged migrant worker looking for employment outside a Home Depot and decides to hire him – language barrier and all – to be his friend. The film has been described as “a little bit Death in Venice, a little bit Lost in Translation” by Butler, who was excited to announce the film’s selection by TIFF earlier today.
https://twitter.com/mrjohnbutler/status/1021760610558791682
Papi Chulo is produced by Rebecca O’Flanagan and Robert Walpole of Treasure Entertainment, and stars Matt Bomer and Alejandro Patino. The title is supported by Screen Ireland.
The 43rd Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6th – 16th, 2018.