Two Canadian features will premiere in TIFF’s Platform program.

The juried program, which is in its second year, showcases films from around the world that have a strong directorial vision. A three-person international jury will select one film from the program to receive the $25,000 Platform Prize.

Making its world premiere in the program is Zacharias Kunuk’s Maliglutit (Searchers). The latest feature from the director of Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is set in Nunavut in 1913 and follows a hunter who returns home to find his wife and daughter kidnapped and his other family members killed.

Those Who Make Revolution Halfway Only Dig Their Own Graves from directors Mathieu Denis and Simon Lavoie will also bow at the fest. The film follows four twenty-somethings from Quebec who reject society and gradually turn toward terrorism.

The program will also feature world premieres of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Daguerrotype (France/Japan/Belgium), William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth (U.K.) and Mijke de Jong’s Layla M. (Netherlands/Belgium/Germany/Jordan).

Other films competing in the program are Ivan Sen’s Goldstone (Australia), Katell Quillévéré’s Heal the Living (France/Belgium), Khyentse Norbu’s Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I Wait (Bhutan/Hong Kong), Fien Troch’s Home (Belgium), Pablo Larrain’s Jackie (U.K.), Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight (U.S.) and Bertrand Bonello’s Nocturna (France/Germany/Belgium).

The Platform jury members have yet to be announced. The winner will be announced at the festival’s awards ceremony on Sept. 18.

Image courtesy of TIFF