Handling noted that it was actually Italian dictator Benito Mussolini who started the first film festival in Venice in 1932, followed quickly by Cannes in France in the late '30s, setting the tone for hundreds to follow, including the Toronto festival in 1976. Handling said films are important in a culture that is becoming increasingly visual and even virtual. In the age of intellectual capitalism that we are entering, thought is a precious resource and independent thought is the most cherished thing of all. He added that in a knowledge economy, exposure to films, especially those from other countries, makes us think efficiently. Citing the God-like influence film had during Quebec's quiet revolution, Handling stressed that the medium creates powerful self images.
Cultures see themselves reflected in the stories and artworks of their artists.
Communal dreams can and have been shaped through national cinemas. He called it a reminder that the city invests the equivalent of three tokens per person per year on the arts. Now imagine if next year everyone who lives in Toronto were to give another six dollars, or three subway tokens, Toronto could kickstart a cultural renaissance that would be the envy of the world. Before it ends Sept. 16, the festival will unspool 329 films, including a record 178 world and North American premieres. A who's who of Hollywood is expected to attend, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Richard Gere, Robert Duvall, Gwyneth Paltrow and Liv Ullman.