TIFF is an opportunity to explore films that you might otherwise not see. Go outside your comfort zone. Indulge in what makes this film festival truly remarkable. As the most important film critic on the planet, you owe it to yourself. A number of extraordinary films being shown in North America for the first time are coming straight from the very prestigious Venice Film Festival. This is an opportunity to meet the filmmakers and actors first hand. Listen as they share their experiences. This is story telling, whether it is a documentary, drama or experimental film, at its very best.

1.  Harmony Korine’s “Spring Breakers” starring Selena Gomez and James Franco screening at Venice in competition before TIFF. This is a hot one! This could happen to anyone but these four friends, Brit, Candy, Cotty and Faith go way off track looking for something to take the edge off the banality of dorm life. Oops – Spring break should never get this exciting.

2. Daniele Cipri’s drama “The Son Did It” screening at Venice on route to TIFF is a directorial debut from this genius of cinematography. Set in Sicily, this visually dazzling story with an outstanding performance from Toni Servillo, will transport you to another world.

3. Walter Salles’ drama “On The Road” is based on one of this centuries’ great works, the cult classic novel by Jack Kerouac (1951) that defined a generation. The cast includesKristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen. The story is based on Kerouac’s own experiences and is considered a “defining work of the postwar Beat Generation.” The ‘Beat Generation’ was inspired by jazz, poetry and drugs. “Experience is the Best Teacher.”

4. Nick Cassavetes’ “Yellow”, covers huge territory in the complicated life of LA beauty, Mary Holmes, haunted by a dark past.  This dark comedy starring Sienna Miller, Gena Rowlands, Melanie Griffith and Ray Liotta is complex and riveting. This is what we might expect from a director who has such an incredible list of credits as a director (The Notebook), screenwriter (Blow), and many actor and musician credits to his name.

5. Bahman Ghobadi’s (Caméra d’Or–winner A Time for Drunken Horses)

“Rhino Season” stars Monica Bellucci and Iranian superstar Behrouz Vossough.

Ghobadi based the movie on the tragic story of his friend and Kurdish poet, who was unjustly incarcerated during Iran’s Islamic Revolution. This movie follows a mesmerizing, tragic love story over 3 decades utilizing the most beautiful and powerful cinematography that leaves an indelible impression with the viewer.