Adam Levine’s first major film, biopics on Jimi Hendrix and British singer Paul Potts, and a documentary on Alice Cooper’s outlandish manager will make their premieres as part of the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
The festival, which opens Sept. 5, is often considered the starting point for numerous films that go on to become significant awards contenders. In recent years, it has also had major music stars — Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Neil Young — on hand to promote documentaries. The festival announced gala screenings and premieres on Wednesday morning.
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Levine, the Maroon 5 front man and coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” stars in “Can a Song Save Your Life?” with Keira Knightly, Mark Ruffalo and Catherine Keener. Directed by “Once” writer-director John Carney, the film is a music industry drama about an undiscovered young singer and a washed-up producer.
OutKast’s Andre Benjamin portrays Hendrix in the long-awaited film “All is By My Side,” directed by John Ridley. The film was made in the U.K. without the cooperation of the Hendrix estate.
Potts, a tenor who rose to stardom on the television show “Britain’s Got Talent,” has his story told in “One Chance.” James Corden portrays Potts; David Frankel (“The Devil Wears Prada”) directs.
Mike Myers of “Austin Powers” fame makes his directorial debut with “Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon,” a documentary on the manager of Alice Cooper, Blondie, Luther Vandross and Raquel Welch.
Two other films dive into fictional rock ‘n roll tales. Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive” concerns a David Bowie-like rock star (Tom Hiddleston), who also happens to be a vampire, his bloodsucking belle (Tilda Swinton) and her irascible sister (Mia Wasikowska). Swedish auteur Lukas Moodysson’s “We are the Best” chronicles three pre-teen outcasts who form an all-girl punk band.
One live music performance of note will occur during the festival. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform Philip Glass’ score to accompany Godfrey Reggio’s “Visitors.” The two previously collaborated on “Koyaanisqatsi.”