Variety and Utopai Studios to host Future in Focus at TIFF
Variety and Utopai Studios will present Future in Focus, an invite-only conversation series at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 12, 2026. The event brings together leading filmmakers—including James McAvoy and Rachel Morrison—to explore how innovation, AI, immersive storytelling, and new production methods are reshaping the art and craft of filmmaking at TIFF.
Key Takeaways
- Variety Future in Focus, presented by Utopai Studios, takes place Sept. 12 at TIFF as an invite-only industry event.
- James McAvoy and Rachel Morrison headline one-on-one conversations about storytelling and their TIFF premieres.
- A panel moderated by Variety's Matt Donnelly will cover AI, immersive storytelling, and new filmmaking techniques.
- Utopai Studios COO Kevin Chong says the company is building a production model that keeps artists' creative vision central.
What Is Future in Focus at TIFF?
Variety Future in Focus, presented by Utopai Studios, is a curated industry gathering held during the Toronto International Film Festival. The invite-only event on Sept. 12 is designed to examine how emerging tools and creative approaches are expanding what filmmakers can achieve on screen.
Rather than a public screening, the program centers on candid conversations and a panel discussion. Together, participants will offer a firsthand look at the ideas, technologies, and techniques shaping the future of the medium. For broader coverage of festival and industry programming, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Who Will Speak at the Variety and Utopai Studios Event?
James McAvoy joins Variety for a conversation about his perspective on the evolving art of storytelling. The discussion will touch on his work directing and producing California Schemin', and he also stars in Faith, which premieres at TIFF.
Academy Award-nominated cinematographer and director Rachel Morrison will sit for an intimate conversation moderated by Variety senior entertainment writer Angelique Jackson. Morrison directed Love of Your Life, another TIFF premiere, and the talk will explore her creative process and approach to filmmaking.
A panel moderated by Variety Executive Editor, Film, Matt Donnelly will feature Stephanie Ahn (writer-director of Bedford Park); Carsten Kurpanek, Head of Production at Utopai Studios and editor of Coyote vs. Acme; Liz Garbus, director of Give Me the Ball! and co-founder of Story Syndicate; Rebel Wilson, director, writer, and actor of Girl Group; and Basil Iwanyk, producer and founder and CEO of Thunder Road Films.
Why Does Utopai Studios Care About Innovation in Filmmaking?
Utopai Studios COO Kevin Chong said the company is building a new model for filmmaking that gives artists more ways to bring ambitious ideas to the screen while keeping creative vision at the center of every production.
Chong added that the future of film will be shaped by the convergence of artistry, technology, and new production methods. That is why Utopai Studios partnered with Variety at TIFF to explore how new tools and techniques are expanding what filmmakers can achieve and how stories connect with audiences.
How Will AI and New Technology Shape the Panel Discussion?
During the moderated panel, participants will examine innovation in filmmaking spanning the latest trends in AI, immersive storytelling, and more. Panelists will share how they are building compelling worlds and characters in film now.
The lineup ties directly into TIFF's 2026 premieres, linking on-stage conversation to films audiences will encounter at the festival. Influential voices across directing, cinematography, production, and performance will map where craft and technology meet on today's sets.