The World Premiere of Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band will be the Opening Night Gala Presentation for the 44th Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, September 5, at Roy Thomson Hall.
Directed by Daniel Roher (Ghosts of Our Forest) and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard, the feature documentary follows Robertson from his early life in Toronto and on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, in Southern Ontario, to the creation of legendary roots-rock group The Band.
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band blends rare archival footage, photography, iconic songs, and interviews with some of Robertson’s friends and collaborators — including Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Taj Mahal, Dominique Robertson, and Ronnie Hawkins — to explore the six-decade career of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer behind anthems like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
For more information, and to view the first round of confirmed film titles for TIFF ’19, visit tiff.net/festival on July 23.
Festival ticket packages start at $110. Purchase packages online at tiff.net/tickets, by phone (416.599.2033 or 1.888.258.8433), or in person at TIFF Bell Lightbox until August 11 while quantities last.
