Festival CEO Cameron Bailey told the audience that he believed the film to be “the most mature, shining expression” of Miyazaki’s vision.
The screening was the main event on the first day of TIFF, North America’s largest film festival, which began in the shadow of the twin strikes by actors and writers that have nearly brought Hollywood to a standstill.
Organizers of the event, a launchpad for multiple Academy Award-winning films, were finalizing a series of premieres, red carpet galas and prestigious TV launches featuring works from dozens of countries when Tinseltown actors staged a walkout.
But Bailey says the global reach of programming, and the ability of filmmakers and actors to foster independent performances even amid strikes, speaks to “the power of cinema right now.”
“It took a few weeks to really work out the specifics and details of how you handle the strike-hit festival, but it turns out we will have a lot of red carpet talent,” Bailey told AFP.