Toronto rolled out the red carpet for movie stars on Thursday as North America’s biggest annual film festival opened with a program of nearly 300 films on topics ranging from political activism to sports.

The Toronto International Film Festival began with the premiere of Apple TV drama “Being Heumann,” starring Ruth Madeley as US activist Judy Heumann, who fought for disability rights in the 1970s.

The film deals with “what happens when people refuse to be invisible,” said Oscar-winning director Sian Heder at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

“I think that we are living in a time when a lot of groups of people are being left behind,” the filmmaker said.

“There are so many battles on so many fronts, and it’s hard to know how and where to fight, but collective action matters.”

On the red carpet, Heder told AFP that the current situation in the United States was part of her motivation for making the film.

“It’s like we’re rolling back the rights that we fought for in the 1970s at a speed that is just mindblowing. So it is exactly the time for this movie,” she said.

Festival CEO Cameron Bailey kicked off the 51st edition with a nod to political tensions between Canada and the United States.

Bailey drew applause when he referred to Lake Ontario, which US President Donald Trump had decreed to be renamed “Lake America.”

He also emphasized the strength of the Canadian film industry at a time when Trump is championing movies made in the United States.

Ten days of film

Highlights in the 293-film program included historical drama “The Housewife,” with stars Naomi Watts and Luke Evans attending the premiere on Thursday.

Also in the spotlight were former soccer player Megan Rapinoe, presenting her documentary “Rapinoe,” and Jodie Comer and Harry Melling, co-stars of the horror film “Stuffed.”

Stars such as John Malkovich, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hiddleston and K-pop phenomenon Lisa are expected to join the festival in the coming days.

Stories of perseverance and unlikely winners are at the heart of the festival’s lineup, which will include the premiere of “I Play Rocky.”

The film by Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly tells the improbable story of how Sylvester Stallone went up against Hollywood to produce the breakout movie that would change his life.

Another debuting biopic is “Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend,” which recounts the rise of racing star Gilles Villeneuve from his humble beginnings in Quebec to the top of F1.

K-pop superstar Lisa is also set to release her documentary “Always Lalisa,” directed by Sue Kim.

Diverse lineup

American comedian and actor Chris Rock will arrive with “Misty Green,” the Hollywood satire that marks his return behind the camera, featuring Rosalind Eleazar as a washed-up actress looking for a second chance.

Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, Anna Kendrick, Topher Grace and Rock himself are part of the cast.

Helen Mirren will appear in psychological thriller “A Talent for Murder,” directed by Anton Corbijn.

Zack Snyder, director of “300” and “Watchmen,” will present “The Last Photograph,” which blends drama and action in a mission set in a South American jungle.

Other standouts include “Wild Horse Nine,” about two CIA agents on Easter Island during the tense final stretch of Salvador Allende’s government in Chile.

The Toronto International Film Festival wraps up on 20 September.