Set Jetting – TIFF 2017 Movie Destinations

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And no, we’re not talking about the holiday season.

The Toronto International Film Festival is back! Over the next ten days, the 6ix will roll out the red carpet for the who’s who of Hollywood as they showcase some of the most anticipated films. Audiences will be immersed in new and imaginative worlds - many inspired by real life destinations.

Film enthusiasts seeking the ultimate “behind-the-screens” experience, should consider a set-jet adventure. Bringing the big screen to life, this travel trends sees fans travelling the world in search of a movie location. Luckily, this year’s festival lineup has no shortage of films with inspiring backdrops. So, before you grab your popcorn, Booking.com, the world leader in connecting travelers with awesome places to stay, has the scoop on the festivals most anticipated films with sets you can actually visit!

The Shape of Water – Toronto and Hamilton, Canada

Look out for Toronto and parts of Hamilton disguised as a cold war era American city in this romantic horror film, directed by Guillermo del Toro this is one of TIFF’s hottest tickets. Del Toro is no stranger to these Canadian cities after disguising them as gothic Victorian towns in Crimson Peak where you can spot Dundurn Castle, Casa Loma and Trinity Bellwoods Park! Not much has been reveled about the filming of this mysterious new addition to Del Toro’s portfolio but it’s release coincides with the career-spanning exhibition of the director’s works at the AGO, opening on September 30. This is the only Canadian stop on the exhibitions tour so make sure you check it out while you can!

Ex Libris - New York City, USA

Ex Libris is a love letter to The New York Public Library that takes viewers behind the scenes. This documentary explores the institutions role as a powerful public resource for immigrant communities which is then juxtaposed by the glamorous gala's that are hosted there. The Library is architecturally stunning and has been used as a film set for cult classics like Breakfast at Tiffanys, Ghostbusters and Sex and The City: The Move, making it a must-visit for any film buff or bookwork.

The Mountain Between us – British Columbia, Canada

Disaster brings two strangers, played by Kate Winslet and Idris Elba, together in this survival drama when a plane crashes in snow covered mountains and make no mistake, these are no CGI mountains! British Columbia was used as the stunning backdrop and the crew filmed in harsh conditions among the Purcell Mountains where they had to helicopter equipment in. Shooting took place all over BC, the stars were spotted at the Vancouver airport and filming is rumored to have taken place around Invermere and the Panorama Mountain Resort.

Stronger – Boston, USA

Jake Gyllenhaal portrays real-life hero Jeff Bauman in this film that recounts Bauman’s inspiring road to recovery after losing his legs in the tragic Boston Marathon bombings of 2013. Real Boston Bruins fans will feature in the film as extras after being invited to stay behind following a game and act as the crowd cheering for Gyllenhaal. Decked out in Red Sox Jersey’s, Gyllenhaal and Bauman himself also threw the first pitch at a Red Sox-Blue Jays game last spring.

Darkest Hour – Manchester & London, England

Gary Oldman’s dramatic transformation for the role of Winston Churchill has already created a huge buzz around this film that focuses on Churchill during a pivotal moment in the war. Scenes were shot in Manchester’s Harry Potter-esque town Hall that’s open to visitors year-round and in Leavesden studios outside London. If you’re feeling fascinated after watching this film then be sure to visit the real Churchill War Rooms, which are depicted in the film, next time you’re in London. Housed in a secret underground bunker, Churchill commanded the British army from these rooms which were persevered and turned into a dedicated museum.

Battle of the Sexes – Los Angeles, USA

Emma Stone continues her love of La La Land in Battle of the Sexes, set in 1970’s Los Angeles. Stone and co-star Steve Carell were spotted filming at the Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown LA which may look familiar because it’s been used as a set for countless films including Interstellar, True Lies and even Usher’s ‘U Don’t have to call’ music video! Battle of the Sexes recounts the epic 1973 tennis match between reigning woman’s champ Billie Jean King and former top player and proud male chauvinist, Bobby Riggs. To this day, this game remains the most watched tennis match in history thanks to the over the top antics leading up to it.

Victoria and Abdul - Isle of Wight, England

The more you learn about Queen Victoria’s life, the more it will fascinate you. Judi Dench returns to her role as Queen Victoria in this film that brings to life the Queen’s friendship with an Indian clerk who became her closest confidant in her later years. Filming took place at the luxurious holiday home to Queen Victoria herself, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. This was the first time the historic house has allowed filming to take place. The house is now open as a tourist attraction and costumes used in the film are on display in the Queen’s Indian inspired Durbar Room which is featured in the film, along with the Lower Terrace, Grand Corridor and the Queen’s sitting room.