Buzzed-about titles screening at the Toronto International Film Festival

TORONTO – More than 250 films will unspool at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival, which runs Sept. 9 to 19. here are a dozen titles already generating buzz.

Michelle Williams and Canuck heart-throb Ryan Gosling star in this wrenching portrait of a marriage in freefall. "Blue Valentine" has already been a standout at both Sundance and Cannes, with award whispers for both lead actors.

Quebec phenom Xavier Dolan returns to TIFF with this comic tale of a romantic triangle. "Heartbeats" is the director's followup to his wildly successful debut, "I killed My Mother."

Cinematic heavyweight Clint Eastwood is sure to grab attention as he graces the TIFF red carpet for the first time in 20 years with this story of three people haunted by mortality. The film stars Matt Damon as a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife.

There's plenty of chatter around this controversial film, which marks the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actor Casey Affleck. "I'm Still Here" purports to chronicle Joaquin Phoenix's attempts to pursue a hip-hop career in favour of acting. but Phoenix's headline-grabbing behaviour while it was made had many wondering whether it was all a big stunt in aid of Affleck's film.

After sweeping the Genie Awards with "Polytechnique," his masterful retelling of the Montreal massacre, Quebec's Denis Villeneuve presents "Incendies." The tale of twins who travel to the Middle East and learn secrets of their mother's past, it's a jaw-droppingly ambitious project, which Villeneuve has called it his own "Apocalypse now."

"The King's Speech" features Colin Firth as George VI, who struggles to overcome a bad stutter when his older brother unexpectedly abdicates the throne to marry a divorced widow. Tom Hooper directs and Geoffrey Rush co-stars in a stunner that is sure to draw the attention of Oscar voters.

British director Mike Leigh returns to TIFF with another brilliantly drawn human drama. "Another Year" tells the story of a contented London couple with some very unhappy friends. Featuring some remarkable performances by a cast of Leigh regulars, including Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton.

Based on the beloved novel, "Never Let Me Go" is the tale of two friends (played by Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley), who spent their childhood at a seemingly idyllic boarding school. Knightley also appears in TIFF's closing film, "Last Night."

"The Promise: The making of Darkness on the Edge of Town"

Thom Zimny's documentary on Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and the recording of their fourth album is shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets at TIFF. Some lucky festival-goers will get to listen in on a conversation between actor Ed Norton and The Boss himself.

Ben Affleck directs another thriller set in his hometown of Boston. Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker") is already garnering buzz for his performance. The film also stars Jon Hamm of "Mad Men" fame, who will no doubt garner ear-splitting screams on the TIFF red carpet.

"You Will Meet a Tall dark Stranger"

Woody Allen's latest London-shot ensemble piece features a stellar cast, including Freida Pinto, Josh Brolin, Antonio Banderas and Naomi Watts. Anthony Hopkins is a scream in a rare comic turn.

Two years after his triumphant turn at TIFF with "Slumdog Millionaire," Danny Boyle returns with "127 Hours." It stars James Franco as a mountain climber who becomes trapped in an isolated Utah canyon.

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