Pixar to Debut New “Toy Story” Short at Toronto International Film Festival in April
Toronto — Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children and Youth is thrilled to open this year’s festival on Friday, April 8 with the World Premiere of Pixar Animation Studio’s newest short, Hawaiian Vacation, a Toy Story Toon. Join Woody and Buzz in 3D as they lead a group of toys in giving Ken and Barbie the Hawaiian vacation of their dreams — except it has to be in a girl’s bedroom in the Midwest in the middle of winter, because Ken badly miscalculated the travel arrangements. Hawaiian Vacation (6 min) is directed by Gary Rydstrom and produced by Galyn Susman.
As part of the Sprockets Opening Night programme, audiences will also be treated to a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney Pixar release, Cars 2. Sprockets attendees will learn how the magic is made during a special behind-the-scenes presentation by a Pixar animator who worked on both Hawaiian Vacation and Cars 2.
“For the past 14 years Sprockets has continued to provide children and youth the best in film from around the world,” says Elizabeth Muskala, Director of Festivals and Events, TIFF. “Opening with the World Premiere of a Pixar short film is a first for us, and we’re delighted to present an exclusive evening with Pixar Animation Studios to Toronto audiences.”
In Cars 2, the follow-up to the 2006 Golden Globe®-winning Cars, star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, where Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Directed by John Lasseter, co-directed by Brad Lewis. Hawaiian Vacation will be shown with Cars 2, when it opens in theatres on June 24, 2011.
Tickets for Sprockets go on sale to TIFF members March 8 and to the general public March 22. Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival runs from April 5 to 17 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West, Toronto. With more than 80 films from 27 countries spanning all genres, Sprockets brings the world of cinema to Toronto’s youngest audiences, along with an exciting slate of special guests, hands-on family activities and showcases for young filmmakers. For more information contact our box office on telephone 416-599-TIFF or visit tiff.net/sprockets.