TIFF According to Neon Non-Fiction Head Dan O’Meara

TIFF According to Neon Non-Fiction Head Dan O’Meara

As a cinephile who has been fortunate enough to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, I can confidently say that my experiences at the Toronto Film Festival have been nothing short of spectacular. The city itself is a vibrant melting pot of culture, food, and people, making it an ideal backdrop for the world-class film events that take place there.


Dan O’Meara, who oversees non-fiction projects, is the leader at independent film studio Neon. Recently, he has been involved in productions such as Andrew McCarthy’s Brat Pack movie titled “Brats” and the documentary about GameStop stock, named “Rise of the Players.” During this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Dan O’Meara will be present for the screening of the documentary film “Men of War.

As TIFF programmers put it, “Rambo-style meets Fyre Fest” aptly describes the film by directors Billy Corben and Jen Gatien. The movie narrates the story of a former U.S. Green Beret who is enlisted for a mission to oust Venezuela’s president, but the operation ultimately ends in a grand and disastrous collapse.

Before the big event, I spilled some secrets to THR about how to make the most of it (let’s say, sharing some insider advice like asking a fellow Canadian for a smoke). I also shared a hilarious story I had with Jamie Foxx during the same occasion.

My “only in Toronto” moment?
Got a last-minute invite to the premiere of No Country Old Men.

“As a gamer, my ‘extraordinarily friendly’ encounter?

The one place I have to visit when in Toronto?
Ravis’ Soups.

The place I avoid during the festival is?
The Soho House (too far from everything).

My favorite Canadian director/talent is (and why)?
Sarah Polley. Away From Her broke me.

The most Canadian thing about Toronto?
Tim Hortons.

What I can’t imagine leaving home without (other than my phone) is definitely a phone charger.

What’s the most notable celebrity interaction you’ve had in Toronto?
I had a casual breakfast meeting with Jamie Foxx at The Intercontinental, and he started conversing with me as if I were his assistant.

Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds?
Gosling. No contest.

In Toronto, you should always?
Take a long walk in High Park.

As a gamer in Toronto, I’d advise against grabbing a breakfast burrito from a food truck to kick off a marathon 18-hour gaming session.

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2024-09-08 05:25