Francis Ford Coppola’s grand return to the spotlight with the Megalopolis premiere at TIFF 2024 brought a star-studded red carpet to life at Roy Thomson Hall. From capturing the legendary director’s gaze to a touching moment with Giancarlo Esposito, it was an unforgettable evening of glamour, emotion, and cinematic history.
Some nights leave an imprint deeper than the images you capture—and the North American premiere of Megalopolis at the Toronto International Film Festival was one of those rare, unforgettable experiences. On the evening of September 10, 2024, I had the privilege of photographing the star-studded red carpet outside Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, and I’m truly grateful to TIFF for the opportunity to be part of such a landmark cinematic event.
Francis Ford Coppola’s long-anticipated passion project, Megalopolis, debuted in North America with an energy that radiated across the city. The film, described by TIFF as “a Roman epic fable set in an imagined Modern America,” tells the story of an architect envisioning a utopian rebuild of New York after a disaster—an ambitious narrative that reflects Coppola’s own decades-long vision for the film.
While I haven’t seen the movie yet, the atmosphere surrounding it spoke volumes. The crowd outside Roy Thomson Hall was buzzing with excitement, a mix of media, fans, and industry figures eager to witness a historic moment. For me, the magic was in the details—the anticipation in the air, the elegance of the arrivals, and the privilege of documenting it all from behind the lens.
One of the absolute highlights of the evening was capturing a portrait of Francis Ford Coppola himself. As a longtime admirer of The Godfather trilogy, this was a milestone moment for me personally. I managed to snap a frame as he paused and looked directly into my camera—a fleeting moment of calm and intensity that felt incredibly intimate amidst the noise and movement. To photograph a director whose work has had such an enduring influence on cinema—and on me—was genuinely humbling.
The evening also brought other standout moments. I was thrilled to photograph American actor Adam Driver, always compelling both on-screen and in person, and British actress Nathalie Emmanuel, who brought grace and confidence to the red carpet. Emmanuel wore a stunning white lace Chanel Haute Couture gown, exuding timeless elegance and perfectly complementing the film's grand themes.
Grace VanderWaal also turned heads in a striking ensemble. She wore a vintage Cinema by Panos Zinas gown, featuring intricate gold and red sequins, paired with a lace-trimmed veil, channelling timeless Riviera glamour.
But one personal highlight was getting to photograph Giancarlo Esposito. As a massive Spike Lee fan, I’ll never forget his iconic role in Do the Right Thing—particularly that sneaker scene, etched in the memory of any true film lover. Seeing him now as part of Coppola’s latest ensemble and capturing that moment through my lens was incredibly meaningful. A particularly touching moment was when Esposito leaned in to kiss Coppola on the cheek—a gesture of deep respect and affection. I was fortunate to capture that heartfelt interaction, a testament to the camaraderie and mutual admiration among the cast.
What made this red carpet special wasn’t just the calibre of talent—it was the sense of occasion. You could feel that this wasn’t just another premiere. It was a celebration of legacy, vision, and the kind of storytelling that dares to dream big.
TIFF has once again proven itself to be more than just a film festival. It’s a place where cinematic history continues to unfold, and where creators from all corners of the world gather to share bold new visions. I’m grateful to play even a small role in that ongoing story.
As I review the photos from the night—faces lit by camera lights, expressions full of emotion and poise—I’m reminded why these moments matter. They tell a story all their own. And this one, in particular, will stay with me for a long time.
