Denzel Washington’s new film, Roman J. Israel, Esq., is set to premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
The legal thriller by Dan Gilroy follows the story of Washington’s Roman J. Israel in Los Angeles’ criminal court system. Israel has long been defined by his activism, but a series of events challenges the core of who he believes he is.
The film also stars Colin Ferrell as the ambitious lawyer who recruits Israel to his firm.
“The Toronto International Film Festival has a wonderful history with both Dan Gilroy and Denzel Washington,” said Toronto artistic director Cameron Bailey in a statement. “Three years ago TIFF had the honour of premiering Gilroy’s directorial debut, Nightcrawler, at the festival. In addition to previously screening The Equalizer and presenting the world premiere of Training Day, which earned Washington an Oscar for Best Actor, the Washington-starring The Magnificent Seven was our Opening Night film last year. A project that teams up both of these remarkable creators is one not to be missed.”
“We always hoped to premiere at Toronto and couldn’t be happier that TIFF audiences will be the first to see the film,” said Gilroy. “Thanks to Cameron and the entire festival crew for embracing us and bringing Roman Israel to the world.”