TIFF: Road Diary
The documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band made its debut at TIFF, captivating the audience with a powerful retrospective on the journey he and his band have charted since the ’70s.
Toronto’s most glamorous and highly anticipated annual event, the Toronto International Film Festival, which this year ran from September 5 to September 15, 2024, showcases the biggest names in cinema and screens their work. This year, TIFF graciously granted Dolce VIP status, so I was able to enjoy the 49th edition of the event in all its glory.
The cameras’ shutters and flickering flashes capture all the beautiful moments of the festival. Of course, Torontonians’ jaws drop when they see Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Selena Gomez or Jacob Elordi. But the question is, who is the one to make the stars themselves star-struck?
The answer is simple: Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen.
In 1984 Springsteen had all of America dancing their hearts out in the dark right alongside Courteney Cox (who appeared in the song’s now-classic video) and would go on to become one of the world’s most beloved and accomplished rock-and-roll singers, songwriters and guitarists. In a career spanning over 60 years he has garnered 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award and a Special Tony Award. With 21 released studio albums, he has sold more than 70 million albums, most of which feature his backup band, the E Street Band, and sets attendance records all over the world at his concerts.
In Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the award-winning director, editor and producer Thom Zimny chronicles the passion, energy and grit that the band has always brought to touring as they prepare to hit the road once again. Zimny, a frequent collaborator with Springsteen over the years, captured the hearts of the audience members by showing Springsteen’s method — creating a set list of songs that conveys a story for the audience to experience, rehearsing meticulously, feeling the momentum of the music on stage and embracing the flow.
As I sat in Roy Thomson Hall with The Boss himself sitting only 15 feet away from me, I experienced the audience at times roaring with laughter, emphatically applauding and silently admiring the heartfelt and candid interviews. The interviewees included Springsteen’s bandmates and longtime friends Steve Van Zandt, Jake Clemons (nephew of the late saxophonist Clarence Clemons), Max Weinberg and Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife.
While the overall theme of the documentary was the raw musical talent of Springsteen and his bandmates, the underlying theme of inevitable mortality was also beautifully captured. During the panel discussion after the screening, Springsteen spoke about the importance of pursuing your passion and doing what you love. He expressed gratitude for being able to commit himself to his love of music and for being able to pursue it with his closest friends throughout his entire life.
Bruce Springsteen is still — without a doubt — The Boss.
Visit California partnered with Brand USA to create a vibrant activation experience for the festival-goers! Attendees were invited to explore an interactive California-themed space on Festival Street in front of Roy Thomson Hall. The initiative also featured a luxurious sponsored Red Carpet Suite for over 30 industry partners, including DOLCE. Throughout the festival, engaging social media and newsletter content highlighted the collaboration, while captivating video pre-roll and static ads ran in the TIFF Lightbox Theatre, ensuring a memorable experience that celebrated both California and the art of cinema.