The Toronto International Film Festival closes its doors for another year, and the biggest winners of all are film aficionados who can count down the days until the veritable bevy of outstanding looking films on show have their wide release.

As is the tradition a number of awards were handed out, and there is much to look forward to in the coming months at the cinema. Without further adieu, here are a pick of the recipients of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival awards for 2014.

People’s Choice Award – 

The Imitation Game (Director Morten Tyldum)

Trailer:

Official TIFF synopsis: 

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as brilliant Cambridge mathematician, cryptanalyst and pioneering computer scientist Alan Turing, who spearheaded the Enigma code-breaking operation during World War II and was later persecuted by the British government for his homosexuality.

Flicks and Pieces thoughts:

This film seems destined to be a big success, and particularly so for British acting talent. With a cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Mark Strong it looks as though we could be in for some powerhouse performances, with Cumberbatch in particular receiving early praise from critics.

Previous recipients of this award include American Beauty, The Kings Speech and 12 Years a Slave, meaning The Imitation Game will become an early contender for the Oscars.

 

People’s Choice Documentary Award –

Beat of the Antonov (Director, Hajooj Kuka)

Trailer:

Official TIFF synopsis: 

Director Hajooj Kuka immerses us in the world of the Sudanese farmers, herders and rebels of the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain regions, who defiantly celebrate their heritage and tend their lands in the face of a government bombing campaign.

Flicks and Pieces thoughts:

Beat of the Antonov looks to portray a powerful message, and will tell what is sure to be a sobering story of the Sudanese citizens affected by the terrible troubles the nation faces. One to look out for.

 

People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award –

What We Do in the Shadows (Directors, Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi)

Trailer:

Official TIFF synopsis: 

Taika Waititi (Boy, Eagle vs Shark) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) co-direct and star in this hilarious mockumentary about a trio of vampires living in a New Zealand suburb who struggle to adapt to life in the 21st century.

Flicks and Pieces thoughts:

Any film the has the  line “Werewolves, not Swearwolves” in has me sold. Written and directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, this film simply looks incredibly fun. The writer/director duo have outstanding comedic records and it would seem as though What We Do In The Shadows continues in this vain.

 

Best Canadian Feature Film –

Felix and Meira (Director, Maxime Giroux)

Trailer:

Official TIFF synopsis: 

A young married woman from Montreal’s Orthodox Jewish community finds freedom from the strictures of her faith through her relationship with a young man who is mourning the death of his estranged father.

Flicks and Pieces thoughts:

With forbidden love, enforced expectations, and religion, this looks like a it could be an emotional, thought provoking stroke of genius. Moreover, the shots of moon soaked Montreal look beautiful, so we could be in for a visual treat.

So which of these big winners are you most look forward to? Join in the discussion below. For a full list of winners head on over to the official TIFF website.