Julia Sarah Stone on being a Rising Star at Toronto International Film Festival

TORONTO – Vancouver native Julia Sarah Stone has two reasons to celebrate the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival: she appears in the movie “Wet Bum” and will also serve as one of the annual movie marathon’s “rising stars.”

It’s a distinction the festival gives annually to four actors who then participate in seminars, mentoring sessions and other networking opportunities with industry players.

“Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany, Sarah Gadon of “Maps to the Stars” and “Cosmopolis” fame, and “Empire of Dirt” lead Cara Gee are among those who’ve participated in the program that’s into its fourth year.

This year’s three other Rising Stars — as chosen by a jury — are: Alexandre Landry, Sophie Desmarais and Shannon Kook.

Stone spoke with The Canadian Press about the honour:

CP: What do you hope this will lead to?

JSS: Meeting new people. It’s such a great opportunity to be taught by people who are experts in the field, and just a lot of fun.

CP: What’s your experience with the festival?

JSS: I haven’t been to TIFF before, this is my first time. Everyone has been so amazing and welcoming.

CP: You already have many credits to your name — do you consider yourself a rising star?

JSS: For me it’s just a huge honour to be here. I don’t really consider myself anything except someone who just loves acting and is doing as much of it as I can. I just love telling stories and that’s why I’m in it.

The Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 4-14.

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