TIFF adds Hidden Figures sneak peek, new Transparent episodes, Pharrell concert

An exclusive peek at Hidden Figures — about the trio of brilliant female, African-American NASA mathematicians who helped launch astronaut John Glenn into space — along with a performance by Pharrell Williams and the world premiere of Transparent's new season have been added to TIFF's lineup.

On Thursday, the Toronto International Film Festival outlined several new events and additions to various programs.

Organizers are planning a members-only event to showcase footage from Theodore Melfi's anticipated upcoming film Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae. 

The filmmaker and his star trio will also take part in a Q&A along with hit singer, composer and producer Williams, who has created music for the movie and will perform selections at a concert in Toronto.

"This film brings together an incredible array of talent. We're beyond happy to be giving audiences a taste of it,"  
TIFF artistic director Cameron Bailey said in a statement.

The festival will also present the first three episodes of acclaimed series Transparent's forthcoming season. Created by award-winning writer Jill Soloway, it stars Jeffrey Tambor as a transgender woman navigating her new life. 

Transparent is part of TIFF's fledgling Primetime program. Now in its second year, it showcases high-quality television programs from around the globe and includes Q&A sessions with the show creators.

Primetime will also include new episodes of:

• Dystopian U.K.-South African anthology series Black Mirror
• Kenyan crime procedural Tuko Macho
• Czech mystery miniseries Wasteland 

Industry events at TIFF this fall will include an onstage interview with Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, about diversity and inclusion in the movie business.

The Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 8 to 18.