Close, Kasdan to celebrate ‘The Big Chill’ anniversary in Toronto

TORONTO – A big party is planned for the 30th anniversary of “The Big Chill.”

Stars including Glenn Close, Tom Berenger and JoBeth Williams are heading to Toronto in September for a screening and extended discussion of the beloved ensemble drama.

The celebration is part of events taking place at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the movie made its world premiere in 1983.

Organizers say actresses Meg Tilly and Mary Kay Place, director/writer Lawrence Kasdan and screenwriter Barbara Benedek are among those also attending.

“The Big Chill” was an immediate hit with audiences, winning the festival’s people’s choice award. It later went on to net three Oscar nominations and become an American classic.

“The Big Chill” will screen Sept. 5. The Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 5 to 15.

TIFF director Piers Handling says the film was instrumental in raising the festival’s profile.

“In addition to helping its stars break through and its influence on cinema generally, ‘The Big Chill’ represents a landmark in TIFF’s own history,” Handling said Thursday in a statement.

“It showcased the festival’s ability to seek out and attract up-and-coming contemporary classics as well as our audiences’ ability to predict hits through the people’s choice awards.”