Neil Peart documentary, crime films premiere at TIFF for Day 7

TORONTO — A documentary about the life and legacy of Rush drummer Neil Peart made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday.

Peart’s bandmates, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, walked the red carpet before a screening of “Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple” at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The film’s co-directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, as well as Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, were also in attendance.

McFadyen said he and Dunn hope this film serves as a “joyous celebration” of how complex Peart was.

“It’s about getting inside in a kind of fun but nerdy way into what it means to be a genius drummer.”

Speaking on the red carpet, Lee said Peart brought a lot of intelligence, talent, good nature and humour to the band.

Lifeson, meanwhile, said if Peart saw the documentary, he would be embarrassed but honoured to have his friends be part of the project.

Rush, who launched their first tour in over a decade this summer, said it’s different without their bandmate but that Peart is always in their thoughts.

The drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Peart’s friend, Smith was asked to perform some songs with Lee and Lifeson for the documentary. Smith said Peart touched so many people and there will never be another drummer like him.

Peart died of brain cancer at age 67 in January 2020.

For those who can’t make it to TIFF, the documentary is set to debut on CBC next Wednesday.

Also at the festival, “The Man I Love” from director Ira Sachs made its Canadian premiere. It stars Rami Malek as an actor and performance artist in 1980s New York who’s diagnosed with AIDS.

Other high-profile screenings that made their debut were “The Assassin(s),” about the attempted assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee; “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” a buzzy film starring John Turturro; and “The Liberation,” about a woman drawn into a mysterious cult.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026.

— With files from Diana Mussina