Reese rendered

New Line Cinema’s “Rendition,” Gavin Hood’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning “Tsotsi,” received a rousing standing ovation from the crowd at Roy Thompson Hall Friday night. Several “Bravos” were heard as were enthusiastic yells. The reaction contributed to Hood’s love for the festival, which began because his previous movie started its ascent here. It’s a feeling common to filmmakers whose films begin their awards journey in Toronto. “The one thing this festival does that is amazing is that it looks for something special in films no matter where they come from, be it from small countries to even Hollywood,” he joked.

His film does have its share of Hollywood stars -- to help the movie’s politically-loaded subject matter go down more smoothly -- and Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon were on hand for a panel discussion at the Park Hyatt earlier in the day, then for premiere and the after-screening dinner at a swanky place called The Fifth. And while Toronto audiences love to star watch in a way that L.A. has forgotten, the paparazzi are a growing problem. Reese was the last to show up for the discussion because when her car showed up to a hotel entrance, her way was blocked by hordes of photogs so that she couldn’t get out; she had to circle the hotel until her people found a more discreet way in.

And then at night, photogs ran from the screening at Roy Thompson Hall, chasing her black Cadillac SUV on foot as it made its way to The Fifth. “She’s not in this one, she’s not in this one!,” yelled the one that got to the SUV first, when the doors opened and it became apparent a switcheroo worthy of a heist movie had been made. In the temporary confusion, Reese did show up in another black SUV and was quickly escorted into the building. Co-star Jake, on the other hand, had a way easier time getting in. (Borys Kit)

UPDATE: Read THR's review of "Rendition"