The Toronto International Film Festival begins today, albeit a less star-studded affair than in previous years.

While many celebrities will be in attendance, most will be skipping it this year.

Strikes by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America mean the promotion of many films can’t go ahead, although there are some exceptions allowed by the unions.

TIFF organizers say ticket sales, despite the lack of star-power, remain strong.

The festival opens tonight with the animated feature ‘’The Boy and the Heron.’’