My Day at TIFF with Long Live Montero
On September 16th, 2022 I was at a Lil Nas X concert.
On September 16th, 2023 I was watching Long Live Montero at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival).
It was my first time at TIFF so I had no idea what to expect. I wanted to go see every movie that I had any remote interest in. However, as a film lover with a limited income, I had to make some choices. My main priority became seeing Long Live Montero, the tour documentary for one of my favourite music artists.
An artist who is unapologetically himself. The film showcases that as well but getting to know Lil Nas X on a more intimate level. He talks to the camera while laying in bed. You see him laughing with his dancers. Most importantly, for a concert film, you see how his vision for his concert comes alive to his most popular songs.
The documentary strips away his flamboyancy to show a young adult who very desperately wants to make it in music. So much to the point where you see Lil Nas X throw up backstage and is out performing in the span of 5 minutes. He wants to impress the world but not after he impresses his family first. After they accept him of course. A pivotal moment when he comes out to meet them in a skirt. Lil Nas X talks about how nervous he was in that moment as he longs for acceptance. It’s what makes him human.
Showcasing the human by the performance is what the best tour documentaries do. The hard work that goes into the show and all who come together to bring that show to life. Long Live Montero goes a little further back to get Lil Nas X’s perspective on his rise to fame.
The film waves past and present that flows as nicely as the concert set list. The documentary also showcases fans who love Lil Nas X for who he is and the light he brings to the world. He’s someone who isn’t afraid to be himself and he inspires others to do the same. He certainly inspires me to do so.
So I’m so glad this film premiered close to home. It certainly was my first time at TIFF but it won’t be my last.
Now I just have to learn why people make pirate sounds at the piracy ads before a screening at TIFF.