The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off today, Thursday, amid dual strikes by writers and actors in Hollywood, but festival CEO Cameron Bailey is promoting a strong lineup and ticket sales.

The opening night film is Hayao Miyazaki's animated feature "The Boy and the Heron," which centers on a boy who loses his mother during World War II and embarks on a journey to a magical world.

Among the expected celebrities this year are Sean Penn, Willem Dafoe, Spike Lee, Lil Nas X, Nicolas Cage, Nickelback, and Patricia Arquette.

However, expectations for premieres and star-studded parties remain low as members of the Screen Actors Guild - the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America continue their work stoppage that extends to promotional events.

Despite the labor disruptions, Bailey says ticket sales have been "as strong as ever."

The Hollywood writers and actors guilds are seeking better compensation and job protection from contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

Other high-profile titles include Viggo Mortensen's Western drama "The Dead Don't Hurt," Michael Keaton's "Knox Goes Away," and the horror drama "Dream Scenario," starring Cage.

Bailey said before the festival began: "The ticket sales we have seen so far with interest in the festival... are as strong as ever; we are the center of the film world, and we are proud of that."