Cody Fern’s ‘Closing Night’ to Make World Premiere at TIFF This Weekend

Cody Fern’s feature directorial debut, ‘Closing Night,’ is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The film, which stars Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson, and Dianne Wiest, will screen in the festival’s Special Presentations program.

The project marks a significant shift for Fern, who is best known for his acting work in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Foundation.’ He wrote the screenplay with fellow actor Devon Bostick, drawing heavily from his own upbringing in the Australian town of Southern Cross.

Personal Inspiration

Fern has described the film as ’emotionally autobiographical, but narratively fictional.’ The story was sparked by a revelation from his aunt that his mother had been denied an abortion while pregnant with him. ‘That was strange information to learn so young,’ Fern said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The narrative centers on the relationship between Theo (Toby Wallace), his troubled mother April (Watts), and her estranged sister Sandra (Paulson), a celebrated actress preparing for a Broadway run. Dianne Wiest plays their chaotic and domineering mother.

Fern wrote the role of Sandra specifically for Paulson, whom he met on the set of ‘American Horror Story: Apocalypse.’ ‘I was like, ‘Why is Sarah Paulson not a bona fide movie star? Why is she not given these roles?’ At a certain point in time it was like, ‘Well, give her one, Cody. Write something for her,” Fern said. Paulson admitted she initially doubted the project would come together, telling The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Totally transparently, I didn’t ever think it was going to happen just because I’ve been down the road so many times with people I love and admire, scripts that have moved me and they just don’t get made.’

Cast and Production

Watts joined the cast on Paulson’s recommendation, and the ensemble also includes Odessa A’zion. Fern built the independent production around supporting his actors, setting aside extra days for key scenes to allow for creative exploration. ‘Getting them in a room together was like wrestling mythological beasts,’ Fern said of his cast. Paulson, who has won Emmy and Tony awards, described the experience as deeply meaningful, adding: ‘I probably will never see the movie — I did this with ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ too, where I never watched it, because my experience making it was so special that I didn’t want to ruin it by taking it apart with my own critical brain.’

The film is an Australian-Canadian co-production, supported by Screen Australia and Telefilm Canada. mk2 Films is handling international sales, with Icon holding Australian rights, Elevation Pictures distributing in Canada, and Ad Vitam in France. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the film is currently seeking distribution, presumably for the US market.

Background and Screenings

‘Closing Night’ was originally titled ‘Mother Courage’ and had Toni Collette attached at one stage, though she is no longer involved with the project. The film runs 115 minutes and will have additional screenings at TIFF on September 13. The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 to 20, 2026.