Ohio will be well represented at the 27th Toronto International Film Festival Thursday through Sept. 14.

        Among the 72 films in the “Contemporary World Cinema” section, three are linked to Ohio:

        • Welcome to Collinwood, a comedy about a crew of overmatched crooks starring William H. Macy, was written and directed by Cleveland natives Anthony and Joe Russo, who filmed in their hometown. George Clooney produced the movie (with Steven Soderbergh) and plays a small role on screen. Festivalgoers will see it Saturday and next Sunday. The movie opens in theaters in October.

        • Love Liza, a drama about a man (Philip Seymour Hoffman) coping badly with the loss of his wife, is directed by Cincinnati native Todd Louiso. Screenwriter Gordy Hoffman (the leading man's brother) earned top script honors at the Sundance Film Festival early this year. Love, Liza will screen in Toronto next Sunday and Sept. 9 and reach theaters early in 2003.

        • Blue Car is another Sundance success story; Agnes Bruckner's performance as a confused 18-year-old who bonds with a teacher won widespread critical praise. First-time feature director Karen Moncreiff filmed it in and around Dayton. Its Toronto showings are Sept. 10 and 12; it is due to hit theaters in November.

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