The Toronto Film Fest begins today, but before the first screening takes place, the buzz is that one of the most anticipated films may not be shown.

The premiere of “Rescue Dawn,” the new film by legendary writer and director Werner Herzog, is scheduled for Saturday night at the Ryerson theatre, but because of production issues, the film may not show in Toronto as planned.

Anne Thompson, The Hollywood Reporter’s deputy film editor, reported on her blog that the film, which stars Christian Bale (”Batman Begins”), was supposed to screen at the Telluride Film Festival last week but the print never arrived.

“Herzog said he couldn’t get the money to free the print from the lab,” she wrote.

One of the producers of the film is Elton Brand, an NBA All-Star. According to one movie web site, the producers of the film, including Brand, have yet to pay the crew, which could be why the film’s official premiere in Toronto is in jeopardy.

Thompson wrote that Herzog said he doesn’t think there will be a problem in Toronto, but until the film screens or doesn’t screen Saturday night, it’s anyone’s guess.

Premiere Magazine is supposed to hold a party for “Rescue Dawn” before the screening, with Bale, Herzog and Brand all expected to attend, so if the actual print never shows up, it will be a surprise to many.

Thursday’s opening of the Festival is expected to be a quiet affair, as many of the big stars (Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, etc.) aren’t expected in town until the weekend.

“The Journals of Knud Rasmussen” is the first gala premiere scheduled, but without any major stars in the film, Roy Thompson Hall should be quiet until Friday.

The one premiere of note for Thursday is the midnight screening of “Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”

Sacha Baron Cohen, AKA Ali G, AKA Borat, will walk the red carpet minutes before the day turns into Friday, and will do so in character as Borat.






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