For someone like me who has press access to the Toronto International Film Festival and clears their schedule of pretty much all else to cram as much in as possible, the big event is -- to put it mildly -- a bit of a gluttonous orgy. There is far too much to choose from every day, too much to see, and too many choices to make about which worthwhile films will be neglected and missed when scheduling conflicts arise.  The only way to make it through is to set clear priorities and do as much advance research as possible. And for this year's edition, I made it a priority to see as much Canadian content as possible. Now, there were a couple Canadian buzz films -- notably I Killed My Mother and The Wild Hunt -- that I wasn't able to make it in to, and a few that failed to live up to their potential, but here are three smaller Canuck titles that I believe have the chance to make it big internationally.

Defendor by Peter Stebbings
It doesn't take any great genius to call this one. Nevermind the serious arthouse pictures: former child-actor Peter Stebbings' directorial debut has been the big Canadian success already, and scored a major deal when Sony picked up the US rights. And why not? A surprisingly tragic spin on the superhero comedy, Defendor may have its flaws but it also has an absolutely brilliant central performance from Woody Harrelson. It's not going to be a blockbuster, but this thing will will a loyal cult following -- no doubt about it.

Reel Injun by Neil Diamond
No, not that Neil Diamond. This Neil Diamond is a member of Canada's native community and with his feature doc he sets out to explore the history of Native Americans on film and the impact their cinematic portrayal has had on the culture itself. It's the sort of topic that sounds like it could be heavy going, but Diamond has a remarkably light touch and an uncommon ability to fuse education with entertainment. In his hands, this becomes absolutely fascinating stuff and one of the best documentaries I've seen on any topic in quite some time.

Year of the Carnivore by Sook-Yin Lee
Another feature debut here, from another young voice that seems to have been in the Canadian consciousness for decades already thanks to Lee's presence on television, radio and whatever other medium she sets her mind to conquering. Like Defendor, Year of the Carnivore is not without its weaknesses but on the whole it is a remarkably self assured debut, one that should delight the indie-chic set and establish Lee as a writer-director to watch. Mass appeal?  Probably not, but the cult will be extensive.