Racial bigotry, illicit teen sex and family loss fuel the creative fires in these noteworthy debuts at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival. From witty new comedy to poignant social commentary, this headlining directorial mix makes for some pure movie magic.

The Girl in the Park
(Director, David Auburn)

In the new film from Pulitzer Prize winner Auburn, a New Yorker (Sigourney Weaver) copes as best she can with the disappearance of her young daughter in Central Park. When she unexpectedly encounters a troubled girl (Kate Bosworth) 15 years later, the emotionally wounded woman takes her under her wing.

Then She Found Me
(Director, Helen Hunt)

An adopted woman pushing 40 wants a baby of her own. It's a wish that stirs up trouble for this well-meaning teacher ("Mad About You" star Hunt), especially when her loser husband (Matthew Broderick), an eccentric talk show host who claims to be her mom (Bette Midler) and a student's father she's dating (Colin Firth) hurl her life into the disaster zone.

Romulus, My Father
(Director, Richard Roxburgh)

How much adversity can a couple face to raise a child? Just watch Eric Bana and Franka Potente in this inspirational tearjerker from Aussie actor Richard Roxburgh and you'll see. Get out your handkerchiefs.

D�ficit
(Director, Gael Garc�a Bernal)

Social classes clash in Mexico when a young man (Bernal) decides to throw a party. When his younger sister and their ill-matched guests finally meet, they're all forced to deal with some unexpectedly intense and laughable moments.

Nothing is Private
(Director, Alan Ball)

Racial bigotry, politics and controlling one's own sexuality stir up this drama starring Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello and Toni Collette. Based on the book "Towelhead," a 13-year-old girl moves to Houston's suburbs to live with her father as America prepares for the first Gulf War. As new figures enter her life, their influence and the girl's sexual awakening put her in conflict with her conservative dad and her cultural background.

The Babysitters
(Director, David Ross)

After sleeping with a customer, a 16-year-old turns her babysitting service into a call girl ring for married men. Not your usual moneymaking teen enterprise, to be sure. But it makes engrossing fodder for this gem starring John Leguizamo and Cynthia Nixon.

- Constance Droganes, entertainment writer, CTV.ca