Lil Nas X, known for his groundbreaking work and Grammy-winning music, was attending TIFF for the global debut of the documentary. Co-directors Carlos Lopez Estrada and Zac Manuel, along with editor Andrew Morrow, were present on the red carpet before the film's initial showing. However, as Nas was about to arrive, the event organizers were alerted to a phoned-in bomb threat, prompting them to advise Nas to delay his entry for safety reasons.
Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Publication and Communications, mentioned that the Toronto Police Service had informed them of an investigation near the event's red carpet area. "We continued with standard security procedures, and the screening began slightly later than planned," Lung said. She clarified that the threat appeared to be general and not directly aimed at the film or the artist.
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” was pushed back by 20 minutes while security personnel thoroughly checked the venue. After the threat was deemed non-credible, Nas made his way to the red carpet, joining Estrada and Manuel. The screening eventually started around 10:30 pm.
The documentary, filmed during Nas' first-ever global tour which concluded in March, provides an intimate look into his life on tour, his rapid ascent to fame, and his personal journey exploring identity, family, and acceptance. On the red carpet, Nas expressed his desire for fans to see his authentic self through the film. "I'm known for being lighthearted and humorous all the time, so this film allows viewers to draw their own conclusions," he remarked.
Nas also mentioned that the documentary signifies the end of one chapter in his life and the beginning of a new one, inviting fans to join him on this journey.