TORONTO -- The cast and producers of Quebec director Denis Villeneuve's new film "Arrival" have high praise for him and Montreal, where they shot the sci-fi story.

Amy Adams plays a linguistics expert and Jeremy Renner plays a theoretical physicist in the feature that's making its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Villeneuve was unable to attend a press conference for it at the fest today because he's shooting a "Blade Runner" sequel in Budapest.

But Adams called him "a joy to work with," noting he's "so much fun and has so much passion and so much love for what he does."

Renner said he loves Villeneuve, noting he has a Stanley Kubrick style of directing and is "really gregarious and funny."

Producers say they scouted all over North America to shoot the film, which is getting early rave reviews.

But they fell in love with Montreal because of its beautiful exteriors and Villeneuve's talented film support system there.

Adams said she even brought her family to Montreal while she was shooting and noted the cast and crew loved the city's karaoke bar Pang Pang.

She joked that Villeneuve "does a mean 'Skyfall."'

"Arrival" opens in theatres on Nov. 11.