#TIFF25: DISCOVERY PROGRAMME UNVEILED FOR 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Today, TIFF proudly announces its 2025 Discovery programme, presented by Air France, offering audiences a rare treat to witness talented, visionary filmmakers from across the globe premiering their debut and sophomore features. This year’s diverse lineup kicks off strongly with its opening night film, Maddie’s Secret, an unmissable directorial debut satirizing and skewering content culture from iconic alt-comedian John Early, who, alongside a troupe of comedians including Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer, and Conner O’Malley, plays the titular role. Other anticipated films include Cato Kusters’ Julian, produced by Michiel and Lukas Dhont; Nadia Latif’s The Man in My Basement, starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe; Zamo Mkhwanazi’s Laundry, a rare co-production between South Africa and Switzerland; Taratoa Stappard’s Māori Gothic Mārama; and Canadian director and TIFF alum Eva Thomas’ Nika & Madison.

The Discovery programme holds a rich history of championing and launching some of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers, such as Ildikó Enyedi, Alfonso Cuarón, Julie Dash, Jean-Marc Vallée, Christopher Nolan, Maren Ade, Yorgos Lanthimos, Barry Jenkins, Dea Kulumbegashvili, Emma Seligman, and Elegance Bratton. The 2025 Discovery selection has been programmed by Dorota Lech, Jason Anderson, Kelly Boutsalis, Diana Cadavid, Robyn Citizen, June Kim, and Jason Ryle. The programme will deliver 23 World Premiere titles, spanning 30+ countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, promising this year to be a truly unmissable moment to catch the international voices of the future.

2025 Discovery Programme (in alphabetical order):

100 Sunset | Kunsang Kyirong | Canada

World Premiere

Amoeba | Siyou Tan | Singapore/Netherlands/France/Spain/South Korea

World Premiere

As We Breathe | Şeyhmus Altun | Turkey/Denmark

World Premiere

Babystar | Joscha Bongard | Germany

World Premiere

Bayaan | Bikas Ranjan Mishra | India

World Premiere

Dinner With Friends | Sasha Leigh Henry | Canada

World Premiere

Egghead Republic | Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja | Sweden

World Premiere

Forastera | Lucía Aleñar Iglesias | Spain/Italy/Sweden

World Premiere

Ghost School | Seemab Gul | Pakistan

World Premiere

Julian | Cato Kusters | Belgium/Netherlands

World Premiere

Laundry | Zamo Mkhwanazi | Switzerland/South Africa

World Premiere

Little Lorraine | Andy Hines | Canada

World Premiere

Maddie’s Secret | John Early | USA

World Premiere

Mārama | Taratoa Stappard | New Zealand

World Premiere

Nika & Madison | Eva Thomas | Canada

World Premiere

Noviembre | Tomás Corredor | Colombia/Mexico/Brazil/Norway

World Premiere

Oca | Karla Badillo | Mexico/Argentina

World Premiere

Our Father | Goran Stankovic | Serbia/Italy/Croatia/North Macedonia/Montenegro/Bosnia and Herzegovina

World Premiere

Out Standing | Mélanie Charbonneau | Canada

World Premiere

Retreat | Ted Evans | United Kingdom

World Premiere

Sink | Zain Duraie | Jordan/Saudi Arabia/Qatar/France

World Premiere

The Man in My Basement | Nadia Latif | United Kingdom/USA

World Premiere

The Son and the Sea | Stroma Cairns | United Kingdom

World Premiere

Tomorrow’s TIFF Takeover is the Midnight Madness programme and the last announcement of the week. More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

#TIFF25: PLATFORM PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF today announces its 2025 Platform programme lineup, marking the tenth anniversary of the Festival’s auteur competitive section, which champions bold directorial vision and distinctive storytelling. Platform offers audiences a first glimpse at some of the most compelling cinematic voices on the rise. This year’s edition features 10 exceptional films representing 19 countries. The programme opens with the World Premiere of Steve, from Belgian director Tim Mielants (Small Things Like These, Peaky Blinders), starring Tracey Ullman and Academy Award–winner Cillian Murphy. While this marks Mielants’ first appearance at TIFF, this is his third collaboration with Murphy. The other nine films participating in the Platform competition are: Farnoosh Samadi’s Between Dreams and Hope, Orian Barki and Meriem Bennani’s Bouchra, György Pálfi’s Hen, Pauline Loquès’ Nino, Bretten Hannam’s Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts), Milagros Mumenthaler’s The Currents, Yoon Ga-eun’s The World of Love, Valentyn Vasyanovych’s To The Victory!, and Kasia Adamik’s Winter of the Crow.

The Platform programme is curated by TIFF’s programming team under the direction of Robyn Citizen, Platform Lead and Director of Programming, Festival & Cinematheque. Platform spotlights 10 films from early- to mid-career filmmakers poised to break out on the world stage. Past Official Selections include acclaimed works such as Anthony Shim’s Riceboy Sleeps (TIFF ’22), Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal (TIFF ’19), Pietro Marcello’s Martin Eden (TIFF ’19), William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth (TIFF ’17), and Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight (TIFF ’16). All films in this programme are eligible for the Platform Award, which is selected by an international jury. The winning filmmaker will receive a $20,000 CAD cash prize. The Platform Award will be presented as part of the TIFF awards ceremony on the last day of the Festival on Sunday, September 14.

This year’s Jury Chair is Spanish film writer, editor, and director Carlos Marqués-Marcet, who won the 2024 Platform Award for They Will Be Dust. He is joined by Oscar-nominated actor, writer, composer, and director Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who was most recently at the Festival with Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths (TIFF ’24), and Québécois filmmaker Chloé Robichaud, whose acclaimed Sundance hit Two Women recently had a theatrical run at TIFF Lightbox, and who has attended TIFF previously for her films Days of Happiness (TIFF ’23), Boundaries (TIFF ’16), and her short film Delphine (TIFF ’19), among others. Previous jury members include: Atom Egoyan, Hur Jin-ho, Jane Schoenbrun, Claire Denis, Béla Tarr, Brian De Palma, Mira Nair, Riz Ahmed, Jia Zhang-Ke, Patricia Rozema, and Barry Jenkins.

Watch Robyn Citizen’s insights on this year’s Platform programme here:

2025 Platform programme (in alphabetical order):

Between Dreams and Hope | Farnoosh Samadi | Iran

World Premiere

Farnoosh Samadi, whose feature film 180° Rule (TIFF ’20) and short film Disappearance (TIFF ’17) both premiered at the Festival, returns with Between Dreams and Hope. In this bold queer love story, Azad (Fereshteh Hosseini), a trans man, and Nora (Sadaf Asgari) are two young lovers toggling between tradition and modernity in their society and family. Together, they travel to a remote Iranian village to face Azad’s estranged father and obtain documents that would permit the pair to live authentically.

Bouchra | Orian Barki & Meriem Bennani | Italy/Morocco/USA

World Premiere

Longtime collaborators and partners, visual artist Meriem Bennani and documentary filmmaker Orian Barki, known for their previous works Life on the CAPS (TIFF ’22) and 2 Lizards (TIFF ’22), bring their latest animated project, Bouchra, to the Festival, marking the first animated feature to premiere in Platform. In this film, 35-year-old Moroccan Coyote and filmmaker, Bouchra, lives in New York and chronicles the impact her queerness has on her relationship with her mother, Aïcha, in Casablanca. Cutting between the film that’s forming and real-life conversations between Bouchra and Aïcha (recreations of phone calls that took place between Bennani and her mother), Bouchra is a humorous and tender portrait of the love and pain that both sides have to understand in order to move forward.

Hen | György Pálfi | Germany/Greece/Hungary

World Premiere

György Pálfi’s Hen, an inventive live-action feature, chronicles a remarkable chicken as she escapes from her grisly fate in this unorthodox and bold story. Escaping from a chicken farm, she finds refuge in the courtyard of a crumbling restaurant. There, she discovers love, confronts the pecking order, and fights to protect her eggs from a greedy owner. Her droll yet touching quest for motherhood mirrors the messy compromises and silent struggles of human lives.

Nino | Pauline Loquès | France

International Premiere

With a breakout performance from TIFF ’17 Rising Star and Québécois actor Théodore Pellerin (whose previous TIFF credits include Never Steady, Never Still, Family First, and Genèse and the most recent, Solo), Pauline Loquès’ Nino follows its titular character (played by Pellerin) over three pivotal days. Nino faces a major health challenge, but first, his doctors have assigned him two vital tasks. These two missions lead the young man on a journey through Paris, compelling him to reconnect with the world — and himself.

Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts) | Bretten Hannam | Canada/Belgium

World Premiere

From Indigenous, two-spirited filmmaker Bretten Hannam (Wildhood, TIFF ’21) comes Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts), which follows siblings Mise’l and Antle who were close as children, but trauma from their upbringing has caused them to drift apart as adults. When they are both haunted by a malevolent spirit of bones and rot, the siblings are forced to reunite and venture deep into the forest to confront their trauma together.

Steve | Tim Mielants | Ireland/United Kingdom | Opening Film

World Premiere

Set in the mid-90s, Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter’s Sunday Times bestseller Shy. The film follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them. As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve’s struggles, we meet Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.

The Currents | Milagros Mumenthaler | Switzerland/Argentina

World Premiere

Known for her evocative storytelling, filmmaker Milagros Mumenthaler, whose acclaimed film Abrir puertas y ventanas (Back to Stay) premiered at TIFF ’11, unveils her latest drama, The Currents. The enigmatic film follows Lina on a business trip to Geneva. She is driven by an impulse that puts her life in danger. On her return to Buenos Aires, Lina keeps what happened hidden, but the past which she escaped from emerges and puts her present in abyss.

The World of Love | Yoon Ga-eun | South Korea

World Premiere

Yoon Ga-eun’s third feature, The World of Love, brings together Seo Su-bin in her debut role with Chang Hyae-jin (Parasite, Crash Landing on You). The film introduces us to Jooin (Seo Su-bin), an enigmatic 17-year-old high school student who is curious about and baffled by love. One day, some words she says in a fit of anger cause a major scene. Afterwards, she receives anonymous notes questioning her behaviour, and cracks begin to appear in her formerly peaceful world. “Jooin, who is the real you?”

To The Victory! | Valentyn Vasyanovych | Ukraine/Lithuania

World Premiere

The latest from multi-talented filmmaker Valentyn Vasyanovych, who also stars as the lead character in To The Victory! Ukraine, in the near future. The war has ended. A film director is out of work, out of luck, and out of touch with his family abroad. While his wife and daughter built a new life in Vienna, he stays behind — confused, restless, and convinced that things will get better. Eventually. Probably. Maybe.

Winter of the Crow | Kasia Adamik | Poland/Luxembourg/United Kingdom

World Premiere

Winter of the Crow, stars Lesley Manville, Zofia Wichłacz, and Tom Burke and is based on a short story by Nobel Prize–winning author Olga Tokarczuk. Set during the onset of Poland’s Martial Law era, the country is shut down just as British psychiatry professor Dr. Joan Andrews (Manville) arrives as a guest lecturer in Warsaw. Taxis have been replaced by tanks; citizens are treated like criminals. As chaos engulfs the city, Joan witnesses a brutal murder by the secret police. In mortal danger and trapped as Poland is closed down, Joan becomes a hunted fugitive running for her life.

2025 Platform Award Jury (photographed above left to right)

Carlos Marqués-Marcet, Jury Chair

Carlos Marqués-Marcet is a writer, director, and editor from Barcelona. He co-wrote and directed 10.000 KM (2014), Anchor and Hope (2017), The Days to Come (2019), and his latest film, They Will Be Dust, which won the Platform Award at TIFF ’24. He has also directed several projects for Spanish platforms such as HBO and Atresmedia.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is an Oscar-nominated actor, writer, composer, and director. Known for her acclaimed performance in Secrets & Lies (1996), she recently reunited with Mike Leigh for Hard Truths (TIFF ’24), earning major critic awards. Television credits include Without a Trace, Surface, Soundtrack, Homecoming, Blindspot, and Broadchurch. Film credits include Rumble Through the Dark, Boxing Day, In Fabric, Training Day, RoboCop, and 28 Days.

Chloé Robichaud

Chloé Robichaud is a Québec-based filmmaker and screenwriter who first gained recognition with Herd Leader (Canada’s Top Ten, TIFF ’12) and Sarah Prefers to Run (TIFF ’13). Further work showcased at the Festival includes Boundaries (TIFF ’16), Days of Happiness (TIFF ’23), and Delphine (TIFF ’19), which won the Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Short Film. Her latest feature, Two Women, received the 2025 Special Jury Award at Sundance.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

#TIFF: ADDITIONAL GALAS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF is set to dazzle this September as it celebrates its 50th edition with a red carpet–ready slate of Official Selections from its Gala and Special Presentations programmes. As part of its full list, TIFF is presenting world premieres including Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, Maude Apatow’s Poetic License, Isabel Coixet’s Three Goodbyes, Romain Gavras’ Sacrifice, David Michôd’s Christy, Yeon Sang-ho’s The Ugly, James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg, and Alice Winocour’s Couture, as well as films from some of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today, including Guillermo del Toro, Mamoru Hosoda, Zacharias Kunuk, Baz Luhrmann, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Jafar Panahi, Benny Safdie, and Gus Van Sant. As Toronto prepares to welcome the world, these selections signal a Festival season defined by cinematic excellence, star-studded red carpets with crowd-favourite Hollywood and international talent, and those marquee moments on and off the screen that have defined TIFF for the past five decades. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.

The Gala and Special Presentations programmes are recognized for celebrating the very best of contemporary cinema across genres and styles, from all corners of the world. This year, TIFF is pleased to invite films from over 30 countries that showcase bold storytelling, global perspectives, and the power of film to connect audiences across cultures.

TIFF is also announcing that Canadian director Anne Émond’s Peak Everything will be this year’s Closing Night Gala, taking place on the last evening of the Festival, Saturday, September 13.

2025 Galas (in alphabetical order):

• previously announced

*A Private Life | Rebecca Zlotowski | France
North American Premiere

Adulthood | Alex Winter | USA
World Premiere

Driver’s Ed | Bobby Farrelly | USA
World Premiere

Eleanor the Great | Scarlett Johansson | USA
North American Premiere

Eternity | David Freyne | USA
World Premiere

Fuze | David Mackenzie | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Glenrothan | Brian Cox | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Good Fortune | Aziz Ansari | USA
World Premiere

*Hamnet | Chloé Zhao | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

*Homebound | Neeraj Ghaywan | India
North American Premiere

*John Candy: I Like Me | Colin Hanks | USA
World Premiere

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery | Ally Pankiw | Canada
World Premiere

Nuremberg | James Vanderbilt | USA
World Premiere

Palestine 36 | Annemarie Jacir | Palestine/United Kingdom/France/Denmark/Qatar/Saudi Arabia/Jordan
World Premiere

Peak Everything | Anne Émond | Canada | Closing Night Gala
Toronto Premiere

*Roofman | Derek Cianfrance | USA

World Premiere

*She Has No Name | Peter Ho-Sun Chan | Hong Kong/China
North American Premiere

Sholay | Ramesh Sippy | India | 50th Anniversary Restoration
North American Premiere

Swiped | Rachel Lee Goldenberg | USA
World Premiere

*The Choral | Nicholas Hytner | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Two Pianos | Arnaud Desplechin | France
World Premiere

2025 Special Presentations (in alphabetical order):

• previously announced

A Pale View of Hills | Kei Ishikawa | Japan/United Kingdom/Poland
North American Premiere

A Poet | Simón Mesa Soto | Colombia/Germany/Sweden

North American Premiere

Bad Apples | Jonatan Etzler | United Kingdom
World Premiere

Ballad of a Small Player | Edward Berger | United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

California Schemin’ | James McAvoy | United Kingdom/USA
World Premiere

Calle Malaga | Maryam Touzani | Morocco/France/Spain/Germany/Belgium
North American Premiere

Charlie Harper | Tom Dean, Mac Eldridge | USA

World Premiere

Christy | David Michôd | USA
World Premiere

Couture | Alice Winocour | USA/France
World Premiere

Dead Man’s Wire | Gus Van Sant | USA
North American Premiere

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes | Lisa Rideout | Canada
World Premiere

Easy’s Waltz | Nic Pizzolatto | USA
World Premiere

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert | Baz Luhrmann | Australia/USA
World Premiere

Eternal Return | Yaniv Raz | United Kingdom/USA
World Premiere

Frankenstein | Guillermo del Toro | USA

North American Premiere

*Franz | Agnieszka Holland | Czech Republic/Germany/Poland
World Premiere

*Good News | Byun Sung-hyun | South Korea
World Premiere

*Hedda | Nia DaCosta | USA
World Premiere

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You | Mary Bronstein | USA
Canadian Premiere

It Was Just an Accident | Jafar Panahi | Iran/France/Luxembourg
Canadian Premiere

It Would Be Night in Caracas | Mariana Rondón, Marité Ugás | Mexico
World Premiere

Kokuho | Lee Sang-il | Japan
North American Premiere

Ky Nam Inn | Leon Le | Vietnam
World Premiere

Lovely Day | Philippe Falardeau | Canada
World Premiere

Meadowlarks | Tasha Hubbard | Canada
World Premiere

*Mile End Kicks | Chandler Levack | Canada
World Premiere

Monkey in a Cage | Anurag Kashyap | India
World Premiere

Nouvelle Vague | Richard Linklater | France
Canadian Premiere

Poetic License | Maude Apatow | USA
World Premiere

Primavera | Damiano Michieletto | Italy/France

World Premiere

Project Y | Lee Hwan | South Korea
World Premiere

*Rental Family | HIKARI | USA/Japan
World Premiere

Rose of Nevada | Mark Jenkin | United Kingdom
North American Premiere

Sacrifice | Romain Gavras | United Kingdom/Greece
World Premiere

Scarlet | Mamoru Hosoda | Japan
North American Premiere

Sentimental Value | Joachim Trier | Norway/France/Denmark/Germany/Sweden/United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere

Silent Friend | Ildikó Enyedi | Germany/Hungary/France
North American Premiere

Sirāt | Óliver Laxe | France/Spain
North American Premiere

Sound of Falling | Mascha Schilinski | Germany
North American Premiere

*Steal Away | Clement Virgo | Canada/Belgium
World Premiere

*The Captive | Alejandro Amenábar | Spain/Italy
World Premiere

*The Christophers | Steven Soderbergh | United Kingdom
World Premiere

*The Lost Bus | Paul Greengrass | USA
World Premiere

The Secret Agent | Kleber Mendonça Filho | Brazil/France/Netherlands/Germany
Canadian Premiere

The Smashing Machine | Benny Safdie | USA
North American Premiere

The Testament of Ann Lee | Mona Fastvold | UK
North American Premiere | Presented in 70mm

The Ugly | Yeon Sang-ho | South Korea

World Premiere

Three Goodbyes | Isabel Coixet | Italy/Spain

World Premiere

Train Dreams | Clint Bentley | USA
International Premiere

Tuner | Daniel Roher | USA
Canadian Premiere

Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) | Zacharias Kunuk | Canada
North American Premiere

*Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Rian Johnson | USA
World Premiere

You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution… | Nick Davis | USA
World Premiere

Tickets go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 15. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 12. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

#TIFF: 11 MORE GALAS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 TORONTO INTERATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF is preparing to welcome the world this September for its 50th Festival, announcing 11 more Official Selections in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes. Reflecting TIFF’s commitment to champion new perspectives and cinematic excellence to its diverse international public audience, these films — Nicholas Hytner’s The Choral, Agnieszka Holland’s Franz, Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, Paul Greengrass’ The Lost Bus, Rebecca Zlotowski’s A Private Life, HIKARI’s Rental Family, Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman, Peter Ho-Sun Chan’s She Has No Name, Clement Virgo’s Steal Away, and Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — span multiple continents and storytelling traditions, representing the Festival’s international reach and curatorial inclusivity. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.

“Since its inception, TIFF has championed global cinema that opens our eyes and brings us together,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “We are delighted to share 11 more titles from our Gala and Special Presentations programmes that showcase the remarkable originality and excellence of today’s most exciting and acclaimed directors. These films reflect a sweeping range of voices and styles that embodies the spirit of TIFF and our commitment to a public audience.”

The newly announced titles add to a dynamic, international Festival that honours TIFF’s five-decade legacy of discovering and elevating the very best in cinema.

Galas (in alphabetical order):

The Choral | Nicholas Hytner | UK

World Premiere | Gala Presentation

Homebound | Neeraj Ghaywan | India

North American Premiere | Gala Presentation

Hamnet | Chloé Zhao | UK

Canadian Premiere | Gala Presentation

A Private Life | Rebecca Zlotowski | France

North American Premiere | Gala Presentation

Roofman | Derek Cianfrance | USA

World Premiere | Gala Presentation

She Has No Name | Peter Ho-Sun Chan | China

North American Premiere | Gala Presentation

Special Presentations (in alphabetical order):

Franz | Agnieszka Holland | Czech Republic/Germany/Poland

World Premiere | Special Presentation

The Lost Bus | Paul Greengrass | USA

World Premiere | Special Presentation

Rental Family | HIKARI | USA/Japan

World Premiere | Special Presentation

Steal Away | Clement Virgo | Canada/Belgium

World Premiere | Special Presentation

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Rian Johnson | USA

World Premiere | Special Presentation

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. The full Festival schedule will be released on tiff.net on Tuesday, August 12.

Upcoming announcements:

TIFF Takeover 1: July 21–24

Mon., Jul. 21: Galas & Special Presentations

Tue., Jul. 22: Platform & Jury

Wed., Jul. 23: Discovery

Thu., Jul. 24: Midnight Madness

Takeover 2: August 5–8

Tue., Aug. 5: Centrepiece

Wed., Aug. 6: TIFF Docs

Thu., Aug. 7: Shortcuts & Primetime

Fri., Aug. 8: Wavelengths & TIFF Classics

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “SHOOK”

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will would love to give Toronto readers a chance to attend a special screening of TIFF ’24 selection SHOOK. Screening will take place July 16, 2025 in Toronto at Varsity Cinema.

Synopsis:

From Toronto-based director Amar Wala and starring Saamer Usmani, Amy Forsyth and Bernard White, the film follows struggling writer Ashish who is thrown for several loops when he falls for barista Claire and learns his estranged father has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

A little more on SHOOK here:

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, tag a friend who you’ll take!

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release SHOOK August 8, 2025.

(Photo/video credits: Elevation Pictures/TIFF)

#TIFF: FIRST ROUND OF SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF is sharing the first five Special Presentation titles of its Official Selection set to have their World Premieres at the Festival’s 50th edition this September. These are: Alejandro Amenábar’s The Captive, Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers, Sung-hyun Byun’s Good News, Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, and Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks. These films hail from Canada, Spain/Italy, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and reflect the bold vision, global perspective, and artistic excellence that have defined TIFF for five decades. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.

“These first five films of our Official Selection reflect the innovation, heart, and global perspective that have made our Festival a home for great cinema over the past 50 editions,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “We’re excited to kick-off our Special Presentations with Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks, a young, Canadian director who has very close ties to TIFF in addition to these established directors. We can’t wait to share more in the weeks ahead as we celebrate this historic year with audiences and filmmakers from around the world.”

More on Elevation Pictures’ MILE END KICKS starring Barbie Ferreira:

Grace Pine, a 23-year-old music critic from Toronto, moves to Montreal in the summer of 2011 with the goal of writing a 33 1/3 book about Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill. Instead, she falls in love with two guys in the same struggling indie rock band, vowing to become their publicist. “Mile End Kicks” is a film about the Montreal music scene, romantic obsession, and Mile End, a place where young people go to retire.

More on HEDDA, from MGM Studios, starring Tessa Thompson (still in banner):

From writer/director Nia DaCosta comes a provocative, modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play. HEDDA (Tessa Thompson) finds herself torn between the lingering ache of a past love and the quiet suffocation of her present life. Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal.

Writer/Director: Nia DaCosta

Based on: Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen

Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Gabrielle Nadig, Nia DaCosta, Tessa Thompson

Cast: Tessa Thompson, Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, and Nina Hoss

Music by: Hildur Gudnadottir

Costume Designer: Lindsay Pugh

Editor: Jacob Schulsinger

Production Designer: Cara Brower

Director of Photography: Sean Bobbitt, BSC

These Official Selection films join the previously announced Opening Night Film, John Candy: I Like Me. This year’s official screening venues will once again include TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, Glenn Gould Studio at the Canadian Broadcast Centre, Cinema Park at David Pecaut Square, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The seventh edition of the TIFF Tribute Awards Gala will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

In addition to the film screenings, the Festival offers live post-screening Q&As, the In Conversation With… series, the Industry Conference (Sept. 5–9), as well as the popular Festival Street, which returns for opening weekend along King Street West, from Peter Street to University Avenue, with food trucks and free activations — the perfect place just to sit back and people-watch.

On the last day of the Festival, TIFF announces the winners of its various awards. Alongside the popular People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, this September introduces the brand-new International People’s Choice Award. Also returning are the esteemed Jury Prizes including the Platform Award, now celebrating its 10th year, and honours from FIPRESCI and NETPAC. For a full list of past winners, visit tiff.net/awards.

Key 2025 Festival Links:
Programmers: https://tiff.net/programmers
Ticketing Dates: https://tiff.net/about-the-festival
Media Library: https://tiff.net/media/library/festival
TIFF: The Market: https://tiff.net/themarket (coming in 2026)

Film Details (in alphabetical order):

The Captive | Alejandro Amenábar | Spain / Italy
World Premiere | Special Presentation

The Christophers | Steven Soderbergh | UK
World Premiere | Special Presentation

Good News | Sung-hyun Byun | South Korea
World Premiere | Special Presentation

Hedda | Nia DaCosta | USA
World Premiere | Special Presentation

Mile End Kicks | Chandler Levack | Canada
World Premiere | Special Presentation

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. More Festival details will be shared in the coming weeks including the return of TIFF Takeovers.

#TIFF: “JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME” SELECTED AS OPENING NIGHT GALA AT 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF is thrilled to announce the World Premiere of John Candy: I Like Me as the Opening Night Gala taking place on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Roy Thomson Hall. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, this documentary is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Canadian icon, with stories and memories from Candy’s family, closest friends, and longtime collaborators. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.

“Comedy fans all over the world grew up on John Candy’s humour,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “We love that John’s global career started in Toronto, and we can’t wait to share John Candy: I Like Me with everyone at this year’s Opening Night Gala premiere. Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart. For us, it’s the perfect way to kick off TIFF’s 50th edition.”

“When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person. People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was. He went through the same struggles we all do, except now we talk about them. We are incredibly honoured to have gotten to know the man better through this process and to bring the real John Candy to audiences starting with his hometown of Toronto.” — Director/Producer Colin Hanks and Producer Ryan Reynolds

From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures. The Amazon MGM title will debut globally on Prime Video in the fall.

Film Details:
John Candy: I Like Me | Colin Hanks | USA
World Premiere | Gala

Official Synopsis: From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.  

Directed by Colin Hanks

Produced by Company Name’s Colin Hanks and Sean Stuart, Zipper Bros Films’ Glen Zipper, Maximum Effort’s Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey and Johnny Pariseau, and Shane Reid

Executive Produced by Maximum Effort’s Ashley Fox and Patrick Gooing

Co-Executive Produced by Chris Candy, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, Rosemary Candy

Co-Producers Maren Domzalski, Aude Temel

Limited tickets to the Opening Night Gala of John Candy: I Like Me will be available as part of TIFF 50 Curated Ticket Packages, on sale exclusively to TIFF Members on June 11 and Visa cardholders on June 18. Visit tiff.net/about-the-festival for more details.

TIFF’s Film Reference Library includes a free John Candy Collection, donated by Rose Candy, containing objects related to Candy’s professional career and personal life from the 1970s to the early 1990s.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. More Festival details will be shared in the coming weeks.

#TIFF: GUILLERMO DEL TORO RETURNS JULY 2025 WITH HANDPICKED SERIES

TIFF is showcasing a dynamic slate of programming and special events this summer including new restorations and a lineup of special guests. Auteur director Guillermo del Toro will return to the Lightbox in July with a thrilling carte blanche series on Canadian horror that the maestro of monsters handpicked himself. TIFF Cinematheque will present a retrospective on Frederick Wiseman featuring new 4K restorations of his films, joining cultural institutions across North America in celebrating his incomparable and influential legacy. Further highlights include a Canada Day screening of David Cronenberg’s Videodrome; an evening with Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland for a free showing of Caring Cabin and post-screening performance on July 5; and on July 20, a music set and discussion led by The Swell Season. Additional special guests coming to TIFF Lightbox this season include Dylan Adamson, Broey Deschanel, Jessamyn Fiore, Heidi Levitt, and Adam Nayman.

Tickets are still available for The TIFF Story in 50 Films, screening June through August and featuring in-person Q&As with James and Roger Deakins; Atom Egoyan and Arsinée Khanjian; Bruce McDonald; Sarah Polley; and more. Curated by Cameron Bailey, this marquee series showcases 50 landmark films from around the world that played a significant role in connecting with audiences and reflecting the story of TIFF. For details, click here.

Looking ahead to the fall, audiences will have the opportunity to explore the films of famed Toronto multi-disciplinary artist and filmmaker Joyce Wieland (1930–1998) in Jigs and Reels: The Complete Films of Joyce Wieland, screening October through November. Co-presented by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), TIFF Cinematheque, and AD HOC, this major retrospective will complement the exhibition Joyce Wieland: Heart On, opening at the AGO on June 18, 2025. The series is curated by Jim Shedden, Curator, Special Projects & Director, Publishing, AGO, and Georgiana Uhlyarik, Fredrik S. Eaton Curator of Canadian Art, AGO. TIFF Cinematheque screenings will go on sale to TIFF Members on Wednesday, September 24, and to the public on Friday, September 26. Books on Joyce Wieland are now available at the TIFF Shop. Stay tuned for more information.

Information is subject to change. Please visit tiff.net for up-to-date programming details. Tickets for July programming will be available to TIFF Members on Wednesday, June 11, and to the public on Friday, June 13. Tickets for August programming will be available to TIFF Members on Wednesday, July 16, and to the public on Friday, July 18.

#TIFF: TIFF UNVEIL 50 FILMS THAT SHAPED ITS LEGACY

TIFF is proud to unveil the full lineup of its summer marquee series, The TIFF Story in 50 Films, celebrating the Festival’s 50th edition this September. Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey with contributions from programmers past and present, the series highlights 50 pivotal films that have shaped TIFF’s rich history of curatorial excellence and influenced global cinema.

The screenings will run June 13 to August 27 at the Lightbox. Audiences will hear an explanation of each film’s significance to TIFF and the role the Festival played in the film’s journey. This will include in-person Q&As with filmmakers, video introductions from artists, and behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes shared by former and current TIFF programmers offering personal insights into these defining cinematic moments. Tickets, free for TIFF Members with the exception of some special presentations, will be available starting Wednesday, May 14 at 10am and to the general public beginning Friday, May 16 at 10am. More information about the films can be found at tiff.net/50films.

“Fifty wasn’t enough!” says Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “But putting together this list was as much fun as it was daunting. Guided by input from many of TIFF’s programmers and leaders of the past five decades, we landed on 50 films that tell the story of our festival’s obsessions, discoveries, and lasting influence. At the heart of it: those moments when TIFF’s curation met the Toronto audience and the world found a new movie to fall in love with.”

Spanning diverse genres, filmmakers, countries, and decades, these 50 films echo the spirit captured in the first ever Festival of Festivals 1976 programme book by founders Bill Marshall, Henk Van der Kolk, and Dusty Cohl, who wrote: “Hopefully, there is something for everyone. Not everything for everyone, but something.”

In addition to the marquee series, TIFF is celebrating throughout the summer leading into the Festival with free outdoor screenings, streamings on MUBI Canada, limited edition TIFF 50 merch, a digital timeline, and more.

The TIFF Story in 50 Films (in order of screening date)
June 13: The Princess Bride (1987) dir. Rob Reiner, USA (People’s Choice Award winner)
June 14: Memories of Murder (2003) dir. Bong Joon-ho, South Korea
June 15: Antonia’s Line (1995) dir. Marleen Gorris, Netherlands (PCA winner)
June 18: In the Cut (2003) dir. Jane Campion, USA/Australia
June 19: My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) dir. Stephen Frears, United Kingdom
June 21: Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013) dir. Jeff Barnaby, Canada
June 22: Viva Riva! (2010) dir. Djo Tunda Wa Munga, Congo – Kinshasa
June 22: The Shawshank Redemption (1994) dir. Frank Darabont, USA (special presentation, Q&A with James and Roger Deakins moderated by Cameron Bailey) June 24: Next of Kin (1984) dir. Atom Egoyan, Canada June 28: Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010) dir. Werner Herzog, France/Canada/USA/Germany/United Kingdom (special presentation/ shown in 3D)
June 28: Jennifer’s Body (2009) dir. Karyn Kusama, USA
June 29: Love in the Time of Hysteria (1991) dir. Alfonso Cuarón, Mexico
July 2: Lady Macbeth (2016) dir. William Oldroyd, United Kingdom
July 4: My Winnipeg (2007) dir. Guy Maddin, Canada (special presentation/live narration with Q&A) July 5: Revenge (2017) dir. Coralie Fargeat, France July 6: I Am Not Your Negro (2016) dir. Raoul Peck, France/USA/Belgium/Switzerland (PCA TIFF Docs winner) July 10: Away from Her (2006) dir. Sarah Polley, Canada July 11–13: Boogie Nights (1997) dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, USA (special presentation/70mm print)
July 12: The Big Chill (1983) dir. Lawrence Kasdan, USA (PCA winner)
July 15: Phoenix (2014) dir. Christian Petzold, Germany
July 17: Matador (1986) dir. Pedro Almodóvar, Spain
July 18: Saint Maud (2019) dir. Rose Glass, United Kingdom
July 19: A Brighter Summer Day (1991) dir. Edward Yang, Taiwan
July 20: Whale Rider (2002) dir. Niki Caro, New Zealand/Germany (PCA winner)
July 20: Dead Ringers (1988) dir. David Cronenberg, Canada
July 24: Braindead (1992) dir. Peter Jackson, New Zealand
July 25: Drugstore Cowboy (1989) dir. Gus Van Sant, USA
July 26: The Killer (1989) dir. John Woo, Hong Kong
July 27: Highway 61 (1991) dir. Bruce McDonald, Canada
July 29: Sexy Beast (2000) dir. Jonathan Glazer, United Kingdom
August 1: The Raid: Redemption (2011) dir. Gareth Evans, Indonesia/France/USA (PCA Midnight Madness winner)
August 2: Eve’s Bayou – Director’s Cut (1997) dir. Kasi Lemmons, USA
August 2: After Life (1998) dir. Kore-eda Hirokazu, Japan
August 3: Let Each One Go Where He May (2009) dir. Ben Russell, USA
August 7: Maelström (2000) dir. Denis Villeneuve, Canada
August 8: Leaving Las Vegas (1995) dir. Mike Figgis, USA
August 9: Slumdog Millionaire (2008) dir. Danny Boyle, United Kingdom (PCA winner)
August 10: Roger & Me (1989) dir. Michael Moore, USA (PCA winner)
August 10: Water (2005) dir. Deepa Mehta, Canada/USA/India
August 14: A Soldier’s Story (1984) dir. Norman Jewison, USA
August 15: Maqbool (2003) dir. Vishal Bhardwaj, India
August 16: The Fabelmans (2022) dir. Steven Spielberg, USA (PCA winner)
August 17: Near Dark (1987) dir. Kathryn Bigelow, USA
August 19: Brothers (2004) dir. Susanne Bier, Denmark
August 21: The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) dir. Juan Jose Campanella, Argentina/Spain
August 22: Jallikattu (2019) dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery, India
August 23: Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1993) dir. Alanis Obomsawin, Canada
August 24: Thank You for Smoking (2006) dir. Jason Reitman, USA
August 26: Harlan County USA (1976) dir. Barbara Kopple, USA
August 27: The Boy and the Heron (2023) dir. Hayao Miyazaki, Japan

Other TIFF 50 Events
In Conversation With… James and Roger Deakins (June 22 at 5:30pm)
Iconic cinematographer Roger Deakins and his wife and collaborator James Deakins (together they host the film industry podcast TeamDeakins) are participating in an In Conversation With… series to discuss their illustrious career. Deakins is an English cinematographer and the recipient of five BAFTA Awards for Best Cinematography, and two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography from 16 nominations including his first ever Oscar nomination for The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont (still the number one movie on IMDb to this day).

Downtown Movies in the Park (Wednesdays 9:30pm, July 9 – August 13)
Presented in partnership with the Downtown West BIA, Downtown Movies in the Park features six free outdoor screenings at David Pecaut Square. Each Wednesday night screening will start at 9:30pm, with a pre-show beginning at 9pm, offering photo ops, live performances, film introductions, and other outdoor activities. All screenings will have open captions, with TIFF concessions on site for purchase.
July 9: The Princess Bride dir. Rob Reiner, introduced by Cameron Bailey
July 16: That Thing You Do dir. Tom Hanks
July 23: Beans dir. Tracey Deer
July 30: The Wild Robot dir. Chris Sanders
August 6: The Martian dir. Ridley Scott,introduced by Cameron Bailey
August 13: School of Rock dir. Richard Linklater, introduced by TIFF’s Next Wave Committee

Harbourfront Centre’s Free Flicks
In partnership with Harbourfront Centre and in celebration of TIFF’s 50th edition, a free outdoor screening of Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water will take place on July 8, fittingly on the water, kicking off their “free flicks” summer series.

TIFF 50 on MUBI
To extend the celebration beyond in-cinema events, TIFF has partnered with MUBI to bring a selection of films curated by Cameron Bailey to subscribers in Canada. Available from June 13 to December 31, this collection features stand-out titles that have premiered at the Festival over the decades. MUBI is offering TIFF audiences a 60-day free trial to the streaming service with an in-cinema QR code promotion.

TIFF 50 available now at TIFF Shop
Brand new TIFF 50 merchandise is now available in the TIFF Shop and online at tiff.net/shop. This includes limited-edition t-shirts and rugby jerseys, as well as caps, socks, and more.

Test your TIFF IQ with the new TIFF Timeline!
Now live on tiff.net/tiff50timeline, discover the new digital timeline to explore (or recall!) key moments in TIFF’s history and find the answers to these questions below.
Which film caused a near-riot in 1978 after hundreds of eager would-be audience members were turned away after the Ontario Censor Board requested the removal of a sex scene and the Festival compromised to only show it, in its entirety, the night of its premiere?
In which year was the People’s Choice Award (PCA) introduced? This award is voted on by audiences and has become a strong predictor of Oscar success. Films like Chariots of Fire, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Fabelmans all won it before going on to Academy Award glory.
Which star of 1987’s People’s Choice Award–winning film needed a custom-made chair to be built in order to watch his film’s World Premiere in the theatre?
Which movement did director Alanis Obomsawin capture behind barricades for her 1993 documentary that went on to win TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature Film award?
How much did a Festival of Festivals pass cost in 1976?
Not found on the timeline, but feel free to reach out to proffice@tiff.net if you’re stumped.

Be part of TIFF history
From unforgettable screenings and surprise celebrity encounters, to your favourite red carpet moments, we want to hear your TIFF stories that helped shape our Festival. Visit tiff.net/tiff50stories to upload your favourite memories and photos. Your story could be featured all summer long across TIFF’s social channels.

Coming up
The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. Festival media accreditation opens June 2 at 8am ET and closes on July 7 at 8pm ET.

#TIFF: 2025 TIFF NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED

TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival — presented by Takis® and supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Toronto — returns to Lightbox April 10–13, 2025, for a thrilling weekend of fresh, boundary-pushing films and special events. Dedicated to championing the next generation of filmmakers and cinephiles geared toward ages 14–24, this festival promises an unforgettable celebration of international emerging talent and bold storytelling. As part of TIFF 50 year-round celebrations, TIFF is thrilled to welcome back to Lightbox Emma Seligman, a Next Wave alumni, who will be on stage to introduce her films Shiva Baby and Bottoms, followed by a Q+A.

Now in its 14th edition, TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival will kick-start the weekend with an all-ages party themed ‘Neon Revolt’ and the popular annual event Battle of the Scores, a rockin’ competition in which four up-and-coming bands compete for a grand prize by scoring the soundtrack to two silent short films: SKRRRT!! directed by Yvette Sin and MANVIR directed by Sumeet Sidhu. Programmed by youth, for youth, the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival offers free tickets to Official Selection screenings for anyone under 25 who also has TIFF’s Under-25 Free Pass or paid Under-25 Membership. Tickets for TIFF Members and Under-25 Free Pass holders go on sale on Wednesday, March 19, and to the public on Friday, March 21.

“TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival reflects our mission to empower young creators and cultivate an exciting relationship with cinema for Toronto’s youth that we hope will last a lifetime,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “This is absolutely one of our favourite events of the year as we welcome both new and now-established directors who were themselves a part of this Festival not too long ago, including Emma Seligman. Emma’s journey is a testament to how TIFF has nurtured young creators, and the impact of our commitment to discovering new talent and launching the next generation of original storytellers.”

This year’s Official Selection features 10 titles and includes six debut films with themes that touch on coming-of-age, exploring new friendships, finding your place in the world, and self-expression through creativity and art. These films have been selected by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, which is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts ranging in age from 15 to 18, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area. With the guidance of TIFF staff, this Committee is charged with planning major youth-oriented events year-round at TIFF Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. Tickets and film synopsis will be available on March 19.

“Vibrant, eclectic, and bursting with energy, this year’s Next Wave Film Festival promises an authentic and unexpected lineup of films and events that speak to the specific yet universal experiences of young people. With something for everyone, our selections highlight the rising creatives of our generation and the importance of using your voice to find community. The spirit of connection is intrinsic to Next Wave now more than ever, and we can’t wait ​for the festival as a place to spark conversation, discover new perspectives, and push the boundaries of what you thought cinema could be.” —2024–2025 TIFF Next Wave Committee

2025 TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection:
Brides dir. Nadia Fall, United Kingdom, 2025 – Canadian Premiere

The Dog Thief (El ladrón de perros) dir. Vinko Tomičić Salinas,
Bolivia/Chile/Mexico/France/Ecuador, 2024 – Toronto Premiere

Manas dir. Marianna Brennand, Brazil/Portugal, 2024 – Canadian Premiere

Pools dir. Sam Hayes, USA, 2024 – North American Premiere

Queens of Drama (Les reines du drame) dir. Alexis Langlois, France/Belgium, 2024 – Toronto Premiere

Rape Play dir. Gabriella Mykal, USA, 2023 – International Premiere

Seaside Serendipity (海辺へ行く道) dir. Satoko Yokohama, Japan, 2025 – North American Premiere

The Virgin of the Quarry Lake (La Virgen de la Tosquera) dir. Laura Casabe, Argentina/Spain/Mexico, 2025 – Canadian Premiere

We Were Dangerous dir. Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, New Zealand, 2024 – Toronto Premiere

Where the Wind Comes From dir. Amel Guellaty, Tunisia/France/Qatar, 2025 – Canadian Premiere

Next Wave Events
Opening Night: Battle of the Scores & After Party — April 11
Battle of the Scores, co-presented by Insomniac Film Festival, challenges four up-and-coming bands to score two silent short films — and the audience picks the winner. See the bands perform their music LIVE in-cinema. If you can’t make it, be sure to visit @TIFF_NET on Instagram starting April 3 to see the films, hear the scores, and cast a vote. Directly following Battle of the Scores is the official opening night all-ages party themed ‘Neon Revolt’ at TIFF Lightbox, with an underground-inspired, secret-club vibe and high-impact, and fun activations to ignite creativity and self-expression.

Special Screenings – April 10–13
Alongside the 10 Official Selection film screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to attend special events at TIFF Lightbox, notably Loved It: Chandler Levack on Fast Times at Ridgemont High (April 10 at 7:30pm), which will be introduced by Canadian filmmaker Levack (I Like Movies, TIFF ’22), and a special quote-along screening of Josie and the Pussycats (April 12 at 8pm) hosted by drag performer Miss Moço. There’s also a double-bill screening of Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby and Bottoms (starting at 6:30pm on April 12) with the TIFF Next Wave alumni in attendance to present her films. First-feature director Sam Hayes and producer Jack Heston will be in attendance to present the North American Premiere of their film Pools followed by a Q+A. Gabriella Mykal will also be in attendance to present her debut film, Rape Play.

Young Creators Co-Lab – April 12 & 13
The Young Creators Co-Lab is a gathering space for young and emerging artists in the Toronto community to connect with their peers and industry professionals and hear about all things film. For more Young Creators Co-Lab programming information and to get tickets, visit tiff.net/nextwave starting March 19 for TIFF Members/Under-25 Pass holders and March 21 for the public.

This year’s lab sessions include Focus on Actors, new to the festival with a panel of actors sharing advice on how to navigate the industry and hone your craft as a young actor; Let’s Get Weird! with the New Toronto Bizarre, an interactive panel talk with seven members of the New Toronto Bizarre film movement about building community, DIY filmmaking techniques, and keeping cinema weird; Expanded Cinema with image artists Francisca Duran and Derek Jenkins for a conversation on the history of expanded cinema, the process of creating moving-image art, and exploring film’s possibilities outside of traditional spaces; and Coming-of-age Confrontations with directors Chandler Levack, Emma Seligman, and Sam Hayes, who will revisit the scenes that defined their characters’ turning points and break down their approaches to accurately and empathetically represent the experience of being young and navigating the world on your own terms. The Young Creators Co-Lab is presented by the City of Toronto.

Young Creators Showcase — April 13
Discover the next wave of Canadian filmmakers in this shorts programme created for youth, by youth. Celebrating boundary-pushing work by emerging filmmakers, the Young Creators Showcase focuses on themes of connection, identity, and finding community.

Young Creators Showcase Awards: Presented by Cineplex – April 13
All of the Young Creators Showcase films are eligible for awards for Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Writing, and Best Editing, presented by Cineplex in support of the next generation of Canadian filmmakers. The winners will be selected by a jury of film industry professionals and will be presented in-cinema as part of the Young Creators Showcase event.

The TIFF Under-25 Pass offers young people barrier-free access to year-round TIFF benefits, including discounts, free access to more than 300 Cinematheque screenings, special events, and access to one free ticket to all Official Selection screenings at the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. For anyone under 25, be sure to sign up for free at tiff.net/join/under25.

Additional information is available at tiff.net/nextwave.