#FIRSTLOOK: TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TADFF) is thrilled to announce the first details of its 19th edition, which will run from October 14th – 18th, 2026 and will feature an exciting expansion in venues and programming. The festival will once again return to the Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St. West) in downtown Toronto for its official selections, but will additionally hold screenings at the Canadian Filmmaker’s Distribution Centre (CFMDC)’s CineCycle (129 Spadina Avenue) as part of a new late-night programme that spotlights more esoteric and experimental genre film programming.

Genre fans will have the option of two passes: a CINE-MANAIC PASS (formerly the All-Access Pass), which offers access to tickets for all screenings at Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre, complimentary RUSH tickets, and entry to all public socials, including the return of an official Opening and Closing Night Party; and an ALL NIGHTER CINE-MANIAC PASS (new) which gets you all the previous perks PLUS access to tickets and priority RUSH to the late night programming at the Cinecycle. Also included in the ALL-NIGHTERS pass is a T-Shirt and Poster featuring the festival’s 2026 edition artwork illustrated by acclaimed Toronto artist Trevor Henderson (@trevorhenderson, @slimyswampghost). Quantities are limited, with only 200 Cine-Maniac Passes and 50 All-Nighter Passes available.

Passes go on sale on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, with the following pricing: CINE-MANIAC PASSES are $130 until September 1st, and $150 at full price; ALL-NIGHTER PASSES are $200 until Sept. 1st and $220 at full price. Single tickets will also be available for $16.99 and will go on sale in late September, following the announcement of the festival lineup and schedule.

Ahead of this year’s festival, TADFF has announced several key updates to its programming and festival teams. Veteran short film programmer Shannon Hanmer has been promoted as Director of Programming, while Adam Bovoletis joins as Festival Manager and Programmer. Kassy Gascho has also been added to the programming team. This year’s festival programming team includes Hanmer, Christian Burgess, Justin McConnell, Bridget van Voorden, Bovoletis, Gascho, and Festival Legacy Director Peter Kuplowsky.

“Toronto After Dark has always been built around a passionate community of genre fans, and this year’s festival is about honouring that spirit while creating new ways for audiences and filmmakers to connect,” said Peter Kuplowsky. “As we continue building on the festival our founder Adam Lopez created, the addition of late-night programming at CineCycle and a new team of programming voices gives us an exciting opportunity to expand what Toronto After Dark can be while staying true to what audiences have always loved about it.”

To purchase passes or for additional festival information, please visit www.torontoafterdark.com.

ABOUT TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL

Founded in 2006 by the late Adam Lopez, Toronto After Dark Film Festival is one of the world’s leading showcases of new horror, thriller, sci-fi, action and cult cinema. Built from Lopez’s lifelong love of genre film and the passionate community he cultivated, the festival has become a beloved annual destination for film fans, filmmakers, press and industry, presenting new features and shorts from Canada and around the world. Toronto After Dark’s 19th edition takes place October 14–18, 2026 at Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Toronto.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR “PRIMATE” | JOHANNES ROBERTS IN TORONTO

PRIMATE IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON JANUARY 9, 2026! Today we get a new Trailer for this official Toronto After Dark Festival selection which premiered last night. Director Johannes Roberts also showed up for a Q&A!

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment

An 18Hz Production

“PRIMATE”

SYNOPSIS

In PRIMATE, a group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Vicki Dee Rock, Nathan Samdahl, Johannes Roberts, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

PRODUCED BY

Walter Hamada, p.g.a., John Hodges, p.g.a., Bradley Pilz

WRITTEN BY

Johannes Roberts & Ernest Riera

DIRECTED BY

Johannes Roberts

STARRING

Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon

#SPOTTED: THE TORONTO AFTER DARK FESTIVAL PREMIERE OF “PREY FOR THE DEVIL”

The 16th Toronto After Dark Festival kicked-off last night and ringing-in the occasion was upcoming Horror PREY FOR THE DEVIL from Director Daniel Stamm. The Horror centers on a young nun thrust onto the frontline to perform an Exorcism, when female Exorcists are unheard-of. She faces a demonic force with ties to her past. The Film is to be released directly by Cineplex Pictures in Canada as the theatrical giant begin their foray into film distribution domestically.

See the Trailer here.

Here for the Premiere were Toronto’s own Jacqueline Byers who stars in the leading role as Sister Ann, plus Stamm.

Some Snaps from the Premiere:

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A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong)

Cineplex Pictures release PREY FOR THE DEVIL October 28, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)