#FIRSTLOOK: INDIGENOUS SCREEN OFFICE’S 2026 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SLATE

The Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) celebrates a strong Indigenous presence at the 2026 edition of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), with eight ISO-supported projects featured at the Festival and a series of Market events bringing together Indigenous filmmakers, industry leaders and international delegates. For the first time, the ISO will co-partner with Telefilm Canada at the Canadian Pavilion, further solidifying the Indigenous presence at TIFF.

“This year marks an important milestone for the ISO. For the first time, we are partnering with Telefilm Canada at the Canadian Pavilion, reflecting how far we have come in building a strong, united and sustainable Indigenous screen sector,” said Kerry Swanson, CEO of the Indigenous Screen Office. “With eight ISO-supported projects having their world premiere at TIFF, and Indigenous creators and producers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and around the world coming together through the TIFF Market, we are seeing Indigenous storytelling take its rightful place not only on our screens, but in the spaces where partnerships, financing and international opportunities are created. This is the future we have been working towards.”

The ISO invested a combined total of $2.7 million CAD in the development and production of eight films selected in this year’s official program, which spotlights a list of talented emerging voices and award-winning established Indigenous filmmakers.

The ISO-supported projects at TIFF 2026 include 5 feature films, 1 short film, and 2 immersive films:

SEVENTEEN, directed by Justin Ducharme and produced by Experimental Forest Films and You Boy Productions – World Premiere, Discovery

SMUDGE THE BLADES, directed by Cody Lightning and produced by Lightning Mill Inc. and North Country Cinema, World Premiere, Centrepiece

(HABOOLM KSINAALGAT) SOUL CATCHER, from Amanda Strong and Pamela Post, World Premiere, Short Cuts

IN THE HEART OF THE SOUTH, directed by Nyla Innuksuk and produced by Innuksuk’s Mixtape VR and Sphere Media, World Premiere, Platform

HOW WE STAND, directed by Marie Clements and produced by Marie Clements Media and Screen Siren Pictures, World Premiere, Centrepiece

TURTLE ISLAND RAP, directed by Alexandra Lazarowich and produced by T.I. RAP Inc. and Scenario Media, World Premiere, TIFF Docs

TARTUPALUK, from Laakkuluk Williamson and produced by Scintilla, Nation of Lovers Productions and Ánorâk Film, World Premiere, Innovation Hub

MEKWÂC: NOW IS GOOD, from James Monkman and produced by Quantum Wampum and James Monkman Studio, World Premiere, Innovation Hub

As part of TIFF: The Market, ISO will host a series of events September 10–14 designed to foster connection, collaboration and new opportunities for Indigenous screen storytellers in Canada and internationally.

Canadian Pavilion Opening

Thursday, September 10 | 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Canadian Pavilion, Metro Toronto Convention Centre

The Canadian Pavilion welcomes delegates with an opening prayer from an Indigenous elder alongside remarks from the ISO, Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates.

Ontario/Australia Day

Thursday, Sept, 10, 9:30am-3:30pm |Allied Music Centre at Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street)

This day-long event features information-sharing sessions, including a panel discussion on Australian and Ontario co-productions and B2B meetings. Screen Australia is supporting the participation of 11 production companies. In addition, its First Nations Department has funded 7 production companies through the First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund. Ontario Creates and the ISO have invited 20 Ontario-based producers to participate in the event and meet with the Australian delegation.

Ontario/UK Day

Friday, September 11 | 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Allied Music Centre at Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street)

In partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI), Ontario Creates will host a B2B event for producers from the United Kingdom who identify as Black and/or as part of the Global Majority, and Ontario producers selected by the Black Screen Office (BSO) and the ISO.

ISO Indigenous Breakfast
Saturday, September 12 | 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | TIFF Lightbox

ISO hosts its by-invitation Indigenous Breakfast, welcoming The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture alongside an international delegation of Indigenous filmmakers to TIFF. The gathering will bring Indigenous creators and industry representatives from Canada and around the world together to build relationships, exchange ideas and celebrate Indigenous storytelling at the Festival.

Meet the ISO Team at the Canadian Pavilion

Monday, September 14 | 9:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m. | Canadian Pavilion, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Stage 1

Members of ISO’s Funding team Tash Naveau, Kaya Wheeler and Melanie Nepinak Hadley will introduce ISO’s programs and discuss funding opportunities available to Indigenous screen-based storytellers and organizations.

North is Now: Indigenous Storytelling in the Arctic
Monday, September 14 | 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Canadian Pavilion, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Stage 1

As the Arctic becomes increasingly important on the world stage, Indigenous storytellers are creating new opportunities for collaboration, co-production and international partnerships.

Bringing together leaders from across the circumpolar North, this conversation will explore how Indigenous-led institutions are building sustainable screen industries, strengthening narrative sovereignty and positioning Canada as a key partner in the future of Arctic film and television.

ISO Late-Night Reception
Monday, September 14 | 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | TIFF Lightbox

ISO will close out its TIFF activities with a by-invitation late-night networking reception bringing together Indigenous filmmakers, industry leaders, partners and guests for an evening of connection and community.

ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS SCREEN OFFICE
The Indigenous Screen Office is an independent national advocacy and funding organization serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators of screen content in Canada. The ISO’s mandate is to foster and support narrative sovereignty and cultural revitalization by increasing Indigenous storytelling on screens and promoting Indigenous values and participation across the sector.