#TIFF25: “STILL SINGLE” TO PREMIERE AT 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WITH SUSHI COUNTER EXPERIENCE ON KING STREET

STILL SINGLE, a feature-length documentary exploring the world of Chef Masaki Saito, Canada’s first Michelin two-star chef, is having its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, followed by a spectacular 60-foot sushi counter experience for everyone to enjoy on King Street. The film offers an intimate portrait of the culinary visionary behind Sushi Masaki Saito, Toronto’s sole two-star Michelin establishment.

Directed by first-time filmmakers Toronto-based Jamal Burger and Tokyo-based Jukan Tateisi, STILL SINGLE traces Chef Saito’s journey from rural Hokkaido to transforming Toronto’s fine dining landscape. The documentary captures his groundbreaking approach to Omakase dining, which showcases the Chef’s expertise and creativity, while revealing the intense lifestyle that drives his culinary genius.

“Only by going through the process of directing this film and getting to know Saito did we realize how challenging it is, especially in Japan, to break through a collectivist society as an individual,” said co-directors Burger and Tateisi. “This film explores what happens when tradition meets innovation, and the personal cost of pursuing perfection.”

The 36-year-old chef made history as the first to earn two Michelin stars in Toronto (2022) and remains the only person to achieve this milestone in both Toronto and New York (2017/2018). His restaurant continues to be Toronto’s only two-star Michelin establishment in 2025.

STILL SINGLE is a Rhombus Media production in association with Common Good, produced by Julian Nieva, Fraser Ash, and Kevin Krikst, with Niv Fichman serving as Executive Producer. The film features original music by Alex Sowinski, founding member of BADBADNOTGOOD.

Special TIFF Activation: 60ft Omakase Experience

To celebrate the film’s world premiere, a spectacular 60-foot sushi counter will be installed on King Street in front of the TIFF Lightbox on September 5th. Starting at 5:00 PM, following the documentary’s premiere screening, members of the public can experience complimentary Omakase prepared by chefs from MSSM, offering festival-goers a rare taste of Toronto’s only two-star Michelin dining experience.

This unique experience brings Chef Saito’s revolutionary approach to the streets of Toronto, allowing the public to witness the artistry and precision that has redefined the city’s culinary landscape.

About the Filmmakers

Jamal Burger is a Toronto-based filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on fostering connection through shared vulnerability. He is the founder of The Kickback Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2016 to empower youth with dreams but limited resources. STILL SINGLE marks his debut feature documentary.

Jukan Tateisi is a Tokyo and London-based visual artist and sound designer who graduated from London’s Royal College of Art in 2020. He has participated in international art festivals including “New Contemporaries 2021” in the UK and “Forest Festival of the Arts” in Okayama (2024).

About Rhombus Media

Founded in 1979 by Niv Fichman, Toronto-based Rhombus Media has produced over 200 award-winning films and TV projects, including BlackBerry, Possessor, The Red Violin, and Enemy. Recent titles include Atom Egoyan’s Seven Veils and the upcoming TIFF 2025 premiere Still Single. Television credits include HBO’s The Sympathizer and The North Water. More at www.rhombusmedia.com.