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.

SEVERANCE continues to make its mark as prestige television for Apple TV+ and now it manages to replicate the wide acclaim received by its first season which saw Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

This season sees Mark (Adam Scott) and his friends being led them down a woeful path.

Stars Zach Cherry (Dylan) and Tramell Tillman (Seth) were in Toronto to promote the Series with an appearance at TIFF Lightbox in a Q&A alongside Director and Director of Photoraphy, Jessica Lee Gagné. Second season contains ten episodes, streaming Fridays on Apple TV+.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+/Mr. Will Wong)

Canada’s Walk of Fame, the country’s highest mark of excellence, is set to welcome titans of film and hospitality to its prestigious ranks: the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), is celebrating 50 years as a powerhouse of Canadian and global entertainment, and Isadore Sharp, founder of the world’s leading luxury hotel brand Four Seasons. They join a remarkable group of previously announced 2025 Inductees, including:

Liona Boyd (Arts and Entertainment) – Five-Time Juno Award-Winning “First Lady of Guitar”
Dr. Tirone David (Science, Technology and Innovation) – Pioneering Cardiovascular Surgeon
Dr. Samantha Nutt (Humanitarianism) – Champion of Children’s Wellness on the Frontlines of Global Crises
Our Lady Peace (Arts and Entertainment) – Multi-platinum, Diamond-Selling Band
Mike Weir (Sports and Athletics) – One of Canada’s Greatest Golfers
Tonya Williams (Arts and Entertainment) – Award-Winning Actress, Producer and Advocate

These extraordinary Canadians will take their place among the more than 230 Inductees honoured on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Induction Gala returns on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, promising a reimagined experience for attendees. This highly anticipated event shines a spotlight on extraordinary Canadians whose achievements and contributions have made a lasting impact. More details on public events and additional 2025 Inductees will be announced.

“The Toronto International Film Festival and Isadore Sharp have made lasting impressions on Canada’s global presence, and their legacies have enriched lives and communities around the world,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “Their Induction is a celebration of their profound contributions to our nation, and it is an honour to welcome these two trailblazers to Canada’s Walk of Fame.”

TIFF (Arts and Entertainment) – The Largest Public Film Festival in the World

TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. A global leader in film and entertainment, TIFF initiatives include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, an innovative national distribution program; and the TIFF Content Market launching in 2026. The organization generates an estimated annual economic impact of $240 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net. Click here to learn more about TIFF.

Isadore Sharp (Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy) – Visionary Hotelier and Philanthropist

Isadore Sharp is the founder of Four Seasons, a global luxury hospitality brand with 133 hotels and resorts and 55 Private Residences in 47 countries, along with a Private Jet Experience, and soon, the Four Seasons Yacht. Since opening his first hotel in Toronto in 1961, Sharp built Four Seasons into one of the most recognized names in hospitality. His commitment to outstanding guest service and innovative offerings has made the brand a global leader in luxury travel. Sharp continues to serve as the company’s chairman, guiding its development and maintaining a hands-on role in major decisions. A dedicated philanthropist, Sharp has supported causes like the Terry Fox Run and made significant donations to institutions such as the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and Mount Sinai Hospital. Sharp’s legacy extends beyond hospitality, with a deep commitment to service, community, and philanthropy.

Click here to learn more about Isadore Sharp.

For more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit www.canadaswalkoffame.com.

A hometown hero gets a welcome home! Simu Liu braved the weather conditions and delays to make it home to Toronto for his latest film, LAST BREATH. The Survival Thriller based on a true story of a diver who became trapped 100 ft under the sea without light or heat and a limited supply of breathing gas, working with a resilient team in a race against time.

The star of Blockbusters Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Barbie surprised moviegoers at TIFF Lightbox with an introduction and Q&A following the Alex Parkinson film.

A clip from the evening captured by our Nicholas Porteous:

The Film stars also Woody Harrelson and Finn Cole, with Elevation Pictures releasing in theatres February 28, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

Earlier tonight, TIFF honoured the best in Canadian cinema at a celebration of Canada’s Top Ten, the nation’s best feature films and shorts of 2024. The celebration of Canadian cinema included announcements of the renaming of TIFF Film Circuit to the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, thanks to a generous donation in honour of the late Canadian filmmaker by his son Noah Shebib and the 40 Foundation, as well as an upcoming TIFF Cinematheque retrospective celebrating the more than 30-year career of iconic Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehta. As part of this ceremony, it was announced that Miryam Charles was the inaugural recipient of the Charles Officer Legacy Award, presented by TIFF and CBC.

The 24th Canada’s Top Ten showcase, presented by MUBI, runs now through February 9 at TIFF Lightbox and is curated by TIFF programmers in consultation with festival programmers from across Canada. For more information, visit tiff.net/canadas-top-ten.

As announced at the event, TIFF will continue to share the love of film with communities across the country thanks to a gift from Noah Shebib and the 40 Foundation, in honour of the late, iconic Canadian filmmaker, Donald Shebib (1938–2023). In recognition of this gift, TIFF Film Circuit has been renamed the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit. In addition to his pivotal role in Canadian cinema and directing the landmark film Goin’ Down the Road, Shebib was a Festival mainstay and champion who had a profound impact on TIFF. His film The Ascent premiered at TIFF in 1994, and his last feature film Nighthawk premiered at TIFF in 2022.

The generous contribution from the Shebib family will bolster TIFF’s national film outreach programme, expanding access to communities across Canada. Founded in 1989, Film Circuit engages grassroots networks and strong community partnerships to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema to communities across the country. For more information, visit filmcircuit.tiff.net.

During the Canada’s Top Ten event, TIFF also announced that TIFF Cinematheque will celebrate the incomparable Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehta with the retrospective Through the Fire: The Films of Deepa Mehta in April. Over her remarkable 30+ year career, Mehta has established herself as a bold, humanistic filmmaker. Renowned for her ability to craft deeply moving stories through a culturally hybrid perspective, this retrospective celebrates how Mehta’s groundbreaking work gives voice to individuals’ capacity for resilience and hope in the face of profound marginalization and will include her feature debut Sam & Me (1991); her influential Elements trilogy Fire (1997), Earth (1998), and Water (2005); Bollywood/Hollywood (2002); Heaven on Earth (2008); Beeba Boys (2015); Anatomy of Violence (2016); and Funny Boy (2020).

Over the past five decades, TIFF has evolved from the “Festival of Festivals” (the organization officially changed its name to the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) to the largest public film festival in the world, which in 2024 welcomed approximately 700,000 guests, more than 700 talent, and 280 films as part of its Official Selection.

As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will develop and produce a TIFF 50th edition television special exploring the history, and featuring archival footage, to be aired exclusively on Citytv.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.

MIRYAM CHARLES TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL CHARLES OFFICER AWARD

Also, earlier this evening as part of TIFF’s opening ceremony for Canada’s Top Ten, Miryam Charles was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Charles Officer Legacy Award, presented by TIFF and CBC. This award recognizes a Canadian Black director and/or writer whose body of work exemplifies the award-winning filmmaker’s creative excellence, strong point of view, and community-mindedness. Miryam Charles first feature film, Cette maison, was a Canada’s Top Ten selection in 2022, premiered at the Berlinale, and was named one of the best films of that year by Sight and Sound.

Jury statement: “The nominees for the award’s inaugural year were overwhelmingly strong and acknowledged Black creators of all experience levels from across the country. As a committee, we are thrilled to select Miryam Charles of Montreal for the 2025 Charles Officer Legacy Award. Miryam is a person whose vision, creativity, and commitment to storytelling truly embody the spirit of the award. Her work is extremely bold in its artistic vision, and she leads with a curiosity that pushes a unique style and form in a way that echoes what Charles sought to do on his own. Through her unique and powerful voice, Miryam tells stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable and have an underlying dedication to strengthening her community. Her colleagues praise her commitment to the mentorship of those on her productions and the authenticity with which she engages her community. We’re proud to celebrate Miryam, and know Charles would have jumped at the opportunity for them to connect and learn from each other.”

Jury members: Kish Iqbal, co-owner, Gary Godard Agency; Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF; Lea Marin, Director of Development, Drama, CBC; and Jake Yanowski, producer.

Miryam Charles will receive $25,000 CAD, a TIFF Industry Membership for one year, and an Industry pass to the 2025 Festival.

About Miryam Charles:
Miryam Charles is a Canadian director, producer, and cinematographer of Haitian origin, based in Montreal. In addition to Cette maison (TIFF ’22), her short films including All the Days of May (TIFF ’23) and Second Generation (TIFF ’19) have been showcased in various festivals worldwide. She is currently working on her next feature.

TIFF is marking a major milestone in 2025 as it celebrates the 50th edition of its Festival with a once-in-a-lifetime marquee series titled The TIFF Story in 50 Films. Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, with input and insight from TIFF programmers past and present, this series will showcase 50 landmark films from around the world that played a significant role in connecting with audiences, and reflect the story of TIFF.

“The TIFF Story in 50 Films is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of the landmark moments that have defined our Festival’s legacy,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Curating this series has been a labour of love, poring over decades of Festival programme books to select 50 films that reflect five decades of TIFF’s taste, eye for new talent, and passion for bringing groundbreaking cinema to our audience. While so many more films have been integral to TIFF’s story and illustrate our current narrative, I’m excited to share the full list in the months ahead and to revisit the memories and enduring impact these films have had on all of us.”

These film titles will include groundbreaking World Premieres and bold discoveries of new filmmaking talent, and speak to the breadth of artistry that has created such memorable Festival moments over the years. While only a sample of the many thousands of films presented since 1976, this selection captures the Festival’s enduring impact. The TIFF Story in 50 Films is free for TIFF Members, one way of thanking supporters for 50 years of discovering great movies together. The series will run from June to August and will feature special events and guests, with the full list of film titles, dates, and invitees to be shared at a later date.

See the North, TIFF’s monthly, free series of Canadian cinema presented by MUBI, will celebrate the 50th milestone in 2025 by honouring the work of Canadian women and nonbinary filmmakers programmed in the years since the first Festival five decades ago. Coming up on February 11 is Darlene Naponse’s Falls Around Her, which had its World Premiere at the 2018 Festival. Monthly films will be listed in the seasonal programming highlights and online at tiff.net.

Over the past five decades, TIFF has evolved from the “Festival of Festivals” (the organization officially changed its name to the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) to the largest public film festival in the world, which in 2024 welcomed approximately 700,000 guests, more than 700 talent, and 280 films as part of its Official Selection.

As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will develop and produce a TIFF 50th edition television special exploring the history, and featuring archival footage, to be aired exclusively on Citytv.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.

Toronto International Film Festival and Rogers are pleased to announce a three-year agreement that will see Rogers return as the official Presenting Partner of the Festival and the People’s Choice Award through 2027.

The expanded partnership builds on the success of TIFF ’24, which welcomed a record-breaking 700,000 attendees and hundreds of the world’s biggest filmmakers and stars. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place from September 4 to 14, 2025.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Rogers through 2027, building on the terrific momentum we’ve created together,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “We share a vision of celebrating Canadian storytelling and commitment to excellence on a global stage, and we look forward to working together to create a truly remarkable 50th edition of our Festival in September.”

“We are committed to supporting world-class film and cinema and bringing the best in entertainment to Canadians,” said Tony Staffieri, CEO, Rogers. “We look forward to celebrating TIFF’s 50th edition this year and to continuing a successful multi-year partnership.”

Rogers and TIFF will create a new original content series in partnership with TIFF’s in-house Studio 9 production team. Rogers will also develop and produce a 50th edition TV special to be aired exclusively on Citytv. Rogers customers will have access to VIP red carpet experiences through Rogers Beyond the Seat.

TIFF is marking a historic milestone with the 50th edition of the Festival and celebratory programming and events throughout the year. Look for an announcement next week with more information.

About Rogers Communications Inc.

Rogers is Canada’s communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.

About TIFF

TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; and the innovative national distribution program Film Circuit. The organization generates an annual economic impact of $200 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.

TIFF today announced Canada’s Top Ten, the nation’s top 10 feature films and top 10 shorts of 2024, honouring the best in Canadian cinema. The 24th Canada’s Top Ten showcase, presented by MUBI, runs February 5–9, 2025 at the Lightbox and is curated by TIFF programmers in consultation with festival programmers from across Canada. This year’s features selection includes the directorial debuts of R.T. Thorne (2016 Filmmaker Lab, 2018 Writers’ Studio) with 40 Acres, and Kaniehtiio Horn (2023 Every Story Accelerator participant) with Seeds. The spotlight also includes established filmmakers and past honourees: David Cronenberg, Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson, and Michael Mabbott; with second showings from Ann Marie Fleming, Kazik Radwanski (2009 Filmmaker Lab, 2017 Pitch This, 2018 Writers’ Studio), Sophie Deraspe, and Matthew Rankin (2007 Filmmaker Lab); plus first showings for Sook-Yin Lee (2005 Filmmaker Lab, 2019 Pitch This) with Paying For It, and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, co-director of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story.

“This year’s Canada’s Top Ten celebrates the very best of Canadian cinema, showcasing the bold artistry of Canada’s most celebrated filmmakers and the fresh perspectives of emerging voices,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “The selection reflects Canada’s eclectic cultural landscape and a renaissance in risk-taking cinema. We are also honoured to present the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award, which recognizes a filmmaker whose impact continues to resonate profoundly with TIFF and the broader Canadian film community.”

On February 5, the opening ceremony for Canada’s Top Ten showcase will celebrate this year’s selections, followed by a presentation of the inaugural Charles Officer Legacy Award by TIFF Industry and CBC. Announced in 2023, the award recognizes a Black Canadian director and/or writer whose body of work exemplifies the creative excellence, strong point of view, and community-mindedness of the award-winning filmmaker.

A special screening of Don McKellar’s 1998 apocalyptic dramedy Last Night will take place on February 6, preceded by A Look Back at Last Night. An extended Q&A with the award-winning Toronto actor, writer, and director will take place following the screening. A classic of the Toronto New Wave, Last Night has an iconically Canadian cast including Sandra Oh, Sarah Polley, and even a cameo by David Cronenberg. Its critical accolades include TIFF’s Best Canadian Feature Film, Cannes’ Prix de la jeunesse, and three Genies (now Canadian Screen Awards).

Canada’s Top Ten Official Selections 2024
Representing a diverse range of new voices in fiction and documentary, the 24th annual showcase of Canadian films celebrates some of our most storied and award-winning filmmakers. These selections offer audiences a variety of perspectives, insights, and experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s Canada’s Top Ten Features and Shorts are:
Canada’s Top Ten Feature Films

40 Acres | dir. R.T. Thorne | 113 minutes | English and Cree

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story | dirs. Michael Mabbott, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee | 98 minutes | English

Can I Get a Witness? | dir. Ann Marie Fleming | 110 minutes | English

Matt and Mara | dir. Kazik Radwanski | 80 minutes | English

Paying For It | dir. Sook-Yin Lee | 85 minutes | English

Rumours | dirs. Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson | 103 minutes | English, French, Swedish, and German

Seeds | dir. Kaniehtiio Horn | 82 minutes | English and Kanien’kéha

Shepherds (Bergers) | dir. Sophie Deraspe |113 minutes | French

The Shrouds | dir. David Cronenberg | 119 minutes | English

Universal Language (Une langue universelle) | dir. Matthew Rankin | 89 minutes | Farsi and French

Canada’s Top Ten Short Films

Are You Scared to Be Yourself Because You Think That You Might Fail? | dir. Bec Pecaut | 17 minutes | English

EarthWorm | dir. Phillip Barker | 16 minutes | English

Inkwo for When the Starving Return | dir. Amanda Strong | 18 minutes | English and Tlicho

Julian and the Wind | dir. Connor Jessup | 15 minutes | English

Maybe Elephants | dir. Torill Kove | 17 minutes | English

Mercenaire | dir. Pier-Philippe Chevigny | 15 minutes | French

On a Sunday at Eleven | dir. Alicia K. Harris | 9 minutes | English

One Day This Kid | dir. Alexander Farah | 18 minutes | Dari/Farsi and English

perfectly a strangeness | dir. Alison McAlpine | 15 minutes | No dialogue

Who Loves the Sun | dir. Arshia Shakiba | 20 minutes | Arabic

A selection of Canada’s Top Ten films will also be featured in TIFF’s popular Film Circuit programme. Film Circuit provides access to 100+ Circuit locations in rural, remote, and under-served communities that otherwise would not have an opportunity to see these films, extending their theatrical life beyond their initial release.

Canada’s Top Ten selections were determined by TIFF’s Canadian programmers and the Senior Programming team, taking into consideration the recommendations of consultant programmers across the country including:

Feature Films
Safia Abdigir, Program Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Pahull Bains, Communications Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Vincent Brulotte, Artistic Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Vincent Georgie, Executive Director & Chief Programmer, Windsor International Film Festival
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Brenda Lieberman, Lead Programmer & Jury Coordinator, Calgary International Film Festival
Zoé Protat, Director of Programming, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Emily Reid, Artistic and Executive Director, Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
Aram Sui Wai Collier, Artistic Director, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Eric Tisch, Manager, Programming & National Canadian Film Day, Reel Canada

Short Films
Mélissa Bouchard, Programming Director, REGARD: Le Festival international du court métrage au Saguenay
Lisa Haller, Director of Programming, Atlantic International Film Festival
Adam Keresztes, Programmer (Shorts, Generation), Calgary International Film Festival
Kelly Lui, Shorts Programmer, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Sydney Moule, Executive Director, Edmonton International Film Festival
Émilie Poirier, Head of Short Films, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma du Montréal
Casey Wei, Short Forum Programmer, Vancouver International Film Festival

TIFF Members have early access to tickets starting January 15 at 10am, and public tickets go on sale on January 17 at 10am.

Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum returns with a panel featuring a leading director, producer, distributor, community builder to join a moderated onstage discussion on the future of Canadian cinema. “Perspectives on the Future of the Canadian Film Industry” will take place on February 5, from 4pm–6pm. The discussion will challenge panelists to think differently about our next 50 years, as they will share their vision and role in defining the future of the screen sector in Canada.

This year, TIFF marks a historic milestone with the 50th edition of the Festival. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for an announcement about special events, retrospectives, and new initiatives planned to honour five decades of cinematic excellence, cultural impact, and unforgettable stories.

For additional programming information and screening details, visit tiff.net.

Toronto got a very special treat this past week with an Advance Screening, with Q&A, of Oscar contender THE BRUTALIST by Actor/Writer/Director Brady Corbet (pronounced “cor-bay”) in 70mm at TIFF Lightbox. One of the few places which can support the format.

This sweeping epic of a film, despite being three-and-a-half hours plus intermission, certainly doesn’t feel its length.

Corbet, who also has starred in acclaimed films like The Clouds of Sils-Maria, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Melancholia, crafts a sublime feast for the senses, visually and sonically.

Academy Award winner Adrien Brody taps into soul of a Hungarian architect named László Tóth and the sacrifices he made rebuilding his life in America, escaping war and being separated from his wife.

The Film is an unfiltered look at the relationship between art and its consumers, and extremes of compromise in committing to one’s artistic vision.

The Film showcases a brilliant ensemble including a ferocious Guy Pearce as Tóth’s patron, Felicity Jones as Tóth‘s wife Erzsebet and Alessandro Nivola as Tóth’s cousin.

THE BRUTALIST opens in theatres Christmas Day in Toronto and everywhere January 2025.

Highlights from the night:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

TIFF is starting the new year with a slate of awards season contenders from TIFF ’24 including Vermiglio, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and I’m Still Here, Italy’s, Germany’s, and Brazil’s respective Oscar submissions for Best International Feature. TIFF Cinematheque will feature retrospectives on Marco Bellocchio and Pema Tseden, plus special events and screenings celebrating Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day throughout January and February.

Information is subject to change. Please visit tiff.net for up-to-date programming details. Tickets for January Programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, December 18 and to the public on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark
January 10–29
Kidnapped (2023)

TIFF Cinematheque is presenting the works of veteran Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. With a career spanning an extraordinary six decades, Marco Bellocchio is one of Italy’s — and the world’s — great, adventurous filmmakers. This long-overdue retrospective arises during a particularly fertile time in Bellocchio’s career, marked by a string of masterworks including Kidnapped (TIFF ’23). Since making one of the greatest debuts in film history, the exhilarating Fists in the Pocket in 1965, Bellocchio has, with varying styles, delved head-on into the complexities of recent Italian history, fearlessly exploring the impacts of institutions — family, state, and church — upon the individual, and political subversion. While quintessentially Italian in their subjects, his films are also deeply personal and universal in their appeal.

Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark will launch with special guest Pier Giorgio Bellocchio (Buongiorno, notte, My Brilliant Friend), Marco Bellocchio’s son, an actor who appears in many of the director’s films and will also be in attendance for post-show Q&As. This 14-film major retrospective will also be accompanied by a free publication, Marco Bellocchio, published by Cinecittà with support from the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. Programmed by TIFF Cinematheque Senior Curator Andréa Picard, Marco Bellocchio: A Leap in the Dark is a collaboration with Cinecittà and presented by Istituto Italiano di Cultura (ICI) in Toronto with the Cinémathèque québécoise in Montréal.

Compassionate Light: Stories of Tibet by Pema Tseden
January 31 – February 26

Balloon (2019)
One of the most exciting and inspiring filmmakers working in the 21st century, Tibetan director and novelist Pema Tseden (1969–2023) was the first director in China to foreground Tibetan language and culture, presenting a realistic, multifaceted depiction of Tibetan life that garnered international acclaim. Pema Tseden made eight features, many of which screened at TIFF, including Snow Leopard (TIFF ’23), Balloon (TIFF ’19), and Jinpa (TIFF ’18). Compassionate Light: Stories of Tibet by Pema Tseden is curated by Guest Programmer Shelly Kraicer and comes to TIFF Lightbox after a successful run at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City.

Black History Month
February 2025
Rocks (2019)

TIFF offers programming that reflects Black voices and stories year-round. The inspirational documentary Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story will make its Toronto Premiere with a live performance from a special guest. Rocks, the vibrant coming-of-age directed by Sarah Gavron, will be presented by TIFF Next Wave in collaboration with Vibrant Visions: The Art of Black Girlhood in Canada, a free exhibition in the TIFF Lightbox atrium gallery. Cultural Rememory: The Films of Christopher Harris, a shorts programme from the award-winning filmmaker whose work explores African American historiography through experimental cinema, will screen as part of TIFF Wavelengths.

Valentine’s Day
February 2025
A Woman Is a Woman (1961)

TIFF Cinematheque is presenting the Canadian Premiere of a new 4K restoration of Jean-Luc Godard’s A Woman Is a Woman to mark the season of love. Romantic highlights include a new 60th anniversary 4K restoration of Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, starring Catherine Deneuve, Anne Vernon, Nino Castelnuovo, and Marc Michel. Plus, TIFF Cinematheque will feature Special Screenings of David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie; George Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story; and Cheryl Dunye’s classic queer rom-com, The Watermelon Woman.

Canada’s Top Ten
TIFF’s annual showcase celebrating features and shorts across the country, will take place February 5–9, honouring some of Canada’s most beloved and storied filmmakers. Stay tuned for the full programming details on January 8.

Tickets for February programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, January 15 and to the public on Friday, January 17.

TIFF Winter Programming Highlights: Special Events
Lunar New Year
Double Happiness (1994)
February 1, 4pm: Silver Screenings: Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity dir. Mina Shum | 35mm print! | FREE
Drop-in featuring Mahjong, artmaking, and food in the TIFF Lightbox atrium from 1:30pm, co-created with Asian Arts and Culture Trust (AACT).

Mina Shum’s heartwarming third feature weaves together three interconnected stories set in Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian community. It features an intergenerational cast that includes Sandra Oh, who broke out in Shum’s 1994 feature debut Double Happiness.

Black History Month
January 30, 6:30pm: Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story dir. Alison Duke | Toronto Premiere! | FREE
Introduction by director and co-producer Alison Duke and co-producer Ngardy Conteh George, and on-stage performance by a Special Guest following the screening.

Featuring dynamic tour performances, interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, this inspirational documentary illuminates legendary Dancehall artist Sister Nancy’s resilience and enduring contribution to the music industry.

February 19, 6:30pm: TIFF Next Wave Presents: Rocks dir. Sarah Gavron
This screening of Gavron’s Rocks (TIFF ’19), an empowering portrait of women’s friendship made with a cast of young non-professional actors, is presented in collaboration with Vibrant Visions: The Art of Black Girlhood in Canada, a free exhibition taking place February 9–22 in the TIFF Lightbox atrium.

New Releases
Vermiglio (2024)
Opens January 3: Vermiglio dir. Maura Delpero (filmswelike)

2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award – Best Italian Film Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – La Pellicola d’Oro Award Winner

Opens January 10: The Seed of the Sacred Fig dir. Mohammad Rasoulof (Elevation Pictures)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Centrepiece programme
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Palme d’Or Nominee
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Jury Special Prize Winner
2024 Cannes Film Festival – FIPRESCI Prize Winner

Opens January 10: Nickel Boys dir. RaMell Ross (Warner Brothers)
2024 Gotham Independent Film Awards – Best Director Winner
2024 Gotham Independent Film Awards – Breakthrough Performer Winner

​Opens January 17: Soundtrack to a Coup D’etat dir. Johan Grimonprez (filmswelike)
2024 Cannes Film Festival – Grand Jury Prize Winner – World Cinema – Documentary
2024 Cannes Film Festival – World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award

​Opens January 17: The Room Next Door dir. Pedro Almodóvar (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Lion Winner – Best Director
2024 Venice Film Festival – Brian Award Winner

Opens January 17: The Last Showgirl dir. Gia Coppola (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations

Opens​ January 24: Hard Truths dir. Mike Leigh (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations

Opens January 31: I’m Still Here dir. Walter Salles (Mongrel Media)
2024 TIFF Official Selection – Special Presentations
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Lion Nominee – Best Film
2024 Venice Film Festival – SIGNIS Award Winner
2024 Venice Film Festival – Golden Osella Winner – Best Screenplay

Learn more at tiff.net.