We don’t believe this day is finally here! As we gear-up for tiff50‘s kick-off tomorrow, we were so lucky to spot some talent who made their way into the City for the festivities! Day One should be quite the day with several exciting titles like JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME, MILE END KICKS, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, NIRVANNA THE BAND – THE SHOW – THE MOVIE and more premiering in the evening! We’re really excited to see who shows up for the former especially, being this year’s Opening Night Gala. John Candy was a beloved man and we wouldn’t be shocked that many of his colleagues came out to show their support.
Some of our sightings from TIFF ’25 DAY ZERO:
We’re just warming up!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Set in modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
Searchlight Pictures release RENTAL FAMILY November 21, 2025.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
The moment we’ve all been waiting for, the list of names coming to town for tiff50! Beyond thrilled!
Tribute Award Presenters
Benny Safdie
Chandler Levack
Christoph Waltz
Claire Denis
Derek Cianfrance
Eugene Levy
Jacob Elordi
Mia Goth
Naomi Johnson
Nia DaCosta
Oscar Isaac
Park Chan-wook
Tessa Thompson
Tribute Performers
Sekou
Thompson Egbo-Egbo
2025 Expected Talent (the list of approximately 730 names is subject to change)
Abdellah Taïa
Ace Mahbaz
Achille Ronaimou
Adam Bassett
Adam Carter Rehmeier
Adam Tompa
Adnan Al Rajeev
Adnan Shah Tipu
Agnieszka Holland
Aidan LaPrete
Akin Omotoso
Akinola Davies Jr.
Alan Ritchson
Alba Rohrwacher
Alejandro Amenábar
Aleksandar Radivojević
Alessandro Borghi
Alex Rice
Alex Spencer
Alex Winter
Alexandra McDonald
Alexandra Myotte
Alexandra Rockingham Gill
Alexandra Shipp
Alice Winocour
Ally Pankiw
Álvaro Olmos Torrico
Alyvia Alyn Lind
Amadou Gallo Fall
Amanda Brugel
Amanda Seyfried
America Ferrera
Amy Zimmer
Anders Thomas Jensen
Andrea Werhun
Andrew Barth Feldman
Andrew Bushell
Andrew Scott
Andrina Turenne
Andy Hines
Aneil Karia
Angelina Jolie
Angourie Rice
Anita Afonu
Anna Diop
Anna Hopkins
Anne Émond
Anne Zander
Annemarie Jacir
Anson Boon
Anthony Carrigan
Antonin Mousso
Anurag Kashyap
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anyier Anei
Ariāna Osborne
Arlen Aguayo Stewart
Armen Weitzman
Arnaud Desplechin
Artem Ryzhykov
Arvin Belarmino
Arvin Kananian
Åse Kathrin Vuolab
Ashton James
Atlanta Johnson
Auden Thornton
Aya Khalaf
Aziz Ansari
Balázs Lengyel
Barbie Ferreira
Barry Avrich
Bas Rutten
Basma al-Sharif
Baz Luhrmann
Bea Brocks
Ben Foster
Ben McKenzie
Ben Petrie
Ben Proudfoot
Ben Rivers
Ben Schnetzer
Ben Wheatley
Benny Safdie
Bertha Durocher
Bertrand Piccard
Bhamini Oza Gandhi
Bikas Ranjan Mishra
Billie Lourd
Billy Corben
Billy Howle
Billy Merasty
Billy North Glouberman
Björn Kammerer
Blair Underwood
Blake Alec Miranda
Blake Williams
Blake Winston Rice
Bob Odenkirk
Bobby Cannavale
Bobby Deol
Bobby Farrelly
Brandon Jay McLaren
Brendan Fraser
Bretten Hannam
Brian Cox
Brian Jones
Brian Le
Bryan Fuller
Byun Sung-hyun
Cai Shangjun
Cailee Spaeny
Cal McMau
Callum Turner
Carmen Moore
Cary Elwes
Catherine Chabot
Catherine O’Hara
Cato Kusters
Cecilia Suárez
Cédric Jimenez
Chai Vasarhelyi
Chandler Levack
Chang Hyae-jin
Channing Tatum
Charli xcx
Chelsea McMullan
Chie Hayakawa
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chloé Zhao
Chris Aquilino
Chris Evans
Chris Lavis
Christian Convery
Christian Petzold
Christoph Waltz
Christopher Candy
Cillian Murphy
Claire Denis
Clara Khoury
Claudia O’Doherty
Clement Virgo
Clint Bentley
Col. Sandra Perron
Colin Farrell
Colin Hanks
Conner O’Malley
Connor Jessup
Cooper Hoffman
Cooper Tomlinson
Cooper Vint
Corey Hawkins
Curry Barker
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Dacre Montgomery
Damiano Michieletto
Damien Hauser
Dan Levy
Dana Solomon
Daniel Craig
Daniel Roher
Danielle Polanco
Darlene Naponse
Daryl McCormack
David Castillo
David Freyne
David Jonsson
David Mackenzie
David Michôd
David Wain
Derek Cianfrance
Derica Lafrance
Devon Bostick
Dhafer L’Abidine
Dian Sastrowardoyo
Diego Céspedes
Don McKellar
Dorothea Sing Zhang
Dustin Hoffman
Dusty Mancinelli
Dwayne Johnson
Eanna Hardwicke
Edik Beddoes
Edward Berger
Eimi Imanishi
Eku Edewor-Thorley
Elena Rusconi
Eliza Barry Callahan
Elizabeth Olsen
Ella Rae Rappaport
Ella Rumpf
Elle Fanning
Ellyn Jade
Emilia Jones
Emily Allan
Emily Blunt
Emily Watson
Emma Creed
Emma Quassa
Eri Saito
Eric K. Boulianne
Eric Rahill
Erin Carter
Erin Kellyman
Ethan Hawke
Etienne Galloy
Eugene Levy
Eva Lusbaronian
Eva Thomas
Eylul Guven
Fala Chen
Fares Fares
Farnoosh Samadi
Felicity Jones
Fereshteh Hosseini
Fernando Eimbcke
Fiona Highet
Florence Blain Mbaye
Francesco Sossai
Franciska Töröcsik
François Civil
Fredj Moussa
Gabriel Abrantes
Gabriel Mascaro
Gabriel Motta
Gail Maurice
Gavin Baird
Gellért Kádár
Genevieve Tan
Genki Kawamura
Geordie Wood
Ghizlane L’Koucha
Gianfranco Rosi
Gilles Lellouche
Gilles Renaud
Gina Diwari
Giran Findlay Liu
Glenn Close
Glenn Leyburn
Gloria Branciani
Gonçalo Almeida
Goran Markovic
Goran Stankovic
Gord Rand
Gordon Landenberger
Grace Glowicki
Greg Worswick
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Guillaume Marbeck
Guillermo del Toro
Gus Van Sant
György Pálfi
Haiden Angutimarik
Haifaa Al Mansour
Han Ji-hyeon
Han So-hee
Hannah Cheesman
Hansal Mehta
Harrison Browne
Havana Rose Liu
Heather Young
Henri Picard
Hiam Abbass
HIKARI
Hisao Kurozumi
Hong Kyung
Hubert Davis
Huma Qureshi
Idan Aedan
Idan Weiss
Idris Elba
Idrissa Sanogo
Ildikó Enyedi
Im Seong-jae
Imogen Poots
Inde Navarrette
India Brown
India Opzoomer
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
Inuksuk Mackay
Isabel Aimé Gonzalez Sola
Isabel Coixet
Isabelle Mecattaf
Isaiah Lehtinen
Ishaan Khatter
Ivan Grgur
Ivy Wolk
Izaak Smith
J Balvin
Jackson White
Jacob Elordi
Jacobi Jupe
Jafar Panahi
Jamal Burger
Jamar Neighbors
James McAvoy
James Vanderbilt
Jan Komasa
Janhvi Kapoor
Jared Raab
Jason Bateman
Jay Baruchel
Jay Lycurgo
Jay McCarrol
Jayne Eastwood
Jean Jean
Jean-Sébastien Hamel
Jelena Djokić
Jennifer Candy
Jennifer Podemski
Jeremy O. Harris
Jeremy Renner
Jerrod Carmichael
Jessica Gunning
Jessie Buckley
Jitank Singh Gurjar
Joachim Trier
Joakim Noah
Jodie Foster
Joe Taslim
Joecar Hanna
Joel Edgerton
Joey Iwanaga
John Dower
John Early
Jonah West
Jonatan “Yung Lean” Leandoer
Jonatan Etzler
Jorge Caballero
Joscha Bongard
Josh Brolin
Josh Gad
Josh O’Connor
Joshua Seftel
Juan Camilo Cruz
Juan Prada
Jude Law
Jukan Tateisi
Julian Richings
Juliette Gariépy
Julio Peña
Jun Jong-seo
June Squibb
Juno Temple
Kabir Bedi
Kaelen Ohm
Kahlil Joseph
Kalainithan Kalaichelvan
Kamal Aljafari
Kaouther Ben Hania
Karen Ivalu
Karim Daoud Anaya
Karl Geary
Karla Badillo
Kasia Adamik
Kat Wright
Kate Berlant
Kate Susman
Katy O’Brian
Kaya Scodelario
Kazu Hiro
Keanu Reeves
Kei Ishikawa
Kelly Fyffe-Marshall
Kerry Condon
Kerry Washington
Kid Koala
Kirk Jones
Kirsten Dunst
Kit Rakusen
Kleber Mendonça Filho
Kohei Matsushita
Kunsang Kyirong
Kwon Hae-hyo
Kyle Gallner
Kynzie Colmrey
LaKeith Stanfield
László Nemes
Laura Poitras
Lauren Lee Smith
Laurence Roothooft
Lav Diaz
Leah Doz
Leah Hennessey
Leah Panimera
Lee Byung Hun
Lee Hwan
Lee Kirk
Lee Sang-il
Leighton Alexander Williams
Lena Gora
Leo Woodall
Leon Le
Leona Son
Leslie Mann
Liane-Cho Han
Lien Binh Phat
Lily James
Lim Shi-An
Lior Raz
Lisa Barros D’Sa
Lisa Rideout
Little Simz
Lloyd Lee Choi
Lorena Luciano
Lowen Morrow
Lucía Aleñar Iglesias
Lucrecia Martel
Lucy Halliday
Luke Snellin
Lynsey Addario
Mac Eldridge
Maciek Szczerbowski
Madeleine Sims-Fewer
Mae Martin
Maggie (Margaret) Maurice
Maïlys Vallade
Maisy Stella
Maja Bons
Mallori Johnson
Mamoru Hosoda
Mara Zuest
Marco Bellocchio
María Cristina Pérez González
Mariana Rondón
Mariann Hermányi
Marisol Vallejos Montaño
Marité Ugás
Mark Jenkin
Mark Kerr
Mark Taqqaugaq
Mary Bronstein
Mary Burnouf
Mary Stephen
Maryam Touzani
Masai Ujiri
Masaki Saito
Mascha Schilinski
Mathieu Denis
Matt Dillon
Matt Johnson
Matt Walsh
Matthew Gurney
Matthew McConaughey
Maude Apatow
Maureen Fazendeiro
Megan Lawless
Mélanie Bray
Mélanie Charbonneau
Melanie Smith
Meriem Bennani
Merlin Leonhardt
Method Man
Mia Goth
Mia McKenna-Bruce
Miao Xie
Michael Almereyda
Michael Ayres
Michael Greyeyes
Michael Johnston
Michael Shannon
Michaela Coel
Michele Riondino
Michèle Stephenson
Michelle Thrush
Mike Hanford
Mike Mitchell
Mila Kunis
Milagros Mumenthaler
Miles Teller
Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Mohammad Nizar
Mohana Krishnan
Molly Shannon
Momoko Seto
Mona Fastvold
Myha’la
Nadhira Mohamed
Nadia Latif
Nadia Melliti
Nanouk Leopold
Naomi Postawa
Naomi Scott
Natalia Reyes
Natalia Solián
Natalie Portman
Nataq Ungalaq
Natasha Behnam
Natasha Leggero
Natasha O’Keeffe
Neeraj Ghaywan
Neil Elias
Ngo Hong Ngoc
Nia DaCosta
Nic Pizzolatto
Nicholas Hytner
Nicholas Pinnock
Nick Corirossi
Nick Davis
Nick Robinson
Nico Parker
Nicolás Pereda
Nicole Bazuin
Nicole Lee
Nikhil Yadav
Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Nina Hoss
Nina Kiri
Nina Meurisse
Nina Ye
Noah Jupe
Nour Hooshmand
Ntobeko Sishi
Oleksandr Usyk
Óliver Laxe
Olivier Assayas
Or Sinai
Orian Barki
Oscar Isaac
Pablo Trapero
Pål Jackman
Park Chan-wook
Park Jeong-min
Pat Regan
Patricia Tulasne
Patrick Garrow
Patrick Hivon
Patrick J. Adams
Patrick Xavier Bresnan
Patrik Eklund
Paul Dano
Paul Greengrass
Paul Mescal
Paul Rust
Pauline Loquès
Pella Kågerman
Pete Ohs
Peter Chan
Peter Mettler
Philippe Falardeau
Pietro Marcello
Piper Perabo
Potsy Ponciroli
Pratik Gandhi
Preeti Torul
Preston Drabble
Rachel Lee Goldenberg
Rade Šerbedžija
Rakhee Morzaria
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Ineson
Ram Bergman
Ramesh Sippy
Rami Malek
Ranice Tay
Raoul Peck
Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
Rebecca Zlotowski
Rebekah Murrell
Victoria Redsun Inglis
Renate Reinsve
Rhayne Vermette
Rhys Darby
Rian Johnson
Rich Williamson
Richard Brown
Richard Courchene
Richard Hunter
Richard Linklater
Riki Lindhome
Riz Ahmed
Robert Aramayo
Robert Longstreet
Robert Naylor
Roger Allam
Romain Gavras
Rose Byrne
Ruby McCollister
Rudy Webb
Russell Crowe
Ryan Bader
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Scott
Saba Azad
Saja Kilani
Salar Pashtoonyar
Saleh Bakri
Sam Nivola
Sam Richardson
Sam Worthington
Samara Weaving
Sameer Nair
Samuel Bottomley
Sana Zahra Jafri
Sandra Korzeniak
Santiago Alarcón
Sanya Malhotra
Sapna Pabbi
Sara Margrethe Oskal
Sara Wylie
Sarah Chouinard-Poirier
Sarah Gadon
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah Ramos
Sascha Ley
Sasha Leigh Henry
Scarlett Johansson
Seal
Séamus McLean Ross
Seemab Gul
Seo Su-bin
Sepideh Farsi
Sergei Loznitsa
Seyhmus Altun
Shaelynn Estrada
Shailene Woodley
Shandra Apondi
Shane Belcourt
Shawn Doyle
Shervin Kermani
Shih-Ching Tsou
Shih-Yuan Ma
Shin Hyun-been
Shirley Henderson
Show Kasamatsu
Shu Qi
Sigourney Weaver
Simón Mesa Soto
Simon Rex
Simon Russell Beale
Siyou Tan
Sky Hopinka
Solara Thanh Bình Đặng
Sonam Choekyi
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù
Sophie Stone
Sophie Telegadis
Sophy Romvari
Stanley Simons
Star Slade
Stellan Skarsgård
Stephen Amell
Stephen McHattie
Sterlin Harjo
Steve Little
Steven Soderbergh
STILLZ
Stroma Cairns
Sul Kyung-gu
Suzu Hirose
Sverrir Guðnason
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Topliffe
Takahide Hori
Tamara Kotevska
Tamara Podemski
Tanigaki Kenji
Taratoa Stappard
Tarik Saleh
Tariq Raja
Tasha Hubbard
Tasha Van Zandt
Tattiawna Jones
Tawfeek Barhom
Tecla Insolia
Ted Evans
Constance Olatunde
Tenzin Kunsel
Tessa Thompson
Théodore Pellerin
Theresia Kappianaq
Tiffany Ayalik
Tim Mielants
Tipper Newton
Todd Rohal
Tom Bateman
Tom Blyth
Tom Dean
Tom Felton
Tomás Corredor
Toni Collette
Tony Spencer
Tovah Feldshuh
Tracey Ullman
Trần Thế Mạnh
Troy McClure
Tsuyoshi Yoshinaga
Tyler Labine
Tyler Mckenzie Evans
Tymika Tafari
Ugo Bienvenu
Ulises Porra
Vadim Kostrov
Val Vint
Valda Aviks
Valentina Shen Wu
Vanessa Bayer
Vanessa Chester
Victor Garber
Viktoria Schmid
Vince Vaughn
Vincent Cassel
Vishal Jethwa
Vivien Rujder
Vucic Perovic
Wagner Moura
Wardi Eilabouni
Wei Keong Tan
Will Madden
Will Niava
Will Price
Willem Dafoe
William H. Macy
William Mager
Woo Ming Jin
Yaniv Raz
Yasmine Al Massri
Yassmina Karajah
Yayan Ruhian
Yeon Sang-ho
Yoon Ga-eun
Yousuf Rahman
Zach Baylin
Zacharias Kunuk
Zaid Ghazal
Zain Duraie
Zamo Mkhwanazi
Zoe Stein
Zofia Wichłacz
The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, begins tomorrow, September 4, and runs through Sunday, September 14, 2025.
It’s Will Wong season, everyone! We are delighted to be back and at it in our thriving season as tiff50 is before us! We are so grateful for your many years of support. Having a loyal, passionate readership and following makes it all so worthwhile and we promise not to let you down! Team Mr. Will is ready to go, ready to deliver you reviews of all the hottest films to present at the Festival, and also stars, big and emerging to visit for the Festival!

Be sure to follow for all the updates:
Dave Baldwin (@dmabaldwin)
Amanda Gilmore (@gilmoreamanda)
Justin Waldman (@dubsreviews)
Nicholas Porteous (@picolas)
Mr. Will (@mrwillwong)
We are thrilled to present to you our amazing official partners for the Festival this year. We wouldn’t be able to bring you the Festival at the scale we do without their generosity and support. And there just might be something in it for you guys too! That’s why you need to be following on FB, IG and X.
CP24 – This will mark our 16th year contributing to CP24’s TIFF coverage. Stay tuned to Southwestern Ontario’s leading news channel for our exclusive sightings and updates, and as always we will be appearing live throughout the Festival. There may even be a beanie sighting! We’ll be on multiple times, starting with appearances on August 31, 2025 on Live at 5, September 4, 2025 and September 9, 2025 in the morning.
GOOGLE PIXEL & GEMINI LIVE – Google Pixel is an official partner of TIFF ’25 and we are thrilled also to using this wonderphone for our TIFF coverage, including those “world famous selfies”! Together with its Circle Search to see what celebs are wearing (and hence, finding affordable dupes) and also Magic Editor to remove unwanted distractions from photos, this is the perfect phone for us! The star of the show will be Gemini Live on our phone, will help us quickly whip together a schedule for TIFF, plus which films suit our personal preferences!
HONDA CANADA – We are teaming-up with our friends at Honda Canada to drive a 2025 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid this year at TIFF. Where will our chariot take us? We soon will see! The midsize luxury sedan with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC with Dual Variable Timing Control (VTC) engine, Luxury and purpose, a perfect drive for our every day and hectic lifestyle. Incredible fuel economy at 5.0/5.7/5.3 litres/100 km and a litany of active and passive safety features.
STARBUCKS CANADA – We are proud to partner once again with our longtime supporters once again. TIFF and PSL Season are synonymous with one another! The PSL is back for its 22nd year at Starbucks, while TIFF is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Fun fact – The PSL is the #1 limited-time offering in Starbucks history. New to the Fall menu this year are the Pecan Oat Cortado & Mini Everything Bagels!
HARBOUR SIXTY – This Toronto icon is known as THE SPOT that stars go to while in the City, to enjoy the creations of Chef Solomon Mason and team. After a gorgeous renovation and the introduction of new event spaces and superb Italian by Ariana, this icon is reborn and better than ever! Exceptional beef, ambience, and a top-tier dining experience.
FICOA – Situated in the heart of Little Italy, FICOA is re-defining Latin cuisine with an inspired flare under Chef Esau Garcia (Madrina Bar y Tapas), who is known for his Michelin-recognized work. Brunch, A la Carte and Tasting Menus are available, with a strong focus on their outstanding cocktails.
RADICI PROJECT – Also in Little Italy and founded by culinary power couple Chef Emiliano Del Frate (Don Alfonso) and Kayo Ito (Nobu), this beautiful spot fuses Italian and Japanese influences together for exquisite tasing experiences and more!
HELLO NORI – This sensation from BC quickly have made a splash in Toronto since arriving earlier this year, expanding already to a third location in the bustling downtown core. They are one of our favourites for delicious, elevated and fuss-free dining. We will never turn down a hand roll and nobody is doing it better than them! Their house Sake and Draft Matcha also are luscious.
OEB BREAKFAST CO. – The Brunch authority from Calgary has found a welcome home in Toronto, with two thriving locations in the City already. In addition, they are a returning official TIFF hospitality partner again this year. Hands down, our favourite spot to brunch at with the most drool-worthy poutines, blue plates, benedicts, and more.
ETIKET – After some amazing results last TIFF, we are delighted to partner again with this amazing results-driven skincare spa and boutique, selling rare and hard-to-find beauty products and fragrances. Proudly hailing from Montreal, and located at Toronto’s THE WELL, this is an experience unlike no other. Being able to go into the Festival with a fresh face gives us rejuvenation and confidence to approach this very hectic time.
SHEIN – This marks our first time collaborating with this online fashion giant, which has propelled to the forefront these past few years. Even before collaborating with them, I could not resist their chic designs and inclusive sizing. beanie even sports SHEIN. We look forward to showing-off some of our TIFF ’25 looks for you.
PALM SUNDAY – Combining technology, innovation and artistry, this hair salon on Harbord Street delivers not just a look, but a statement! They offer scalp assessments for individual scalp care, transformational hair cuts and colouring.
MANDY’S – The salad queens from Montreal continue to revolutionize the way Torontonians are eating, and well they are eating. Now serving breakfast, and also starring Smoothies, Bowls, and the best cookies too! Three very popular locations in Toronto, and two more to come!
Our top tips to surviving TIFF50!
We told you there’d be something it it for everyone! One lucky reader will walk away a grand prize winner. Not only will we hand-deliver your prize to you during the Festival, you will win:
-$200 The Radici Project Gift Card
-$150 Ficoa Gift Card
-$100 Hello Nori Gift Card
-A VIP Brunch for 2 at OEB Breakfast Co.
-$25 Mandy’s Salads Gift Card
-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-Oversize Tote Bag from SHEIN
A value of over $650 CAN!
Throughout the Festival, stay tuned to our social media as there will be additional opportunities to win a $250 gift card at Harbour Sixty, $25 Starbucks Canada Gift Cards, and an OEB Breakfast Co. VIP Brunch as well! You won’t want to miss this!
To enter to win MR. WILL’S TIFF ’25 SURVIVAL PACK, “like” this post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, IG or X. Tag a friend in the comments you’ll share some of the goodies with. Multiple entries permitted. You MUST be following on Social Media.
You must be in the Greater Toronto Area or willing to coordinate a visit to pick-up your prize. You must be following on these channels.
Rules and regulations here.
Toronto comes alive during TIFF, and this year, the city celebrates a milestone 50th anniversary of the festival. To mark the occasion, INK’s restaurants are rolling out star-worthy menus, cocktails, and experiences that are as festive as the red carpet itself. From champagne happy hours and red-carpet cocktails to peach-inspired plates and movie-themed pastries, these exclusive offerings will be available for a limited time only.
Special TIFF 2025 Menu Items:
Figo | Sept. 4 – 14
$35 Prix-Fixe Lunch Menu
Primi (Choice of): Insalata di Rucola | Prosciutto e Parmigiano
Secondi (Choice of): Rigatoni alla Vodka | Pepperoni Pizza | Chicken Parmesan
Feature Cocktail: Il Tappeto Rosso “The Red Carpet” – Don Julio Blanco, blackberry-infused Campari, Carpano Classico
Vinny | Sept. 2 – 14 (excluding when closed for events)
Feature Cocktail: Peach Premiere – tequila, peach liqueur, Aperol, amaro, bitters, fresh peach
Feature Appetizer: Peach Salad – grilled peach, stracciatella, almond, greens
Beso by Patria | Sept. 4 – 14
Feature Cocktail: Besos de Cámara – gin, elderflower, lime, pink sherry foam, rose dust
Daphne | Sept. 5 – 14
Flower Hour – Champagne Happy Hour (3–5PM daily)
Perrier-Jouët champagne features & champagne cocktails paired with complimentary gourmet popcorn
Last year’s program reel for reference: Instagram link
Primadonna | Sept. 4 – 14
Specialty Cocktail: People’s Choice Award – vodka, raspberry syrup, cava, lemon juice | $20
Antipasti (shared): Bresaola Carpaccio | Caesar Salad
Mains: Spicy Vodka Rigatoni plus choice of Chicken Parmigiana | Veal Parmigiana | Eggplant Parmigiana
Dolce (shared): Tiramisu | Bigné Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice Cream & Hot Chocolate Sauce
French Made | Sept. 2
Salted Caramel Popcorn Latte – $7.50 (hot/iced)
Movie-Inspired Pastries:
Movie Popcorn Croissant – $9
Peach Melba Macaron – $4
Ontario Field Berry Tart – $9
Akira Back | Sept. 4
Cow Wow Roll – wagyu beef, umami slaw | $34
Critic’s Choice Cocktail – Suntory, plum sake, yuzu | $22
TIFF’s FESTIVAL STREET returns for its tenth year, transforming King Street West into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space for film lovers from September 4–7. David Pecaut Square will host open-air screenings and activities, extending TIFF 50 beyond the street from September 4–13, and the CN Tower will light up in gold, every hour on the hour, post sunset throughout the Festival. Stretching from Peter Street to University Avenue, the four-day celebration offers free entertainment, immersive activities, and a lively mix of food, drinks, art, and culture. Festival Street is supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.
The 50th Festival kicks off with the official unveiling of TIFF’s star on Canada’s Walk of Fame on Thursday, September 4, at 4pm outside TIFF Lightbox. All are welcome to the ceremony, which will be followed by a lively cake-cutting celebration to officially open Festival Street.
For the first time, Festival Street will host the beloved Criterion Mobile Closet, marking its Canadian debut. Open to the public, visitors are invited to explore more than 1,700 films and make their very own Closet videos. If you miss your chance to visit, Criterion movies and merchandise will be available in TIFF Shop.
Cinema Park is back with free outdoor screenings in David Pecaut Square. Inspired by TIFF’s Official Selections and guests, these classics come with a few surprises! This year’s lineup features the 40th anniversary of The Goonies (September 4), Uncle Buck (September 5), Sound of Metal (September 6), Marie Antoinette (September 7), the 25th anniversary of Best in Show (September 8), the 30th anniversary of Before Sunrise (September 9), the 25th anniversary of High Fidelity (September 10), Lady Bird (September 11), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (September 12), and Moonstruck (September 13). Films will be presented with open captions and screened nightly, rain or shine, at 10pm.
New this year, Festival Street will have Billboard Canada and NXNE Music Zones, featuring Billboard DJs with locations by the Art Market and by the Food Market, where there will also be an outdoor dining activation with additional seating and lighting to soak it all in. There’s also Corridoor By Maziart, a holographic, immersive experience using interactive technology, inviting passersby to walk down memory lane and become part of a surreal, cinematic red carpet experience by artist Maziar Ghaderi, and a live painting of a 3D Light Box mural to celebrate TIFF’s People Choice Award winners and half a century of film innovation by artist Adrian Hayles, supported by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. Local talent including Brandan Duke, OTR, DJ Narvaz, DJ Nina Brown, MKLA, Shannyn Hill, and Cozmic Cat will bring the beats all weekend long.
Festival Street Art Market in partnership with Toronto Film School will have booths along John Street, featuring 14 of the city’s most exciting community film festivals and arts groups including live performances. Participants include Toronto Film School, Inside Out Film Festival, Reel Asian Film Festival, imagineNATIVE, OCAD, Luminato Festival, Regent Park Film Festival, Muse Arts, Toronto Latin American Film Festival, REEL CANADA, and Toronto Public Library. Also joining this year are Blank Canvases, College of Make Up & Design, and Hand Eye Society.
Festival Street would not exist without the tremendous support of fellow Torontonians and the City of Toronto. To thank the City and the people who call it home, TIFF has partnered with the TTC again to give Torontonians more access to Festival films. On Saturday, September 13, at 3pm, fans are invited to the Royal Alexandra Theatre for the TTC Free Screening of a surprise TIFF 50 Official Selection. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster using the promo code: TIFFTTC.
TIFF’s Pop-Up Shop is back at the Lightbox, with items designed and curated specifically for film lovers. To celebrate 50, TIFF is once again collaborating with Roots on a limited-edition anniversary jacket, alongside its popular leather goods partnership. Canadian jeweller Dean Davidson has designed a custom TIFF 50 necklace and bracelet, with a film roll-inspired charm inscribed with the Festival’s commemorative logo. The Festival’s 50th edition merchandise includes clothing and accessories that feature the iconic “director’s hands” from the original TIFF 1976 poster image.
TIFF 50/50 Fundraiser — Want your chance to win big? This past winter, TIFF 50/50 awarded over $90,000 in prizes, including $64,070 in cash to the jackpot winner. Now, for the 50th Festival, there are bigger prizes and more early bird draws, with a minimum jackpot of $50,000 that climbs daily. In addition to purchasing online, keep an eye out for our in-person 50/50 ticket sellers throughout the Festival.
Celebrate the World Premiere of Still Single with Canada’s first two-star Michelin chef, Masaki Saito, subject of the documentary from Jamal Burger and Jukan Tateisi. A 60-foot sushi bar pop-up will serve free omakase, prepared by over a dozen chefs from Yorkville’s MSSM, offering passersby a taste of Chef Saito’s groundbreaking culinary artistry. Open September 5, 5–6:30pm, at King and John Streets.
In celebration of TIFF’s Opening Night Film John Candy: I Like Me, Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video are bringing one of John Candy’s most iconic film moments to life. See it for yourself, September 5–7 from 10am–8pm.
Festival Street Partner Activations (September 4–13)
Rogers Beyond the Seat – Red Carpet Experience – Rogers customers will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience all the red carpet glitz and glamour, celebrity interviews, and must-see fashion at Roy Thomson Hall. The multi-level elevated viewing space will feature movie snacks and an exclusive red-carpet view to catch the Festival’s biggest stars up close and personal.
RBC Red Carpet Gallery — One of the most coveted destinations for celebrity-spotting during TIFF, Avion Rewards members will have access to an exclusive viewing experience of the world’s biggest stars arriving to their Gala premieres on the Roy Thomson Hall red carpet. The activation will feature interactive elements, including a unique photo booth experience and trivia games with exciting rewards, to enjoy every bit of time here.
Visa Infinite Studio – Visa Infinite cardholders can access the new Visa Infinite Studio — a beautifully reimagined space across the street from the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The space will feature elevated décor, live music, a portrait studio, and complimentary drinks and snacks. Cardholders can step into a space that celebrates 50 editions of TIFF and Visa’s long-standing sponsorship. In addition, Visa’s existing lounges at the Visa Screening Room and at Roy Thomson Hall will be available to Visa Infinite cardholders attending screenings at these venues to enjoy complimentary drinks and popcorn.
Campari Red Carpet Lounge on the Gala Red Carpet — There will be a fully outfitted and immersive bar on the Roy Thomson Hall red carpet, which will host filmmakers and talent before their World Premieres. Pre-screening toasts and conversations can be viewed live in the South Fan Zone on the red carpet at the Roy Thomson Hall.
House of Peroni 2025 by Peroni Nastro Azzurro — Experience the best of Italian hospitality with the superior Italian taste of Peroni Nastro Azzurro at House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, located at David Pecaut Square, invites guests to escape to Italy while enjoying an exclusive menu curated by international celebrity chef David Rocco. Here, guests can enjoy the very best of Italian hospitality, featuring a selection of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, Peroni Nastro Azzurro Capri, and two new Peroni Nastro Azzurro cocktails. The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro will be open throughout the duration of the Festival, welcoming guests aged 19 and older to enjoy superior Italian taste on a first-come, first-served basis.
Intrepid Travel Box Office — Experience the world, one story at a time, at Intrepid Travel’s Box Office. TIFF transforms how people see the world through film — Intrepid transforms how they experience it. Together, we’re connecting curious minds and adventurous spirits through stories that inspire change, from the big screen to real life. Come and engage with global perspectives and discover new ways of seeing the world, all within the heart of Toronto. Pick up a free limited-edition Intrepid x TIFF 50 tote bag designed by local artist Tabban Solemani, and scan the QR code at the activation for the chance to win an Intrepid trip for two to destinations all over the world.
Lavazza Festival Village Experience — Step into the custom photo booth and enhance the moment by making a photo card through the Lavazza mailbox. Complete the experience by picking up a sample of Lavazza cold brew or a Qualita Oro ground coffee and giveaways (while supplies last).
The Gold Room by Ferrero Rocher — Celebrate the moment at TIFF with Ferrero Rocher. The Gold Room lounge offers Festival-goers a luxurious, relaxing space to enjoy a taste of Ferrero Rocher chocolate bars. Stop by to unwind between screenings, strike the perfect pose at the photo booth, and get a front-row seat to all the excitement of Festival Street.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz — Check out Volkswagen’s latest innovation, the ID. Buzz. A modern reimagining of the iconic microbus, the ID. Buzz brings retro charm into the future with an all-electric design.
LISTERINE — Spin, swish, and screen! Visit the LISTERINE activation for free samples. Plus, spin the wheel and fill in the movie-themed phrase for a chance to win a pair of TIFF tickets and an ultimate LISTERINE prize pack.
Nongshim — Enjoy noodles from the Official Instant Noodle of TIFF! Grab a free sample of Shin Ramyun Toomba at the food truck, or spin the wheel for a chance to win Korea’s famous giant Banana Kick!
Korean Culture Centre Canada — Experience Korean culture through K-Food, hanbok traditional clothing, a photo booth, and more at the special cultural booth presented by the Korean Cultural Centre Canada and the Korea Tourism Organization Canada.
The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.
As an Official Partner of the Toronto International Film Festival presented by Rogers, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is proud to commemorate TIFF’s 50th Edition with the installation of a photography gallery that pays tribute to the history and legacy of one of the world’s premiere film festivals.
Selected from TIFF’s exclusive photography archive, the gallery showcases 20 iconic moments from the festival’s remarkable 50-year history. Actors, producers, and directors are all represented in a larger-than-life format along the pedestrian tunnel that connects the airport to the mainland. Passengers, visitors and Torontonians alike are encouraged to visit the downtown airport, stroll the gallery and share in the excitement of this legendary Toronto cultural event that started as the “Festival of Festivals” half a century ago.
As an official partner of TIFF50, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will also feature creative on digital out-of-home screens throughout the airport and host a welcome booth in the atrium to greet those flying in for the festival. Billy Bishop Airprt’s Music on the Fly series, presented in cooperation with the City of Toronto and Arthaus, will further enhance the welcome experience in the passenger terminal by featuring local Toronto musicians performing film scores on September 4.
“The gallery space in the Billy Bishop Airport pedestrian tunnel was launched earlier this year as a means of bringing art to the tunnel that reflects Toronto from a range of cultural and regional perspectives. The tunnel connects the airport to the mainland and serves as a place of welcome and a farewell to the millions of passengers that use it each year. As an official partner of the Toronto International Film Festival presented by Rogers, we are excited to use this space over the next few weeks to celebrate TIFF50 with a retrospective photo gallery of the last 50 years of TIFF that will serve to welcome travelers and film enthusiasts alike, adding to the excitement of the festival,” said Deborah Wilson, Vice President Communications & Public Affairs, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
From runway to red carpet, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has long supported TIFF and its impact on Toronto and region. Traditionally many flying in for the festival from the north-eastern regions of North America choose Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as their preferred access point into and out of Toronto. With flights to more than 20 destinations, and an additional 80 locations through airlines partnership agreements, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the ideal choice for festivalgoers and industry alike given the convenience and proximity to TIFF theatres, venues, hotels, and restaurants.
The gallery will run to September 14 and is free and open to all. No boarding pass required.
Rogers, presenting partner of the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), today announced the Rogers TIFF 50 Timescape in Yorkville – an interactive installation and event to celebrate the Festival’s remarkable milestone and iconic cultural history during opening weekend.
This is one of several unique Festival experiences, alongside film parties, exclusive content and other special events that Rogers is making available to festival-goers. Rogers will also give customers front row access to stars at the Roy Thomson Hall red carpet through the Rogers Beyond the Seat program. The Festival runs from September 4 to 14, 2025.
“Rogers is thrilled to be part of the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, we are proud to celebrate the past, present and future of TIFF and create new experiences for Rogers customers and movie fans to enjoy throughout the Festival.”
Rogers bringing TIFF back to its iconic Yorkville roots
Located in Yorkville from September 5 to 7, Rogers is creating the TIFF 50 Timescape to walk through TIFF’s past and explore the evolution of the Festival through interactive multimedia content, archival images and entertainment. Each day, the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra will play scores from notable films that screened at TIFF over the past 50 years.
Free and open to the public, the Rogers TIFF 50 Timescape is located on Yorkville Ave, between Hazelton Ave and Bellair St. As part of the experience, Rogers is giving away 50 pairs of TIFF tickets throughout the weekend. Follow @Rogers on Instagram for more details.
Exclusive content and coverage across Rogers Sports & Media
Citytv is bringing film buffs closer to the star-studded TIFF red carpet with TIFF50 LIVE, presented by Rogers, a one-hour live special hosted by Arisa Cox, beginning Friday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on Citytv and Citytv+. On one of TIFF’s biggest nights, the live broadcast will feature interviews that look back at the festival’s history with TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, plus directors, producers and stars.
In addition, TIFF and Rogers are curating 25 exclusive interviews with notable actors and directors through a new content series, Getting with the Programme, which asks interview subjects to reflect on their favourite TIFF memories over the years. Follow TIFF on YouTube for all the content.
Throughout the Festival, Breakfast Television, CityNews, KiSS 92.5 and 98.1 CHFI will be home to exclusive TIFF red carpet interviews and news on the latest celebrity sightings at the week’s hottest events and parties.
Rogers to host premium pre-event and post-screening parties
Rogers joins TIFF and Four Seasons Hotel Toronto once again to rollout the red carpet ahead of the festival with a VIP event on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
In partnership with Liberty Entertainment Group, Rogers is also transforming Cibo Wine Bar into Rogers Lounge, which will play host to some of the Festival’s biggest stars.
Rogers Customer Perks
Rogers customers have the chance to win exclusive front-row access to the Roy Thomson Hall red carpet through Rogers Beyond the Seat, a national program that delivers premier sports and entertainment experiences to Rogers customers. Visit Rogers.com/TIFF to learn more.
About Rogers
Rogers is Canada’s leading 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.
Roxstar Entertainment, a leading Hollywood events and Communications group, is thrilled to announce the return of its acclaimed Cinema Center hospitality hub during the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This year will feature an expanded lineup of events, new venues, and a title sponsor partnership with Campari, which is also in its second year as the official Red Carpet Cocktail partner of the 50th TIFF. Both the festival and the “Campari Cinema Center” partnership continue Campari’s cinematic legacy and enhance its Red Passion support for memorable actor and filmmaker interviews, as well as upscale film afterparties.
At the heart of the program is a comprehensive experience to host the festival’s top films, along with their respective directors, producers, and actors, all attending to promote, sell, and seek distribution. Additional star power will be generated through the annual Collider’s Media Studio. Here, top filmmakers and actors will stop by during their press circuits to conduct interviews for exclusive content on Collider Media, a popular entertainment site that attracts over 30 million unique visitors each month. Expected talent includes Riz Ahmed, Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Juno Temple, Leslie Mann, Maude Apatow, Bob Odenkirk, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Nico Parker, Theo James, Sam Worthington, Joel Edgerton, Method Man, Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung Hun, Tessa Thompson, Imogen Poots, Chloé Zhao, Felicity Jones, Dustin Hoffman, Callum Turner, Lily James, Alex Winter, Stephen Amell, Sean Astin, Josh Gad, Sigourney Weaver, Nia DaCosta, Aziz Ansari, and Jodie Foster to name a few. The Films and events being celebrated at the Cinema Center include:
THE CHORAL premiere party – Sony Pictures Classics film premiere reception with Ralph Fiennes and Roger Allam.
WATERMELON PICTURES premiere party – celebrating their TIFF film premieres “P-6” and “Mārama” hosted by Alana Hadid and attended by Bella Hadid, and cast members Hiam Abbas, Liam Cunningham, Billy Howle, Saleh Bakri, and Rob Aramoya.
THE NEGLECTED premiere party – Hosted by Latigo Films/Red Sea Media/CAA celebrate the out-of-festival release starring Dylan Sprouse (Under Fire) and Josh Duhamel (Shotgun Wedding), and supported by Supermodel, Barbara Palvin, and other talent tba.
FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN – Panel and VIP reception hosted by Georgia Entertainment and Variety. The Made with Georgia, USA Panel discusses workforce development, educational initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities serving film and television productions in Georgia.
WEAUDITION – annual Festival fete hosted by the self-tape reader-on-demand app for actor members, media, and social media influencer VIPs, including Diego Boneta (Killing Castro / IG: 4.6M), Connor Jessup (Peak Everything / IG: 444K), Lauren Collins (Frankenstein / IG: 150K), Julian Richings (Honey Bunch / IG: 109K), Sarah Polley (& Sons / IG: 63K).
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS CELEBRATES the “ELEANOR THE GREAT/BLUE MOON” premiere party held at Jacobs & Co Steakhouse – starring respectively, Scarlett Johansson, June Squibb, Ethan Hawke, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott, John Slattery, and more —
EASY’S WALTZ premiere party – starring Vince Vaugn, Simon Rex, Kate Mara, Cobie Smulders, Shania Twain, Tim Simons, Fed Malamed, Sophia Ali with Mary Steenburgen, and Al Pacino.
ADULTHOOD premiere party – starring Josh Gad, Kaya Scodelario, Billie Lourd, Alex Winter, and Anthony Carrigan.
Each event at the Cinema Center will feature an elegant soirée with red-carpet glamour, music, fine food, and cocktails, all supported by the program’s generous sponsors. Featured cocktails by Campari will highlight their signature festival red-carpet drinks, including the Campari Negroni and Campari Spritz. Drink Responsibly. ©Campari Canada 2025
Also supporting the Campari Cinema Center’s TIFF 50th anniversary edition is Oscar-winning visual effects (VFX) company, Rodeo FX, which provides high-end creative services for film, television, and advertising, while also producing its own animation IPs. Founded in 2006, the company has numerous studios across North America and Europe and is known for its work on major projects like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Dune, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, to name a few.
In addition, official festival sponsor Lavazza Coffee will enhance the Campari Cinema Center experience with its gourmet coffee, which will be welcomed by filmmakers and casts on the go at the daytime Collider Media Studio and evening premieres. The bar will also offer a Lavazza cold brew cocktail.
The water partner keeping guests hydrated will be Vellamo mineral water, a premium, natural mineral water sourced from Finland’s purest groundwater, formed over 10,000 years ago in an ancient glacial aquifer.
Supporting partners include Santa Carolina’s Reserva Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines as well as La Vieille Ferme Rosé and La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut Sparkling. Additional partners include Peroni beer, and food catering by Miss Ivy Toronto (https://missivy.co), Toronto’s premier destination for Asian fusion cuisine.
(Photo credit: Photagonist)
Toronto burger brand RUDY is paying tribute to John Candy with a limited-edition cheeseburger timed to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the release of I Like Me, a new documentary* about Candy’s life, directed by Colin Hanks. Note that Rudy is not affiliated directly with John Candy nor the connections of the Film.
Available at all RUDY locations from Sept. 1–7, the CANADIAN BACON is a decadent twist on their signature smashburger. It will be topped with deep-fried peameal bacon.

“He’s a great Canadian and a comedy legend. One of my favourites,” said Luke McCann, the restaurant’s co-founder. You’ll find photos of John Candy at each location. “He’s been part of the Rudyverse since we first opened. This burger is our way of celebrating him.”
The peameal bacon is dipped in buttermilk and dredged in RUDY’s secret seasoning blend before being deep-fried to golden perfection. “We’ve been testing recipes all summer to come up with the perfect tribute. When we hit on this, we realized we might have discovered a whole new way to enjoy peameal,” says McCann, adding, “it tastes phenomenal!”
I Like Me will premiere at TIFF this September and explores the life of the comic actor known for roles in Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The last film he completed, Canadian Bacon, inspired the name of the new burger.
RUDY has created special burgers before, notably The Bayside to celebrate Saved By The Bell, and the Hot For Priestley in honour of Jason Priestley. Open since 2016, they operate 10 locations across the GTA and Ontario; from Aurora to Whitby to Burlington, and will be opening in Barrie later this fall.
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