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.

We’ve tried and loved!

Watch the official trailer for TIFF ’25 selection If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a tour de force from writer-director Mary Bronstein starring Berlinale Silver Bear winner Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien and A$AP Rocky.

VVS Films release as follows:

In select theatres October 17, 2025
Further expansion October 24, 2025

With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne) attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and award-winning producer Peacock Alley Entertainment today released the official trailer for the highly anticipated original documentary feature, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, which will make its world premiere on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival as a TIFF 50 Official Selection.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes dives into the behind-the-scenes truth of the Degrassi franchise—raw, real, and sometimes troubling—while celebrating the powerful legacy of a show that made teens everywhere feel seen.

Whatever It Takes celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Degrassi, a fearless teen drama that tackled taboo topics and changed TV forever, while uncovering the behind-the-scenes tensions and personal sacrifices that shaped Canada’s most iconic franchise.

Produced by WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment, and directed by Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue, This is Pop), Degrassi: Whatever It Takes features interviews and insights on the show’s legacy from creator Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, superfans, including filmmaker Kevin Smith, and cast of the Degrassi universe, including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda and Maureen Deiseach, Aubrey Drake Graham, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto , Jordan Todosey and more.

Rideout said: “Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective. I was inspired by how fearless the series was in tackling issues that others wouldn’t touch. This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise while revealing the impact it had on the people who made it and the audiences who loved it.”

Carrie Mudd, Executive producer for Peacock Alley, said: “Degrassi is more than a TV show—it’s a time capsule of growing up, full of heart, honesty and every ‘first’ experience you can think of. Nothing then, or now, has captured the teenage experience in a more raw, authentic or unfiltered way. Degrassi is one of Canada’s biggest cultural exports, which helped shape four decades of TV and touched multiple generations of kids around the world. Telling its story felt like honouring a piece of the Canadian identity.”

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Angela Boudreault for WildBrain, and by Carrie Mudd (Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song; Travelers) for Peacock Alley. The documentary is produced by Mudd and Erin Sharp (Sex with Sue, Hip-Hop Evolution) and is written by Rideout and Celine Wong (Hip-Hop Evolution, The Loneliest Race).

For Degrassi: Whatever It Takes TIFF tickets and screening times, please visit: tiff.net/films/degrassi-whatever-it-takes

Degrassi’s 40-year legacy

Always tuned in and never afraid to speak the truth, Degrassi is one of the most enduring franchises in the history of youth programming. For over four decades, watching Degrassi has been a rite of passage for teenagers everywhere, providing a mirror on their passions, struggles and triumphs as they navigate high school and the road to selfhood. Always at the vanguard of inspiration, education and entertainment, Degrassi has been unafraid to tackle even the most challenging stories, from teen pregnancy to racism to gender identity and more. Degrassi has been recognized with dozens of awards, including two International Emmy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards and a Peabody.

About Lisa Rideout

Lisa Rideout is an award-winning director and writer whose childhood was shaped by two things: fearless women and all the television she watched. Her work reflects both influences, centering boundary-pushing women and pop culture. Her films, including the CSA-winning Sex with Sue, have screened globally and received numerous awards.

About WildBrain

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° franchise management, we are experts in Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands around the world. With approximately 14,000 half-hours of kids’ and family content in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Camp Snoopy; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Yo Gabba GabbaLand!; Sonic Prime; Teletubbies Let’s Go! and many more. Enjoyed on platforms worldwide, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered approximately 1.5 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most loved family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide.

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at wildbrain.com.

About Peacock Alley Entertainment

Peacock Alley Entertainment distinguishes itself as an independent force committed to cultivate and amplify distinctive voices. Founded by Carrie Mudd, the company has earned recognition for its unwavering dedication to authentic, pioneering storytelling—delivering both successful scripted series and acclaimed premium documentary programming that resonates with critics and audiences alike.

Recent projects include premium documentaries 50,000 First Dates: A True Story (Amazon Global), Harder Better Faster Stronger (CBC), Leonard Cohen If It Be Your Will (CBC), and Catching a Serial Killer: Bruce McArthur (Peacock). Other notable titles include A User’s Guide to Cheating Death (Netflix), Brave New Girls (E!) and Tower of Song: Leonard Cohen (CBC).

Peacock Alley’s first feature film, Previously Saved Version, written by Brad Wright and directed by Kei Ishikawa, with Amazon Studios, premiered worldwide in 2024. Award-winning scripted series include Brad Wright’s Travelers (Netflix) starring Eric McCormack, original true-crime comedy series New Eden (Crave) written by Kayla Lorette and Evany Rosen, and drama series Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix) based on the bestselling YA book.

Currently in production are premium documentary projects BIG FEMININE ENERGY; and 2 true crime docuseries, ABOVE SUSPICION: COLONEL RUSSELL WILLIAMS and GHOST ON A WIRE: MURDER IN QUEENSVILLE.

As TIFF celebrates its 50th year, Toronto’s dining scene is set to shine just as brightly as the red carpet. From late-night industry haunts to cinematic dining rooms and star-studded hotel lobbies, these are the city’s most buzzworthy celebrity hotspots this festival season.

✨ Vinny Restaurant & Vinyl Bar
Address: 461 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4

Formerly known as Pink Sky, Vinny has long been a TIFF favourite—and this year promises to be no different. The restaurant serves globally inspired plates with bold, playful twists, perfectly paired with a curated DJ soundtrack. As the night deepens, Vinny’s late-night menu keeps the energy alive well past 11 PM, making it an ideal after-premiere destination.

Past celebrity sightings: Andrew Garfield, Dakota Johnson, Jude Law, Paul Rudd

✨ Honey Chinese
Address: 600 King St W, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3

Moody, cinematic, and transportive, Honey Chinese channels Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Expect nostalgic yet playful takes on Canadian-Chinese classics, complete with neon-orange sauces, glowing red lanterns, and fortune cookies that feel straight out of a film scene.

✨ Primadonna
Address: 600 King St W, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3

A kitschy, stylish nod to Italian mobster legends and glamorous mob wives, Primadonna delivers hearty Italian-American comfort food by Executive Chef Marc in a room filled with vintage art, plush banquettes, and a bold mural made for Instagram. A lively, high-energy space where celebrities can blend in—or make a scene.

Past celebrity sightings: Jessica Chastain, Lucy Liu, Oprah

✨ Beso by Patria
Address: 478 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7

The vibrant new chapter of beloved Patria, Beso is bold, colourful, and unapologetically Spanish. With dramatic custom artwork and interiors that radiate energy, Beso brings a kiss of Spain to Toronto. Chef Stuart Cameron’s menu—tapas, paella, fresh seafood, and grilled meats—paired with inventive cocktails, makes it an instant A-list draw.

Past celebrity sightings: Pharrell Williams, Andrew Garfield, and more

✨ Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den
Address: 420A Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

Animl is the definition of “elegantly untamed.” Inspired by the glamour and excess of the 1970s—think Studio 54 meets Art Deco allure—the space features gold-leaf ceilings, animal prints, and a dazzling mirror-encased bull suspended overhead. Executive Chef Marc Cheng and his team deliver a modern, refined take on the steakhouse, with dry-aged cuts, fresh seafood, indulgent sides, and a cocktail program designed to tell stories with every pour. A luxurious, mysterious, and primal destination where TIFF stars are bound to gather.

✨ Daphne
Address: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Z5

A breakout star of TIFF 2024, Daphne played host to Vanity Fair’s cover launch with Demi Moore, as well as dinners with Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek. This year, several high-profile red-carpet events are rumoured to take place here. Its chic vibe and exceptional service have already made it a celebrity go-to.

✨ Bisha Hotel
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3

No TIFF guide is complete without Bisha Hotel, the beating heart of celebrity sightings in Toronto’s Entertainment District. With Deadline Studio returning this year, Bisha is once again set to be a must-stop for Hollywood’s elite.

Mister C – The glamorous lobby bar has hosted Justin Bieber, Jude Law, Ben Stiller, Hailey Baldwin, Naomi Campbell, and Michael B. Jordan.

Akira Back – A global culinary hotspot, favoured by Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Reynolds, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Zendaya.

KOST – A rooftop with skyline views and star power to match, welcoming Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Gosling, Sofia Vergara, Shaquille O’Neal, and more.

From cinematic dining rooms to rooftop views, these are the restaurants where stars will dine, unwind, and celebrate during TIFF’s milestone 50th edition.

TIFF is delighted to reveal the 2025 award categories, jury members, and prizes that will honour the year’s most exceptional works. The juries, composed of renowned film critics and filmmakers, will evaluate films for prestigious honours including the two Canadian feature film awards, the FIPRESCI Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics, and the NETPAC Award from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema. All prizes will be presented during an in-person awards ceremony that will also be livestreamed at 10 am ET at TIFF Lightbox on Sunday, September 14, the last day of the Festival. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025.

Awards descriptions including eligibility can be found here: tiff.net/awards

2025 Jury for Best Canadian Feature Film & Best Canadian Discovery Awards

The Best Canadian Discovery Award celebrates works of emerging filmmakers who contribute to enriching the Canadian film landscape. All Canadian first or second feature films in Official Selection are eligible for this award. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000. Last year’s winner was Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language.

The Best Canadian Feature Film Award honours the unique craft and storytelling in Canadian cinema. All Canadian feature films in Official Selection — excluding first or second features — will be considered for the award. The winning filmmaker will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Last year’s prize went to Sophie Deraspe’s Shepherds.

Jennifer Baichwal has been directing and producing documentaries for nearly three decades. Among other films, installations, and lens-based projects, she has made 10 feature documentaries including the Festival Official Selections Manufactured Landscapes (Best Canadian Feature Film, TIFF ’06) ; Long Time Running (Gala Presentations, TIFF ’17); and ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch (Canada’s Top Ten, TIFF ’18).

Sophie Jarvis is a Swiss-Canadian filmmaker whose feature debut Until Branches Bend (TIFF ’22) won the Prix de Soleure at the Solothurner Filmtage, the Netflix Breakthrough Award at the Athena Film Festival, and Best BC Film at VIFF. It also received a CSA nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 2023.

R.T. Thorne is a prolific triple threat: director, screenwriter, and producer. His television work has garnered multiple Canadian Screen Awards and an Emmy nomination. His critically acclaimed feature debut, 40 Acres (TIFF ’24), starring Danielle Deadwyler, is a Canada’s Top Ten honouree. The film had its North American theatrical release this summer.

2025 FIPRESCI Jury

The FIPRESCI Prize is presented by an international jury selected by the International Federation of Film Critics. Founded in 1925, the Federation awards the prize at international film festivals to promote film art and to encourage new and young cinema. The FIPRESCI Jury will award the Prize of International Critics, dedicated to emerging filmmakers, to a debut feature film having its World Premiere in TIFF’s Discovery programme.

Katharina Dockhorn studied history and cultural studies at Humboldt University in Berlin. Since 1993, she has been working as a freelance journalist for television stations, daily newspapers, monthly magazines, and trade papers. Her areas of expertise include film policy and the film industry. She was one of the founding members of the Professional Association of German Media Journalists, of which she is a board member.

Francisco Ferreira is a journalist and film critic born in Lisbon. He graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Technical University of Lisbon, where he began programming for the film club. His collaborations have appeared in a number of books, texts published by film festival catalogues and international film magazines such as Cahiers du Cinéma (France), Film Comment (USA), Cinema Scope (Canada), and Caiman Cuadernos de Cine (Spain). He has been working as a film critic for the Portuguese press since 1998.

Jean-Philippe Guerand has been a film journalist since 1982 and a member of the French Union of Film Critics. He has contributed to French publications such as Première, Le Film Français, TéléCinéObs and L’Avant-Scène Cinéma. Host of the blog Persona Grata, he has also written biographies of Woody Allen, Cyril Collard, James Dean, Jacques Tati, Bernard Blier, and Jean Rochefort.

Andy Hazel is a film journalist based in Melbourne, Australia where he is also the senior editorial producer at The Saturday Paper. Andy is a regular contributor to IndieWire, Guardian Australia, The Curb, and A Rabbit’s Foot. He is also a voting member of the Golden Globes and host of Twin Peaks The Return: A Season Three Podcast.

Justine Smith is the screen editor at Cult MTL and the programmer of the Underground Section at the Fantasia International Film Festival. She’s written for BFI, Little White Lies, Vinegar Syndrome, and Ebert Voices. She is currently working on her first book.

2025 NETPAC Jury

Presented by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema, the NETPAC Award recognizes films specifically from the Asian and Pacific regions. The jury consists of three international community members selected by TIFF and NETPAC, who award the prize to the best Asian film by a first or second-time feature director. In 2024, the NETPAC Award went to Sue Kim’s The Last of the Sea Women.

Dina Iordanova is a professor of global cinema and an expert in transnational film festivals. She is the author of Film Festivals in East Asia, has been a visiting professor at the University of Hong Kong and Beijing Film Academy, has given masterclasses and served on juries of festivals across Asia, including BIFF and YIDFF.

Helen Lee is a Seoul-born, Toronto-based filmmaker. Her films include: Tenderness (TIFF ’24), Hers At Last (TIFF ’18), The Art of Woo (TIFF ’01), Subrosa (TIFF ’00); Prey (TIFF ’95), My Niagara (TIFF ’92, Special Jury Citation), and Sally’s Beauty Spot (TIFF ’90, Honourable Mention, Best Canadian Short).

Keoprasith Souvannavong (Jury Chair) is a French journalist, born in Laos and based in Paris. He has worked since 1993 for Radio France Internationale, for which he has covered various international film festivals. He also acted in the feature film The Scent of Green Papaya, which received the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes and was nominated for an Academy Award.

People’s Choice Awards presented by Rogers

A longstanding TIFF tradition, the People’s Choice Awards are marking their 48th year. The People’s Choice Award is an Oscars bellwether with a rich history; past winners include Chariots of Fire, The Princess Bride, Slumdog Millionaire, and the 2023 debut feature from Cord Jefferson, American Fiction. All feature films and series in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible.

The four audience-voted awards are the People’s Choice Award, the People’s Choice Documentary Award, the People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award and, new this year, the International People’s Choice Award. The 2024 winners were The Life of Chuck, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, and The Substance. The 2025 People’s Choice Awards are presented by Rogers.

The 2025 Jury for TIFF’s competitive programme, Platform, was recently announced with Carlos Marqués-Marcet (Jury Chair), Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Chloé Robichaud. The 2025 Short Cuts jurors Ashley Iris Gill, Marcel Jean, and Connor Jessup were also announced and will be evaluating new Short Cuts Awards for Best Animated Short Film, Best International Short Film, and Best Canadian Short Film.

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025