Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers”, starring Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. (Photo courtesy of TIFF)
Summer may be fleeting in Canada, but fall brings one major reason to celebrate: the return of the Toronto International Film Festival. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or watching from afar, TIFF always delivers a buzz of excitement as global stars descend on Toronto and the curtains rise. This year promises an even bigger buzz as the legendary festival marks its 50th anniversary.
Running from September 4 to 14, the milestone edition kicks off with the world premiere of “John Candy: I Like Me” as its Opening Night film.
TIFF will celebrate its birthday with several world premieres, including Alejandro Amenábar’s “The Captive” from Spain, Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers” from the United Kingdom, Sung-hyun Byun’s “Good News” from South Korea, Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda” from the United States, and Chandler Levack’s “Mile End Kicks” from Canada.
“These first five films of our Official Selection reflect the innovation, heart, and global perspective that have made our Festival a home for great cinema over the past 50 editions,” Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF, said in a press release. “We’re excited to kick-off our Special Presentations with Chandler Levack’s ‘Mile End Kicks’, a young, Canadian director who has very close ties to TIFF, in addition to these established directors. We can’t wait to share more in the weeks ahead as we celebrate this historic year with audiences and filmmakers from around the world.”
The Toronto International Film Festival celebrates 50 years in September and promises to light up the city like never before. (Vacay.ca photo)
TIFF also announced the lineup for its 2025 “Centrepiece” program, spotlighting compelling global cinema. This year’s slate includes 55 films from nearly 50 countries, with 19 international premieres—including one that marks the big-screen debut of pop star Charli XCX.
Charli stars in “Erupcja”, a sultry drama directed by Pete Ohs, which follows the volatile relationship between a Polish florist (played by Lena Góra) and a British tourist, portrayed by Charlotte Emma Aitchison — better known as Charli XCX.
Other notable films include:
- “Good Boy”, a psychological thriller from Polish director Jan Komasa, starring Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, and Anson Boon
- “Carolina Caroline”, a gritty “outlaw romance” by Adam Carter Rehmeier, featuring Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner
- “The President’s Cake” from Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi, a Cannes multi-award winner
- “Blood Lines”, the anticipated sophomore feature from Gail Maurice
- “Unidentified”, the latest film from acclaimed Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour (Wadjda)
The Centrepiece program is a key pillar of TIFF, offering a platform for powerful storytelling and cinematic voices from around the world.
Beyond its stellar lineup of screenings, the TIFF also offers a range of events and experiences. Attendees can enjoy live post-screening Q&As, the “In Conversation With …” series, and the Industry Conference, taking place from September 5 to 9. Opening weekend also brings the return of Festival Street, which transforms King Street West — from Peter Street to University Avenue — into a lively pedestrian hub filled with food trucks, free public activations, and plenty of space to relax and take in the atmosphere.
The TIFF Tribute Awards
Movie legend Jodie Foster will receive a special award in Toronto during TIFF50 celebrations. (Photo courtesy of TIFF)
TIFF has also announced the first round of honorees for its seventh annual Tribute Awards, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to global cinema. This year’s recipients include Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster, HIKARI, and Lee Byung Hun.
Brendan Fraser, a past Tribute Award recipient (2022), returns as the 2025 Honorary Chair.
“TIFF has been meaningful to me, and to be in this role during the Festival’s landmark 50th edition is a privilege,” Fraser said in a statement. “TIFF continues to champion bold storytelling that brings people together, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this year’s Tribute recipients.”
Del Toro, a longtime friend of the Festival and recent recipient of a key to the City of Toronto, will collect the Ebert Director Award. His latest film, “Frankenstein” — a live-action adaptation starring Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth — will debut with a gala presentation.
Jodie Foster will be honoured with the Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, which supports gender equity in the film industry. The two-time Oscar winner (“Silence of the Lambs”, “The Accused”) returns to TIFF with Private Life, directed by Rebecca Zlotowski.
Making her second TIFF appearance, HIKARI will receive the Emerging Talent Award. Her new film, “Rental Family”, starring Fraser, will have its world premiere at the festival.
Byung Hun is set to receive the Special Tribute Award for his dynamic career spanning both South Korean and Hollywood productions. His acclaimed roles include appearances in “Squid Game” (2021), “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” (2009), “Red 2″ (2013), and “Terminator Genisys” (2015).
And along with these honorees, the festival concludes with its annual awards, including the People’s Choice, and the newly introduced International People’s Choice Award. Esteemed Jury Prizes will also return to honour standout filmmaking.
MORE ABOUT ATTENDING TIFF
Tickets: It’s a little tricky to purchase tickets for TIFF50. Movie-goers have a few options:
Curated Ticket Packages: These packages provide guaranteed access to multiple screenings or events with a common genre or theme, with screening dates, times, and seating locations selected by TIFF. These packages are only available to TIFF Members and Visa cardholders. For more information on Curated Ticket Packages, see here.
Individual Tickets: Purchase tickets to screenings one-by-one to get a ticket to the films you want to see the most. Tickets went on sale in August, with TIFF Members having priority access. Contributors Circle and Patron Circle Members can purchase individual tickets on TIFF Festival Account Manager. Individual, Industry, Under 25, and non-members can purchase individual tickets on ticketmaster.ca/tiff.
Where to Stay:
Walking distance to the fab TIFF Lightbox is BISHA Hotel, an official TIFF partner. The luxury hotel offers up the perfect glam experience that’ll leave you feeling like the stars you came to see. In the heart of downtown Toronto, steps away from the TIFF action, the chic hotel oozes opulence and style from its well-appointed rooms to the sweet rooftop views at the delectable Kōst restaurant.
BISHA is also home to the Deadline Portrait Studio welcoming a steady stream of celebrity guests throughout TIFF. A lil’ name drop never hurts and last year Angelina Jolie, JLO, and Selena Gomez graced this studio.
The hotel will transform into “HOUSE OF BISHA” at TIFF, complete with a red carpet at its entrance, director lights illuminating the hotel’s façade, and a complimentary pop-up popcorn station for guests and fans gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the stars. It’s your hub for celebrity sightings, media moments, and cinematic glamour!
The iconic Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York will be a hot spot during TIFF50. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
If you’re coming into the city for TIFF, you’d be hard pressed to miss the iconic Fairmont Royal York, which has stood stately across from the city’s transit hub, Union Station, since opening in 1929. The rather majestic hotel comes with expansive suites, award-wining dining and exquisitely designed spaces. A mere 10-minute walk to the TIFF Lightbox, the Fairmont will shine brightly this festival season. The hotel’s bars and restaurants will offer a curated selection of food and beverage offerings that blur the line between culinary and cinematic artistry. For example at Library Bar, the Take the Cannoli, will be a bold, elevated riff on the Godfather cocktail and is paired with venison tartare and a cannoli shell in homage to the film’s most iconic line. CLOCKWORK Champagne & Cocktails will offer The Ocean Jewel, a dish of Itsumo Tuna Tartare, sea urchin, Oscietra caviar, dashi gelée, shiso, and yuzu, crafted to be enjoyed with Champagne. At REIGN Restaurant, a thoughtfully crafted tasting menu draws inspiration from cinema’s most iconic eras and genres.
Shangri-La Toronto
Soaring high above the city in one of Toronto’s tallest buildings, Shangri-La Toronto offers festival-goers a convenient stay. The hotel’s 202 spacious rooms and suites blend modern luxury with traditional Asian décor. Floor-to-ceiling windows unlock downtown city views and the marble-clad bathrooms feature heated floors. Escape from the TIFF frenzy here, but also be super accessible to it when desired! Shangri-La Toronto will be celebrating with a curated TIFF50 Afternoon Tea and TIFF50 Signature Cocktails menu at the Lobby Lounge & Bar.
Where to Eat: You can’t fest it up without fuel for your TIFF-going fire so here are some notable dining options.
Along with a host of theatres, the TIFF Lighbox also has three dining options. Luma offers locally sourced fare that pays homage to Toronto’s rich, multicultural landscape, and a great window view for people watching from atop. O&B Canteen bills itself as a casual, fresh market café and bakery.
The Drake Hotel’s restaurants are a solid bet as an official TIFF partner that offers film buffs to get their drink on until 4 a.m. thanks to a special alcohol license applicable only during the TIFF fest. New executive chef Daniel Hyam has added several items to the hotel’s bursting menu.
Since opening its first location in 1994, Nobu has become a global magnet for celebrities, with outposts everywhere from Miami to Marrakech to Manila. Co-founded by Robert De Niro, the Japanese-Peruvian hotspot has long attracted stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Taylor Swift, and Bradley Cooper. When Nobu finally landed in Canada, it didn’t take long for Drake to be spotted dining there — proof that its 56th location shines just as brightly.
Toronto’s Nobu will wow you. The multi-storey space feels cinematic, with soaring 30-foot black clay columns, a golden backlit bar, and dramatic chainmail chandeliers inspired by kimono sleeves.
If you can’t score a reservation upstairs, head to the Nobu Bar on the ground floor.
Toronto’s first Ace Hotel boosts one of the city’s best lobby lounge bars. Stop into this suspended, richly furnished lobby bar with chic-retro vibes to start your night, but definitely head upstairs to Evangeline, a rooftop bar that’s anything but old-school, despite being named after Canada’s earliest recorded feature film. It’s giving retro-glam ’70s vibes with a modern twist — think bold rugs, oversized fireplaces, and a lively, loungey energy that draws a crowd. As golden hour hits, sunlight floods the west-facing space, setting the scene for perfect selfies and standout cocktails. While it’s all about the dranks here, the food, curated by Michelin-starred chef Patrick Kriss of Alo, more than holds its own.
VACAY.CA TIP: Cinema Center returns as the go-to destination for exclusive movie after-parties, typically hosted at MARBL on King Street West. It will have a red carpet for limited celeb interviews and/or pictures, before the chosen few or many head inside for their private after party.
