50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), September 4–14, 2025

From Teen Drama to Lilith Fair Anthems — Canada Owns the Spotlight

Now more than ever, Canadians are proud of our country and more conscious of supporting Canadian creators. The Toronto International Film Festival is another wonderful opportunity to celebrate Canadian voices. Traditionally, TIFF launches with a Canadian or Canadian-themed film on opening night. This year, on September 4, the festival opens with I Like Me, a tribute to the comedy genius of John Candy, directed by Colin Hanks. Candy, beloved for his work with Toronto’s Second City and the iconic SCTV, created unforgettable characters in Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck. His kindness and humour remain a hallmark of Canadian comedy.

Brand New Filmmakers Need Your Love the Most!

The Discovery section is the perfect place to discover the debut or sophomore work of rising directors. This year, five Canadian feature films premiere here.

Dinner with Friends — Sasha Leigh Henry’s feature debut offers an intimate look at a group of eight longtime friends who reconnect at dinner parties, sharing joys, tensions, and the struggles of staying close over time. Starring Tattiawna Jones, Izaak Smith, and Alex Spencer. World Premiere. Screens Friday, Sept 5 at 6:45 pm and Tuesday, Sept 9 at 3:10 pm, Scotiabank Theatre.

Little Lorraine — The feature debut of Andy Hines, a veteran music video director. Inspired by true events in late-1980s Cape Breton, the film explores an international cocaine smuggling operation funneled through funeral homes and coffins. Starring Stephen Amell, Stephen McHattie, Sean Astin, and Colombian musician J Balvin in his feature debut. World Premiere. Screens Friday, Sept 5 at 5:30 pm and Saturday, Sept 6 at 11:30 am, Scotiabank Theatre.

Nika & Madison — Directed by Eva Thomas and based on her short film Redlights. Two Indigenous women go on the run after a violent encounter with police, fearing their voices will not be believed. The heart of the film lies in their relationship and the tension between traditional and urban lifestyles. Starring Ellyn Jade, Star Slade, and Jennifer Podemski. World Premiere. Screens Sunday, Sept 7 at 3:45 pm and Monday, Sept 8 at 6:00 pm, Scotiabank Theatre.

100 Sunset — Kunsang Kyirong’s feature debut follows a young, introverted thief and her deepening bond with another young woman that unsettles Toronto’s Tibetan community in Parkdale. Featuring Tenzin Kunsel and Sonam Choekyi in their first screen roles. World Premiere. Screens Saturday, Sept 6 at 9:45 pm, TIFF Lightbox, and Sunday, Sept 7 at 11:30 am, Scotiabank Theatre.

Out Standing — Mélanie Charbonneau’s sophomore feature, adapted from Sandra Perron’s 2017 memoir Out Standing in the Field. It tells the story of Perron, the first female infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, her 1995 resignation, and the media storm following the leak of a disturbing training photo. Starring Nina Kiri, Adrian Walters, Antoine Pilon, Vincent Leclerc, and Enrico Colantoni. World Premiere. Screens Tuesday, Sept 9 at 5:30 pm and Thursday, Sept 11 at 11:00 am, Scotiabank Theatre.

Documentaries

Aki — Directed by Darlene Naponse. Set in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in Northern Ontario, this poetic documentary captures the changing seasons—bright blooms, vivid foliage, and shining snow—allowing nature’s beauty to speak for itself. World Premiere.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes — Creators, superfans, and stars, including Drake, reflect on the enduring cultural impact of Degrassi. This warm, engaging tribute highlights how the groundbreaking show addressed real issues faced by young audiences, with contributions from Kevin Smith, Shenae Grimes-Beech, and Shane Kippel. World Premiere.

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery — Directed by Ally Pankiw. In the 1990s, radio stations resisted programming two female artists back-to-back. Sarah McLachlan and Paula Cole responded with Lilith Fair, offering audiences an entire night of women’s artistry. Featuring backstage footage, media coverage, and interviews with Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Olivia Rodrigo, and Emmylou Harris, the film celebrates this groundbreaking cultural movement. World Premiere.

Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising — Directed by Shane Belcourt. This powerful account revisits the 1974 Indigenous youth-led armed occupation of Anicinabe Park in Kenora, Ontario. For 38 days, 150 young people took a stand against mistreatment and illegal land purchases, embodying resilience and reclamation. World Premiere.

Still Single — Directed by Jamal Burger and Jukan Tateisi. A portrait of sushi master Masaki Saito, the first Canadian chef awarded two Michelin stars. The film contrasts his exacting culinary artistry with the chaotic unpredictability of his personal life. World Premiere.

True North — Directed by Michèle Stephenson. Through archival footage and testimony, the film explores the 1969 Concordia University student protests in Montreal, led by Black students against systemic racism. It highlights the contributions of activists, including future Dominica Prime Minister Rosie Douglas, situating Canada within the global Black liberation movement. World Premiere.

Other Interesting Canadian Films

Blood Lines — Directed by Gail Maurice. This evocative sophomore feature intertwines a lesbian romance with themes of family, culture, and connection. Set in a Métis community, the film features dialogue in the endangered Michif language, spoken by only about 1,130 people worldwide. World Premiere.

Honey Bunch — Directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli. A haunting, stylish thriller set in the 1970s, steeped in atmosphere and tension. North American Premiere.

Mile End Kicks — Directed by Chandler Levack. A romantic comedy about a young music critic navigating adulthood in a male-dominated indie publishing world. Starring Barbie Ferreira. World Premiere.

Steal Away — Directed by Clement Virgo. A bold, erotically charged thriller that blends fairy tale and fever dream. Content advisory recommended. World Premiere.

Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) — Directed by Zacharias Kunuk, acclaimed for Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (winner of the Cannes Camera d’Or). This enthralling Inuit love story unfolds after a strange death that destabilizes a village, sparking upheavals, suitors, and unexpected turns. World Premiere.

For a complete listing of Canadian films, go to the tiff website