Without dampening your summer vibe, we need to remind all you cinephiles, star-gazers, celebrity chasers and party crashers, TIFF is right around the corner. We get it; September isn’t on your radar right now. But it will creep up, and no one wants to be caught unprepared for film festival season.
Consider this a Public Service Announcement!
Up there with Sundance and Cannes, the Toronto International Film Festival is one of the world’s largest, most influential cinematic events – it’s the beginning of Oscar buzz each year. From September 6-16, Toronto will attract hotly-anticipated films, established and emerging filmmakers, scores of your favourite stars, and endless glamour, glitz and galas.
In addition to red carpets and after parties, don’t miss educational workshops, guest Q&A’s and other ways that demonstrate the power of film to elevate, transform and challenge perceptions. Mark TIFF.net as your destination for upcoming ticket release dates and calendar for films and events. And don’t forget to reserve your hotel digs well in advance.
In addition to TIFF, here are more unique film festivals worth traveling for around Ontario.
Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival: This annual international festival screens fascinating films for both English and French language audiences in Sudbury, September 15-23.
Ottawa International Animation Festival: Ottawa is the place to be to experience the world’s most cutting-edge, quirky and important animation, September 26-30.
Barrie Film Festival: 20th annual ten-day event featuring the best Canadian and International independent film, with screenings throughout the city of Barrie, October 12-21.
ReelWorld Film Festival: This fest aims to spark conversations, raise awareness and incite change through film, Virtual Reality VR experiences, video games and more, Toronto, October 10-14.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival: Get ready for goosebumps with nine nights of horror, sci-fi and action in Toronto, October 11-19.
Forest City Film Festival: London shines the spotlight on new and compelling films and filmmakers from the region, October 25-28.
Toronto International Reel Asian Film Festival: Canada’s largest Asian film event showcasing contemporary Asian, Asian-Canadian and Asian-American cinema in November.
Bloody Horror International Film Festival: Features the best in indie horror film from around the world, held twice a year in Ottawa. Deadly Screening is held in the spring and Bloody Screening in November.
FUN FACT: TIFF first took place in 1976 (under the name Festival of Festivals), and a single admission ticket for three daytime features cost only $2!
You may now return to your regularly scheduled summer chill.