The Toronto Film Festival schedule for its milestone 50th annual edition has officially been released, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting lineups in the event’s history. TIFF 2025 will take place from September 4 to September 14, featuring nearly 300 films, world premieres, and red-carpet galas that will attract movie lovers from across the globe.
TIFF 50: What’s in the Toronto Film Festival Schedule
According to the official Toronto Film Festival schedule, the program includes 291 selections in total:
- 209 new feature films
- Six TIFF Classics
- 10 Primetime series
- 66 short films
These screenings represent an impressive mix of world cinema, high-profile premieres, and festival favorites. The official schedule is available on TIFF’s website, providing detailed times, dates, and venues for each film.
Major Premieres and Highlights
TIFF announced an additional slate of high-profile features added to the Toronto Film Festival schedule, including several anticipated premieres:
- “No Other Choice” – Directed by Park Chan-wook, this gripping drama will have its North American premiere in the Gala section. The film stars Lee Byung-hun, who will also receive the TIFF Special Tribute Award on September 7.
- “The Wizard of the Kremlin” – Olivier Assayas’ political thriller stars Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov and Jude Law as Vladimir Putin, based on Giuliano da Empoli’s acclaimed novel. The film will have its North American premiere at TIFF.
- “Dog 51” – Directed by Cédric Jimenez, this intense drama will debut in North America after closing the Venice Film Festival.
- “& Sons” – World premiere of Pablo Trapero’s first feature film of the decade, written by Oscar-winner Sarah Polley. The cast includes Bill Nighy, George MacKay, and Imelda Staunton.
- “The Fence” – Claire Denis’ world premiere adaptation of Bernard-Marie Koltès’s play “Black Battles with Dogs,” starring Tom Blyth and Matt Dillon.
- “The Voice of Hind Rajab” – Kaouther Ben Hania’s powerful drama tells the true story of a young Palestinian girl killed during the Gaza conflict. This North American premiere follows its Venice Film Festival competition run.
Dates to Remember for TIFF 2025
The Toronto Film Festival schedule begins on Wednesday, September 4 and runs until Sunday, September 14. Screenings, panels, and special events will take place across multiple venues in Toronto, including the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, and Scotiabank Theatre.
Who Will Be at TIFF 2025?
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced its full 2025 lineup, featuring some of the most anticipated films of the year. Highlights include:
- It Was Just an Accident – Directed by Jafar Panahi
- Frankenstein – Directed by Guillermo del Toro
- If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – Directed by Mary Bronstein
- Sound of Falling – Directed by Mascha Schilinski
- The Smashing Machine – Directed by Benny Safdie
More films and celebrity appearances are expected to be revealed as the festival approaches.
How Long is the Toronto International Film Festival?
TIFF runs for a total of eleven days. The event traditionally begins on the Thursday night after Labour Day (the first Monday in September in Canada) and showcases films, panels, and events until the closing ceremony.
What is the Dress Code for the Toronto International Film Festival?
While TIFF does not enforce an official dress code, attendees often dress up—especially for gala premieres and red-carpet events. Common attire includes:
- Evening Gowns or Cocktail Dresses for women
- Suits or Tuxedos for men
The atmosphere is elegant, making it a great opportunity to dress for a high-class night out.
What is the Acceptance Rate for the Toronto International Film Festival?
TIFF is one of the most competitive film festivals in the world. For example, in one recent year, 6,876 films were submitted, but only 94 were screened—58 feature films and 36 short films. This results in an acceptance rate of just 1.4%, meaning only the very best submissions make the cut.
Does TIFF Accept Short Films?
Yes. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) accepts short films with a runtime of under 49 minutes. These shorts are screened alongside feature films and can include fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental works. Short films are a key part of TIFF’s programming, offering emerging and established filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience.
Why TIFF 50 Is a Must-Attend Event
Celebrating its 50th year, TIFF continues to be one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, known for launching award-winning films and showcasing diverse global voices. With this year’s expanded Toronto Film Festival schedule, cinephiles will have more opportunities than ever to discover groundbreaking films and attend star-studded premieres.