Press release
PROGRAMMING ALERT
Highlights include Canada’s Walk of Fame, Criterion Mobile Closet, free Cinema Park screenings, and more
TORONTO – 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.
