First time attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this September?
Whether you’re from out of town, it’s your first time in the country, or you’re just a local looking to spend some down time in the downtown core, you’re in for a whirlwind, as this month welcomes the annual return of one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals from Sept. 5 to 15.
This season marks the 49th anniversary of TIFF, the most popular film festival in North America.
Each year, the 11-day festival pulls in more than 700,000 visitors from all over the world, with many anticipating the glitz and glam of the vibrant red carpet, possible celebrity sightings, and of course, a vast selection of Canadian and international films to check out!
While “film festival” may be in its name, this experience isn’t solely for movie fanatics. From John Street to University Avenue, King Street – uniquely dubbed “Festival Street” for the duration of TIFF – comes alive with a wide range of family-friendly activities, free events, and an abundance of food choices.
Feeling overwhelmed with the endless options? Here’s your guide to navigating TIFF 2024.
WHAT HAPPENS AT TIFF?
FILM SCREENINGS
Alongside the one-of-a-kind festivities, there’s an expansive line-up of films!
TIFF is premiering a number of domestic and international films from a massive range of genres. Take Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language for example, a gentle comedy set in a reimagined Canada where Persian and French are the two official languages and where “loneliness is the common currency,” the feature-length production’s description says.
Or how about the animated film The Wild Robot, featuring the voices of Toronto’s own Catherine O’Hara, as well as Pedro Pascal and Lupita Nyong’o. From Chris Sanders, the director of Lilo & Stitch, the movie follows a robot designed to assist humans who finds herself stranded on an island populated exclusively by beasts.
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The majority of the films are ticketed (see below for more information), but TIFF is also offering eight free films on various dates, including the heartfelt sports drama Unstoppable, starring When They See Us break-out star Jharrel Jerome, as well as Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.
CELEBRITIES ON THE RED CARPET
Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of participants, including big names in the entertainment industry. Keep your eyes peeled, as possible celebrity sightings this year could include Amy Adams, Elton John, Pharrell Williams, and Will Ferrell hitting the red carpet.
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INSIDER EVENTS
The festival offers a ton of events, such as conferences, panel discussions, and more. In fact this year, there are over 300 events in total!
One of TIFF’s major event series includes “In Conversation With…” which allows for visitors to get up-close and personal with A-list actors and directors for intimate film discussions.
This season, award-winning actress Cate Blanchett will host an intimate conversation at Royal Alexandra Theatre on Sept. 8 to discuss her expansive career, as well as her role in two projects at this year’s festival: Alfonso Cuaron’s series Disclaimer and Guy Maddin’s latest feature Rumours.
Critically-acclaimed Ocean’s Trilogy director Steven Soderbergh will also appear at TIFF Lightbox on Sept. 12 to discuss his most recent feature, TIFF Centrepiece selection Presence, starring Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan, offering a unique point of view into the cinematographer’s art of storytelling.
WHERE IS TIFF?
TIFF events are held in a number of locations along Festival Street.
Scheduled screenings happen at various times at different venues. Some of those venues include TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Canadian Broadcasting Centre.
BUYING TICKETS
TIFF makes buying tickets simple, as you can choose whichever film you’d like to see online and purchase tickets through their website.
Regular screenings range between $28 and $36, and this tier accounts for the majority of screenings available at the festival.
Premium screens range between $41 and $95. This tier offers a premium in-person experience, which can include red carpet screenings, world or North American premieres, and/or audience Q&As.
And then there is the rush ticket tier.
Rush is categorized as last-minute tickets that are no longer available for sale online. Attendees without tickets may wait in the Rush line outside of the theatre as a last chance to see the film. These tickets are typically cheaper, and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Regular rush tickets are $27, while premium screening rush tickets are $47.
WHERE TO STAY
Fully indulge in the glitz and glamour of TIFF by staying at a world-class hotel close by to the action!
Hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La Toronto, and The St. Regis Toronto are all minutes away from the festival venues and your best options for a luxurious stay.
In between films or on your way back to your room, take a stroll along Festival Street, which will always be lively with an array of free performances, on-site galleries and markets, as well as local vendors.
This year, St. Regis Toronto is offering exclusive experiences for those booking a stay during TIFF, including a curated tasting flight of high-end whisky brand The Macallan presented in a secret agent movie inspired briefcase, as well as a Red Carpet Radiance Package, which contains a 60-minute NuFace facial and a 30-minute massage for a luminous festival glow.
WHERE TO EAT
There are tons of food options to choose from in this area, inside and outside of TIFF!
The TIFF Lightbox has recently welcomed a new lounge and café-bar on the third floor called Varda, named in honour of the celebrated French filmmaker Agnès Varda.
This new downtown destination is gaining traction for its high-quality delicious coffee, sophisticated drinks, and French-inspired savoury dishes and desserts.
Festival Street is also enveloped with an endless selection of restaurants with a range of cuisines.
Feeling for Sushi? Try Minami, right beside David Pecaut Square!
How about some upscale bar food? Well, Lobster Burger Bar is directly across from Roy Thomson Hall!
Maybe you need some carbs to refill after a night of movie wonderland. Check out Hey Lucy, serving up wood oven pizza only steps away from the King and John intersection.
Whether you’re an avid film enthusiast or simply desire a night out to explore a new city, TIFF has boundless possibilities for you to watch, eat, and discover!
For more events like this, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
