The 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is in full swing, featuring hundreds of the best films from around the globe, movie talks with the biggest names in the industry, as well as loads of the chicest places to eatnear the festival venues. As awesome as TIFF is, there are other cinematic festivals held in and around the GTA that are worth checking out!
CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF)
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This annual film festival features stories from filmmakers of Caribbean heritage who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide. This year’s theme is HOME, which explores self-care, healing, and preserving Caribbean traditions, offering a thoughtful perspective on the connection between one’s cultural roots and personal well-being. In-person screenings take place until Sept.15 and virtual screenings take place until Oct 4. Check out movies like The Draft, about a young man whose dreams of a hockey career are shattered by a racist attack, or Homegrown, a 15-minute short about Barbadian fruit pickers who endure exploitative conditions on a UK fruit farm.
Downtown venues include The Hub at Dundas West Studio, Carlton Cinema, Harbourfront Centre Theatre, and more. Tickets $12+.
Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF)
Taking place from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this volunteer-run, non-profit festival is dedicated to bringing Palestinian cinema, music, cuisine, and art to GTA audiences. The festival’s opening night film, The Teacher, tells the story of a dedicated teacher who strives to educate and inspire his students amidst the harsh and oppressive conditions of military occupation. Tickets: $15 | $10 for students/seniors.
Planet in Focus Film Festival
This festival is celebrating its 25th year! Screenings will take place from Oct. 15-20 at the Paradise Theatre (1006c Bloor St W). Movie-goers can expect films that present different perspectives about critical environmental issues, including natural, cultural, social, and political-economic environments, as well as the dynamic relationships between these factors. Tickets: $15+.
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Reel Asian International Film Festival
The 28th Edition Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival takes place from Nov. 13 to 24 at various theatres. This is Canada’s largest pan-Asian festival and showcases contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora (check their website for updates on this year’s screenings). Tickets are around $12 for single screenings.
Reelworld Film Festival
Founded by actress Tonya Williams in 2000, this festival showcases work by people of colour, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and South Asian filmmakers. This year, the Film Festival takes place from October 21 to 27 (opening Night will take place at The Royal Theatre, with all other screenings at the Paradise Theatre); Virtual Screenings take place October 22 to November 3, and the Reelworld Summit takes place on October 22 & 23 (Marriott Courtyard Toronto Downtown).
Tickets range from $12 (individual film screenings) to $400 (Super Pass, includes access to the entire festival and summit). Opening night screening: $15; summit: $275; online-only access: $60.
