Although it may still be high summer, we are already looking forward to the coming autumn film Festivals. Having previously announced that this year’s edition will open with Colin Hank’s documentary “John Candy: I Like Me”, the Toronto International Film Festival today announced the first five special presentation titles on its official selection to have their world premieres at the festival’s 50th edition in September.
The five include new films from Steven Soderbergh, Nia Dacosta, Chandler Levack, Alejandro Amenábar and Sung-Hyun Byun. Per Today’s press release, “These films come from Canada, Spain/Italy, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States and reflect the bold vision, the global perspective and artistic excellence as defined TIFF for five decades. ”
Soderbergh will bring his dark comedy “Christophers” for the festival. In the lead role Ian McKellen, James Corden and Michaela Coel, it is a family that hires a forgery to “end” their dead famous father’s paintings, hoping to make a mint from them. Also of interest: Nia Dacosta Highly long -awaited adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s iconic game “Hedda Gabler”, simply with the title “Hedda” and with Tessa Thompson in the lead role.
“These first five films of our official selection reflect innovation, heart and the global perspective that has made our festival a home for good film during the last 50 editions,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, in his own statement. “We are pleased to start our special presentations with Chandler Levacks” Mile End Kicks “, a young, Canadian director who has very close ties to TIFF, in addition to these established directors. We cannot wait to share more in the coming weeks when we celebrate this historical year with audience and filmmakers from all over the world.”
This year’s official screening places will once again include TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Visa Screening Room at Princess of Wales Theater, Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theater Toronto, Glenn Gould Studio at Canadian Broadcast Center, Cinema Park at David Pecrara. The seventh edition of the TIFF Tribute Awards gala will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
On the last day of the festival, TIFF announces the winners of their various awards. In addition to the popular People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, in September introduces the brand new International People’s Choice Award. Returning is also the estimated jury prices including Platform Award, which is now celebrating its tenth year and awards from FPRIPERCI and NetPac.
Check out the full list of today’s additions below:
“The Captive” | Alejandro Amenábar | Spain / Italy | World premiere | Special presentation
“The Christophers” | Steven Soderbergh | UK | World premiere | Special presentation
“Good news” | Sung-Hyun Byun | South Korea | World premiere | Special presentation
“Hedda” | Nia Dacosta | USA | World premiere | Special presentation
“Mile End Kicks” | Chandler Levack | Canada | World premiere | Special presentation
The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4 – 14 2025. More festival information will be shared in the coming weeks.
