Put together by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, along with contributions from both current and former TIFF programmers, this series will highlight 50 iconic films from across the globe that have made a real impact on audiences and tell the story of TIFF itself.
“The TIFF Story in 50 Films is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of the landmark moments that have defined our Festival’s legacy,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF.
“Curating this series has been a labour of love, poring over decades of Festival programme books to select 50 films that reflect five decades of TIFF’s taste, eye for new talent, and passion for bringing groundbreaking cinema to our audience. While so many more films have been integral to TIFF’s story and illustrate our current narrative, I’m excited to share the full list in the months ahead and to revisit the memories and enduring impact these films have had on all of us.”
This year's film lineup will showcase some amazing World Premieres and highlight fresh filmmaking talent, reflecting the incredible artistry that has made the Festival so memorable over the years. While this is just a glimpse of the thousands of films shown since 1976, it really captures the lasting influence of the Festival.
The TIFF Story in 50 Films is a free offering for TIFF Members, celebrating 50 years of discovering fantastic films together. This series will take place from June to August and will include special events and guests, with more details on the film titles, dates, and invitees coming soon.
See the North, TIFF’s monthly free series featuring Canadian cinema presented by MUBI, will mark the 50th anniversary in 2025 by spotlighting the contributions of Canadian women and nonbinary filmmakers from the past five decades. Coming up on February 11 is Darlene Naponse’s Falls Around Her, which premiered at the 2018 Festival.
Over the last 50 years, TIFF has transformed from the “Festival of Festivals” (officially renamed the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) into the largest public film festival globally, welcoming around 700,000 attendees, over 700 talents, and 280 films in its Official Selection in 2024.
As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will create a special television program for TIFF's 50th edition that dives into its history and features archival footage, set to air exclusively on Citytv.