Stars expected at the 50th Toronto Film Festival
Russell Crowe is expected in Toronto ©APA/AFP
In Toronto, the red carpets are traditionally rolled out in September – but in 2025, not only for stars and filmmakers, but also – at least symbolically – for the film festival itself. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The anniversary edition opens on Thursday evening (local time) with the world premiere of "John Candy: I Like Me," a tribute to the Canadian comedy legend.
The film was directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, among others. A total of more than 290 films from almost 50 countries are scheduled to screen until September 14.
What began as a small event in 1976 under the title "Festival of Festivals" is now considered the most important platform for the industry in North America. "We're not just making festival history, we're also curating the film canon with our selection," festival CEO Cameron Bailey told the German Press Agency.
Above all, TIFF has proven "that it thinks globally – with great openness to films from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Iran." The film world meets in Toronto, and the special closeness between audience and stars remains a central focus.
This year's celebrity guests include Angelina Jolie, who stars in the fashion drama "Couture," and Russell Crowe, who plays Nazi criminal Hermann Göring in "Nuremberg." Also scheduled to appear is the documentary "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue," which chronicles the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, from an Israeli perspective. Director Baz Luhrmann will present his concert documentary "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert." Also expected are Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, and Kirsten Dunst.
On Sunday, September 14, the TIFF winning film, traditionally chosen by the audience in Toronto, will be announced before the festival closes with Anne Émond's romantic comedy "Peak Everything."
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