Summary:
- The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) unveils 50th anniversary lineup from September 4 to 14, 2025.
- World premieres include films by Aziz Ansari, David Michôd, Alice Winocour, and Derek Cianfrance.
- Major stars include Matthew McConaughey, Steven Soderbergh, and Rian Johnson.
- Tessa Thompson, Brendan Fraser, and Ralph Fiennes featured in key performances.
- Award-winning films from Jafar Panahi and Joachim Trier bolster TIFF’s prestige and Oscar impact.
- Full festival schedule to be released in early August 2025.
The Toronto International Film Festival has announced its 50th anniversary lineup, revealing a broad spectrum of world premieres, star-driven features, and auteur-focused dramas set to screen between September 4 and 14, 2025. As one of the most influential stops on the international film calendar, TIFF’s golden jubilee underscores its dual mission of platforming global storytelling and catalyzing awards season momentum.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee noted the festival’s commitment to “bold, cinematic voices and stories that challenge, inspire, and connect audiences.” She emphasized that the 2025 selection reflects the festival’s “ongoing dialogue with the film world” and showcases “exceptional creativity and range.”
Among the newly confirmed world premieres is “Good Fortune,” directed by comedian Aziz Ansari, in which he stars opposite Keanu Reeves. The film is described as a metaphysical comedy about an angelic mentor attempting to guide a man out of despair. Also debuting is David Michôd’s “Christy,” telling the real-life story of boxer Christy Martin, with Sydney Sweeney in the titular role. Alice Winocour‘s “Couture” brings Angelina Jolie to the Paris fashion world, while Derek Cianfrance’s “Roofman” casts Channing Tatum as a desperate father resorting to rooftop burglaries.
Two more high-profile films add dramatic heft to the gala roster. In “The Lost Bus,” Matthew McConaughey plays a school bus driver navigating California’s deadly 2018 Camp Fire, under the direction of Paul Greengrass. Meanwhile, acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh contributes “The Christophers,” though plot details remain under wraps.
Other anticipated entries include Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the third installment in the detective saga led by Daniel Craig. Though previously announced, its TIFF screening will mark its public debut. Franz, a wartime historical by Agnieszka Holland, and “Hamnet” by Chloé Zhao also bolster the Special Presentations programme. Zhao’s film, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, explores the imagined life of William Shakespeare’s son.
Background:
Here is how this event developed over time:
- May 13, 2025: Colin Hanks’ documentary John Candy: I Like Me announced as the opening film for TIFF 2025.
- July 16, 2025: TIFF reveals 11 additional Gala and Special Presentation titles, including films by Agnieszka Holland, Chloé Zhao, and Rian Johnson.
- July 17, 2025: Official TIFF press release confirms the 50th edition will take place from September 4 to 14 and outlines initial lineup.
- July 21, 2025: World premieres announced for Gala and Special Presentation films including Good Fortune by Aziz Ansari, Christy by David Michôd, and Couture by Alice Winocour.
- August 5–8, 2025: Programming announcements scheduled for Centrepiece, TIFF Docs, Shortcuts, and Wavelengths sections.
- August 12, 2025: Full festival schedule released.
- September 4–14, 2025: 50th Toronto International Film Festival takes place.