Red Carpets, Parties and More at TIFF

Red Carpets, Parties and More At TIFF

September 11, 2025 - Toronto, ON

Toronto International Film Festival (September 4-14, 2025)

Photographed and Written by Jaidah-Leigh Wyatt (@wyatt_______j)

As we approach mid-September we get closer to the end of one of the most exciting events in Toronto - Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)! Each year the Toronto International Film Festival sees hundreds of fans, celebrities, filmmakers and film lovers come together for 11 days of international and Canadian cinema.

There’s a lot to look forward to at the festival every year, so much so that sometimes it can be hard to figure it all out. So let’s dive into some of the things you’ll see at this year’s festival.

RED CARPETS

Although each film at the festival (with the exception of some special presentations and screenings) will play more than once, there are also premium screenings where the director, actors, producers or other people involved in the creation of the film will be present to introduce it and have a short Q&A with the audience afterwards. Whether it's for an indie feature or the next big Hollywood blockbuster, there’s a good chance that some of your favourite stars and creators will be walking a red carpet before the festival is over. So what can you expect to see at a TIFF red carpet?

First off, there are the fan zones. Fan zones are located around red carpet areas to give fans the chance to take selfies, get posters/merch signed or just see their favourite celebrities in person. Tickets to the fan zone are available for regular or rush purchase, but there’s always a chance you could run into a celebrity at a screening or different event!

Photos are taken at your typical red carpet, but red carpets aren’t just for taking pictures - they’re for interviews! Multiple media outlets (such as Media Pass) get to speak to these filmmakers and get insight into their creative process - specifically with the current film they’re premiering. Look around and you’ll find loads of interviews, reels and articles with your favourite creators, detailing anything from their experience working on the film to their favourite places to grab a bite to eat.

And if film screenings and red carpets aren’t your thing, there are other events happening at TIFF to check out.

PARTIES AND MIXERS

Although festival street is now closed, that was only one of the events that TIFF is known for. Loads of networking events, creator talks and parties take place throughout the festival. This is an opportunity to unwind, relax and meet folks from around the city - and the world - in a less formal session than an Industry Talk or one-on-one meeting.

You can check out Eventbrite for TIFF related events happening in the city, from karaoke night to rooftop parties and public Q&As with filmmakers in the festival. This is a perfect place to meet burgeoning creatives, experienced professionals or curious minds hoping to explore more about the world of film.

There are also several restaurants in the surrounding area of the festival offering discounts, extended opening and closing times and a meeting place for wandering theatre goers. Feel free to check them out!

One of the most beautiful things about film is being able to create a shared experience for an audience to engage with. It is inherently a communal activity and getting insight into the creative process of the talented people working to bring this vision to life is always rewarding. TIFF gives us access to witness this magic and keeps the thriving art culture in Toronto (and the wider world) alive in an important way.

Finally, here are a couple screenings you could check out in the future!

No Other Choice - Dir. Park Chan-Wook
Steve - Dir. Tim Mielants
My Father’s Shadow - Dir. Akinola Davies Jr.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will conclude its screenings on the 14th of September, but until then, there’s still a lot of screenings (and a couple more red carpets!) going on and events to check out - even after the festival ends. Stay tuned for the wrap up article on the festival :)