TIFF 2025 Opens in Toronto with Stars, 290+ Films, John Candy Documentary

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) opened with the world premiere of the documentary "John Candy: I Like Me," attended by executive producer Ryan Reynolds, director Colin Hanks, and the Candy family. The festival, running for eleven days, features a star-studded lineup including Angelina Jolie promoting her film "Couture," Keanu Reeves supporting Aziz Ansari’s comedy "Good Fortune," Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, and others, highlighting TIFF's significance as a major film event. This year, TIFF aims to boost its industry presence by positioning itself as a key marketplace for finished mainstream English-language films without domestic distribution, with films like Steven Soderbergh’s "The Christophers" and Mia Wasikowska’s biopic on boxer Christy Martin drawing distributor interest. The festival also showcases diverse international cinema, including German films and tributes such as Nina Hoss receiving the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. Despite rainy weather on opening day, fans gathered enthusiastically for premieres like Charli XCX’s "Erupcja," underscoring TIFF's vibrant atmosphere and close connection between audiences and stars. Overall, TIFF continues to celebrate global cinema while serving as an important platform for film premieres, industry networking, and cultural exchange.