Your Guide to TIFF 2023
Published: August 31, 2023
This guide to TIFF 2023 provides an outline of another iconic edition of one of the world’s top film festivals. Learn more about TIFF’s highlights, this year’s films and everything else you can check out. This guide will also help you plan so that you don’t miss the screenings that you want to see. Plus, with UP Express, travelling to TIFF Bell Lightbox is fast, convenient, and stress-free. Keep your TIFF plans on track with UP Express to ensure you don’t miss exciting films or events!
The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is taking place from September 7 to 17, and it promises to be another great exhibition of Canadian and International cinema. While new titles are still being released, the lineup is already loaded with films, and stories.
And if you’re wondering how to get to TIFF Bell Lightbox from out-of-town, UP Express provides fast, reliable, safe, and stress-free service from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in only 25 minutes. Don’t forget that if you are from Toronto, you can conveniently get downtown from UP Express Bloor or Weston Stations or on GO Transit. TIFF Bell Lightbox is only a 15-minute walk from Union Station, or use your PRESTO card and take the TTC for one stop to St. Andrew Station and you’re there!
What are the highlights of TIFF 2023?
Running from September 7 to 17, there is so much to see and participate in. Leading the way this year is the World-Premiere of Next Goal Wins, which tracks the difficult path and struggle of the 2001 American Samoa soccer team. Written and directed by Taika Waititi, the film stars Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss.
Are you a Nickelback fan? Whether you are or not, you’ll want to see the documentary, Hate to Love. This production investigates the worldwide love/hate appeal of the Canadian rock band, providing in-depth information that you likely did not know!
Some other highly-anticipated films include:
- Seven Veils, a thriller by Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan and starring Amanda Seyfried.
- Anna Kendrick making her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, a film about the appearance of a serial killer on The Dating Game back in 1978.
- For an animated fantasy film, you’ll want to see Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron.
- Les Indésirables is French Director Ladj Ly’s follow-up to the Oscar-nominated Les Misérables which was released in 2019.
Here is the full list of this year's films, including TIFF Docs, Special Presentations and Gala Presentations, Midnight Madness and Discovery, and the Platform programme from the world’s best filmmakers.
What else can you do at TIFF 2023
The opening night film at TIFF 2023 is Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron. This will be the first time that an animated film or Japanese film will open the Festival as the gala presentation. It will be shown at Roy Thomson Hall.
- The TIFF 2023 Industry Conference will run from September 8 to 12.
- The fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards fundraising gala is on Sunday, September 10.
- The Festival Closing Night Gala features Sylvester Stallone in the World Premiere of Sly.
- And don’t forget the multiple food vendors that will be present!
Where Do You Get Tickets to TIFF 2023?
Make your TIFF 2023 a great experience by booking ahead! Films, features, and galas can sell out fast, so book ahead and get your tickets here, and take advantage of bundles before they sell out!
Did you know? You can receive discounts as a PRESTO cardholder. PRESTO cardholders get 20% off TIFF Memberships, so visit PRESTO Perks for more amazing offers, including:
- Free films
- Year-round discounts
- And more exclusive festival perks!
Remember that UP Express is the fast and stress-free way to travel to the TIFF when flying through Pearson Airport – it’s only a 25-minute ride and trains run every 15 minutes!
And if you live in the city and looking for an easy ride to downtown Toronto – a direct route only takes 8 mins from Bloor Station, and 14 minutes from Weston Station. UP Express will get you to Union Station and closer to all the TIFF action in minutes.
Why is TIFF so important?
Did you know that TIFF is a non-profit, charitable organization? TIFF is dedicated to providing transformative experiences for all those in attendance and treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness by removing any physical, social, and economic obstacles to participation in the event.
TIFF is not only one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, dedicated to providing attendees with the best of cinema from Canada and around the world, but in addition to films, but it also delivers showcases, screenings, lectures, partner festivals, workshops, and professional development opportunities. The festival plays a crucial role in supporting big-budget commercial projects as well as also smaller, independent, local, and internationally-respected releases. This exposure and support also provide exposure and industry buzz for Oscar contenders vying for awards from the Academy.
The Festival also has a big influence through TIFF Community Impact, creating an accessible and welcoming space for participants to grow their creative sides and explore self-expression, social connections, and the sharing of ideas. It’s an important festival for so many more reasons than just film.
Industry Opportunities
TIFF 2023 is also a prime networking opportunity for those in the industry. There is the potential for film sales and distribution deals to be signed and partnerships to be made between industry professionals. If you’re looking to learn more, promote and/or advertise your film, TIFF is the place to be!
Don’t Miss TIFF 2023!
TIFF’s history and importance as a cultural and cinematic event alone make it a must-attend. Add in the star power attending this year’s edition, the vast Canadian content, and the opportunities for those looking to learn more about the industry, and TIFF 2023 will prove to be unforgettable!
Begin your TIFF experience by getting on UP Express and making your way downtown at Union Station from Pearson Airport, or from Bloor or Weston Stations. Don’t miss being a part of history with TIFF 2023, and stay updated by subscribing to TIFF’s newsletter!