We’ve still got about two months to go before the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, and Toronto movie lovers finally have their first look at what’s coming to the city this September.
This year, TIFF runs from Sept 10 to 20, and festival organizers have just revealed the first three films in the lineup, all of which will make their world premieres at the festival. Although no individual celebrity appearances have been confirmed yet, we can likely expect major names like Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, South Korean actor Lee Min-ho and maybe even the Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo!
But first, the films. Leading the wave is Being Heumann, the new film from Academy Award-winning CODA director Siân Heder, which will open TIFF at Roy Thomson Hall on Sept 10.
The film tells the story of Judith “Judy” Heumann, the influential disability rights activist who spent decades fighting for accessibility and helped shape landmark disability rights legislation in the U.S.
Ruth Madeley stars as Heumann, alongside Dylan O’Brien and Mark Ruffalo. The Apple Original Film marks Heder’s first feature since CODA, which won three Academy Awards in 2022, including Best Picture.
Also making its world premiere at TIFF is Prima Facie, a legal drama directed by Susanna White and starring Cynthia Erivo. The film is based on Suzie Miller’s award-winning stage play, and follows a successful criminal defence barrister whose understanding of the legal system is challenged after she is sexually assaulted by a colleague.
And then there’s The Assassin(s), a South Korean political thriller from director Hur Jin-ho. The film is set in 1974 and follows a detective, newspaper editor and rookie reporter in the aftermath of an attempted assassination of South Korea’s leader. The cast includes Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Pachinko star Lee Min-ho.
Of course, three movies barely scratch the surface of what’s coming. The complete festival schedule will go live on Aug 11, but more of the lineup will be revealed well before then. The Gala and Special Presentations lineup will be announced July 20, followed by Platform on July 21, Discovery on July 22 and Primetime on July 23.
Another round of programming announcements is scheduled for early August, with Centrepiece, Wavelengths and TIFF Classics on Aug 4, TIFF Docs and Short Cuts on Aug 5 and Midnight Madness on Aug 6.
Beyond the movies, Festival Street will return to King St W during opening weekend, transforming the stretch between Peter St and University Ave with food trucks and free activities.
The eighth annual TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser will take place at the Fairmont Royal York on Sept 13, although this year’s honourees haven’t yet been announced.
TIFF 2026 will also mark the debut of TIFF: The Market, a new industry event running from Sept 10 to 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre! The event is designed as a place where film and TV projects can be bought, sold and financed.
And there’s a new screening venue this year. The John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre joins returning venues including TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales Theatre, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, Cinema Park and the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
As for tickets, TIFF Members will get first dibs on single tickets beginning Aug 21, with sale dates varying by membership level. Single tickets go on sale to the general public on Aug 31.
Follow @tiff_net for updates.
