After 1,200 film screenings, multiple gala presentations, and 110 red carpets for eleven consecutive days, TIFF50 concluded by honouring outstanding films during the awards ceremony on September 14, 2025 at TIFF Lightbox Cinema. Filmmakers, accredited press and media, guests, and TIFF organizers gathered together to celebrate. As TIFF’s accredited press, Roberto and I were invited so we obliged.
TIFF’s only juried competition, Platform Award, was presented to award-winning Ukrainian Director, Writer, Editor, and Actor Valentyn Vasyanovych’s “To The Victory!”, a unanimous choice from among the ten best selection …“returning us to the very essence of cinema; reminding us why we are compelled to tell stories on film, and why we continue to do so.” We cheered for this win because aside from watching the movie, we had a substantial one-on-one zoom interview with its director Valentyn Vasyanovych and producer Volodymyr Yatsenko a week prior to the award. It was a half-hour conversation that expounded on Vasyanovych’s cinematic vision about post-war Ukraine in the future, highlighting that no one should suffer what they had with war that continues to befall Ukraine.
International People’s Choice Award is a new award accorded to multi-awarded South Korean Director Park Chan-Wook’s film, “No Other Choice.” We had a red carpet interview with Director Park Chan-Wook during the gala night of “No Other Choice.” We asked about the recurring black humor and brutal subject matter in his films, and he responded through an interpreter that “… he does not have that philosophy set in particular; and it depends on the project he thinks of turning into a film”…
We also interviewed lead star, Lee Byung-hun, who conveyed, through an interpreter, that it was fun working with director Park and that “this film is a reminder why everyone calls him a masterpiece”. Byung-hun became the first Korean actor to receive the TIFF Special Tribute Award. Meanwhile, multi-awarded Canadian actor, playwright, and co-writer Don McKellar shared his view that it was not difficult to get on board since he is familiar with the book and director Park.
TIFF50 did not hold press conferences. Instead, it rolled red carpets for the first time. We attended some high profile red carpet interviews which were stringed back to back in a day. Anticipation and uncertainty linger at the press line, waiting for hours before filmmakers arrive. Yet, somehow, the adrenaline rush of a possible encounter often provides a fresh circumspection.
Multi-awarded actor Dustin Hoffman walked the red carpet at the gala presentation of his film’s “Tuner.” We interviewed director Romain Gavras and actress Miriam Silverman of “The Sacrifice”, with actors Chris Evans, Vincent Cassel, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jade Croot, and Yung Lean. For “Eleanor the Great,” director Scarlett Johansson, actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, producer Jessamine Burgum, and writer Tory Kamen spent generous time with our red carpet interviews. Actors June Squibb and Erin Kellyman were present. With the film “Easy’s Waltz”, actors Vince Vaughn, Simon Rex, and director Nic Pizzolato graced the red carpet.
There were 291 films to bingewatch during press and industry screenings, so we maximized our press passes to watch as many films a day. “A Private Life” starring multi-awarded actress Jodie Foster was the first film on day one. Jodie spoke French during the entirety of the film. A few days later, we had a red carpet interview with director Rebecca Zlotowski and actress Jodie Foster. When asked about the value of a second language for actors, Jodie agreed that it is important, being grateful that her mom enrolled her at a young age to learn French in school. Jodie was recognized with TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award for her valuable contributions in paving the way for women in film.
We watched some premium presentations and stayed for the Q & A, such as “Couture” with Angelina Jolie; “Dead Man’s Wire”; and “Easy’s Waltz”. We also watched “The Lost Bus”, “It was just an Accident”, “Magellan”, “To the Victory”, “Frankenstein”, “Under the same Sun”, “Tuner”, “Eleanor the Great”,“Orwell: 2+2=5”, “Franz”, and the Wizard of Kremlin, to name a few.
We had an engaging sit-down interview with the impressive cast and director of the Spanish film, “Under the Same Sun.” When asked about the breathtaking cinematography glossed against the theme of greed and intersectionality of cultures in the film, Director Ulises Porra shared that his film …”questions about the capability of understanding each other and the possibility to step back, the ones who have the power, maybe learn and ask themselves what to do with this power… in order to be part of something bigger”…. Lead actors David Castillo, Valentina Shen Wu, and Jean Jean collectively enthused about their film experience. David thinks that his role was in some way tailored, mirroring some of his own traits. Valentina, a newcomer, is pleased and grateful for all the support. Jean beams that his was a dream role destined for himself.
TIFF50’s “In conversation” series feature filmmakers on stage interacting with live audience for an hour and a half. We were able to catch Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and South Korean Director Park Chan-Wook. Both conversations provided valuable insights about their respective cinematic journeys.
The viewing public voted Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet” for the People’s Choice Award. First runner-up is “Frankenstein”, Guillermo del Toro, and second runner-up is “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” Rian Johnson.
Other recipients include: Best Canadian Feature Film Award: “Uiksaringitara” (Wrong Husband), Zacharias Kunuk; Best Canadian Discovery Award: Blue Heron, Sophy Romvari; NETPAC Award: “In Search of The Sky” (Vimukt), Jitank Singh Gurjar; FIPRESCI Prize: “Forastera”, Lucía Aleñar Iglesias; Best Animated Short Film: “To the Woods”, Agnès Patron; Best Canadian Short Film: “The Girl Who Cried Pearls”, Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski; Best International Short Film: “Talk Me”, Joecar Hanna; Honourable Mention, “Agapito”, Arvin Belarmino & Kyla Danelle Romero; Documentary Award: “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue”, Barry Avrich; and Midnight Madness Award: “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie”, Matt Johnson.
TIFF50’s Closing ceremony was capped with an elegant reception at the scenic rooftop of the TIFF Lightbox building. We had an acquaintance with Canadian lead actress, Star Slade, of the Canadian feature film, “Nika & Madison”, that ushered another one-on-one interview.
Finally, it’s time to unwind and savour the hors d’oeuvres, mimosa wine, and lavazza coffee on a warm sunny day. What an extraordinary TIFF50 experience. ####