Ontario 2023 fall film festivals you shouldn’t miss

Northern Ontario

Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival

This annual, international festival screens fascinating documentary, animation, feature and shorts films for both English and French language audiences in Sudbury.

When: September 16-24, 2023
Where: Screenings at various locations throughout Sudbury
Ticket information: Passports and books of tickets are on sale

Food and drink in Sudbury

• From vegan cuisine to patio dining, Sudbury’s thriving culinary scene offers a variety of great places to eat. Local, homemade treats at the Sudbury Market make it a foodie delight.

Places to stay in Sudbury

• Choose from hotels to comfy B&Bs for your film festival getaway.

Things to do in Sudbury

• Savour a delicious cocktail that features unique flavours of the latest seasonal spirits from Sudbury’s only distillery, Crosscut Distillery, wine tasting at Wander Food & Wine or experience Sudbury’s exciting craft brew scene at Stack Brewing or 46 Northern Brewing.
• Take a selfie in front of Sudbury’s iconic monument, the Big Nickel at Dynamic Earth.
• Explore Sudbury’s famous painted wall murals on a self-guided tour, including the mural that pays homage to late-Jeopardy host and Sudbury born, Alex Trebek.

Ottawa

Ottawa International Animation Festival

Each year in Ottawa, animators and fans celebrate the newest collection of innovative and striking animation impacting audiences and the industry profoundly. This animation film festival is for anyone who loves seeing new worlds drawn in colour.

When: September 20-24, 2023
Where: Various screening venues in Ottawa
Ticket information: Tickets and pass options are available

Food and drink in Ottawa

• Pedal to pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes on a group bike from Thursty Pedaler and discover an entertaining way to experience a pub crawl.
• Learn what happens behind the scenes at Ottawa’s craft breweries on an educational bus trip curated by Brew Donkeys.

Places to stay in Ottawa

• Be sure to book your accommodations as soon as possible, Ottawa is home to a wide range of places to stay.

Things to do in Ottawa

• Take a self-guided film tour to the Ottawa neighbourhood locations where popular movies were filmed.
• Discover Ottawa’s many trails and paths by Escape Bicycle Tours or RentABike.
• Learn more about the world around us through nature, art and history at the Canadian Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada or Canadian War Museum.
• Available from May to October, Interzip Rogers offers an exciting interprovincial ziplining adventure between Ontario and Quebec.
• Choose from numerous Ottawa patios to dine al fresco.
• Shop, eat and explore Byward Market with over 600 vendors.

Central Ontario

Barrie Film Festival (BFF)

Over ten days of screenings throughout the city of Barrie feature a selection of independent films with a focus on Canadian filmmakers. You’ll also find unique international films at BFF, ranging from documentaries to family-friendly features.

When: October 13-22, 2023
Where: Check back for updates on screening locations
Ticket information: Check back for ticket information

Food and drink in Barrie

• Build your own tasting flight in the taproom and tour the facilities at the Flying Monkey Craft Brewery.
• MacLaren Art Centre offers numerous art programs and exhibits at its public gallery. Relax at the elegant garden patio of the museum’s café.

Places to stay in Barrie

• Find a list of accommodation options for all budgets in Barrie.

Things to do in Barrie

• Explore Barrie’s public art scene by downloading a city art guide.

Southern Ontario

Forest City Film Festival

London’s film community gathers to shine the spotlight on new and compelling films and filmmakers from the region each year. From documentaries to animation, these films will leave you with an appreciation for the creators connected to Southwestern Ontario.

When: October 14-22, 2023
Where: Various locations in downtown London
Ticket Information: Refer to the film festival page for all film passes and ticketing details

Food and drink in London

• Covent Garden Market is London’s oldest farmers’ market that is open seven days a week. The outdoor portion of the market is open from May to October, shop for foods from around the world.

Places to stay in London

• Find overnight accommodation close to the festival and get benefits for staying longer in London when you book a consecutive two-night hotel stay.
• Downtown London’s historic Idlewyld Inn & Spa offers relaxing services that will keep you pampered and rejuvenated.

Things to do in London

• Museum London provides various art collections and exhibits about London.
• London is known as the “Forest City” because of the abundance of trees in the area. Take the London Tree Trunk Tour, a self-guided tour of tree carvings created by talented woodcarving artists.
   

Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF)

Since 2005, the presence of WIFF in downtown Windsor has garnered the attention of movie lovers for its celebration of Canadian and International films. WIFF continues to showcase compelling and captivating narratives from diverse storytellers and supports excellent programming that recognizes female filmmakers and strong Francophone and LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.

When: October 26 - November 5, 2023
Where: Screenings are at the Windsor Capital Theatre, the Chrysler Theatre and the Armouries
Ticket information: Tickets can be purchased online during the festival or in person at the Capitol Theatre on the day of the screening. Please note that if a screening is sold out, a limited number of tickets may be available at the venue on the day of the movie screening, arrive early for “standby tickets”

Food and drink in Windsor

• Savour a slice of pizza at Walkerville Eatery or Capri Pizza in recognition of Windsor’s unique pizza making history.
• Take a whiskey tour in the popular Distillery District and find out why Windsor is known for its whiskey history.

Places to stay in Windsor

• Choose from a variety of motels, inns and hotels to stay at during WIFF.

Things to do in Windsor

• Located near Capitol Theatre, the WIFF Alley is an urban graffiti gallery with artwork that pays homage to Hollywood cinema.
• Windsor’s waterfront showcases 31 large sculptures in Sculpture Park.

Toronto

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

TIFF is one of the world’s largest and most influential cinematic events as the first film festival of the season to mark the beginning of Oscar buzz each September. The multi-cultural, indelibly artistic city of Toronto attracts eagerly anticipated films by established and emerging filmmakers, accompanied by scores of your favourite stars and endless glamour, glitz and galas.

There are numerous ways to enjoy TIFF. In addition to red carpets and after-parties, there are educational workshops, guest Q&As and screenings that demonstrate the film’s power to elevate, transform and challenge perceptions. Reserve your accommodation well in advance for this world-famous event, where you could meet a celebrity on-screen or off.

When: September 7-17, 2023
Where: Various locations in Toronto
Ticket information: Check the TIFF website for ticket and package options

CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF) 

This annual film festival features multi-ethnic storytelling from established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean heritage. Online viewings are available, in addition to in-person screenings. Festival highlights include Q & A with filmmakers and special events.

When: September, 2023
Where: Carlton Cinema; special screening at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Ticket Information: Tickets and Festival passes are available online

Toronto Independent Film Festival (Toronto Indie)

The Toronto Independent Film Festival honours the best low-budget films from around the world. It’s a great way to discover new, emerging and undiscovered filmmakers before they make it big.

When: September, 2023
Where: Imagine Cinemas Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton Street, Toronto
Ticket information: Ticket sales will soon be available online at the Carlton Cinema website

Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF)

In addition to showcasing Palestinian cinema, TPFF also boasts the rich culture and heritage during the multi-day film celebration. Streaming options are available for viewing.

When: September 27 - October 1, 2023
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox
Ticket information: Buy tickets to see films streamed online or buy tickets for in-theatre screenings.

Planet in Focus

Featuring live and virtual screenings of over 40 films from Canada and around the world that will create awareness and present engaging perspectives about important environmental issues. The opening night of the festival will be an outdoor screening at stackt market in downtown Toronto. A free family program will be at the beautiful Paradise Theatre.

When: October 12-22, 2023
Where: Various screening locations in Toronto 
Ticket Information: Tickets will be available starting September 

Reelworld Film Festival

The Canadian film festival that showcases the work of Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian and People of Colour filmmakers and actors. Enjoy seeing excellent films featuring fresh new faces and stories.

When: November 1-7, 2023
Where: Toronto screening locations 
Ticket Information: Passes are on sale online

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

Enjoy several nights of horror, sci-fi and action in Toronto’s Entertainment District, including Q&As with filmmakers responsible for the indie cult films that will keep you up all night.

When: October 18-22, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Ticket information: Details are available online. Email tickets@torontoafterdark.com for queries about tickets and passes.

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

At Canada’s largest Asian film event, appreciate films created by contemporary Asian filmmakers from Canada, the U.S. and Asian countries.

When: November, 2023
Where: Various locations in Toronto
Ticket information: Find ticket information on the festival website

Food and drink in Toronto

• Culinary Adventure Co. takes you to Toronto’s popular foodie hotspots.
• Toronto Food Tours offers an insider’s perspective on culinary gems like Kensington Market.

Places to stay in Toronto

• King Blue Hotel is located in the buzzing and vibrant Entertainment District.
• The prestigious Park Hyatt Toronto, in the iconic Yorkville neighbourhood offers cozy comfort, sensational cityscape views from its rooftop bar and an impressive art collection.
• Near Toronto’s waterfront, Bisha Hotel boasts suites designed by rock legend and style guru Lenny Kravitz.
• From luxurious to budget-friendly, there are a variety of other places to stay in Toronto.

Things to do in Toronto

• Cinephiles will notice Casa Loma’s unique gothic characteristic in many popular movies. 
• Canada's Walk of Fame recognizes Canadian excellence in various disciplines. Take a self-guided tour and find out if your favourite celebrity has been recognized using the Inductee Stars map.
• Hear spellbinding ghost stories and spooky historical tales on a Haunted Walk of Toronto.
• Tour Ontario Place or the Distillery District on a segway with Go Tours Canada.
• Get around Toronto by bike with Bike Share Toronto, or take a guided tour of the city with Toronto Bicycle Tours.  

From the screen to the stage and beyond, find more arts and cultural experiences and events in Ontario.