A TIFF volunteer takes a photo of festival attendees.

Toronto International Film Festival

Ontario 2023 fall film festivals you shouldn’t miss

A TIFF volunteer takes a photo of festival attendees.

Toronto International Film Festival

Here's a list of exciting Ontario film festivals to check out during the fall film festival season.

Plus get ideas of what to see and do, and places to stay.

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

Places to stay in Sudbury

Things to do in Sudbury

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

Things to do in Ottawa

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

    Things to do in Barrie

    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

    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

    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

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

    Last updated: March 22, 2024

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