Embedded Files
By Hannah Bellantoni
For the first time ever, The Horseshoe was given press accreditation to cover the Toronto International Film Festival. As the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, movie fans came together to learn from the industry experts, celebrities, and up-and-coming directors showcasing their films for the first time. I was provided the opportunity to attend the film premieres of many new movies, including Rian Johnson's excellent new mystery Wake Up Dead Man (see Hannah's review in the upcoming Winter 2025 issue of The Horseshoe). This experience highlighted the festival’s importance to the city and young people from all over the world. TIFF helps up-and-coming filmmakers and students in a number of ways, offering student discounts and year-round passes, as well as volunteer, co-op, and internship opportunities. Industry conferences, panels, and workshops held by experts in their field also provide valuable learning experiences to those fascinated by the world of film.
This year, audiences got the chance to hear from directors, producers, and actors about their favourite movies, as well as vote for their pick of the People’s Choice Award (this year, Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, received the award). Among the many films showcased this year, some standouts were Frankenstein (Guillermo Del Toro), Eternity (David Freyne), Good Fortune (Aziz Ansari), Arco (Ugo Bienvenu), Ballad of a Small Player (Edward Berger), Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie (Matt Johnson) and The Choral (Nicholas Hynter).
It was a particularly special feeling to stand among film enthusiasts from all over the world, and it was those smaller moments that stood out to me throughout this giant festival. A chance meeting with a volunteer on his day off while celebrities grace the red carpet; a conga line forming in the street as a DJ drops the beat; a conversation about Toronto transit with a Chicago podcast writer waiting in line behind me; visiting families and press discussing their thoughts on the events enthusiastically over coffee; seeing the over 2000 dedicated volunteers, first responders, and security personnel giving directions and checking passes.
In the end, this shared energy and community I saw is the heartbeat of The Toronto International Film Festival - a celebration of the city and dedication to filmmaking craft, transforming the way we see the world through showcasing the very best of international film and removing barriers to participation.
For more coverage of TIFF 2025, including Hannah's review of Wake Up Dead Man, check out our upcoming Winter Issue!
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