skyline diner toronto

Documentary about legendary 1960s Toronto diner getting world premiere at Hot Docs

One of Toronto's most legendary diners that's been around since the 1960s is getting treated to a new documentary that's coming to Hot Docs.

Skyline in Parkdale is a favourite of many local food heavyweights around town. It was once almost lost for good, and now it's the subject of a short documentary simply titled "Skyline."

It was announced this week that the documentary short was one of just a handful of submissions selected out of about 3,000.

The short indie film was directed by JR Reid, and written and narrated by food writer and former line cook Ivy Knight who co-produced it with Yvonne Tsui. Skyline owners Maggie and Jud Ruhl have been collaborating with them on this project since the spring of 2022.

Andy Shauf also wrote an original song for the doc called Neon Skyline.

The documentary isn't just any average short informational film; it's intended to be moody and light with a bit of a Twin Peaks vibe. It charts a day in the life of the restaurant from morning 'til night, and explains why the Skyline is so meaningful to people.

"This film is a love letter to restaurants and a confessional," says director JR Reid.

Reid is also working on a feature-length documentary about Toronto's larger restaurant scene, so if you're interested in this Skyline short, you'll want to watch out for this.

The documentary "Skyline" will premiere worldwide at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in advance of the feature documentary "I'm Just Here For The Riot." A second screening will take place at the Scotiabank Theatre on May 2.

Lead photo by

Jesse Milne


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Film

Canadian floors Price is Right crowd with unbelievably close bid and makes show's history

Mississauga movie theatre staff screamed at over cricket match in chaotic viral video

Win a Toronto Outdoor Picture Show prize pack for opening night

Streaming platform clarifies situation after viral tweet alleges huge price increase

Free outdoor movies are screening near a major Toronto intersection this summer

You can watch a free drive-in movie on a Toronto airport runway this summer

The internet has a lot to say about one couple in Netflix’s Ashley Madison doc

Huge movie festival under the stars coming to the Distillery District