Toronto Film Festival

5 film festivals in Toronto this fall (not named TIFF)

We all know every September the big movie stars roll into Toronto for TIFF and the city is filled with paparazzi and excitement. Some of the greatest films of the year will have their premiere here and it's always a huge success. But if you've had your fill of TIFF and want something a bit different to look towards or you simply want to carry on the film festival indulgence, then here are five that should definitely be on your radar this fall.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival
This week long festival is every genre fans dream. Starting October 17 and running to October 25, Toronto After Dark will showcase this year's most exciting horror, science fiction and just plain strange films. They've already announced a venue change to Scotiabank Theatre, but are yet to announce their line-up. However, last year's festival screened some of the biggest genre films of the year including V/H/S, American Mary and Rec 3. Keep an eye on their web site for announcements.

Eastern Breeze International Film Festival
The Eastern Breeze International Film Festival showcases short and mid-length films of all genres from around the world containing an eastern taste or philosophy. Playing from October 18- 29, their second festival helps filmmakers just starting out and to supply films that wouldn't normally be seen in theatres for avid fans. A full line-up has not been announced but successful Iranian filmmaker Hamid Jebeli will be in attendance after a screening of his films for a Q&A at the Carlton Cinema.

Planet in Focus
If you want to try something completely different, Planet in Focus might be for you. This particular festival seeks to raise awareness of the state of the planet through the mighty power of film. This will be its 14th year and will begin November 21-24 showing films at TIFF Bell Lightbox. The full announcement of films screening at Planet in Focus will be posted on their website in October so check it out for updates.

Toronto Independent Film Festival
If you're anti-TIFF then everything about the Toronto Independent Film Festival would work for you. Not only does it play during the exact dates of the Toronto International Film Festival, it also uses an identical acronym. But choosing the Toronto Independent Film Festival is supporting the underdogs of filmmaking and that's what makes it an exciting alternative. Playing from September 5 to 15 at the Carlton Cinema, this festival will show everything from the micro budget to the non-budget, but it is all for the love of film and to support indie filmmakers out there.

Rendezvous With Madness
Lastly, Rendezvous With Madness is a thought provoking festival exploring issues concerning mental health and addiction and can boast the world's first and longest running film festival showcasing films addressing these issues. Presented by the arts and mental health company, Workman Arts, each screening will be followed by a Q&A to give the movies perspective. There are a number of screening venues including TIFF Bell Lightbox, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and also the Workman Arts office, which will take place this November.

Photo by Sam Javanrouh


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