november film festivals toronto

The top 13 film festivals in Toronto this November

Toronto has more than a few film festivals on tap for November, so movie buffs are in luck. You'll find festivals that cater to specific genres and some that offer a little bit of everything. These events may not be star spangled like TIFF, but that doesn't mean they're not worth checking out.

Here are my picks for the top November film festivals in Toronto.

Air Canada enRoute Film Festival (November 4)
The Air Canada enRoute Film Festival will bring Canadian short films to the Yonge-Dundas Cineplex Cinemas for a one day event. If you want a say in what will play, vote online now - the top voted films will be screened at the fest.

Reel Asian Film Festival (November 5-15)
Canada's largest pan-Asian film festival is returning to Toronto for its 19th year on November 5th. The festival screens local and international features and shorts that focus on different aspects of the Asia diaspora. At the fest you'll be able to catch Driving With Selvi, Siti, and many more.

International Diaspora Film Festival (November 6-8)
The three-day fest will include works from both established and emerging filmmakers that focus on migration, immigration, and cultural diversity. This year's lineup includes The President, The Paradise Suite, Fifi Howls from Happiness, and more.

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival (November 6-14)
The Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival returns to the TIFF Bell Lightbox for its 23rd edition. Over the course of nine days, the fest will show almost 40 short and feature films that delve into the facts and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction. There will also a a multi-media installation exhibition, if you prefer galleries over theatres (or want to take on both).

Toronto International Short Film Festival (November 11-13)
If you prefer shorts over feature films, you're in luck this month. The Toronto International Short Film Festival will be taking over Carlton Cinemas for a three-day stint. The fest will feature 67 films from 13 countries. You can check out the full schedule here.

Toronto Polish Film Festival (November 11-15)
Revue Cinema will be hosting the 7th edition of Toronto Polish Film Festival mid November. The event will showcase documentaries, shorts, and feature films by Polish filmmakers. The lineup includes Ben's at Home, Grain of Truth, and Jurek. Check out what else the fest has to offer here.

Syria Film Festival (November 13-15)
The Syrian Film Festival highlights the voices and experiences of Syrians, bringing awareness to the struggles faced by refugees. Head to the AGO to see eight features and shorts over the course of the three-day festival. Aside from films, the festival will also include a photo exhibit about the conflict.

European Union Film Festival (November 14-28)
Experience 28 films from 28 counties at the European Union Film Festival. The lineup includes The Enemy Within, Body, and Sworn Virgin. General Admission is free to all films.

Icelandic Film Festival (November 15)
The Icelandic Film Festival is much shorter than the others on this list, but that doesn't mean it's not worth attending. The single-day festival showcases three shorts and one full-length documentary. If you want to attend more Icelandic-themed events, there are a few more this November.

Pomegranate Film Festival (November 15-22)
Head to the Pomegranate Film Festival, kicking off November 15th, to catch some Armenian flicks. This year's event will feature everything from animated films to dramatic features. The lineup includes Straw Dolls, Our Atlantis, and many more.

Regent Park Film Festival (November 18-21)
The Daniels Spectrum will be taken over by the Regent Park Film Festival, starting on the 18th. At the event, you'll see local and international independent flicks that relate to our inner-city communities. Peppered between the films are a few workshops and discussions. See the detailed schedule here.

Reel Awareness Festival (November 19-22)
If you prefer documentaries over dramas, the Reel Awareness Festival will be right up your alley. The movies screened at this event focus on human rights issues around the globe, and aim to educate audiences and foster change. You can check out the schedule here.

Blood in the Snow Film Festival (November 27-29)
If you didn't get enough thrills and chills at Toronto After Dark, head to the Blood in the Snow Film Festival at the end of the month. The event flaunts a roster of contemporary Canadian horror shorts and feature films that will curb your craving for all things frightful. You can see this year's full line-up here.

What did I miss? Add some more November film events to the comments.

Lead still from Driving with Selvi


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