by Adeleke Babatunde

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced the 25th edition of its prestigious Canada’s Top Ten, spotlighting the best Canadian cinema of 2025. The four-day event, presented by MUBI, runs February 5–8, 2026, at the Lightbox, featuring screenings of the chosen features and shorts.

This year’s features emphasize emerging talent and cultural diversity. Four debut directors make the list: Sophy Romvari with Blue Heron (double award-winner at TIFF ’25 and Locarno), Eric K. Boulianne’s French comedy Follies, Kid Koala’s silent animated Space Cadet, and Amalie Atkins’ documentary Agatha’s Almanac. Established names shine too, with Zacharias Kunuk’s Inuktitut-language Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) leading as TIFF ’25’s Best Canadian Feature winner. The lineup also includes Bretten Hannam’s Mi’kmaw-influenced Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts), Daniel Roher’s Tuner, Matt Johnson’s comedic Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, and Alireza Khatami’s Oscar-submitted The Things You Kill.

TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee praised the selections for their innovation and global reach. The program reflects “the remarkable breadth of perspectives shaping contemporary Canadian cinema,” with a strong showing of first-time feature filmmakers.

In shorts, The Girl Who Cried Pearls by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski stands out for its Academy shortlist nod and TIFF award. Other entries include A Soft Touch, Klee, and Pidikwe (Rumble).

The opening ceremony on February 5 will present the second Charles Officer Legacy Award to a Black Canadian filmmaker embodying the late director’s creative excellence and community focus. The award, from TIFF: The Market and CBC, follows last year’s recipient, Miryam Charles.

A February 5 industry session will discuss the Canadian screen sector and the upcoming TIFF Content Market launch. Films will extend nationwide via the Donald Shebib Film Circuit. Tickets open to members January 15 and the public January 16 at 12pm.