TIFF 2025 Unveils All-Star In Conversation With Lineup for Landmark 50th Edition
Image Credit: Courtesy Of TIFF
Park Chan-wook, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Tessa Thompson, and Nia DaCosta headline a powerhouse program of talks, community events, and global celebrations.
With just three weeks until curtain up, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is setting the stage for one of the most star-studded and culturally significant editions in its history. The festival’s 50th edition, running September 4–14, 2025, promises more than just world-class premieres — it will also deliver candid, career-spanning conversations with some of the most influential voices in global cinema, alongside special community-driven events that deepen TIFF’s cultural impact.
This year’s In Conversation With… series will welcome acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, multi-hyphenate superstar Dwayne Johnson, Canadian favorite Ryan Reynolds, and the powerhouse duo of Tessa Thompson and Nia DaCosta. Each will sit down for intimate, in-depth discussions about their craft, career trajectories, and creative philosophies.
Park Chan-wook — Presented by The Korean Film Council
Courtesy Of TIFF
Known for his striking visuals, precise storytelling, and genre-defying work, Park Chan-wook has become one of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated auteurs. In a rare public appearance, Park will join filmmaker Don McKellar to discuss his career evolution and the making of No Other Choice, co-written with McKellar, adding another essential chapter to his already legendary filmography.
Dwayne Johnson
Image Credit: Courtesy Of TIFF
From WWE champion to one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson brings unmatched charisma and work ethic to every endeavor. In his TIFF talk, Johnson will reflect on his journey from the wrestling ring to producing films through Seven Bucks Productions, and share insight into his collaboration with A24, Benny Safdie, and Emily Blunt on The Smashing Machine, based on the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr.
Ryan Reynolds — Presented by Prime Video
Image Credit: Courtesy Of TIFF
Proudly Canadian with global reach, Reynolds will open TIFF with the premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, which he produced. The conversation will explore his creative process, the influence of John Candy on his own career, and his work with Maximum Effort, his production and marketing powerhouse.
POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP
Tessa Thompson & Nia DaCosta
Image Credit: Courtesy Of TIFF
Actor-producer Tessa Thompson and director-screenwriter Nia DaCosta will discuss their daring reimagining of Hedda Gabler in Hedda, pulling back the curtain on their creative partnership and the risks and rewards of reshaping a classic.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
In its inaugural Close-Up event, TIFF Next Wave will spotlight Korean actors Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, stars of Lee Hwan’s hotly anticipated Project Y. Tailored for TIFF’s Under-25 audience, the conversation will explore their careers, creative collaboration, and crossover appeal from film to K-Pop music videos, including Jung Kook’s Seven and Bibi’s Derre.
Celebrating Community & Culture
Now in its third year, the invite-only Black Excellence Brunch, presented by RBC and hosted at RBC House (Petros82), will once again celebrate the achievements and voices of Black creatives. This year’s event will also honor the 30th anniversary of Planet Africa, the groundbreaking program founded by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey in 1995.
Meanwhile, cinephiles can look forward to the Criterion Mobile Closet, making its Canadian debut during Festival Street (September 4–7). With a collection of 1,700 films to explore, visitors can create personalized “Closet videos” and browse exclusive Criterion merchandise in the TIFF Shop.
A Landmark Year
“As we mark TIFF’s 50th edition, our programming continues to reflect our belief that film and creative expression can spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and build connection,” said Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer.
From intimate one-on-one conversations to street-level cultural activations, #TIFF50 is set to be more than a film festival — it’s a global celebration of creativity, community, and cinematic heritage.
