Day 1 of TIFF! And it was pouring rain! Despite the heavy rain, all the umbrellas.. nothing stopped TIFF film enthusiasts attending Day 1 !
Driver’s Ed screening was at Scotiabank Cinema. A film about the journey of four high school students who go on an adventure in their driver’s education car in search of one guy’s girlfriend who’s at college. It’s a fun and hilarious action packed film with non-stop banter and slapstick type humour.
Young actors with lots of character and a school Principal and driver’s ed instructor who have even more character! Recommended for all ages especially high school and college-aged viewers for high energy fun! (See Day 9 for the Red Carpet photos at RTH!)
NINO screening at Scotiabank Cinema – Quebec actor Théodore Pellerin steals the show with his brilliant acting in this drama about a young man diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to keep it private but also longing for his friend to accompany him to his first cancer treatment sessions.
The film deals brilliantly with his feelings about his former girlfriend and his surprising cancer diagnosis. The definition of true friendship. A beautiful and emotional film in French with subtitles. (See Day 4 for the photo shoot at TIFF Lightbox) As always Quebec’s Théodore Pellerin is excellent.
Unveiling Canada Walk of Fame – TIFF 50th Anniversary
Let’s Celebrate 50 years of TIFF! This year is a very special anniversary for TIFF. The 50th year!
Day 1 at 4pm outside in front of TIFF Lightbox, a gathering of onlookers surrounded the presentation area. A time to celebrate all that TIFF has done for the film industry, for film lovers and for our city Toronto over the decades. Overseeing the Unveiling was Jeffrey Latimer of Canada’s Walk of Fame. He was joined by Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Nick Di Donato, Randy Lennox and other special guests.
The CWF plaque… located right in front of TIFF Lightbox is beautiful, makes us feel very proud and appreciative of the importance of the Toronto International Film Festival – TIFF. Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a testament acknowledging the accomplishments of Canadians who have excelled in their respective fields. On King Street West, Toronto, Ontario Canada
What a rush! My first day shooting the red carpet at TIFF 2025, and it was for the film, I Like Me. The energy hit me the moment I stepped onto King Street — lights flashing, fans pressed against the barricades, everyone buzzing with excitement. I found my spot among the photographers, heart pounding, camera ready.
The cast arrived all smiles and sparkle, clearly soaking it in. The director paused for a few extra poses, which gave me a perfect shot — that magic mix of confidence and nerves. I could feel the movie’s message of self-acceptance in the air. Everyone seemed genuinely proud to be there. When the crowd cheered as the stars headed inside, I finally exhaled.
My first TIFF red carpet shoot of 2025. I could hardly wait to do it all again for day 2
We attended the red carpet and decided to see one more movie that night – A pleasant surprise during the opening night was Sentimental Value at Prince Of Wales. It involved a family, sisters Nora and Agnes who reconnected with their estranged father, Gustav, a “past his prime director” who offered a stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film.
When Nora eventually turned it down, she soon discovered he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star, the two sisters must maneuver their complicated relationship with their father, then deal with an American actress who comes into their complex family life.
It was the last event for Day #1 for the red carpet – NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Walking the red carpet with the cast/crew was our mayor – Olivia Chow, a fun group of people being cordial to the crowd and media as it was a very eventful first day of TIFF50.
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