TIFF is celebrating its 50th edition with a robust Classics program, presented by MUBI, and supported by Ontario Creates and the Canada Council for the Arts. Programmed by Robyn Citizen, TIFF’s Director of Programming, and Senior Curator Andréa Picard, TIFF Classics offers audiences a curated selection of influential classic films from around the world. Presented in a slate of new 4K restorations, these landmark works return to the big screen to be experienced as they were meant to be seen, and are presented alongside special 50th anniversary screenings of “Jaws” in 35mm. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4th–14th, 2025.

 

 

An exhilarating and eclectic mix, this year’s Classics comprise a wide breadth, from lesser-known films from established auteurs, discoveries, films with rising cult status, and revered blockbusters. Rarely shown and largely out of circulation, “Aniki-Bóbó” is the impressive debut by the late, great Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira; a sly, delightful children’s tale set in a working-class neighbourhood in Porto. Once voted the best Iranian film of all time, “Bashu, the Little Stranger” by Iranian New Wave pioneer Bahram Beyzaie, tells the story of a boy orphaned by the Iraq-Iran war with pathos and gentle humour. Satyajit Ray’s lesser-known modernist masterpiece “Days and Nights in the Forest” is incandescent in this new restoration, initiated by Wes Anderson. Rediscoveries of trailblazing voices include “The Arch” by T’ang Shushuen, adapted from a 17th century Chinese tale and one of the first independent films made in Hong Kong (and by a woman), and iconoclast Michael Almereyda’s hip interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula by way of nineties New York in “Nadja” which first premiered at TIFF in 1994. Finally, celebrating its 50th anniversary alongside TIFF is Steven Spielberg’s iconic summer blockbuster chiller “Jaws,” presented in 35mm as a Canadian exclusive.

2025 Classics (in alphabetical order)

Aniki-Bóbó | Manoel de Oliveira | Portugal | 1942
North American Premiere of 4K restoration

Bashu, the Little Stranger (Bashu Gharibeh Kouchak) | Bahram Beyzaie | Iran | 1986
North American Premiere of 4K restoration

Days and Nights in the Forest (Aranyer Din Ratri) | Satyajit Ray | India | 1970
North American Premiere of 4K restoration

Jaws | Steven Spielberg | USA | 1975
50th Anniversary – 35mm Canadian exclusive

Nadja | Michael Almereyda | USA | 1994
World Premiere of 4K restoration

Sholay | Ramesh Sippy | India | 1975
50th Anniversary and North American Premiere of 4K restoration | Gala (previously announced), co-presented by Classics

The Arch (董夫人) | T’ang Shushuen | Hong Kong | 1968
North American Premiere of 4K restoration

Today’s announcements mark the last of this year’s TIFF Takeovers. Tickets go on sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 15th. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 12th. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4th–14th, 2025.

Previously announced:
Galas And Special Presentations Lineup
Platform Programming & Jury
Discovery
Midnight Madness
Centerpiece
Docs
Primetime
Shorts
Wavelengths

Upcoming announcements:

  • Tuesday, August 12th: Schedule

Key 2025 Festival Links:

What do you think of the films announced so far? What other titles do you think will screen at this year’s TIFF? Are you planning on attending in-person? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.

Avatar photo

By Youssef

I am Youssef, a lifelong film buff on a mission to bring you honest, insightful, and occasionally unapologetically blunt reviews. From Hollywood blockbusters to indie gems, I break down films with a mix of sharp analysis, storytelling passion, and a dash of humor — so you know exactly what’s worth your time, your popcorn and your streaming subscription.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *