TFS Returns to TIFF® with Expanded Industry Presence, Including First-Ever TIFF The Market Panel
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TORONTO, ON, September 10, 2026 – Toronto Film School is returning to the Toronto International Film Festival® this month with its most expansive presence yet, spanning a new panel at TIFF The Market, a street-level booth on Festival Street, and a campus-to-festival Industry Tour. The festival’s lineup also includes work from several Toronto Film School (TFS) alumni.
TFS Joins Newly Launched TIFF The Market as an Official Sponsor
New this year, TIFF has launched TIFF The Market, bringing together the global film, series, and innovation industry at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to advance creative and commercial projects across the screen sector. The Market includes a Deal-Making Hub for international buyers, sales agents, and producers; a Project IP Market connecting book publishers, creators, and IP holders with studio financiers; Market Screenings offering tailored showcases for targeted audiences and buyers; and a Summit and Labs program of keynotes, panels, and talent development sessions.
TFS is an official partner of TIFF The Market and will, for the first time, host a panel at the event. Moderated by TFS President Andrew Barnsley, the September 11 panel—Adapting Real Stories Without Losing the Truth—will explore how filmmakers transform real experiences into stories that connect with audiences while staying true to their origins. A panel consisting of filmmakers, producers, and executives will discuss the creative and business challenges of adapting real stories for film and television, from finding a narrative’s emotional core to navigating development, financing, rights, production realities, and industry partnerships.
“Hosting a panel at TIFF The Market for the first time is a tremendous milestone for Toronto Film School,” Barnsley said. “It’s a chance to bring our students and faculty into the same room as the people shaping the future of the industry, and to show what our community has to offer.”
The panelists will include:
- Barbara Mamabolo, Executive in Charge of Current Production, CBC Drama
- Caleigh Bacchus, Film & TV Writer
- Carolyn Mauricette, Director of Canadian Programming, Fantasia International Film Fest
- Emilija Davidovic, Producer; Program Director, Film and TV Production at Toronto Film School
TFS at the TIFF Art Market
From September 10–13, TFS will host a booth at the TIFF Art Market, located at the intersection of King St. and John St.—just steps from the TIFF Lightbox. For the third consecutive year, the booth will feature the TFS Cinema, a 10×20-foot outdoor mini theatre screening a curated selection of TFS student and alumni short films over the festival’s opening weekend, giving festival-goers, industry professionals, and prospective students an up-close look at the creativity and craft emerging from TFS’s diploma programs.
The Admissions and Outreach teams will also be on hand at the booth to speak with festival-goers about TFS’s programs and answer questions.
TIFF x TFS Industry Tour
On Saturday, September 12, TFS Admissions will host an Industry Tour for prospective students, offering a campus tour, a look at TFS’s program offerings, and the chance to meet faculty. Participants will then be invited to the TFS booth at the TIFF Art Market. Prospective students who complete their application to a full-time TFS program, attend the Industry Tour, and visit the Art Market booth will be eligible to win a $5,000 bursary** toward their tuition.
Make It to TIFF with TFS 2026
Toronto Film School’s Make It to TIFF with TFS campaign returned this year, giving away 15 passes to TIFF The Market. Ten passes will go to current students and alumni, and five will go to prospective students who apply to a full-time TFS program for the October intake.
Students Invited to the Student Academy Awards
TIFF is also giving TFS students the opportunity to attend the Student Academy Awards on September 14 at the TIFF Lightbox. The annual awards celebrate the best student films from colleges and universities worldwide across Animation, Documentary, Live Action Narrative, and Alternative/Experimental categories. Past winners have gone on to receive 70 Academy Award nominations, including Oscar winners Spike Lee, Robert Zemeckis and Pete Docter.
TIFF is also offering a range of free, year-round opportunities for students, including the Under 25 Free Pass and TIFF Next Wave.
TFS Talent at TIFF
TFS’s presence at this year’s festival also extends to the screen, with several alumni contributing to productions in this year’s TIFF lineup):
- Chris Hatcher – Executive Producer, Below
- Moe Rai – Line Producer and Production Manager, Neverman
- Laura Loaiza – B Camera 2nd AC, Being Heumann
- Sebastian Ponton – Props Assistant, Being Heumann
- Jason Gosbee – Stunt Coordinator, In the Heart of the South
- Yazan Kalaldeh – Electrician, Love is the monster
- Romanesh Reynoso – Gaffer, Love is the monster
About Toronto Film School
Toronto Film School is an internationally recognized career college that prepares students for jobs in film, TV, video games, and graphic design. A faculty of industry professionals brings real-world expertise to the school’s curriculum through a focus on practical experience, networking opportunities, and portfolio building. Students can choose from a variety of on-campus and online accelerated diploma programs, graduating industry ready in 12–24 months. For more information, please visit www.torontofilmschool.ca. Connect with us on Instagram @torontofilmschool, X @TOFilmSchool, Facebook at /TorontoFilmSchool, LinkedIn at /toronto-film-school and YouTube @TorontoFilmSchool1.
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