The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is beginning to take shape, as organizers on Tuesday unveiled the first three world premieres anchoring this year’s Gala Presentations program.
The festival opener will be Apple Original Film’s Being Heumann, the directorial follow-up from Oscar-winning CODA filmmaker Siân Heder. Additionally, TIFF announced the world premieres for Susanna White’s legal drama Prima Facie and South Korean filmmaker Hur Jin-ho’s political thriller The Assassin(s).
Below is everything you need to know about TIFF 2026, from the first wave of films to key dates and ticket windows.
WHAT FILMS WILL PREMIERE:
While TIFF traditionally rolls out its full lineup in waves throughout the summer, Tuesday’s announcement spotlights three big titles. Being Heumann will serve as the official Opening Night Film and stars Ruth Madeley alongside Mark Ruffalo. It tells the inspiring real-life story of Judy Heumann, the disability rights advocate who spearheaded a historic weeks-long sit-in in 1977.
Prima Facie is adapted by Suzie Miller from her own Tony Award-winning one-woman stage play. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo as Tessa Ensler, follows an ambitious, working-class British defense barrister whose life and view of the legal system are upended after she is sexually assaulted by a colleague.
The Assassin(s) is a historical thriller set in 1974 during the real-life aftermath of the attempted assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee. The film features an ensemble cast, including Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho.
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR
For the first time, the festival is introducing TIFF: The Market (running Sept. 10–16), an official standalone film industry hub operating out of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. As part of this expansion, the Convention Centre’s John Bassett Theatre has been added to the festival’s official screening venue roster.
WHEN WILL TIFF TAKE PLACE:
TIFF returns this Sept. 10–20.
