The TIFF Effect: Why Toronto’s Film Festival is Crucial to the Future of Cinema

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has grown into one of the most influential cultural events in the world, playing a central role in how films are discovered, experienced, and celebrated. Its importance extends far beyond red carpets and premieres; TIFF strengthens film culture by emphasizing the value of festivals, bringing audiences back into theatres, supporting emerging filmmakers, and serving as a crucial launching pad for awards season contenders.

Film festivals are essential to cinema because they create spaces where films are treated as cultural events rather than disposable entertainment. TIFF excels in this regard by placing audiences at the heart of the experience. Unlike many major festivals that prioritize industry professionals, TIFF is famously audience-driven, welcoming the public to attend screenings, Q&As, and premieres. This approach reinforces the idea that films ultimately exist for viewers, not just critics or executives. The excitement of sold-out screenings and engaged audiences transforms films into shared experiences, reminding us why cinema has historically been such a powerful communal art form.

In an era dominated by streaming platforms and at-home viewing, TIFF plays a critical role in bringing people back to watch films in person. The festival fills theatres across downtown Toronto, creating a citywide celebration of cinema that highlights the unique emotional impact of seeing films on the big screen. Collective laughter, stunned silence, and spontaneous applause add layers to the viewing experience that simply cannot be replicated at home. By championing theatrical exhibition, TIFF helps sustain cinemas and reinforces the cultural importance of watching films together, especially at a time when the future of moviegoing often feels unclear.

TIFF is also a vital platform for emerging filmmakers. For new directors, writers, and actors, being selected for the festival can be career-defining. TIFF offers visibility that few other events can match, connecting fresh voices with international audiences, distributors, critics, and industry leaders. Sections dedicated to new talent allow filmmakers who may lack major studio backing to showcase bold, personal, or unconventional work. Many acclaimed careers have been launched or accelerated at TIFF, proving that festivals remain essential incubators for innovation and artistic risk-taking. By supporting emerging talent, TIFF helps ensure that cinema continues to evolve rather than stagnate.

Beyond discovery and exhibition, TIFF has become one of the most important gateways to awards season. Its early-fall timing positions it perfectly to introduce films that will dominate critical conversations for months. Audience reactions at TIFF often serve as an early indicator of which films will resonate with wider audiences and awards voters. A strong reception can generate buzz, secure distribution, and shape marketing campaigns heading into the Oscars and other major ceremonies.

TIFF’s reputation for highlighting emotionally engaging, crowd-pleasing films has made it a trusted tastemaker within the industry. There is a consensus that if you want to win an Academy Award, your film must go through TIFF, and while that isn’t always the case, it usually is.

Ultimately, the Toronto International Film Festival matters because it brings together all the essential elements of a healthy film culture: audiences, artists, industry, and community. It celebrates cinema as a shared experience, supports the next generation of filmmakers, and helps identify the year’s most important films. In doing so, TIFF doesn’t just reflect the state of cinema—it actively shapes its future.