TIFF Next Wave 2025

 


 

“Vibrant, eclectic, and bursting with energy, this year’s Next Wave Film Festival promises an authentic and unexpected lineup of films and events that speak to the specific yet universal experiences of young people. With something for everyone, our selections highlight the rising creatives of our generation and the importance of using your voice to find community. The spirit of connection is intrinsic to Next Wave now more than ever, and we can’t wait ​for the festival as a place to spark conversation, discover new perspectives, and push the boundaries of what you thought cinema could be." — 2024-2025 TIFF Next Wave Committee

Make sure you get your Under-25 Free Pass to unlock your free ticket to TIFF Next Wave Official Selection screenings! Tickets for TIFF Members and Under-25 Free Pass holders go on sale on March 19, and to the public on March 21.


Experience Next Wave



List

A bunch of teens dancing and rocking out in an auditorium bathe in pink light

Battle of the Scores + Opening Night Party

Discover the next wave of movie and music talent as four up-and-coming bands compete for one big prize. Come for music, stay for the party!

Get tickets

A woman standing out of focus in front of a video camera

Young Creators Co-Lab

Looking for film inspiration? Hear from industry experts and chat through ideas with other emerging creators in this series of workshops and talks.

Get tickets

Watercolor collage of eyes and mouths

Young Creators Showcase

Short films created for youth, by youth. Featuring dynamic work that spans several genres and formal approaches, together these films capture an honest portrait of what it means to be young today.

Get tickets

Sean Penn's character in Fast Times at Ridgemont High speaking into a microphone wearing a Hawaiian lei with two models standing on either side of him

Loved It: Chandler Levack on Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Chandler Levack revisits the genre-defining teen comedy from 1982.

Get tickets

Josie and the Pussycats posing at a photoshoot

Quote Along: Josie and the Pussycats

Join us for a totally jerkin’ screening of the early-aughts camp classic Josie and the Pussycats, hosted by one of Canada’s top drag queens and star of Canada’s Drag Race, Miss Moço.

Get tickets

Emma Seligman sitting in a studio against a gray backdrop

TIFF 50 Alumni Spotlight: Emma Seligman

As part of our TIFF 50 celebrations, catch a special double-bill of Shiva Baby and Bottoms with rising director Emma Seligman.

Get tickets

A group of teenage skateboards standing around and laughing

TIFF Under-25 Free Pass

Unlock free tickets to Next Wave — plus a bunch of other perks.

Join now

A group of teens forming the Next Wave committee having fun and posing for a photo together in front of a green screen

Meet the TIFF Next Wave Committee!

They curate the festival. Big round of applause.

Meet the Committee

Film Club

Join Film Club to stay updated on upcoming events for young film lovers and creators.

Sign up

Ticket Information

Screenings & Events

Get tickets by browsing the schedule here

Official Selection Films

Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:

FREE

25 and older:

$17

Battle of the Scores + Young Creators Showcase

Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:

$8.50

25 and older:

$17

Young Creators Co-Lab – Individual Sessions

Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:

$8.50

25 and older:

$17

Young Creators Co-Lab – U25 Co-Lab Pass: access to all four sessions

Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:

$25

Loved It: Chandler Levack on Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Under-25 Free Pass Holder:

$15

TIFF Member:

$15

Senior/Student:

$17

Adults:

$20

Quote Along: Josie and the Pussycats

Under-25 Free Pass Holder:

$15

TIFF Member:

$15

Senior/Student:

$17

Adults:

$20

TIFF 50 Alumni Spotlight with Emma Seligman

Under-25 Free Pass Holder:

$15

TIFF Member:

$15

Senior/Student:

$17

Adults:

$20

Free tickets for TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection Films are limited to one ticket per screening for anyone under 25. Make sure you get your Under-25 Free Pass to unlock your free ticket. Pricing includes tax and fees.

TIFF prefers Visa.

2024-2025 TIFF Next Wave Committee

A group of teens forming the Next Wave committee having fun and posing for a photo together in front of a green screen

2024-2025 TIFF Next Wave Committee

Founded in 2010, the TIFF Next Wave Committee is a group of 12 students ranging in age from 15 to 18 and selected from a competitive pool of hopeful young film enthusiasts. Hailing from specialized arts institutions, public schools, and private schools across the GTA, the Committee members’ tastes, opinions, and critical voices are as diverse as they are strong. Some are aspiring filmmakers, writers, and actors; some are interested in learning the business of film and festivals; some like planning cultural events; and some just love movies. All have demonstrated a spirit that has impressed TIFF leaders. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee is charged with planning some major youth-oriented events at TIFF Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival.