Unlike Cannes or Berlin, Toronto has not traditionally been a market-first festival. However, as the official TIFF market prepares to launch next year, Toronto aims to enhance its industry standing by becoming a key destination for finished films, especially mainstream English-language titles lacking domestic distribution.
“With the current uncertainties in the film exhibition landscape, Toronto will provide a vital insight into what distributors believe will succeed in the market,” states Steven Soderbergh, who is presenting his latest film, The Christophers, at TIFF without a distributor. “There’s no better gauge of the industry than those involved in theatrical releases making choices regarding potential successes.”
TIFF 2025, featuring prestigious films, daring debuts, and star-studded dramas in search of homes, might serve as a critical litmus test for the independent film industry.
The Christophers
DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
STARS: Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, James Corden
BUZZ: With an award-winning cast and an accomplished director, this dramedy from Men in Black writer Ed Solomon follows the estranged relatives of a famous artist who enlist a struggling artist to complete his unfinished works.
SALES: CAA Media Finance
CHRISTY
DIRECTOR: David Michôd
STARS: Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster
BUZZ: Michôd directs Sweeney as boxer Christy Martin in this intense biopic, backed by Black Bear and strong U.S. representatives, attracting interest from distributors targeting awards and mainstream audiences.
SALES: Black Bear (international), UTA/AC Independent/Black Bear (domestic)
COUTURE
DIRECTOR: Alice Winocour
STARS: Angelina Jolie, Louis Garrel
BUZZ: Known for her character-centric work, Winocour’s first international feature is a drama exploring ambition and identity in the fashion world, likely appealing to both discerning distributors and broader audiences.
SALES: UTA Independent Film Group (North America), HanWay Films (international)
GLENROTHAN
DIRECTOR: Brian Cox
STARS: Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson, Alexandra Shipp
BUZZ: Making his directorial debut, Cox’s film about two estranged brothers facing a family business crisis is supported by a blend of British talent and Hollywood stars, appealing to buyers looking for character-driven narratives.
SALES: Protagonist Pictures
