What’s Happening at TIFF Lightbox in October 2026
TIFF’s September 29 programming alert announces an October Lightbox slate built around retrospectives, Halloween-season films, special screenings and new restorations. The programme includes a tribute to Iranian filmmaker Bahram Beyzaie, a look at Black British cinema after Windrush, and repertory screenings across TIFF Cinematheque, Wavelengths, Next Wave and other series. Read TIFF’s full October announcement.
TIFF Lightbox is a year-round Toronto film destination, not only a September Festival venue. This guide focuses on the October programme confirmed in TIFF’s announcement; check the live TIFF Films + Events directory for current screening details and ticket availability.
New Theatrical Releases at TIFF Lightbox
TIFF’s October announcement emphasizes repertory, retrospectives, special presentations and restorations rather than listing a first-run theatrical slate. A24 lists October 9, 2026 as the theatrical date for Misty Green, written and directed by Chris Rock and starring Rosalind Eleazar, Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya and Anna Kendrick. That release date does not confirm a Toronto or TIFF Lightbox engagement; the October announcement does not list the film, so check TIFF’s current schedule before planning to see it at the Lightbox.
TIFF Cinematheque in October
- Through the Fog: Films by Bahram Beyzaie (October 3–22) revisits the Iranian New Wave filmmaker’s work. The series includes the new 4K restoration of Bashu, the Little Stranger, along with Downpour, The Stranger and the Fog, and a programme of early shorts.
- Pressure: Growing Up After the Windrush (October 16–28), curated by TIFF Cinematheque programmer Vicky Wong, follows the influence and experiences of the Windrush generation through Black British cinema. The announced films include Pressure, Babylon, Burning an Illusion, The Passion of Remembrance, Twilight City and Lovers Rock.
These are curated series rather than a full list of every October screening. Use TIFF’s official programme announcement and live schedule for the titles and sessions currently on sale.
Halloween Movies and Horror Programming at TIFF Lightbox
The October Halloween selection brings together horror, cult cinema and thrillers, with anniversary presentations and Canadian repertory screenings. Dates and times below are those in TIFF’s September 29 announcement; confirm the current listing before booking.
- Carrie (October 15, 7:30 p.m.) — Brian De Palma’s film in a 50th-anniversary 4K digital presentation.
- Trouble Every Day (October 17, 3:30 p.m. and October 18, 7 p.m.) — Claire Denis’ film marking its 25th anniversary, shown in 35mm.
- Red Rooms (October 13, 6 p.m.) — Pascal Plante’s 2023 thriller, presented by See the North.
- Slash/Back (October 21, 7 p.m.) — Nyla Innuksuk’s film with guests Laura Hall and Patty Krawec, presented by TIFF Next Wave.
- Wolf’s Hole (October 24, 6:30 p.m.) — Věra Chytilová’s 1987 film, presented by Midnight Madness.
- The Devils (from October 30) — Ken Russell’s film returns in a Canadian-exclusive 35mm run. TIFF says tickets go on sale October 14.
Special Screenings, Advance Screenings & Restorations
- The Maltese Falcon (October 3 and 10, 4 p.m.) — John Huston’s 1941 film for its 85th anniversary, on 35mm.
- House of Flying Daggers (October 6, 6:30 p.m.) — Zhang Yimou’s film in a 35mm presentation for From the Collection with Cameron Bailey.
- The Sparrow Dream with Robert Beavers (October 7, 7 p.m.) — a Wavelengths programme with an in-person Q&A and 16mm prints.
- The Burmese Harp (October 8, 6:30 p.m.) — Kon Ichikawa’s film in a 4K restoration.
- My Brother’s Wedding (October 4, 4 p.m. and October 10, 6:30 p.m.) — Toronto premiere of a new 4K restoration.
- In Conversation With… Iain Reid and Ellie Foumbi (October 13, 6:30 p.m.) and Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) with local.global (October 14, 6 p.m.) add author, filmmaker and community programming to the cinema calendar.
Best TIFF Lightbox Picks for Date Night
- For a classic-horror night, pair the October 15 4K presentation of Carrie with dinner or a drink nearby in the Entertainment District.
- For a late-October repertory pick, The Devils begins its Canadian-exclusive 35mm run on October 30; check TIFF for the current screening schedule.
- For a noir double date with film history, The Maltese Falcon has two announced 4 p.m. screenings, on October 3 and 10.
These are planning suggestions based on the announced programme, not a claim about ticket availability. Pair a screening with dinner, browse new Toronto restaurants opening this month, or find more Toronto date-night ideas for nearby plans.
What to Know Before You Go
- Venue: TIFF Lightbox, 350 King Street West, in Toronto’s Entertainment District.
- Ticket prices vary by screening and programme; there is no single October admission price.
- TIFF’s September 29 alert scheduled Member tickets for Wednesday, September 30 at 12 p.m. and public tickets for Friday, October 2 at 12 p.m. Confirm current sales and availability on TIFF’s own site.
- Screening times, availability and venue hours can change. Use TIFF’s live Films + Events listings for final details and ticket purchase before travelling.
TIFF Doesn’t End in September
The September Festival is TIFF’s best-known annual moment, but TIFF Lightbox continues with year-round cinema, restorations, filmmaker conversations, repertory series and public programmes. October’s slate shows how the venue moves between new work, film history and seasonal screenings after the Festival has ended.
More Film & Cinema Events in Toronto
Related Toronto guides and planning links:
- Toronto Halloween events
- Toronto film and cinema events
- Toronto date-night ideas
- Entertainment District restaurant picks for before your screening
- October events in Toronto
- New Toronto restaurants opening this month
- More things to do in Toronto
Programme facts on this page were checked against TIFF’s September 29, 2026 announcement on September 30, 2026. See the official announcement and TIFF’s live schedule for updates.