The Toronto International Film Festival in 2026 is set to kick off with the premiere of the biographical film “Being Heumann,” as revealed by organizers on Tuesday. The movie, also based on a well-received 2020 memoir of the same title, is directed by Siân Heder and portrays the life of Judy Heumann, a prominent advocate for disability rights. The lead roles are taken on by Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo, playing Judy Heumann and former U.S. health secretary Joseph Califano, respectively.
Siân Heder, known for the award-winning film “CODA” which won Best Picture at the Oscars in 2022, becomes the fourth woman to have her film open the festival. The previous female directors who achieved this milestone were Sally El Hosaini with “The Swimmers” in 2022, Deepa Mehta with “Water” in 2005, and Patricia Rozema with “I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing” in 1987.
Alongside “Being Heumann,” two other films will have their world premieres at the festival: “Prima Facie” directed by Susanna White and “Assassin(s)” directed by Hur Jin-ho. “Prima Facie” stars Cynthia Erivo and tells the story of a defense attorney who is sexually assaulted while representing accused sexual offenders. On the other hand, “Assassin(s)” focuses on the real-life 1974 attempted assassination of South Korean president Park Chung-hee, with Park Hae-il playing a news editor investigating the incident.
The Toronto International Film Festival will run from September 10 to 20 this year, with the lineup for its 51st edition to be unveiled on August 11. Last year’s festival featured over 200 films, including North American or world premieres of highly anticipated releases such as “Hamnet” by Chloé Zhao, “Frankenstein” by Guillermo del Toro, “Obsession” by Curry Barker, and “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” by Rian Johnson.
The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary with a successful edition, overcoming challenges from previous years like the impact of COVID-19 and other disruptions. The festival regained its prominence as an awards season indicator when the People’s Choice winner in 2025, “Hamnet,” received an Oscars nomination for Best Picture.
Since 2008, almost every People’s Choice winner at TIFF went on to secure a major Oscar nomination, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as the “people’s festival.” This track record has attracted studios to showcase their top films at TIFF, distinguishing it from more exclusive events like Cannes or Venice.
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival will span across various venues, including TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre, Cinema Park, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Additionally, screenings will be held at the John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the first time this year.
Tickets for the festival will be available for TIFF members starting on August 21 and for the general public on August 31.