Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Toronto Film Festival Opens With 200 Films and Stars
The Toronto International Film Festival is starting its 51st year.
More than 200 movies will be shown.
Many famous actors, directors and musicians will attend.
The opening movie is about Judy Heumann, an activist who fought for disability rights.
Another new movie tells how Sylvester Stallone worked to make "Rocky."
Chris Rock will show a movie that he wrote and directed.
Other films include stories about spies, racing, family crises and missing children.
Lisa from Blackpink will present a documentary about her solo career.
The festival is also a place where movies may begin their journey toward awards.
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival begins Thursday with more than 200 films.
John Malkovich, Penelope Cruz, Chris Rock, Lisa and other stars are expected in Toronto.
Opening-night film "Being Heumann" portrays disability-rights activist Judy Heumann.
"I Play Rocky" will premiere with a story about Sylvester Stallone's rise in Hollywood.
Films arriving from Venice and Telluride include "Wild Horse Nine," "Elsinore" and "The Debut."
- Who
- The Toronto International Film Festival, filmmakers, actors and other stars including John Malkovich, Penelope Cruz, Chris Rock and Lisa.
- What
- The festival's 51st edition will screen more than 200 films and host premieres and red-carpet events.
- When
- It begins Thursday; the article does not specify a calendar date.
- Where
- Toronto, Canada.
- Why
- To showcase anticipated films, attract audiences and present movies that could enter the awards conversation.
- Festival
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Edition
- 51st
- Program size
- More than 200 films
- Opening-night film
- "Being Heumann"
- Opening-night subject
- Disability-rights activist Judy Heumann
- World-premiere highlight
- "I Play Rocky," directed by Peter Farrelly
- Documentary highlight
- "Always Lalisa," about Lisa's solo career and acting work