SPOTLIGHT
SHOWTIME AT IFFSA 2026
IFFSA celebrates the enduring legacy of Dharmendra with a rare theatrical presentation of Anupama, the musical celebration Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and Garam Dharam, a spirited reception raising a glass to the charisma and enduring screen presence of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons.
The International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto returns for its landmark 15th edition, October 8-18, 2026, bringing together a sweeping selection of South Asian and diaspora cinema, major premieres, acclaimed filmmakers and special events across 11 days.
Featuring 120+ films and 50+ events, IFFSA 2026 opens with Afghan auteur Shahrbanoo Sadat’s No Good Men, the Opening Film of the 2026 Berlinale, alongside Thane Economou’s Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, starring Kal Penn, Linda Hamilton and Abbie Cornish.
The festival’s Gala Premieres continue with Rubaiyat Hossain’s Difficult Bride, Ian Bawa’s Strong Son, Tribeny Rai’s Shape of Momo, Biju Kurup’s An Ode to Black Ants, Sukh Sanghera’s BTown and Khizer Khani’s Midnight Dreamers, while Jean Renoir’s The River receives a landmark presentation as the festival’s Closing Film. Together, they form part of a much larger program spanning features, shorts and new voices from across Canada, South Asia and its global diaspora.
Beyond the premieres, IFFSA celebrates the enduring legacy of Dharmendra with a rare theatrical presentation of Anupama, the musical celebration Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and Garam Dharam, a spirited reception raising a glass to the charisma and enduring screen presence of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons.
A still from The Last Session.
The 15th edition also expands beyond the screen through the IFFSA Film Summit, featuring masterclasses, filmmaker conversations and industry exchange, alongside live performances, receptions and special gatherings across the festival’s 11 days of cinema, ideas and connection.
Discover the complete IFFSA Toronto 2026 program, tickets and special offers at IFFSAToronto.com.