Soyeb Sikder Invited to Toronto International Film Festival
From Bangladesh, Soyeb Sikder, Deputy Chief Reporter of Daily Bangladesh Time, has been invited as a journalist to cover the festival. He received his invitation on July 29, marking the first time he has been formally invited to TIFF.
Canada’s biggest film celebration, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), is set to begin on September 4 and will run until September 14. This year, organizers have announced the screening of around 250 films as the festival marks its 50th edition, with Toronto’s iconic Lighthouse venue adorned in a festive new look.
TIFF, widely regarded as one of the most influential film festivals in the world, features films from across the globe, including Bangladesh. Filmmakers, producers, actors, actresses, and media professionals from various countries attend the event as special guests.
From Bangladesh, Soyeb Sikder, Deputy Chief Reporter of Daily Bangladesh Time, has been invited as a journalist to cover the festival. He received his invitation on July 29, marking the first time he has been formally invited to TIFF.
Speaking about the honor, soyeb Sikder said:“First, I would like to thank the TIFF family for extending this invitation to me. The festival begins on September 4, and it will give me the opportunity to experience their films and culture, and to share that with audiences back home. Unfortunately, my Canadian visa application was rejected on August 14, which was disheartening. However, I have already informed the TIFF organizers and plan to reapply. Please keep me in your prayers so that I can attend the festival and return safely to my country.”
TIFF typically spans 10 days, beginning the Thursday after Canada’s Labour Day, and screens 300–400 films to an audience of more than 250,000 people. It has become a vital platform for launching new films, often influencing awards season. For example, Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker (2008), a low-budget drama about the Iraq war, secured U.S. distribution after receiving positive reviews at TIFF and later went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Because TIFF coincides with the start of the autumn film season—when studios roll out their Oscar campaigns—many films make their debut at the festival, generating early buzz. Alongside international releases, TIFF is also a premier showcase for Canadian cinema, with dedicated programs highlighting local short films and debut features.
Several jury awards are presented at the festival, including Best Canadian Feature Film and Best Canadian Short Film. The prestigious People’s Choice Award has previously honored global favorites such as Chariots of Fire (1981), American Beauty (1999), and Slumdog Millionaire (2008). In 2009, TIFF expanded its lineup with the “Midnight Madness” section, celebrating cult-favorite genres alongside mainstream hits.
Established in 1976 as the “Festival of Festivals,” TIFF initially focused on screening selections from other festivals. Over time, it has grown into one of the world’s largest annual showcases of cinema, drawing both industry professionals and the general public. It was officially renamed the Toronto International Film Festival in 1995. Since 2010, TIFF has been headquartered at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a cultural complex featuring cinemas, galleries, and film resources.
