TFS Students and Alumni Shine at TIFF® 50 with 22 Films Featured on Festival Street
For the second consecutive year, TFS proudly sponsored the TIFF Festival Street Art Market in partnership with TIFF, transforming John Street at King Street West into a vibrant hub of film-inspired creativity from September 4–7. As part of the festivities, the TFS Cinema — a 10×20-foot outdoor mini theatre — showcased a curated lineup of 22 short films created by TFS students and graduates.
Toronto Film School once again took center stage during the Toronto International Film Festival®’s milestone 50th edition this September, celebrating the creativity and storytelling talent of its students and alumni.
For the second consecutive year, TFS proudly sponsored the TIFF Festival Street Art Market in partnership with TIFF, transforming John Street at King Street West into a vibrant hub of film-inspired creativity from September 4–7. As part of the festivities, the TFS Cinema — a 10×20-foot outdoor mini theatre — showcased a curated lineup of 22 short films created by TFS students and graduates.
Located just steps from the TIFF Lightbox, the installation drew festivalgoers and industry professionals alike, offering a front-row seat to the innovation and passion emerging from Toronto Film School’s diploma programs.
Read below for the full lineup of student and alumni films featured at this year’s TFS Cinema Showcase.
59:59
Marky Hugh | Film Production ’26
Run time: 8:05
Synopsis: In this intense psychological short film, Alex is trapped in a dark room, confronted with a life-altering decision. Haunted by guilt over a past mistake that hurt his father, he must choose between saving himself or sacrificing someone he loves. As time ticks away, Alex faces his regrets and wrestles with redemption. 59:59 Time Starts Now! is a suspenseful tale of guilt, love, and forgiveness — where every second counts.
Agon and Eba in Real World with Cookies!
Matthew Jones
Run time: 0:26
Synopsis: A dragon-box creature and a zebra-ball creature drop by a human’s home for a visit — just in time for cookies!
All In, Baby
Olivia-Autumn Rennie | Video Production ’25
Run time: 9:08
Synopsis: All In, Baby follows Ocean Rutherford, a broke but brilliant medical student drawn into the world of high-stakes poker. Living a double life — student by day, poker star by night — she discovers that true strength comes from playing life’s toughest hands with courage and heart.
Calaverita a la Muerte
Luis Pacheco | Film Production ’25
Run time: 10:30
Synopsis: On his deathbed, Catrín confronts Death — not to ask for more life, but to understand why she spared him 20 years earlier. When she denies it, his threat to take his own life forces her to confess: she loves him. Their final, tender moment leaves Death alone forever.