My TIFF Experience and How to Make the Most of the Festival as a Student!

Despite living here for three Septembers, this was my first year attending TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival), and I wanted to share what the festival is like as someone with the Under-25 Free Pass.

Under-25 Free Pass

The best way to experience the festival on a student budget is to sign up for the Under-25 Free Pass offered by the festival. While this won't apply to all students, I highly recommend registering if you qualify.

Throughout the festival, I received regular email updates letting me know what films had availability but also what I could get tickets to see for 50% off or even FREE. Some of the free offerings included the world premiere of a TIFF award-winning Canadian film and a couple of draws to see other big names on their opening nights. The pass also provides early access to festival tickets and discounted rush passes.

The pass also has extended benefits beyond the festival and includes discounts on screenings at TIFF Bell Lightbox, the TIFF merch store and concessions stand, free tickets to Cinematheque screenings, and access to other events, like the TIFF Oscars Watch Party.

My Experience

While I only had time to see one thing at this year's festival, I could have made much better use of my pass and its perks by planning ahead, which is why I'm making this post to help all of you make the most of TIFF 2024.

I did get the chance to see Pedro Almodovar's new short, "Strange Way of Life", which was an added screening right at the end of the festival. It is definitely a cool experience to be a part of one of the first groups of people ever watching a movie.

I hope this was helpful for all of you who are curious on how to best experience the festival!

– Annie