Announcing Downtown Movies in the Park in Partnership with TIFF, Every Wednesday in David Pecaut Square: July 9th – August 13th, 2025
To celebrate TIFF’s 50th edition, join us for six free outdoor movies under the stars in David Pecaut Square—every Wednesday at 9:30pm, with a pre-show at 9pm. Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, the lineup features iconic films plus pre-show fun like live performances, photo ops, and classic TIFF concessions, including TIFF’s famous popcorn, cold beverages, sweets and cotton candy.
Kick things off at the July 9 launch party hosted by Todotoronto at The Pint where you can enjoy movie trivia, glow sticks, ice breaker games, and more! This is a great way to make new connections and meet friends to attend screenings with. Get tickets for this fun pre-event party here.
July and August grab chairs, blankets and your besties to celebrate 50 years of TIFF, bringing epic festivals, events, presentations, celebrities, arts and culture to Downtown Toronto. Check out the must-see films you can catch for free this summer at Downtown Movies in the Park:
July 9: The Princess Bride
Directed by: Rob Reiner, TIFF ‘87
A story within a story about a beautiful princess, her one true love, and the forces of evil that conspire to keep them apart, 1987’s TIFF People’s Choice Award winner has remained a fan favourite for a reason. Funny, charming, and inventive, with an ensemble cast that includes Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, and André the Giant, this is a crowd pleaser in the best way.
Content advisory: mild violence, some coarse language, diverted suicide attempt, frightening scenes
Introduction by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey
July 16: That Thing You Do!
Directed by: Tom Hanks, TIFF ‘96
Tom Hanks’ directorial debut is just as upbeat and appealing as you’d expect. In the 1960s, a group of musicians in middle America form a pop band. The Oneders — pronounced like “Wonders,” as they repeatedly have to explain — quickly ascend the charts, but success threatens to tear them apart.
Content advisory: coarse language
July 23: Beans
Directed by: Tracey Deer, TIFF ‘20
An insightful and emotional coming-of-age story, Beans recounts the 1990 Oka Crisis through the eyes of a Mohawk girl. Twelve-year-old Tekahentakwa, nicknamed Beans, is navigating the already complex period of early adolescence when the violent land dispute unfolds.
Content advisory: violence, racism, implied sexual assault, scenes of self-harm, coarse language
July 30: The Wild Robot
Directed by: Chris Sanders, TIFF ‘24
Based on the bestselling children’s book, this delightful animation features a robot designed to help humans who finds herself stranded on an island populated entirely by animals. Filled with spectacular imagery and hilarious encounters, and featuring the voices of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Catherine O’Hara, The Wild Robot will charm parents and children alike.
Content advisory: mildly frightening scenes
August 6: The Martian
Directed by: Ridley Scott, TIFF ‘15
After he’s accidentally left behind on Mars during a dust storm, an astronaut (Matt Damon) must survive on the hostile planet without food, water, or adequate supplies. Meanwhile, on earth, a small group reviewing satellite images realize he must have survived, and hatch a plan to bring him home.
Content advisory: frightening scenes, accident trauma, coarse language
Introduction by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey
August 13: School of Rock
Directed by: Richard Linklater, TIFF ‘03
A music-loving slacker (a perfectly-cast Jack Black) fakes his way into a teaching gig at a private elementary school, where he aims to mold his young pupils into his new rock band. Lovingly directed by Richard Linklater, with a script by co-star Mike White, School of Rock doesn’t hit a false note.
Content advisory: coarse language
The feature will be preceded by this year’s TIFF 48 Hr. Film Challenge winning short film, with an introduction by TIFF’s Next Wave Committee