Battle of the Scores + Opening Night Party
Discover the next wave of movie and music talent as four up-and-coming bands compete for one big prize. Come for music, stay for the party (and the ball pit).
Next Wave Film Festival
“This year’s Next Wave Film Festival lineup emphasizes self-expression through passionate, diverse, and DIY modes of storytelling and provides a platform for rising voices who thoughtfully disrupt conventions and embrace experimentation. We want the festival to be a place for the celebration of life in motion and the chaos that comes with growing up in this current moment. There is something for everyone at Next Wave, and we can’t wait for it to bring new opportunities for conversation, connection, and discovery.” —TIFF Next Wave Committee
Make sure you get your Under-25 Free Pass to unlock your free ticket to TIFF Next Wave Official Selection screenings.
Experience Next Wave
Looking for film inspiration? Hear from industry experts and chat through ideas with other emerging creators in this series of workshops and talks.
Short films created for youth, by youth. Featuring dynamic work that spans several genres and formal approaches. Together, these films capture an honest portrait of what it means to be young today.
Rising filmmaker Chandler Levack joins us for a virtual Q&A following the Canadian Premiere of her star-studded college comedy, Roommates.
High School Music 3: Senior Year with Miss Moço
Join us for an interactive celebration of the final instalment of this beloved teen trilogy, hosted by one of Canada’s top drag queens and star of Canada’s Drag Race, Miss Moço. So start your vocal warmups to get’cha head in the game for the night of nights!
Creators on a Wave: Alumni Spotlight
In honour of Next Wave’s 15th anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on the young creators who make it possible. See the latest work by Young Creators Showcase and Next Wave alumni, followed by a Q&A on their journeys since the festival.
They curate the festival. Big round of applause!
Join Film Club to stay updated on upcoming events for young film lovers and creators.
Join TIFF Next Wave
Have you ever dreamed of programming a film festival? 🎬
We’re recruiting new members for the 2026–27 TIFF Next Wave Committee! Applications are open to high school students across the GTA. Stay tuned for application kit and details starting April 1.
Ticket Information
Screenings & Events
Get tickets by browsing the schedule here
Official Selection Films
Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:
FREE
25 and older:
$17
Battle of the Scores + Young Creators Showcase + Creators on a Wave
Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:
$10
25 and older:
$17
Young Creators Co-Lab
Under-25 Free Pass Holder/Under-25 Member:
$8.50
25 and older:
$17
Advance Screening: Roomates + High School Musical 3: Senior Year with Miss Moço
Under-25 Free Pass Holder:
$15
TIFF Member
$15
Child:
$15.25
Senior/Student:
$17
Adult:
$20
Free tickets for TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection Films are limited to one ticket per screening for anyone under 25. Make sure you get your Under-25 Free Pass to unlock your free ticket. Pricing includes tax and fees.
TIFF prefers Visa.
The Bennett Family Foundation, The Hal Jackman Foundation, The Kyle Brandon Traves Foundation, and The Rossy Foundation