What to expect with TIFF 2022: Information on film schedules, TTC diversions and more

For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, TIFF is set to come back with a fully in-person event complete with a series of star-studded events and movie screenings.

The 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will begin on September 8, and it’s set to run until September 18.

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TIFF officials said there would be more than five dozen world film premieres and more than 200 screenings during the course of the festival.

CityNews is taking a high-level look at what you can expect at TIFF this year.

TIFF schedule and tickets

Unsurprisingly, tickets to the signature events were snapped up quickly. Ticket sales to TIFF members began on August 25, and events were opened to the general public on September 5.

However, as of Tuesday, TIFF and Ticketmaster still had tickets for sale to various events. Click here to access the website.

Screenings will be taking place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Scotiabank Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, OLG Cinema Park and online. Click here to view the schedule of events.

During the first four days of the festival, King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will be converted into “Festival Street” from the hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will feature outdoor screenings, live performances and other family-friendly activities.

What celebrities are coming to TIFF, and where can you see them?

TIFF organizers have put out an extensive list of celebrities that are expected to come to Toronto this year.

Among those to be on the lookout for include:

• Harry Styles
• Cate Blanchett
• Hillary and Chelsea Clinton
• Viola Davis
• Hugh Jackman
• Joe Jonas
• Zac Efron
• Ethan Hawke
• Sir Ben Kingsley
• Tyler Perry
• Steven Spielberg
• Taylor Swift
• Oprah Winfrey

For films at Roy Thomson Hall, a fan zone at David Pecaut Square will open two hours before a film screening for anyone who is hoping to catch a glimpse of those arriving on the red carpet.

With the festivities largely concentrated on and around King Street West, restaurants in the area and in downtown are expected to play host to some of the high-profile individuals in attendance.

TTC diversions in place during TIFF

With the operation of Festival Street for four days, there will be TTC streetcar diversions for the 503 Kingston Road, 504B/C King and 304 King routes in place between September 8 and 13.

According to the TTC’s website, the 503 Kingston Road route will run between Bingham and Woodbine loops. The 504B King route will run between Broadview subway station and Church Street.

The 504C King will run with replacement buses and operate via University Avenue, Richmond Street West/Adelaide Street West and Spadina Avenue to get around Festival Street and loop at George Street, Front Street East and Jarvis Street. The 304 King route will run between Broadview and Dundas West stations via University Avenue, Richmond Street West/Adelaide Street West and Spadina Avenue.

COVID-19 rules at TIFF

For anyone attending or working at TIFF, face masks and coverings will be optional. There also aren’t any physical distancing or capacity limits in place.

With files from Melissa Nakhavoly