By Precious Ringor
Coming up on February 12 is the 10th annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. Specially curated for filmophiles under the age of 25, Next Wave hopes to “challenge the idea of what a youth film festival should be.” This year’s special event includes a live conversation with Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard (as seen on Stranger Things and It). This event will be available for free on Saturday, February 13 at 6pm.
Kicking off the festival is Battle of the Scores, a competition showcasing talented bands (with musicians ages 14-25) to perform original soundtracks from three short films live. Last year’s competition was in collaboration with Insomnia Film Festival where winners were awarded studio recording time and scoring opportunity to the comedy series Sloppy Jones. Winners to this year’s competition will be announced at the opening night party.
In the past, film screenings were held at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a cultural center located at the heart of Toronto, Canada’s entertainment and media district. As the cinema is temporarily closed, movies are available for viewing through Bell Lightbox’s digital platform. Check the festival schedule for specifics on screening times.
Festival attendees will also have a chance to catch the Young Creators Co-Lab, a space for aspiring filmmakers to network with industry professionals through panels, workshops, and other programs. Single sessions are available for those who cannot commit to a full day of Co-Lab. Additionally, Next Wave will be hosting a monthly Film Club where industry professionals, filmmakers, and film lovers are all invited to secret screenings and many more. Did we mention it’s all for free? Sign up now!
Founded in 2010, the festival was started by a committee of 12 students ages 15 to 18 selected from a competitive pool of film enthusiasts. The committee is responsible for organizing teen-oriented events at the Bell Lightbox theatre as well as the annual film fest. Committee member Julia Yoo shares her excitement about this year’s program, “Going online gives us the ability to grow our community across Canada. [I know] being stuck indoors is hard, but I hope this year’s lineup can act as a reminder of the passion, love, joy, and community that perseveres in the film community.” The group is currently supported by the Slaight Family Foundation Learning Fund and the Shawn Mendes Foundation.
Official Selection films are free to anyone under 25, reserve your tickets now before February 10 as there is only a limited number of FREE tickets. For those 25 and up, tickets will cost $9.
Movie Marathon bundles are also available for purchase online. Pre-purchased films will be available for viewing at the start of the festival and will stay in your virtual Bell Lightbox library for 48 hours.
Stay up to date with festival details by visiting their website or follow @tiff_net
