Compiled by Shaibu Husseini

TIFF Wraps Up Section Specific Announcements
The Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, wraps up its section-specific announcements with another electric and eldritch edition of its ‘Midnight Madness’ programme. Spanning the full spectrum of midnight movie modes, from classic horror and wicked action to absurdist alt-comedy and the return of gonzo documentaries to the section courtesy of Canada’s Matthew Rankin (The Twentieth Century, TIFF ’19; Universal Language, TIFF ’24), the 2026 ‘Midnight Madness’ line-up includes six World Premieres across 10 countries of production. Further assembled within the slate are an awesome array of masked killers, medieval ghosts, drug-addled mobsters, denim-desiring yakuza, amnesiac detectives, martial artist vampires, interstellar infantrymen, competing Canadian politicians, Faustian bargains, existential ennui, and even an infamous talking pineapple. An audience favourite with an ‘obsessed’ following, ‘Midnight Madness’ delivers 10 late-night screenings at the (allegedly) haunted Royal Alexandra Theatre, each starting at 11:59 pm. Hosted by section curator Peter Kuplowsky, the programme invites the Festival’s most devoted and raucous audience to close out each night by diving into the best of the bizarre in contemporary genre and underground cinema, from emerging and established provocateurs.

And the ‘Midnight Madness’ mayhem expands this year, with a special screening of Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi action thriller, Hope, starring Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Hoyeon on Wednesday, September 9, the eve before Festival; and a “return to where it all started” screening of Focus Features and writer-director Curry Barker’s breakout success Obsession on Friday, September 11. As previously announced, TIFF: The Market will host an onstage moderated conversation with director Barker and star Inde Navarrette as part of the seven-day Summit at the John Bassett Theatre; accessible by pass holders and public ticket holders.

The 2026 midnight madness programme will spotlight films such as Anchors Aweigh | Matt Barats | USA (International Premiere), Arrested Memory | SABU | Taiwan, Japan (North American Premiere), HALF | Samjad | India (World Premiere), Kick On | Nick Kozakis | Australia (World Premiere), Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney | Matthew Rankin | Canada (World Premiere and River | Joshua Giuliano | USA (World Premiere and Midnight Madness Opening Night Film). Others are Rogue Trooper | Duncan Jones | United Kingdom (North American Premiere and Midnight Madness Closing Night Film),  The Face of Horror | Anna Biller | United Kingdom (World Premiere), The Spiral | Paolo Strippoli | Italy, France, Belgium (International Premiere) and Vintage Violence | Eugene Kotlyarenko | USA, Japan, which is having its World Premiere. The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 10 to 20, 2026

… Also Set Is TIFF ‘In Conversation’

IN the meantime, TIFF has announced this year’s iconic In Conversation with… series, expanding the festival experience beyond the screen through in-depth onstage interviews with artists in front of a live audience. A Festival favourite, this year welcomes Lee Min-ho, Rachel Morrison, Chris Rock, Andrew Scott, and Hudson Williams to the stage for intimate conversations about their creative journeys, craft, and careers. “This year’s In Conversation with… series brings together trailblazers and extraordinary storytellers for conversations that will offer audiences a deeper look at their craft and careers,” said Chief Programming Officer, TIFF,Anita Lee. “From Lee Min-ho, who became an icon of Korean drama long before K-dramas captured global audiences, and Rachel Morrison, the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, to multi-hyphenate Chris Rock, who has fearlessly redefined comedy, to Andrew Scott and Hudson Williams, whose groundbreaking performances have captivated audiences around the world.”

NIFS Holds From August 25
THE Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) Lagos 2026 holds from August 25 to August 27, 2026. The event brings together filmmakers, financiers, producers, and global distributors to build partnerships and discuss the business of African cinema. It also connects African filmmakers, producers, and creatives with global financiers, distributors, and industry leaders to drive business-to-business collaborations and discuss content monetisation. The focus of all NIFS events has been financing, global distribution, streaming, and market expansion for African cinema. For this year, the summit is free entry for general industry sessions.while participants have to pay for the executive gold badge. The badge provides access to exclusive networking, workshops, screenings, and pitch sessions. To register or view detailed program schedules, visit https://www.nifsummit.com

Entries Open For AFRIFF 2026
ORGANISERS of the yearly Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) have announced that the 2026 edition will hold from November 1 to 7, 2026, at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The 2026 edition operates under the theme, Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative Intelligence, and will feature flagship programmes such as masterclasses, industry sessions, and the Globe Awards. Late submission entries run until August 26, 2026, with official selections announced on October 3, 2026. Details can be sourced at www.afriff.com