Join the Toronto Turkish Film Festival at the iconic CineCycle for a special screening highlighting the talent of Canadian and Turkish filmmakers living and creating right here in Canada.

Wed Jul 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM at CineCycle

Canada Day Showcase: Turkish & Canadian Perspectives

Festival Program

This evening brings together an influential room of international filmmakers, cultural tastemakers, and distinguished leaders to celebrate the power of independent Turkish cinema.

Thu Jul 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM at Center for Social Innovation

Reception Night

Celal, trapped in a small Anatolian town, struggles with debt, a failing marriage, and growing frustration. Seeing his wife's hidden money as a way out, he sets a reckless plan into motion that spirals into darkly comic chaos. Blending tragedy with black humor, the film portrays the suffocating reality of provincial life.

Fri Jul 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM at HotDocs Ted Rogers Cinema

Festival Gala: Vavien featuring Guest of Honour Binnur Kaya

Filiz, a working mother battling postpartum depression, finds her search for independence transformed by an unexpected connection with Sule. A poignant look at female solidarity and the resilience found in the most unlikely places.

Sat Jul 4, 2026 | 2:00 PM at Alliance Française

I am Here, I am Fine + Virtual Q&A with Director Emine Emel Balcı

Twelve-year-old Musa lives under the pressure of poverty and his father's authority in a remote village. His fragile inner world, shaped by injured rabbits and childhood dreams, begins to collapse when his father forces him to pretend to be disabled for financial aid. The film offers a poetic coming-of-age story about dignity, freedom, and silent resistance.

Sat Jul 4, 2026 | 5:00 PM at Alliance Française

Empire of the Rabbits + Live Q&A with Director Seyfettin Tokmak

Defne’s search for her abandoned mother leads her to the ancient city of Side, where she encounters a series of mysterious figures who transform her journey into a mystical exploration of identity. A hauntingly beautiful narrative set against the timeless backdrop of the Mediterranean.

Sat Jul 4, 2026 | 8:00 PM at Alliance Française

Apollon By Day Athena By Night + Live Q&A with Director Emine Yıldırım

This screening brings together 6 films: Procedure, Good Morning Mom, The Raffle, All That Belongs To Us, Happy Feet, and Almost Certainly False. The films offer a profound exploration of the human condition, moving from the bureaucratic absurdities of modern life to the intimate echoes of memory and grief.

Sun Jul 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM at CineCycle

Short Film Selection + Virtual Q&A with the Directors

This session brings directors Emine Yıldırım and Seyfettin Tokmak together for a dynamic industry panel and an exclusive masterclass to explore the art and grit of independent filmmaking, from international co-productions to the evolution of storytelling.

Sat Jul 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM at CineCycle

Behind the Lens: Filmmaker Panel & Masterclass

Close your festival journey with two powerful films that explore the intersection of light, heritage, and the persistence of memory. This curated documentary selection takes us on a visual and emotional exploration of Turkish identity and the spaces we inhabit.

Sat Jul 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM at CineCycle

Documentary Showcase: Harvest of Light & Whispering Walls

Binnur Kaya is one of Türkiye’s most respected and versatile performers, celebrated for her seamless transitions between profound drama and sharp comedy. A graduate of Bilkent University’s Theater Department, she is widely recognized for her award-winning performance in Vavien (2009), earning Best Actress honors at the SİYAD and Yeşilçam Awards. Her recent work in the series The Red Room (Kırmızı Oda) solidified her status as a powerhouse in contemporary Turkish storytelling.

Binnur Kaya

Emine Yıldırım

Emine Yıldırım is a key figure in independent Turkish cinema and co-founder of Giyotin Film. She produced the acclaimed The Impeccables (2013), which won Best Film at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Her directorial debut, Apollon by Day Athena by Night (2024), recently won the Asian Future Best Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Seyfettin Tokmak is an award-winning director known for visually striking and socially conscious storytelling. His debut, Broken Mussels (2011), premiered at the Sarajevo Film Festival to international acclaim. His latest film, Empire of the Rabbits (2024), has garnered awards for Best Cinematography and Best Script at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

Seyfettin Tokmak

2026 Films

Building on its founding principles, the program foregrounds arthouse and independent cinema from Türkiye and its diasporas, with an emphasis on works that invite reflection, discussion, and multiple perspectives.

Tickets & Registration

Ticket information for the 2026 edition will be announced closer to the festival dates. Visitors are encouraged to join the early registration list to receive priority access to ticket sales, program announcements, and special events.

For updates on the 2026 festival program, announcements, and year-round initiatives, follow the Toronto Turkish Film Festival on social media and join our mailing list.

Hospitality Partner & Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Community Sponsors