While we may be a ways out from TIFF 2025, there’s another (much) smaller film festival coming to Toronto next week that’ll give cinephiles across the city the chance to see a full suite of films for free.
Hosted by WILDsound, an online organization that plans and facilitates virtual short film festivals every day — yes, every day — the first installment of their free Documentary Short Film Festivals in 2025 is right around the corner.
While WILDsound’s events typically take place online, they also host regular in-person programming in Toronto.
“Toronto is our flagship city, and we do a festival twice a month at the Carlton Cinemas,” WILDsound CEO Matthew Toffolo tells blogTO. “Every festival is a different genre.”
Taking place every three months for the past 10 years, their first short documentary festival of the year is next Thursday, Jan. 30, featuring a lineup of six brand-new docs from around the world.
“There is no direct theme,” Matthew tells blogTO, “just the best of new films from around the world.”
Among the films being shown at this month’s festival are Data — The New Oil by Canadian director Spencer Maurice, which explores the hidden underworld of data mining and hacking and Mad For It: Tim Emmett’s insane life, so far… from U.K. director Jon Glassberg, about the life and escapades of prolific adventurer, Tim Emmett.
You’ll also see stories about wildlife extinction, everyday heroes, environmental protection and art — and it’s all for free or pay-what-you-can.
To cap off the 90-minute programme, there’ll be a Q&A held with the filmmakers behind the shorts in attendance so that you can pick their brains about what makes them tick.
It all kicks off at 7 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the Carlton Cinemas, located at 20 Carlton Street.
While the festival is free, an RSVP is required. If a night of great films that won’t cost you a dime sounds like your cup of tea (and why wouldn’t it?), email the festival at [email protected].
