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- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Toronto After Dark Film Festival Returns for 19th Edition
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival is set to make its return from October 14 to 18 for its 19th year, continuing its tradition of celebrating horror, thriller, and science fiction cinema. The festival will showcase 14 feature films and 33 short films, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to diverse genre filmmaking.
Screenings Hosted at Iconic Toronto Venues
Festival screenings will take place at two renowned Toronto venues: Scotiabank Theatre at 259 Richmond St. W and CineCycle at 129 Spadina Ave. Attendees will also have opportunities to engage with filmmakers during post-screening Q&A sessions, further connecting audiences with the creative minds behind the films.
Introducing the Late Night Program at CineCycle
One of the key additions to this year's festival is a new three-night Late Night Programme hosted at CineCycle. According to festival manager and programmer Adam Bovoletis, this segment will spotlight more experimental, esoteric, and lower-budget genre films that push cinematic boundaries.
The Late Night Programme will feature the world premiere of My Love for You is Deep, but the Devil Loves Me Deeper, directed by Casey Donahue. Also playing are Matapanki, a punk anti-superhero film from Chile's Diego “Mapache” Fuentes, and No Longer Humans, a debut feature from Toronto filmmaker Luka D’Andrea that presents a queer love story with a visually impactful and emotional narrative.
Celebrating Genre Films for Every Audience
The festival aims to appeal to both genre film enthusiasts and newcomers. As Bovoletis notes, the experience of watching genre films with an enthusiastic crowd often transforms perceptions about horror films, science fiction, and thriller cinema. In addition to the late night program, screenings at Scotiabank Theatre will include two feature films each day and two short film programs—a Canadian showcase and an international showcase. Canadian short films will precede every feature, highlighting domestic talent throughout the festival.
Legacy of Founder Adam Lopez Lives On
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival was established in 2006 by Adam Lopez, who fostered an inclusive community for genre film lovers. Each year, the festival receives submissions from around 1,000 filmmakers worldwide. The 2024 edition was postponed due to Lopez's declining health, and he passed away on April 8, 2025, after battling cancer for three years. In recognition of his contributions, the festival established the Adam Lopez Audience Award, which debuted in 2025 and will be presented for the second time this year.
Leadership of the festival has passed to Peter Kuplowsky, who has programmed Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness since 2017. Kuplowsky continues to honor Lopez’s audience-first approach while introducing new elements like the Late Night Programme.
Tickets and Pass Information
A limited number of festival passes remain available, as well as single tickets for individual screenings. Festivalgoers can purchase access and participate in voting for the Adam Lopez Audience Award for Best Feature through an online poll sent to passholders following the event.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
While the festival introduces new initiatives, organizers remain committed to maintaining the standards and spirit set by Adam Lopez. As Bovoletis states, the additions complement, rather than replace, the beloved traditions established over nearly two decades, ensuring the festival remains a highlight for devoted fans of genre films.
Source: nowtoronto.com.
