Here’s what it’s like at the outdoor movie festival in Toronto’s Distillery District
- January 28, 2025
The Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival has returned to Toronto for the 2024 season, giving the city’s movie-goers a screening experience unlike anything else.
Between June 27 and July 21, the Distillery District will be awash in the magic of international cinema with nightly screenings of movies from around the world taking place under the stars in the heart of the Distillery.
This year, the festival pays homage to iconic Italian director and screenwriter, Federico Fellini, in both the festival’s movie lineup and with a special art exhibition, Fellini Forever.
The exhibit, which inhabits a space at 34 Distillery Lane, includes items and memorabilia from Fellini’s creative legacy — from costumes and props used in the director’s past productions to original scripts.
You’ll even get the chance to see his director’s chair and hand-drawn caricatures, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time prior to the show to soak up the exhibit.
Around the Distillery, you’ll also be able to check out a slew of activations and pop-ups by the likes of Birra Moretti, Bacci, Campari and more, offering samples and activities all included in the price of your ticket.
When it’s almost time for the film to start, viewers are ushered to the sea of plush, cozy couches extending down Trinity Street, supplied with popcorn and a pair of wireless headphones that’ll be used to listen to the movie.Once the sun sets, the twinkling lights suspended over the outdoor theatre go out, and the movie magic begins.
One word to the wise; if the summer weather remains on the brisk side through the duration of the festival, be sure to bring your own blankets or extra sweaters; the festival doesn’t provide any, and it can get chilly once the sun goes down.IncluCity will be running a number of special events over the course of the festival, like premiers (opening night saw the premier of Finalemente L’Alba, starring Lily James and Joe Keery), special programs like the Dark Side horror selection and a Closing Gala on July 26. Ticket prices and showtimes range by day, so visit Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival’s website for a complete festival schedule and to purchase tickets.
