TIFF 2025 to open with documentary on Canadian comedian John Candy

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to open with a documentary celebrating Canadian comedy legend John Candy.

John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, will have its world premiere on Sep. 4 at Roy Thomson Hall.

The documentary will feature the Toronto-raised comedian and actor's life on- and off-camera, with exclusive home videos, family interviews and collaborators' recollections to showcase the legacy of his career spanning over two decades, the festival announced in a news release Wednesday.

"Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart," TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said in the release.

"For us, it's the perfect way to kick off TIFF's 50th edition."

Born in Newmarket, Ont., Candy first joined improv troupe The Second City Toronto in 1973. He joined the cast of its television show SCTV three years later, which went on to win two writing Emmys and an ACTRA award.

Candy was 43 years old when he died from a heart attack on Mar. 4, 1994 while filming Wagons East in Mexico.

John Candy: I Like Me will stream on Amazon Prime Video this fall after its premiere at the festival.

The 11-day festival runs Sept. 4 to 14. A full lineup is yet to be announced. Currently there is a free collection containing objects related to Candy's life and career, donated by his wife Rose Candy, at the TIFF Film Reference Library.