From classroom to red carpet: Students cover TIFF 2025
TIFF red carpet premiere of John Candy: I Like Me (2025), captured by Media Production student Michael El-Hashwa. Photo courtesy of Michael El-Hashwa.
The Toronto International Film Festival (external link, opens in new window) (TIFF) continues to be a platform where The Creative School demonstrates its creativity, talent, and industry impact. This year, students and alumni contributed both on screen and behind the scenes by covering premieres, conducting interviews, and capturing the energy of one of the world’s most celebrated film festivals.
From reporting to volunteering, Media Production (opens in new window) students Dev Desai, Michael El-Hashwa, Tessa Squissato, and Renée Matheson engaged with the festival in multiple ways: Desai represented Met Radio 1280 AM (external link, opens in new window) with red carpet coverage, interviews, and reviews; El-Hashwa and Squissato reported and photographed for Bits and Pieces (external link, opens in new window) , a multi-media creative collective founded by RTA alumni. “My work at TIFF 2025 as a volunteer has allowed me to meet like-minded individuals with the same passion and appreciation for film as I do,” said Matheson.
The Creative School’s impact at TIFF extends to the big screen, with incredible alumni work screening at the festival. Learn more about the alumni directors to watch for here (opens in new window) .
Media production student Dev Desai interviewing American actress and model Barbie Ferreira. Photo courtesy of Dev Desai.
Media Production student Renée Elizabeth showcasing her TIFF 2025 volunteer lanyard and shirt. Photo courtesy of Renée Matheson.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.