Guillermo del Toro Returns to Toronto for a Masterclass in Canadian Horror Cinema

 

A Summer of Screams, Cinema, and Scholarship

Guillermo del Toro, the master of monsters and visionary filmmaker behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, is set to return to Toronto this July—not to shoot a new film, but to teach one. From July 9–13, he’ll host From Rabid to Skinamarink: Canadian Movie Madness, a curated lecture series and screening event at TIFF Cinematheque.

This isn’t your average film festival. It’s a rare chance to learn horror from a legend—right where many of his own masterpieces were brought to life.

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A Curated Journey Through Canadian Horror

Del Toro’s program will feature screenings of groundbreaking Canadian horror films, each selected for their innovation, emotional impact, and influence on the genre. Attendees will experience:

• Rabid (1977) by David Cronenberg – A body-horror classic from the godfather of Canadian terror.

• Cube (1997) by Vincenzo Natali – A minimalist nightmare that changed indie sci-fi forever.

• Ginger Snaps (2000) by John Fawcett – A cult favorite exploring female adolescence through lycanthropy.

• Pontypool (2008) by Bruce McDonald – A psychological slow burn set entirely inside a radio station.

• Skinamarink (2022) by Kyle Edward Ball – A viral sensation that turned analog dread into modern terror.

Each screening will be paired with del Toro’s commentary, offering insights into how these films use lighting, pacing, and sound to provoke fear—and why they matter.

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Why Toronto? A Second Home for the Horror Icon

Toronto isn’t just hosting del Toro’s lectures—it’s where much of his cinematic magic happens. He’s called the city his second home after Los Angeles and filmed numerous projects there, including:

• Mimic

• Crimson Peak

• Nightmare Alley

• The Shape of Water (which won Best Picture at the Oscars)

• His in-development Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein

• TV series The Strain

Del Toro’s connection with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is long-standing. He’s previously hosted masterclasses on Hitchcock, Mexican cinema, and film noir at TIFF Lightbox. This latest series further cements his role as both a filmmaker and educator in the city.

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A Community Celebration of Horror

This event isn’t just for cinephiles—it’s a love letter to horror and a celebration of Canadian filmmaking. It also features a free outdoor screening of The Shape of Water in honor of TIFF’s 50th anniversary, co-hosted by TIFF Lightbox and del Toro.

It's a moment where horror, history, and heart all intersect.

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Final Thoughts

From Rabid to Skinamarink is more than a film series—it’s a crash course in what makes horror tick, taught by one of its greatest minds. Whether you're a die-hard genre fan or a curious newcomer, this event offers a rare opportunity to explore the shadows of cinema through the eyes of a master.

If you're anywhere near Toronto this July, consider this a must-attend. Your nightmares will thank you.