TORONTO FILM SCHOOL
CONVOCATION GALA
Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (EST)
CONGRATULATIONS,
CLASS OF 2026!
We at Toronto Film School can’t wait to celebrate your accomplishments with you at Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON.
Dress code: Formal attire encouraged.
For those of you who are unable to attend Toronto Film School’s 2026 Convocation Gala in person, we will be livestreaming the ceremony below. We also encourage everyone to share this link with your loved ones, so they might celebrate with you in this moment of great achievement.
Please note this will be a livestream only and not an interactive online graduation.
Livestream link will appear day of the ceremony.
TYPICAL CONVOCATION CEREMONY SCHEDULE
Graduates begin to arrive 1.5 hours before the start of their assigned ceremony
Collect your gowns and get in place for the event
Doors Open for Guests
Main Doors will open for your guests 1 hour prior to the ceremony; theatre doors will open 30 minutes prior to the ceremony; guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis
Ceremony
The Convocation Ceremony will begin and last approximately two hours
Light Reception
There will be a light reception following the ceremony
GOWN PROCESS
Your gowns will be ready for pick-up at Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street E., on Thursday, November 12, 2026, 12:30 p.m. EST
Once you arrive at Meridian Hall, please enter through the Yonge Street entrance on Yonge at Yonge and Front. Proceed to the Castle Point Numa Lounge, located on the lower level of Meridian Hall.
CONVOCATION DAY ENTERING
Graduates will enter through the side doors on Yonge at Yonge and Front. All guests can enter through the main doors on Front Street 1 hour before each ceremony theatre doors open 30 minutes before each ceremony.
GETTING TO THE CEREMONY
Toronto Film School’s 2026 Convocation Ceremony will take place at Meridian Hall, which is located at 1 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B2.
The main entrance to the building is on Front Street East between Yonge Street and Scott Street. Meridian Hall is easily accessible by car, TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express.
It is a short drive north of the Yonge Street exit Lakeshore Boulevard/Gardiner Expressway.
Transit users can reach us with a short walk two blocks east of Union Station.
PHOTOS
There will be a photographer covering the ceremony and taking photos of each graduate on the stage. After the convocation, we will send out a link where you will be able to download your photos for free.
Special Gift at Convocation
Each year Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, presents graduating Indigenous students with a special gift during their convocation ceremony. In honor of their accomplishment Indigenous graduates are presented with either a Blackfoot Peoples Blanket, a Métis sash, or an Indigenous Stole. These gifts were thoughtfully selected by Yorkville University and Toronto Film School’s Indigenous Student Advisory Council. This wool blanket comes from Boy Chief Trading Post, an Indigenous-owned and operated retail company located on Siksika Nation.
In many Indigenous cultures, the gifting of a blanket is a sacred tradition. Draping a blanket over a graduate’s shoulders tells a story: one of resilience, heritage, and community. The blanket is symbolically wrapping each student in the knowledge they have gained.
“Receiving an Indigenous Student Bursary, and the inaugural gifting of a beautiful blanket at the convocation ceremony was not only a great honour, but was also deeply healing for all my relations,” she said. “Hiy Hiy. Chi Miigwetch. Thank you.”
T. Schenkeveld, MACP 2024
The Indigenous stoles presented at convocation are handcrafted by Yellowknife artist Karen Wright-Fraser. Through her artistry and collaboration with local beaders, each stole represents Dene, Métis, and Inuit traditions. It begins as a Métis sash, features intricate Dene beadwork and moosehide fringe, and forms a scoop at the back symbolizing a traditional Inuit packing parka. Each piece is made with care, pride, and positive intentions to honour and celebrate the journey of every graduate.
The Métis Sash comes from Étchiboy, a Métis company, the sash represents a connection to Métis traditions while supporting ethical artisan partnerships. This sash is handmade on a loom using alpaca wool. Its design is a replica of the Coventry style sash which Louis Riel wore circa 1860.
All Indigenous graduates who wish to receive a gift, must confirm arrangements via an online submission form. This is to inform the event organizers. The registration form can be accessed here. Please complete at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony.
