Welcome to the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (September 4 – 14), home of the big anniversary! This year’s edition of one of the world’s great film festivals marks TIFF’s landmark 50th anniversary. In addition, renowned curator and all-around documentary powerhouse Thom Powers (host of the Pure Nonfiction podcast) celebrates 20 years as the festival’s lead documentary programmer.

Thom returns to “Top Docs” to spotlight TIFF’s extraordinary documentary lineup that will no doubt set the table for the rest of the year in international nonfiction cinema. Running the gamut from established directors to breakthrough newcomers; serious topics to lighthearted fare; cinematically challenging work to crowd pleasers, TIFF’s got ‘em all. In addition, in a special treat, Thom tantalizes us with his terrific new book, “Mondo Documentary” — hot off the press — which shares his perspectives on more than 350 films that he has presented to audiences over the course of his 20 years at TIFF. We also dive into the book’s revelatory introductory essay, “How Did I Get Here.” If life is a journey, sometimes it’s fitting to break out the champagne and celebrate those milestone anniversaries.

Thom’s new book “Mondo Documentary” is available directly through Pure Nonfiction Books: https://purenonfiction.stck.me/book/1166355/Mondo-Documentary

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@thompowers1 on Instagram

@topdocspod on Instagram and X/twitter

The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix.