September 2, 2011 to March 2012
in the Canadian Film Gallery

From the "body horror" classics of David Cronenberg to the teenage werewolves of the Ginger Snaps trilogy, from the comic-book realms of Bulletproof Monk and Defendor to the delicously gory dystopia of Repo! The Genetic Opera and the breathtaking dream worlds of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, the genre of sci-fi horror and fantasy have had a long history in Canadian film, and over the decades Canadian costume designers and craftspeople have made outstanding contributions in bringing these otherworldly visions to life. TIFF's Film Reference Library has partnered with the Canadian Alliance of Film and Television Costume Arts and Design (CAFTCAD) to present such visions to our audiences in this new exhibition in the Canadian Film Gallery. Get ready to explore and celebrate some of the most fantactical achievements in Canadian costume design.

Hours of Operation

Film Reference Library &
Canadian Film Gallery

12:00pm – 5:00pm Tuesday
12:00pm – 5:00pm Wednesday
12:00pm – 7:00pm Thursday
12:00pm – 5:00pm Friday
12:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday
12:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday

Closed on Mondays

Talks & Tours


In conjunction with Otherworldly: The Art of Canadian Costume Design, we present three special events that celebrate the achievements and creativity of Canadian costume designers working fantasy, horror and science fiction films.

From Concept to Reality:
Creating an Extraordinary
Creature Called "Dren" with Amro
Attia and Alex Kavanagh

Wednesday, October 12
7:00 pm

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in an intimate salon-style session with creature designer Amro Attia and costume designer Alex Kavanagh, as they take us behind the scenes of Vincenzo Natali's Splice and discuss the processes involved in the development of its genetically altered protagonist, Dren.

Curatorial Perspectives Tour
with Sylvia Frank

Saturday, October 29
11:00 am

Sylvia Frank, Director of the Film Reference Library and curator of Otherworldly: The Art of Canadian Costume Design, offers an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition and an in-depth look at its creation, including its original conception, the selection process and design parameters.

The Reality of Fantasy
with Monique Prudhomme

Monday, November 14
7:00 pm

We are pleased to welcome Academy Award-nominated costume designer Monique Prudhomme (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) to present the keynote talk for Otherworldly, which will focus on the process of creating fantastical costumes by finding, adapting and transforming elements from contemporary fashion, vintage pieces, and specially selected materials.