Welcome to the Illume 2023 Festival in Toronto!
The Illume Festival weekend is loaded with different activities and events including:
- The National Visual Arts Gallery on display at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto. The Art Gallery will showcase a breathtaking collection of artworks by diverse visual artists from across Canada.
- The National Film Festival, to be held at the Aga Khan Museum. Enjoy film screenings that will transport you into different realms through the lenses of our talented filmmakers.
- The Illume Art Dialogue Series as well as a number of masterclasses, hosted by renowned artists and filmmakers from within the industry.
- Rhythms of the Soul, a magical musical concert with award-winning singer Shabnam Merali, renowned composer-sitarist Mohamed Assani and an ensemble of talented musicials.
- Witness the magic of "Art in the Making" as skilled visual artists demonstrate their techniques, revealing the captivating journey from inspiration to creation.
- Feel the pulse of the streets as a Graffiti Wall Installation comes to life at the festival, painted by a renowned graffiti artist.
- Events for the entire family, including pop-up performances, family activities, and workshops.
- The inaugural Illume Classic, an ice hockey tournament, alongside a Skills Development Camp for youth.
- The national eFIFA sports qualifying tournament for the GE2024 Festival, featuring eSports athletes from across the country.
*Please note that some events have limited capacity and will be on a first-come first-serve basis. This includes the Film Festival screenings, as there is limited seating in the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium at the Aga Khan Museum.
The Festival Pass for each day of the festival will be available for purchase either online or in-person and will provide access to all festival events.
Artists attending the National Festival will receive an Artist Badge providing access to all festival events.
Please note that the Rhythms of the Soul Concert is not included in the Festival Pass.
Festivals are a place to gather, connect, celebrate, and be inspired — Illume 2023 is sure to do all of that, and more! The Illume Festival weekend is loaded with different activities and events. And we can’t wait to share it all with you!
Lights, camera, action! Creativity and community shine as Toronto rolls out the red carpet for two captivating days at the Aga Khan Museum. Experience imaginative films transporting you through the lenses of our artistic community.
From revealing documentaries to delightful animations, enjoy a front row seat to compelling visual storytelling at its finest. From short films to reels, artists will present works that underscore our interconnectedness - from our shared planet to personal heritage, while igniting conversation on the critical challenges of our era.
Join us for a special concert on Saturday, November 11 at the Aga Khan Museum. The concert will feature Shabnam Merali, an award-winning singer and songwriter, who will mesmerize the audience with a Sufi musical tribute, accompanied by the renowned composer-sitarist Mohamed Assani and talented artists from across the country. A limited number of tickets are now available while supplies last.
On Saturday, November 11, go behind the lens with award-winning filmmaker Farhan Umedaly. Known for documentaries highlighting sustainability, conservation and human rights, Farhan will sit down with Aliya Jiwan-Thawer to share his sources of inspiration and creative process.
Then on Sunday, November 12, dive into the musical mind of Emmy-nominated screen composer Amin Bhatia. With a career spanning movies, television, radio, theater, and IMAX films, Amin will reveal his artistic journey in a fireside chat with Omar Sachedina.
Lace up your skates for an exciting new addition to Illume 2023. Ontario region athletes are invited to take part in the inaugural Illume Classic at the National Training Rinks in Richmond Hill.
Experience the thrill of friendly competition with 3-on-3 matchups or work on your game at our Youth Skills Development Camp. Channel your inner Auston Matthews and be part of this new endeavor to unite through sport.