This feature-length documentary offers an intimate look into Saito’s world—capturing the artistry of his kitchen, his humble roots in rural Japan, and the intensity of his current daily routine here in Toronto.

In 2022, Chef Saito made history as the first chef in Toronto to earn two Michelin stars, a milestone he had previously achieved in New York (2017/2018). His restaurant, Sushi Masaki Saito, remains Canada’s only two-star Michelin establishment in 2025. Originally from Hokkaido, Japan, Saito preserves the art of Edomae-style sushi while balancing tradition and innovation with unmatched precision. Through expert selection of fish, rice, vinegar, and wasabi, he elevates simplicity into perfection, creating a sushi experience unlike any other.

What fuels him? In conversation, it’s clear that Saito carries a passion for life and a laser-sharp focus—not just on being the best, but on doing the best. What sets him apart is a vision that both honours Japanese tradition and boldly merges it with North American expectations of high-end fine dining.

Saito spoke about the concept of the film. It was a film producer who had planted the idea. They travelled to Japan together, and a trust was built. Saito felt their styles were compatible. “I liked his sense of colour, personal sense of visual design and image.” And the film was meant to see how his dreams came true

He then introduced Saito to first-time filmmakers Jamal Burger and Jukan Tateisi. Because Tateisi was Japanese, Saito was able to communicate with more ease as they built trust and shaped the film in a raw and meaningful way for everyone involved.

The title “Still Single” could mean many things to many people. The first is obvious. Several media reports in the past considered Saito a social person and a party boy. It can also be due to the long hours in the restaurant business.  But when we asked him directly what this title meant to him? Saito mentioned that it wasn’t the original title. After the filming, the producer decided on this new title.

“When I see this title,  I can understand many points,” said Saito. “I can understand for me, yes, why I’m still single. I am still single with no wife. I know many people, but not many friends. No trust. Yes, I have many friends, but not many best friends. So, for many, many, many points, I’m still single.”

And we can understand that. As we get older, our circle grow tighter and closer. It’s more about quality than quantity. This film title asks the audience to think deeper beyond the title. For me, it was a lens that offers a more personal look at what drives him. Saito is passionate in everything he does to the most finite points, and he calls it ambition.

“When I see the news or YouTube, every day the world is changing. It’s changing very fast. Each year moves faster than the last. The new generation moves very fast,” said Saito.

But in his eyes, that’s not a bad thing. He is fuelled by this youthful energy. “When I see, oh, I want to do. I need to do. I should do. My energy from young people makes me feel young in the world.”

Saito could work anywhere in the world so why Toronto? He explains that his business partner, William Cheng, lives in the city. He also saw potential in Toronto.

“Seven, eight years ago, I came to Toronto from New York,” said Saito. “I used to work in New York for four years and four and a half years, and then I met William Cheng in New York. He was my customer. Although he came to my restaurant many times, he wanted the business in Toronto.”

Saito earned two Michelin stars in New York.  When I was 28 or nine or more than younger than now around. But Canada had no Michelin restaurants. He told Cheng if he could bring Michelin, he would move to Toronto.. So he promised, and Saito kept his promise as well.

With his namesake restaurant, he earned his two-Michelin stars in Toronto as well. But what does it take to get that coveted third star?  Saito explains that the criteria is known to be really challenging — only about 100 restaurants in the world have three stars. But we get the sense that he’s very interested in achieving the distinction.

We asked him if he had any insight into what it takes to bring that coveted third star to his restaurant and to Toronto. “I don’t know how to get it, but I’m thinking of a few points. This level is a technically tasty experience, then ingredients and  level of service.”

But he’s focused. For him, he says his best three points are all number one and treated equally at the top — tasty, delicious, amazing food, the ingredients and service.

So, what does he love about Canada and working here? Saito mentioned that Canadians are very good people. He also mentioned that Toronto has very fun people. There’s a common language of being together, “if we talk, if we drink, if we lunch, everyone understands. It’s easy.”

STILL SINGLE delves into Saito’s life and the people who he is surrounded by, but we asked, what would he really want to be recognized for?

During our Zoom interview, he gave us a tour of his living space. What we saw was peaceful, calm, airy, light and minimal. Feeling the opposite of our perceived ideas of his daily life, which brought us to understanding that everyone has two sides. “Everybody has a surface. But we have plus and minus, or light and dark, or morning and a good night. Two types. Here in my home, it’s very relaxed, very alone. People, no, and no drinking.”

He brought us to his fridge, where he revealed mostly neatly stored cans of Bublé and water. Noticeably void was food. “I don’t cook at home. I have no knife. I have no cutting board,” said Saito.

And what does he do at home? We were delighted and surprised to learn how he enjoys watching YouTube and Netflix in bed. “I want to stay in my room, but outside, I’m like Mickey Mouse; I have outside energies. I want to do. I want to find, I want to enjoy, but inside, it’s a bit different.”

With his film making its world premiere at TIFF, Saito is focused on simply taking in the experience. For him, it’s about being surrounded by people who truly love cinema, not about the celebrities—many of whom he already encounters at his restaurant. Just as importantly, he wants to share this incredible TIFF moment with his staff.

On the evening of the premiere, Saito treated the public to a free mini Omakase experience. In front of the TIFF Lightbox, an unforgettable pop-up sushi bar was set up, where his team from MSSM prepared three pieces of fresh nigiri for each person, and individually hand-crafted on the spot.

STILL SINGLE is directed by Jamal Burger and  Jukan Tateisi. It had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 as part of the Discovery platform.

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With such a wide range of films across every genre imaginable, the real challenge for us TIFF veterans (can we call ourselves TIFF’ers yet?) is deciding which titles to see—and when. Honestly, half the fun is in the planning…and who’s still doing the pirate noises with me?

Here at Toronto Guardian, we’ve got our eyes peeled for the Canadian talent on the lineup—whether behind the camera or on screen. For TIFF 2025 (aka #TIFF50), here are a few picks that immediately caught our attention.

Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery: Directed by Ally Pankiw

This galvanizing documentary from director Ally Pankiw (I Used To Be Funny) takes us behind the scenes of Sarah McLachlan’s legendary all-women music festival and features interviews with performers including Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Olivia Rodrigo, and Emmylou Harris.

John Candy: I like Me: Directed by Colin Hanks

Featuring candid testimonies from John Candy’s friends and family — including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, and more — Colin Hanks’ wildly entertaining documentary celebrates one of the most beloved comedic actors of our time.

Still Single: Masaki Saito: Directed by Jamal Burger, Jukan Tateisi

This up-close and personal film brings viewers into the unpredictable and fascinating world of 2 Michelin-star Omakase Chef Masaki Saito, Toronto’s sushi superstar. His drive and energy is fuelled with passion in this entertaining film.

&SONS: Directed by Pablo Trapero

This adaptation of David Gilbert’s 2013 critically acclaimed novel, co-written by Toronto’s own Sarah Polley, stars Oscar nominee Bill Nighy as an aging literary superstar who wakes up one day believing he is near the end of his life and summons his sons. His announcement is far stranger than anything dreamed up in his revered novels.

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes: Directed by Lisa Rideout

This documentary celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Degrassi, a fearless teen drama that tackled taboo topics and changed TV forever, while uncovering the behind-the-scenes tensions and personal sacrifices that shaped Canada’s most iconic teen television franchise. The film features interviews and insights from creator  Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, cast of the Degrassi universe including Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogren, Amanda and Maureen Deiseach, Aubrey Drake Graham, Shenae Grimes-Beech, and more.

Steal Away: Directed by Clement Virgo

Director Clement Virgo returns with a bold, mesmerizing, and erotically charged thriller that’s part fairy tale, part fever dream. It tells the story of a pair of young women the film’s subtitle calls “two princesses.” Fanny, a sheltered teenager whose knowledge of the world barely extends beyond the stately manor house belonging to her glamorous mother, which is located in a mysterious country.  Cécile, a charismatic visitor who’s one of countless people seeking asylum from the conflicts that consume this alternate and highly stylized reality.

Peak Everything (Amor Apocalypse): Directed by Anne Émond

Writer-director Anne Émond has reinvented the romantic comedy for the age of ecological anxiety. Winsomely pairing Patrick Hivon and Piper Perabo , Peak Everything suggests that there is no better time to open your heart than when the world seems on the cusp of collapse.

There Are No Words: Directed by Min Sook Lee

This deeply personal documentary from hometown filmmaker Min Sook Lee follows the trail of grief left behind when her mother died by suicide when she was a preteen. Her journey to find out more about who her mother was takes her through hometown Toronto and ancestral South Korea. Along the way she speaks to her father, a former intelligence officer; her maternal uncle; and her mother’s old neighbours.

Lucky Lu: Directed by Lloyd Lee Choi

Lucky Lu stars global powerhouse Chang Chen as our guide into the intricate social network of delivery drivers in New York City; when in a terrible stroke of luck, he finds out his e-bike has been stolen. With his wife (Fala Chen)and daughter (Carabelle Manna Wei) en route all the way from Asia, he rushes against the clock and around the city cashing in old favors and digging up stories and ghosts from the past.

Good Fortune: Directed by Aziz Ansari

Actor-writer-director Aziz Ansari co-stars with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keke Palmer in this hilarious modern fantasy in which the angel Gabriel, dissatisfied with performing minor acts of divine intervention, attempts to improve the lives of several struggling mortals.

Meadowlarks: Directed by Tasha Hubbard

Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie: Directed by Matt Johnson

They were never in time to book a gig at The Rivoli, then one day… they weren’t in their time at all. From Matt Johnson (BlackBerry) and Jay McCarrol’s cult comedy series comes an adventure 17 years in the making.

While the Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts: Directed by Peter Mettler

A rapturous chronicle of the miracles contained in everyday things and occurrences, by award-winning filmmaker Peter Mettler (Gambling, Gods and LSD, Picture of Light, The End of Time, Top of His Head). His film offers a generous space to expose and embrace the fragility and profound nature of relationships, where reflections on the human condition and our environment flow together in a stream of consciousness.

100 Sunsets: Directed by Kunsang Kyirong

A Parkdale apartment complex becomes a place of intrigue, desire, and deceit in Kunsang Kyirong’s stunning mystery drama.

Mile End Kicks: Directed by Chandler Levack

A bright romantic comedy starring Barbie Ferreira as Grace, a young music critic who moves to Montreal to figure out life and love. Inspired by Levack’s own life experiences and set again the backdrop of the music scene, Mile End Kicks explores what it means to e a young woman navigating identity, ambitions and relationships in the entertainment world.

Dinner with Friends: Directed by Sasha Leigh Henry

Sasha Leigh Henry’s feature debut brings viewers inside a fractured group of eight longtime friends who intermittently come together for dinner parties to share in the joys and pains of being adults today.

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 4 to 14, 2025. Watch for special events, talks with stars, Festival activations, and so much more this year! Full schedule of films and tickets can be found at tiff.net

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All pictures courtecy of TIFF

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The festival also attracts significant media attention. With many celebrities present, it’s hard not to have a day go by without hearing about the who’s who in entertainment news.

For cinephiles, there are many great titles to choose from. Some will find their way to a wider release in the coming months. Some will land on streaming services. Some films will just be screening here at TIFF but will move onto international platforms. So, what are we hoping to check out?

Here are 10 films we have on our radar that are by Canadian Filmmakers: 

Young Werther: directed by José Lourenço | Special Presentations

Inspired by the popular 1770s novella The Sorrows of Young Werther, this modernization stars Douglas Booth and Alison Pill in a fast-paced and bright romantic comedy, set in Toronto.

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal: directed by Mike Downie | Primetime

Director Mike Downie assembles The Tragically Hip for an emotional look at the origin, impact, and legacy of the band that defined Canada, to the world and to itself.

The Knowing: directed by Courtney Montour and Tanya Malaga | Primetime

Acclaimed journalist Tanya Talaga brings her evocative storytelling from the page to the screen with her search for a long-lost matriarch named Annie, solving an 80-year-old family mystery. Stars include Darrell Boissoneau, Sheila Bowen

Takin’ Care of Business: directed by Tyler Measom | Gala Presentations

In this brisk, fun ride, Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman tells the stories of how he rose to the top of the charts with The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, married a Mormon, and launched an obsessive quest when his beloved Gretsch guitar disappeared.

Paul Anka:His Way: directed by John Maggio | Special Presentations

One of the world’s most prolific and successful singer-songwriters participates in a candid and celebratory look at his life and career in this documentary.

The Mother and the Bear: directed by Johnny Ma | Centrepiece

When her grown daughter Sumi has a bad fall in Winnipeg, anxious widow Sara (Kim Ho-Jung) travels from Korea to be with her — and discovers she doesn’t really know Sumi at all. Stars Leere Park, Kim Ho-jung, Jonathan Kim, Won-Jae Lee, and Amara Pedroso Saque.

The Shrouds: directed by David Cronenberg | Gala Presentations

Still grieving the loss of his wife, a technological entrepreneur (Vincent Cassel) finds what’s left of his world collapsing into a nightmare of sex, paranoia, and grief in David Cronenberg’s most personal film. Stars Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, and Cronenberg himself.

Bonjour Tristesse: directed by Durga Chew-Bose | Discovery

Durga Chew-Bose’s adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s unforgettable coming-of-age novel of the same name is a sun-soaked heralding of a singular artist. Stars Lily McInerny, Naïlia Harzoune, Aliocha Schneider, and Chloë Sevigny.

Village Keeper: directed by Karen Chapman | Discovery

After a massive loss, an overwhelmed Toronto mother discovers a very unusual way to process her grief. Stars include Olunike Adeliyi, Maxine Simpson, and Zahra Bentham.

Sweet Angel Baby: directed by Melanie Oates | Centrepiece

Eliza is an unassuming and beloved member of a small fishing community in Newfoundland who sees all of her relationships put in jeopardy after her secret social media persona is exposed. Stars Michaela Kurimsky

Universal Language: directed by Matthew Rankin | Centrepiece

Matthew Rankin’s second feature is a lovingly detailed, charmingly impossible story of a Canada where Persian and French are the two official languages, and loneliness is the common currency.  Stars Pirouz Nemati and Rankin himself.

Do I Know You From Somewhere?: directed by Arianna Martinez | Discovery

A committed couple finds their life slipping away, not because they’ve done anything in particular, but because their history is unwriting itself—sort of. Stars Caroline Bell, Ian Ottis Goff, Mallory Amirault,

Sharp Corner: directed by Jason Buxton | Special Presentations

After a car crashes into his front yard, a family man develops an unhealthy obsession with being ready for the next accident. And the next. Stars Ben Foster and Cobie Smulder.

Your Tomorrow: directed by Ali Weinstein | TIFF Docs

Ali Weinstein’s documentary captures the final year of Toronto’s celebrated Ontario Place. The beloved provincial park is sectioned off for redevelopment, but visitors keep showing up to walk its trails, enjoy the lake, or just check on the tomatoes they’re cultivating by the shore.

Shepherds: directed by Sophie Deraspe | Special Presentations

In this adaptation, a Montréal copywriter sets out to reinvent himself as a sheep herder in the French Alps despite knowing literally nothing about the centuries-old craft.Stars Félix-Antoine Duval and Solène Rigot.

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The St. Regis Hotel Toronto: 

This luxurious hotel known for its impeccable service rolls out the red carpet during TIFF with extraordinary offerings. First, the lobby will be transformed into a 007-themed experience featuring a Photo Booth where guests can have their moment in the spotlight red-carpet with a professional photographer on site (follow their social media for updates on dates/times). The hotel’s popular Louix Louis and official whiskey partner, Macallan, will unveil a very special food and drink program during TIFF inspired by the legendary James Bond. If you’re feeling super Hollywood glam, you may want to go all-out with “The De-classified Case” an exclusive cocktail presented in a briefcase that has a price tag of $700. Too rich? Don’t worry, there are other TIFF themed fare to enhance film lover experiences.

If a spa visit is on your TIFF must-do list, then the Red Carpet Radiance Package will be your shining moment.  The St. Regis Toronto invites guests to step into the spotlight with a 60-minute NuFACE facial, followed by a 30-minute massage. This package ensures you look and feel your best, perfect for achieving a red carpet glow.

Camparino Pop up at the Library Bar at Fairmont Royal York:

Camparino, the famous bar known for pioneering the apertivo culture and home to the iconic Campari offers an exclusive social menu for one night only. Throughout TIFF, the Fairmont Royal York will also be hosting a series of festivities. Enjoy a personalized Campari Photo Booth to celebrate Festival season and raise a glass at Clockwork and Reign between September 4 to 15. There will be a TIFF Red Carpet on September 8th for that extra touch of glamour.

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto:

This hotel is always an ideal spot to feel pampered any time of the year. However, with its close proximity to the majority of the TIFF venues, it’s a highly coveted spot to gather pre or post screenings. The 5-Star Hotel is a popular spot (ahem, celebrities too)  TOCA restaurant has amazing Italian fare discreetly tucked away from gazing paparazzi eyes on the second level.  EPOCH lounge is an equally discreet and ideal escape with its outdoor heated patio. The popular Spa myBlend is a great escape to prep for those gala nights.

And for somewhere NEW check out The Ritz-Carlton’s LANO Cafe and Wine Bar. This AM to PM concept has elevated tasting menus and a fine selection of Italian wines.

Café Boulud (Four Seasons Hotel):

For one night only (September 4), join Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef William Kresky as they prepare an unforgettable four-course prix fixe dinner to celebrate the film festival season. Limited seating — details and reservations can be found here.

W Toronto:

This modern hotel offers a series of unique, movie-themed happenings during TIFF from cult classic cocktails Mixology Masterclass to Chocolate Paint & Wine (Sept. 7 & 14) nights where you can create a chocolate masterpiece inspired by your favourite films while savouring fine wine, guided by W Pastry chefs. There will also be movie-inspired snacks and special cocktails as well as a guided paring experience (September 5 and 12). More details here.

Mott 32 at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto:

The much buzzed about latest opening isn’t for the faint of heart. With decadent dim sum and ultra rich Peking Duck, this luxurious award-winning fine dining restaurant from Hong Kong is poised to welcome the Hollywood elite to its latest global opening.

Abrielle and The Sutton Place Hotel:

Will be home to an incredible photo exhibit during TIFF. The exhibition titled “TIFF Flashback” will showcase images from Lou D’s timeless Hollywood retrospect and a glimpse into Toronto’s vibrant celebrity scene during the 1990s and early 2000s. An ideal stop in for pre and post screening cocktails and nibbles within steps of the Festival hub.

House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro TIFF Festival Village (David Pecault Square)  has an excellent vantage point near the Red Carpet Galas right across from The Royal Alexandra Theatre. With their beautiful Capri inspired set up you’ll feel like you’re at the centre of all the glam while enjoying refreshing beverages (including 0.0%)

Kissa Lounge:

This unique Japanese listening lounge inspired space is already a discreet and popular spot for celebrities who visit our city. High-profile guests like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lil Baby and Marlon Wayans have graced its dance floors. With its intimate lounge and upstairs club, it’s the perfect place for celebs to escape to— you never know who you’ll run into! In fact, last year, Kissa hosted the Deadline Lounge, where celebrities like Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Willem Dafoe, Bowen Yang, and Elliot Page were spotted. We’ve learned it will once again be hosting TIFF events. A great place to do a bit of star gazing!

Soluna:

The Mediterranean coastal vibe supper club is the perfect day-to-night experience and is returning as a TIFF hospitality partner for the third year in a row, hosting multiple TIFF events/dinners, including the Black Excellence Awards, YYZ films, and CANIFFF. In past years, celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Efron, and Daniel Craig have all been spotted at Soluna, and more recently, Diplo did a surprise DJ set with French DJ Hugel this summer. While we might not necessarily be allowed in during booked out TIFF events, you definitely can visit all other times.

Civil Works:

One of the newest hotspots that is definitely on our radar is Civil Works. From our experience, we know some celebrities prefer locations that are a bit under the radar where they can be relaxed. This location is within close proximity to the TIFF hub and offers a fun and vibrant Great Gatsby vibe with its chic Art Deco inspired design. It’s also located in the cool new Waterworks Food Hall on Brant Street.

Evangeline (Ace Hotel):

This hotel is known to attract the seriously creative crowd and unpretentious Evangeline lounge above is situated ideally for after screening drinks overlooking the Toronto skyline. Its warm and cosy, yet discreet, location is a perfect spot to gather and chat about all things TIFF.

MARKED Restaurant:

One of the city’s most vibrant dining destinations played host to several TIFF parties last year (Anatomy of A Fall, Seagrass, Days of Happiness, and more). No surprise as it’s within close proximity to TIFF Lightbox. The venue serves as a love letter to South American culture and flavours.

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Princess Wales Theatre is the perfect venue for TIFF premieres. It features classic concession stands throughout and a stunning red carpet in each corridor. The TIFF volunteers quickly escorted the massive queue of film fanatics into the theatre and The Burial began to play.

The film itself, directed by Maggie Betts, is based on a true story, a real 1995 case in Hinds County, Mississippi. It features a flashy injury lawyer, Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx), representing a reserved Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) as they battle against a mega-corporation.

The script itself was entertaining, to say the least. The audience was unusually audible throughout the movie, whether due to the hilariously bold lines from Willie E. Gary and his associates or the touching development of Jeremiah O’Keefe.

The film presents the classic underdog story, where a billionaire owner of the Loewengroup is looking to grow his already successful death and burial insurance enterprise. O’Keefe, who owns a few homes himself, has accrued a massive amount of debt and is in dire need of selling his small business. The plot eventually leads to who the Lowengroup really is, exposing a complex web of race power, and injustice. With, of course, help from Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx) and adolescent lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie).

Throughout the film, the clash of Jones and Foxx is beautifully portrayed. The energy displayed by Foxx throughout the film kept all viewers deeply immersed for the entire two hours. The Burial’s true story is something the world needed to see, and Maggie Betts executed this wonderfully.

The Burial is a film not to miss this year. You can catch it during its limited release on October 6, 2023, and it will be available for streaming on Prime Video on October 13, 2023.

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