As TIFF Launches Its First Market, Buyers Are on the Hunt for the Next ‘Obsession’
Insiders tell TheWrap that the hunger in the film world right now is on one specific focus: Gen Z appeal The post As TIFF Launches Its First Market, Buyers Are on the Hunt for the Next ‘Obsession’ appeared first on TheWrap .
As the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) approaches its year-long anniversary, the buzz surrounding the festival is centered around an unexpected phenomenon. The 2025 hit "Obsession," an indie horror film produced for less than $1 million, catapulted its writer-director Curry Barker and producer Inde Navarrette to the forefront of Hollywood. Despite having no recognizable stars or major IP, "Obsession" raked in over $500 million at the box office, redefining the criteria for success in the industry.
This year, as TIFF launches its first-ever official market, buyers are not only hunting for the next "Obsession" but are placing a significant emphasis on originality. According to industry insiders, the most sought-after hook for a film project is no longer a big name star or a recognizable IP, but the uniqueness of the story and the daring creative risks taken by filmmakers.
Neil Shah, head of film producer and financier at Tango, emphasized that buyers are particularly focused on the Gen Z demographic, whose affinity for movie theaters has grown in recent years.
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