YouTube debuts new Creator Shows at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals

News and Events

Sep 14, 2026

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This September, the fall festival circuit expanded its definition of independent storytelling. For the first time, YouTube debuted a slate of shows simultaneously at two of the world’s most prestigious film gatherings: Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Across North America and Europe, the five creator-led premieres spanned investigative expeditions, international travel, and provocative interview formats. Here is a look at what screened in Toronto and Venice:

“Partnering with TIFF and the Venice Film Festival to debut these incredible shows proves that YouTube creators aren't just participating in the future of the industry—they are actively leading it.”

To kick off the Festival’s Opening Day, global creators Mark Vins and Ziwe screened their never before seen shows. Mark Vins of Brave Wilderness premiered his feature length documentary Reef to Ridge, capturing his team’s high-stakes expedition through the Galápagos to film endangered species.

Ziwe followed with two new episodes from her wildly popular and culturally influential show, You’d Be an Iconic Guest. Both creators will bring their shows to YouTube later this year.

On the Lido, the focus shifted to international documentary storytelling. Italian creator duo theShow screened The Last Day of Ramadan , following their journey into the discipline and meaning of fasting. Storyteller Lati Umani premiered The Mad Honey of the Himalayas , an immersive expedition chronicling Nepal’s Gurung people as they scale cliffs for rare cliff honey. Rounding out YouTube’s lineup, Rai Cinema presented Zhenia Kazankina’s Cannes-selected short film City of Owls .

"YouTube is where this generation of entertainment is being built," says Sean Downey, President, Americas & Global Partners, Google. "Our creators are redefining storytelling across every screen, and partnering with TIFF and the Venice Film Festival to debut these incredible shows proves that YouTube creators aren't just participating in the future of the industry—they are actively leading it."

Film festivals have long been the launchpad for breakthrough storytellers and new ideas. By welcoming creators to Toronto and Venice, the festival circuit proved what millions of viewers already know: some of the most ambitious projects are no longer confined to the studio system.

See you on the festival circuit!

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