Adam Lopez, Beloved Founder of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, Has Passed Away
The horror community is mourning the loss of Adam Lopez, the visionary Founder and longtime Festival Director of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TADFF). Lopez passed away recently after a courageous battle with cancer, a journey he openly shared with his friends and supporters on social media.
In 2006, inspired by his childhood passion for horror, sci-fi, and action movies, Lopez established the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. His goal was to create a platform that celebrated genre films from around the world. Under his leadership, the festival quickly gained recognition, becoming a beloved event for fans and filmmakers alike. By its third edition, screenings were selling out, a testament to Lopez’s dedication and the festival’s growing popularity.
TADFF has become one of the world’s most exciting and vital genre festivals, showcasing titles like Trick R’ Treat, Let the Right One In, and the North American Premiere of Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
In August 2024, due to health challenges, Lopez made the difficult decision to postpone the 18th edition of the festival to October 2025 and announced he was stepping down as Festival Director. He entrusted the festival’s future to his longtime colleague, Peter Kuplowsky, ensuring that the event would continue to thrive in the years to come as its Legacy Director.
Lopez’s openness about his health struggles resonated deeply with the community. He often expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received, crediting it as a source of strength throughout his battle. His resilience and passion left an indelible mark on the horror film scene in Canada and internationally.
As the Toronto After Dark Film Festival prepares for its return in 2025, Adam Lopez’s legacy will undoubtedly be felt. His vision and dedication have paved the way for countless filmmakers and fans to come together to celebrate genre cinema. The community he nurtured stands as a testament to his enduring impact.
Adam was a loving father, husband, and leader. We here at Dread Central are deeply saddened by this loss.
The next edition of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival returns to the city on October 15-19, 2025. It’s an incredible legacy left to us by a true legend of the horror community.
Looking for information about donating to cancer research or the support tools needed for living with cancer in North America? Visit the Canadian Cancer Society or the American Cancer Society to learn more.
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