1978 Toronto International Film Festival

The 3rd Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada between September 14 and September 21, 1978. It showcased 85 films, the lowest number of films in the festival's history. In Praise of Older Women directed by George Kaczender was selected as the opening film. When the Ontario Film Review Board objected to a 40-second scene between Marilyn Lightstone and Tom Berenger, co-producer of the film Robert Lantos cut the scene for the theatrical run. Despite that, some of the TIFF staff managed to smuggle original uncut version of the film and run it into the theatre. The news was well publicised, increasing interest in the film, in turn boosting ticket sales. Difficulties arose when audiences waiting outside the theatre noticed that each ticket admitted two person thus causing anger in the crowd. The audience who were not able to get seats during the first screening were invited to a later screening. The People's Choice Award was introduced this year, which is given to a feature film chosen by a vote of the festival audience.

Louis Malle's film Pretty Baby was banned by the OFRB, due to its sensitive subject matter.

Gala Presentation

 * Girlfriends by Claudia Weill
 * The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Fred Schepisi
 * Midnight Express by Alan Parker
 * The Cycle by Dariush Mehrjui
 * In Search of Anna by Esben Storm
 * Pourquoi pas! by Coline Serreau

Canadian Cinema

 * In Praise of Older Women by George Kaczender
 * Marie-Anne by Martin Walters
 * The Third Walker by Teri McLuhan
 * Three Card Monte by Les Rose

Documentaries

 * Roger Corman: Hollywood's Wild Angel by Christian Blackwood
 * The Last Tasmanian by Tom Haydon