FedDev Ontario investment supports September return of one of the world’s largest film festivals

“Our government is committed to supporting the major events and festivals industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment will help the Toronto International Film Festival bring visitors back to Toronto, while also enhancing programming and activities to ensure the film festival continues with resilience for years to come.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“As an internationally recognized leader in film culture and a part of Toronto’s cultural identity, the Toronto International Film Festival plays an important role in strengthening the Canadian film sector while creating tourism opportunities and Canadian good jobs. Today’s support will help TIFF continue to attract the international film industry to explore the culture of Toronto and display Canadian talent to the world.”
– The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety of Canada and Member of Parliament for Eglinton–Lawrence 

“The major events and festivals industry, including the Toronto International Film Festival, is a significant contributor to a strong Canadian economy. The annual festival plays a key role in welcoming domestic and international visitors to experience Canadian film programming. Today’s investment will support the festival, boost the tourism sector in Toronto and strengthen the presence of film production in southern Ontario, supporting a prosperous recovery for the industry.”
– Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Toronto–Danforth

“We’re thankful for the support of the Government of Canada in recognizing the vital role TIFF plays in showcasing Canadian and international cinema on a global stage, and bringing the world’s film industry to Toronto. With this investment from FedDev Ontario’s Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative, we plan to come back strongly from two difficult pandemic years. Now, we can continue to serve as an important platform for artists and a key, growing marketplace for the business of screen storytelling."
– Cameron Bailey, CEO for Toronto International Film Festival 

• Founded in 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival Inc. is an international leader in film culture, the most notable projects include coordination and delivery of TIFF, held annually in September; the year-round operation of TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities; and an innovative national distribution program Film Circuit.

• With a national budget of $200 million over two years, the Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI) supports major Canadian festivals and events that have been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 to adapt and enhance their activities as the economy recovers. The program is delivered in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $850 million in more than 1,250 projects in the Greater Toronto area (GTA), estimated to create over 30,000 jobs and maintain more than 43,000 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI)
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca

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Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca