MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HELPS PROMOTE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is investing $200,000 to promote the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – one of the world’s leading film festivals – in Canada, the U.S., and international markets, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

“All eyes are on Toronto and Ontario for the next 8 days, as we host one of the most influential film festivals in the world,” said Bradley.  “This festival also gives our province a starring role as a great place to visit for internationally renowned events, and the Ontario government is pleased to play a part in attracting even bigger audiences to TIFF.”

The Ontario government has provided more than $1.2 million in marketing assistance to TIFF since 1998.

This year’s festival kicked off yesterday with a gala screening of Fugitive Pieces, a Canadian movie, and runs until September 15. TIFF is attended by an average of 300,000 movie lovers and film industry professionals, generates an estimated annual impact of $67 million. Attendance this year is expected to exceed 350,000.

The province is also contributing $25 million to support the construction of the Bell Lightbox, the new home for TIFF at the corner of King and John Streets.

“Thanks to the generous support provided by the Ontario government, we have been able to attract larger audiences to our festival every year,” said Piers Handling, CEO and Director of the Toronto International Film Festival Group. “We’re delighted that Ontario recognizes the significant economic impact of our festival and its appeal to people everywhere, whether it’s here, Detroit or Paris.”

“Festivals like TIFF are major economic drivers for Ontario,” said Bradley. “They not only generate significant revenue, they create jobs and boost prosperity for communities and cities alike.”

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Contacts:

David Oved, Minister’s Office 416-314-1400

Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch 416-325-8391