Education & Outreach

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TIFF harnesses the unique power of film to unlock imagination and encourage lifelong curiosity and enjoyment of the arts. We believe audiences of all ages and background deserve this rich experience, which is why accessibility, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.

Our film-based learning programmes develop critical thinking skills and empathy – the need for which has never been greater in our screen-saturated modern world. Who is telling the story? Who is represented and how? We equip film-learners with the tools to enjoy and analyze the stories that surround them, while developing more confident, understanding and creative citizens.

Your support makes a diverse range of activity possible:

Free film-craft workshops and screenings to meet the needs of under-served youth across the GTA:

  • In 2016, we engaged over 1,900 young people in their communities, partnering with organizations including Four Corners (Malton), Pathways to Education (Scarborough), and West Neighbourhood House (Parkdale).

Outreach programmes for seniors and mental health clients:

  • Since 2012, our work with in-patient psychiatric units and organizations with a focus on mental health has trebled in reach – now supporting 1,200 individuals on their path to wellness each year.

Reel Magic

Thanks to the generous support of Sun Life, 1,000 tickets to the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival will be distributed to under-served individuals and families in need across the city through the Reel Magic program. Now in its eighth year, Reel Magic exemplifies TIFF and Sun Life’s shared commitment to ensure that TIFF is accessible to all film lovers, regardless of their circumstances. This philanthropic initiative is supported through Sun Life's Making the Arts More Accessible™ program. TIFF and Sun Life are thrilled to welcome our community members to the Festival to experience the magic of film!


SPONSORED BY



Reel Comfort

“This programme (Reel Comfort) offers our clients a unique
opportunity to engage in their community.
We love being able to connect them with this arts in this way.”

— Courtney Brennan, Occupational Therapist/Case Manager,
CAMH (Downtown East Outpatient Clinic)

Free access to our diverse and inclusive year-round film programming:

  • We provide over $55,000 in free tickets to over 5,000 children, families, mental health clients, and seniors annually to eliminate financial circumstance as a barrier to participation.

“Thank you for inviting us and funding our trip to TIFF.
I liked the movie because I learned
to be brave and help a friend. We had fun!!!”

— Moshood, age 8, Pocket Fund recipient

“Being a part of TIFF has developed my leadership skills; strengthened my voice
in my community and empowered me to form my own path and follow my creative
and professional dreams.The confidence and success I am now experiencing
would not have happened without TIFF’s community outreach.”

— Sariena Luy, 2016/2017 TIFF Next Wave Committee Member


Engagement with unparalleled industry luminaries

  • Higher Learning connects leading experts from a wide variety of disciplines with post secondary students, to extend learning and grow aspirations.

Higher Learning