Our Impact › Film Heritage
Protect and Project
Watching a film in its original, intended format is a stunning experience. However, the medium itself is extremely delicate and needs to be cared for with the utmost attention. With this in mind, we have made it our mission to preserve film’s vital history for generations to come. And because of your support, we are making this a reality.
TIFF is one of the few North American institutions actively protecting and projecting film. One example of our preservation work was the restoration of 7,470 feet of film, including the Canadian horror classic The Mask — a preservation project funded by our valued donors.
The Mask restoration
Cinematheque
TIFF Cinematheque is a world-renowed programme that celebrates the best cinema, from past to present. We recently programmed retrospectives on legends such as Alanis Obomsawin, Natalie Wood, and Paul Thomas Anderson, with many films screening in print formats.
An original 35mm print being cared for by our expert library staff.
TIFF recently acquired over 1,300 film prints on 35mm from our friends at NBCUniversal, Mongrel Media, and Entertainment One. Highlights include classics like Hitchcock’s Rear Window; acclaimed international work such as Certified Copy from Abbas Kiarostami; and contemporary favourites like Sarah Polley’s Away from Her. Through the generous donations made by 220 film lovers, these prints and hundreds more are now being reviewed and cared for by specialists in our facilities.
Interested in donating film or supporting our preservation efforts? Contact us for more information.