media release
November 14, 2023
TIFF expands Film Circuit outreach to 100+ communities across the nation to include Invermere, Qualicum Beach, Yellowknife, and Fogo Island
Festival 2023 favourites Anatomy of a Fall, Solo, Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe coming to theatres
TORONTO — TIFF is thrilled to reintroduce its national film outreach programme, Film Circuit, now one full year into its relaunch with an exciting slate of Festival favourites coming to venues across the country in 2024. Continuing its rich tradition of bringing the best of Canadian and international films and artists to communities across the nation, Film Circuit has expanded its outreach to 100+ locations since relaunching in 2022, after a two-year hiatus. The programme offers transformative film experiences in rural, remote, and underserved communities with the generous support of Major Supporter Telefilm Canada, and Supporters Ontario Creates and Ontario Arts Council.
“We are delighted to join our expanding community of film enthusiasts across the nation in commemorating cinema and presenting our curated programme with the generous backing of Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Ontario Arts Council,” stated Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “I’d also extend my gratitude to our distributors and our steadfast Film Circuit collaborators.”
Now in its 33rd year, Film Circuit engages domestic grassroots networks and community partners — comprising independent cinemas, art galleries, museums, libraries, performing arts theatres, community centres, film clubs, and more — to expand and enrich the breadth of film offerings available to their audience. With a rotating slate of films featuring crowd-pleasers and arthouse hits, Film Circuit offers a unique forum for film-lovers across Canada to gather in person and discover new voices and perspectives.
Film Circuit not only extends the theatrical life of films beyond their initial release, but also champions independent films operating outside the traditional distribution model by working with emerging and local filmmakers to facilitate access for Circuit locations who otherwise would not have an opportunity to see the films. TIFF People’s Choice award-winning films such as Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe and Solo; The Queen of My Dreams; and Rojek, Canada’s submission for Best International Feature Film, are a few of the Canadian films that will be featured on screens coast-to coast-to-coast. Film Circuit groups will also have a chance to catch some of the most talked about international films and hidden gems, including Anatomy of a Fall, Past Lives, Monster, A Difficult Year, Fallen Leaves, and The Persian Version.
“Film Circuit is a shining example of meeting audiences where they are,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, Telefilm Canada. “Telefilm Canada is proud to partner with TIFF to showcase some of Canada’s most notable new releases to over 100 locations across our vast country, reaching new communities like Fogo Island, Yellowknife, Qualicum Beach and Invermere. This program highlights the invaluable collaboration of working with local cinemas, distributors and industry partners.”
New Film Circuit location highlights:
A Difficult Year | Sphère Films
The latest from writer-directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano (C’est la vie!, TIFF ’17) is a puckish comedy about finding a reason for being — even when the world seems to be falling apart. Featuring winning performances from Pio Marmaï, Jonathan Cohen, Noémie Merlant, and Mathieu Amalric, A Difficult Year is social satire that goes down easy.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, Special Presentations
Anatomy of a Fall | Elevation Pictures
Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or and starring German actor Sandra Hüller, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall is a riveting portrait of a complex woman put on trial for the murder of her spouse. Also starring Samuel Theis, Swann Arlaud, and Milo Machado Graner.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, Special Presentations
✅ Cannes Film Festival 2023 – Winner of 3 awards, including Palme d’Or and Queer Palme
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe | Amazon Studios
This heartfelt documentary from director Robert McCallum, celebrates the life and work of Ernie Coombs, the iconic Canadian children’s television personality who encouraged generations of kids to be their best selves. Featuring Judith Lawrence, Chris Coombs, Cathie LeFort, Nina Keogh, Susan Marcus, Jim Parker, Stu Gilchrist, Bruce McCulloch, Eric McCormack, and more.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, TIFF Docs programme
Blackberry | Elevation Pictures
The latest from Canadian writer-director Matt Johnson tells the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun | Independent
This sports documentary, directed by Nuxalk filmmaker Banchi Hanuse, is an intimate and thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and the deep bonds between her father and family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world… bareback.
“Ontario Creates is proud to be a long-time supporter of Film Circuit, sharing TIFF’s goals to bring thought-provoking, innovative, and entertaining content to communities across Canada. The film and television industry makes a significant impact on Ontario’s economy every year, contributing $3.15B in 2022. You can experience first-hand the wealth of Ontario’s on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent through this year’s Film Circuit selections. Film Circuit is TIFF’s year-round film outreach program, bringing the best of Canadian and international films and artists to communities all across Canada. Congratulations to TIFF for another stellar edition of Canada’s largest film club!” ―Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO, Ontario Creates
“The Ontario Arts Council is delighted to support the Toronto International Film Festival’s Film Circuit. This important outreach program offers Ontarians across the province a chance to see films from Canadian and international artists that may not otherwise reach their local cinemas. It also offers a valuable opportunity for Ontario filmmakers to make personal and professional connections through their work.” ―Rita Davies, Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario Arts Council
“We are delighted to join our expanding community of film enthusiasts across the nation in commemorating cinema and presenting our curated programme with the generous backing of Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Ontario Arts Council,” stated Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “I’d also extend my gratitude to our distributors and our steadfast Film Circuit collaborators.”
Now in its 33rd year, Film Circuit engages domestic grassroots networks and community partners — comprising independent cinemas, art galleries, museums, libraries, performing arts theatres, community centres, film clubs, and more — to expand and enrich the breadth of film offerings available to their audience. With a rotating slate of films featuring crowd-pleasers and arthouse hits, Film Circuit offers a unique forum for film-lovers across Canada to gather in person and discover new voices and perspectives.
Film Circuit not only extends the theatrical life of films beyond their initial release, but also champions independent films operating outside the traditional distribution model by working with emerging and local filmmakers to facilitate access for Circuit locations who otherwise would not have an opportunity to see the films. TIFF People’s Choice award-winning films such as Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe and Solo; The Queen of My Dreams; and Rojek, Canada’s submission for Best International Feature Film, are a few of the Canadian films that will be featured on screens coast-to coast-to-coast. Film Circuit groups will also have a chance to catch some of the most talked about international films and hidden gems, including Anatomy of a Fall, Past Lives, Monster, A Difficult Year, Fallen Leaves, and The Persian Version.
“Film Circuit is a shining example of meeting audiences where they are,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, Telefilm Canada. “Telefilm Canada is proud to partner with TIFF to showcase some of Canada’s most notable new releases to over 100 locations across our vast country, reaching new communities like Fogo Island, Yellowknife, Qualicum Beach and Invermere. This program highlights the invaluable collaboration of working with local cinemas, distributors and industry partners.”
New Film Circuit location highlights:
- Fogo Island: The Fogo Island Inn is offering film selections to their guests and greater local community for free in their new state-of-the-art cinema.
- Yellowknife: The Association franco-culturelle de Yellowknife will be offering French-language cinema to its residents at the Capitol Theatre in collaboration with Film Circuit.
- Qualicum Beach: Organizers will be hosting pop-up screenings in local venues as they work towards the development of a new, purpose-built community cinema.
- Invermere: The Invermere Film Festival will be hosting their monthly series in the recently upgraded Columbia Valley Centre Theatre, featuring a brand new Christie Laser DCP cinema projector with a 36’ screen.
FILM CIRCUIT PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:
A Difficult Year | Sphère Films
The latest from writer-directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano (C’est la vie!, TIFF ’17) is a puckish comedy about finding a reason for being — even when the world seems to be falling apart. Featuring winning performances from Pio Marmaï, Jonathan Cohen, Noémie Merlant, and Mathieu Amalric, A Difficult Year is social satire that goes down easy.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, Special Presentations
Anatomy of a Fall | Elevation Pictures
Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or and starring German actor Sandra Hüller, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall is a riveting portrait of a complex woman put on trial for the murder of her spouse. Also starring Samuel Theis, Swann Arlaud, and Milo Machado Graner.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, Special Presentations
✅ Cannes Film Festival 2023 – Winner of 3 awards, including Palme d’Or and Queer Palme
Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe | Amazon Studios
This heartfelt documentary from director Robert McCallum, celebrates the life and work of Ernie Coombs, the iconic Canadian children’s television personality who encouraged generations of kids to be their best selves. Featuring Judith Lawrence, Chris Coombs, Cathie LeFort, Nina Keogh, Susan Marcus, Jim Parker, Stu Gilchrist, Bruce McCulloch, Eric McCormack, and more.
✅ TIFF 2023 – Official Selection, TIFF Docs programme
Blackberry | Elevation Pictures
The latest from Canadian writer-director Matt Johnson tells the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun | Independent
This sports documentary, directed by Nuxalk filmmaker Banchi Hanuse, is an intimate and thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and the deep bonds between her father and family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world… bareback.
“Ontario Creates is proud to be a long-time supporter of Film Circuit, sharing TIFF’s goals to bring thought-provoking, innovative, and entertaining content to communities across Canada. The film and television industry makes a significant impact on Ontario’s economy every year, contributing $3.15B in 2022. You can experience first-hand the wealth of Ontario’s on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent through this year’s Film Circuit selections. Film Circuit is TIFF’s year-round film outreach program, bringing the best of Canadian and international films and artists to communities all across Canada. Congratulations to TIFF for another stellar edition of Canada’s largest film club!” ―Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO, Ontario Creates
“The Ontario Arts Council is delighted to support the Toronto International Film Festival’s Film Circuit. This important outreach program offers Ontarians across the province a chance to see films from Canadian and international artists that may not otherwise reach their local cinemas. It also offers a valuable opportunity for Ontario filmmakers to make personal and professional connections through their work.” ―Rita Davies, Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario Arts Council