TIFF mourns the passing of influential filmmaker, Ivan Reitman

TORONTO — TIFF issued a statement from Cameron Bailey, CEO, on the sudden passing of director, producer and philanthropist Ivan Reitman.

“Ivan Reitman’s movies cultivated our taste for anarchic comedy, the sweetest of friendships, and a beautiful way of looking at the world that made everything seem possible,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “We’re shocked at his passing, but take comfort in the joy and laughter that he brought to so many all over the world.”

“Ivan’s own story represents the best of Canada. Born to Holocaust survivors, he and his family came to Toronto as refugees. His grit, his commitment and his sense of humour all came from the same place — a deep appreciation for the gift of life. Those qualities that catapulted him to global success as a filmmaker also made him terrific company."

“The Ivan Reitman who started out producing David Cronenberg’s horror classics Rabid and Shivers is the same man who directed Ghostbusters, Kindergarten Cop and Dave, which is one more reason why we loved him. He understood the gamut of what movies can offer, and he embraced all of it."

“When we were looking to build a permanent home for TIFF, Ivan and the Reitman family contributed the land where their parents’ car wash business once stood. Even more, he supported TIFF’s vision of a home for film culture. Every day at TIFF Bell Lightbox, we show and champion movies thanks to Ivan."

“TIFF wouldn’t be what it is today without Ivan Reitman. We mourn his loss. We are devastated for his family and send our deepest sympathies to his wife Geneviève, his children Jason, Catherine and Caroline, and his sisters Agi and Susan. And we celebrate his remarkable legacy.”