media release
January 10, 2024
Unveiling the spectacular lineup: TIFF announces panels for Canada's Top Ten Industry Forum on January 25
Unlocking year-round benefits with the launch of an exclusive Industry Membership
TORONTO - TIFF’s 23rd edition of Canada’s Top Ten, presented by new partner MUBI, will kick off on Thursday, January 25 with Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum, bringing the most prominent discussions to the TIFF Lightbox stage, including an in-depth discussion on accessibility in the industry, a follow-up to last year’s discussion on Bill C-11 in which industry members will hear directly from the broadcasters, and a panel with key industry leaders in the streaming space.
In conjunction with the Industry Forum event on January 25, TIFF is unveiling a groundbreaking new Membership level tailored specifically for industry professionals — marking the first of its kind among Canadian film festivals. This innovative Industry Membership comes with a host of benefits, including complimentary access to the Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum, an enhanced experience of year-round industry programming, and exclusive access to elevated networking events. Additionally, Members will enjoy discounts on Festival accreditation and submission fees, along with exclusive rates on cinema rentals and other perks. For more information, please see here.
The recently announced 2023 Canada’s Top Ten list, championing 10 feature films and 10 short films, reflect a richness of voices and perspectives from some of Canada’s finest established and emerging filmmakers.
Filmmakers confirmed to attend Canada’s Top Ten showcase (January 25–28) include: Atom Egoyan, Matt Johnson, Fawzia Mirza, Zack Russell, Jasmin Mozaffari, Nicole Bazuin, Julien G. Marcotte, Raquel Sancinetti, Edith Jorisch, Zoé Pelchat and Eric K. Boulianne. The final selections were determined by TIFF’s Canadian Programmers and the Senior Programming team, taking into consideration the recommendations of consultant programmers from film festivals across the country. To see the full programme, visit tiff.net.
Tickets to the Industry Forum are on sale now. One single ticket gives attendees access to all three sessions and an invitation to the Opening Night Cocktail reception taking place on January 25. Industry Membership holders will have the ability to access the forum for free as the inaugural benefit of their Membership. Additional tickets have also been released for Canada’s Top Ten Showcase.
Dialogues: How to Work with Streamers in Canada
Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Canada has emerged as one of the leading global consumers of subscription video content. Whether you’re looking to launch your film in the digital space, or on the hunt for a development partner, join us for an exclusive session on navigating the streaming landscape with key industry leaders. From producing to pitching, discover the trade secrets of collaboration and distribution straight from the industry's power players.
Guests confirmed to date:
Moderator: Kelly Townsend, Editor, Playback
Panelist: Stefania Scarfo, Head of Content & Strategy, Paramount+ Canada
Panelist: Soledad Vega, Senior Marketing Manager, MUBI
Perspectives: Shaping the Future of Accessibility on Screen
Time: 3:15pm–4:15pm
From advocating policy change to influencing production through accessibility and authentic disability representation, the Disability Screen Office (DSO) has been a driving force in breaking down barriers and transforming the Canadian film landscape. Gain insight from both the DSO and creators as they share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of working in the film industry.
Share insights, raise questions, and actively participate in shaping a more accessible, inclusive, and diverse film industry.
Guests confirmed to date:
Moderator: Angelo Muredda, Film Critic and Programmer
Panelist: Winnie Luk, Executive Director, Disability Screen Office
Panelist: Cheryl Meyer, Writer
Perspectives: The Future of Canadian Content Part 2: Broadcasters and TV Execs Discuss Next Steps for Modernizing the Broadcasting Act
Time: 5pm–6pm
What does it take to build a thriving, competitive domestic market in the digital era? Traditional Canadian broadcasters and producers discuss the impact of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) and what steps they think the CRTC needs to take next. Industry guests at last year’s Forum advocated for a policy that would protect Canadian creators by prioritizing employment of Canadians and IP ownership. This year, broadcasters and production companies weigh in on their priorities for what comes next.
Speakers to be confirmed.
In conjunction with the Industry Forum event on January 25, TIFF is unveiling a groundbreaking new Membership level tailored specifically for industry professionals — marking the first of its kind among Canadian film festivals. This innovative Industry Membership comes with a host of benefits, including complimentary access to the Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum, an enhanced experience of year-round industry programming, and exclusive access to elevated networking events. Additionally, Members will enjoy discounts on Festival accreditation and submission fees, along with exclusive rates on cinema rentals and other perks. For more information, please see here.
The recently announced 2023 Canada’s Top Ten list, championing 10 feature films and 10 short films, reflect a richness of voices and perspectives from some of Canada’s finest established and emerging filmmakers.
Filmmakers confirmed to attend Canada’s Top Ten showcase (January 25–28) include: Atom Egoyan, Matt Johnson, Fawzia Mirza, Zack Russell, Jasmin Mozaffari, Nicole Bazuin, Julien G. Marcotte, Raquel Sancinetti, Edith Jorisch, Zoé Pelchat and Eric K. Boulianne. The final selections were determined by TIFF’s Canadian Programmers and the Senior Programming team, taking into consideration the recommendations of consultant programmers from film festivals across the country. To see the full programme, visit tiff.net.
Tickets to the Industry Forum are on sale now. One single ticket gives attendees access to all three sessions and an invitation to the Opening Night Cocktail reception taking place on January 25. Industry Membership holders will have the ability to access the forum for free as the inaugural benefit of their Membership. Additional tickets have also been released for Canada’s Top Ten Showcase.
Canada’s Top Ten Industry Forum - January 25, 2024
Dialogues: How to Work with Streamers in Canada
Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Canada has emerged as one of the leading global consumers of subscription video content. Whether you’re looking to launch your film in the digital space, or on the hunt for a development partner, join us for an exclusive session on navigating the streaming landscape with key industry leaders. From producing to pitching, discover the trade secrets of collaboration and distribution straight from the industry's power players.
Guests confirmed to date:
Moderator: Kelly Townsend, Editor, Playback
Panelist: Stefania Scarfo, Head of Content & Strategy, Paramount+ Canada
Panelist: Soledad Vega, Senior Marketing Manager, MUBI
Perspectives: Shaping the Future of Accessibility on Screen
Time: 3:15pm–4:15pm
From advocating policy change to influencing production through accessibility and authentic disability representation, the Disability Screen Office (DSO) has been a driving force in breaking down barriers and transforming the Canadian film landscape. Gain insight from both the DSO and creators as they share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of working in the film industry.
Share insights, raise questions, and actively participate in shaping a more accessible, inclusive, and diverse film industry.
Guests confirmed to date:
Moderator: Angelo Muredda, Film Critic and Programmer
Panelist: Winnie Luk, Executive Director, Disability Screen Office
Panelist: Cheryl Meyer, Writer
Perspectives: The Future of Canadian Content Part 2: Broadcasters and TV Execs Discuss Next Steps for Modernizing the Broadcasting Act
Time: 5pm–6pm
What does it take to build a thriving, competitive domestic market in the digital era? Traditional Canadian broadcasters and producers discuss the impact of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) and what steps they think the CRTC needs to take next. Industry guests at last year’s Forum advocated for a policy that would protect Canadian creators by prioritizing employment of Canadians and IP ownership. This year, broadcasters and production companies weigh in on their priorities for what comes next.
Speakers to be confirmed.