2021 Frequently Asked Questions

How will the in-person elements at this year's Festival work?

In response to Canadian borders opening to vaccinated travellers, in-person Press & Industry screenings at the Scotiabank Theatre Toronto and TIFF Bell Lightbox will return. To ensure the health and safety of press and industry professionals, manage theatre capacities, and properly contact trace, here is what you can expect:

• The majority of Press & Industry screenings will be scheduled September 9–13, in the daytime and evening
• In-person Industry opportunities will be limited; while we will have in-person Press & Industry screenings, they will not be at the volume of what they have been pre-pandemic and there will be very limited opportunities for Industry at Public screenings
• We are planning to maintain a level of social distancing - which means limited seating capacities and tickets in cinemas
• Accredited industry must secure a mobile ticket in advance to both Press & Industry screenings and Public screenings; no physical passes will be distributed to minimize points of contact and properly contact trace
• Accredited Industry, Press, and Buyers will have a set number of advance tickets, with designated redemption windows to be announced at a later date
• Additional tickets can be secured online on a day-of basis
• To minimize lineups, there will be no rush lines and ticket usage will be monitored
• Assigned seating will be in place for all screenings and venues

What is TIFF’s Code of Conduct?

A cornerstone of TIFF's belief system is that everyone has the right to respect, and to fair and equitable treatment from others. TIFF does not tolerate violence, mistreatment or harassment — verbal, physical, sexual, or otherwise — toward staff, Volunteers, delegates, audience members, or attendees at any of our festivals, conferences, or events. Our staff and Volunteers are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all our attendees. If the safety of any of our guests is in question, we will take immediate steps to ensure the matter is addressed.

What are the payment options?

For a speedier process, we recommend paying by credit card or debit card. In some cases, you will need to authorize the transaction with your bank before sending payment. If your payment fails, do not create a new registration — our system has saved your progress and we can help you get back on track. Please contact registration@tiff.net for this and any other payment questions. TIFF prefers Visa.

What is the accreditation process?

Once you’ve purchased a pass, we review the details provided on your form. If you qualify for the pass that you’ve selected, we will process your payment and send a confirmation letter. If not, we will recommend a different way of exploring the Festival, like purchasing public tickets. Be sure to complete your registration form with as many details as possible. If we require more information, we will contact you.

Can passes be shared among colleagues?

Each delegate joining the Festival must be accredited in order to access online screenings, the online Industry Conference, and all other benefits. Passes cannot be shared.

I’ve registered but have not received a confirmation email.

Our accreditation process takes up to four business days. If you do not receive a confirmation after that time, email registration@tiff.net. Ensure that our email address is added to your contacts so important messages aren't blocked by Spam filters.

How long will films be available on the digital platform?

Films will be available in viewing windows during the Festival (Sep. 9-18). Viewing windows will be 48 hours to accomodate all time zones.

Will digital P&I screenings be geo-blocked?

Our goal is for films to be accessible to delegates worldwide. However, some exceptions may occur where the film-rights holders have not authorized an online screening. You may reach out to a film’s rights holder using our Rights List to inquire about screening the film for professional purposes. The Press & Industry schedule will include titles’ digital screening availability by territory and any exceptional, buyers-only access to help you plan.

Does my Pro Pass give me access to all the films in Official Selection?

Like in previous years, some titles (including digital private screenings) may be available only to active buyers, based on rights holders’ requests. These will represent a small number of films. You may reach out to a film’s rights holder using our Rights List to inquire about screening the film for professional purposes. The Press & Industry schedule will include titles’ digital screening availability by territory and any exceptional, buyers-only access to help you plan.

How can I access Delegate Resources and networking tools?

As a registered delegate, you have access to online resources, including our Delegates List, and networking tools. The 2021 Delegate Resources can be found here, and login information can be found in your accreditation confirmation email.

When will the Conference lineup be announced?

The schedule for the TIFF Industry Conference, running September 10–14, will be announced on August 13. Join some of the industry’s biggest names for provocative discussions and presentations.

I have a film in Official Selection. Do I still have to pay for my pass?

Films in Official Selection are eligible for one complimentary Pro Pass for the producer and one complimentary Pro Pass for the sales agent. These passes are not transferable and there is a maximum of three passes per sales agency. If you are part of the crew, please contact registration@tiff.net. If you are part of the cast, please contact filmoffice@tiff.net.

I am no longer able to join online. Can I transfer my pass to a colleague or receive a refund?

All passes are non-refundable, as stated at point of purchase. A pass may be transferred to another person within the same company at the same professional level, no later than August 21, 2021.

Does TIFF have a market? Can I set up a stand/be an exhibitor?

TIFF has an “unofficial market” with a unique business model. We do not offer traditional exhibitor opportunities. This year, National Agencies and their sales agents are welcome to spotlight their national cinema in the form of a shelf on our digital Press & Industry platform. Agencies may showcase and promote films in selection, presentations, and talent from their region to maximize their visibility to the North American market. Interested National Agencies can contact sales@tiff.net for further details.

Can I book a market screening?

Yes. Digital market screening slots are available throughout the Festival and open to films both in and out of Official Selection. Companies will have the opportunity to book digital market screening slots until August 31. For details, please contact privatescreenings@tiff.net.

Where can I find a list of industry professionals attending TIFF?

The Delegate List outlines all industry professionals attending the Festival. This is a useful resource only available for registered delegates, to help them identify people they would like to meet. The Delegate List becomes available in late July; details on where and how to set up your online resources login will be emailed to you via registration@tiff.net.

Do you have a discounted pass for students and scholars? How can I request one?

With students and scholars in mind, we have improved our Digital Talks Pass for 2021. In addition to providing access to the online Industry Conference, online In Conversation With... sessions, and online professional resources and networking tools, this year’s Digital Talks Pass also includes online access to films in the Shorts, Discovery, and Wavelengths programmes, based on availability.

This new pass will be available to film and media students at a discounted rate of $125 CAD + tax (regular rate: $180 + tax) until August 26, 2021

To access the student & scholar discount for the Digital Talks Pass, please send the following details with your request to registration@tiff.net:

• The name of your academic institution
• The program you are enrolled in
• The name and email address of your program director or coordinator
• The year of your expected graduation
• Your student number (optional)
• Details about any recent film activity

What is Cinando?

Cinando is an online database of film professionals, companies, and film projects providing professional networking and streaming service for film industry personnel and companies.

Is there a limit to how many people can view an online movie at one time? Will there be multiple screenings of the same movie if I am not able to catch the screening window?

Press & Industry screenings on our digital platform will have one 48-hour window. But there’s no need to worry about capacities on the P&I platform: as long as you start and finish playing the film within its 48-hour window, you will be able to access it. Note that some films may only be accessible to Buyers as per rights holders’ requests.

Will online Conference events and sessions be available after they finish live streaming?

After the livestream of a Conference session ends, most sessions will be available on TIFF Digital Cinema Pro the day after, or within 48 hours.

I’d like to order/purchase a catalogue for this year.

A PDF version of the Programme Guide to films in selection will be available for download in late August. Our registered delegates will receive a link to this resource as soon as it becomes available.

Will passes be on sale during the Festival?

Our early-bird pricing for Industry registration closes July 23.
Pre-Festival registration closes August 31.
Passes will be back on sale September 7–14 at a late-registration price point.

Where can I access the Press & Industry schedule?

The P&I Schedule will be available online and in CSV (Excel) form in late August. Our registered delegates will receive a link to this resource as soon as it becomes available.

Am I eligible for Industry accreditation?

Industry accreditation is intended for film professionals who have been active in the film industry over the past two years. Our resources are primarily geared toward those operating as producers, sales agents, distributors, exhibitors, talent agents, and writer-directors.

If you are a newcomer to the film industry (under two years of professional experience), a scholar, and/or a student, we recommend our Digital Talks pass.

I have accessibility needs. How can you help?

We are happy to accommodate passholders with accessibility needs. During TIFF 2021, our films will have closed captioning available; we are working towards providing closed captions for our talks and events as well.

If you require assistance please start by contacting registration@tiff.net. Members of the public should contact Customer Relations at customerrelations@tiff.net.