TIFF thanks long-standing Partners for their unwavering support and marks Visa's 25th year as a Major Partner

MEDIA RELEASE
August 15, 2022

TIFF thanks long-standing Partners for their unwavering support and marks Visa's 25th year as a Major Partner

TORONTO — Today TIFF recognized the culmination of Visa’s 25th year as a Major Partner and thanked Visa — along with Bell, TIFF’s Lead Sponsor, and Major Partners RBC and BVLGARI — for their partnership during the height of the global health crisis. Through innovation and the support of its partners, TIFF drove deeper engagement with audiences, reinvigorated its in-person year-round programming, and planned a vibrant return to an in-person Festival.

“TIFF grew from a film festival to a year-round cultural hub occupying a unique place on the Canadian cultural landscape. It has now evolved to a global platform that bridges the gap between industry, artists, and audiences,” said Elisabeth Burks, VP, Partnerships, TIFF. “Bell, RBC, Visa, and our newest Major Partner BVLGARI share our mission to connect these communities, inspire meaningful conversations, and deliver transformative experiences. After two years of hybrid Festivals, we’re bringing audiences closer than ever to the action. From carpets to content, we’re pushing beyond the boundaries of what it means to experience film. This and the work we do year-round would not be possible without our partners.”

As Lead Sponsor and longtime supporter of the Toronto International Film Festival, Bell is excited to turn around the camera and put the spotlight on the best audience in film. Whether it’s a front-row spot on the red carpet or giving Festival-goers their own close-up on Festival Street, Bell is bringing the audience into focus while Toronto celebrates the best of cinema.

The 2022 Festival marks the return of a number of in-person activations from long-standing supporter and official bank of TIFF, RBC. The RBC Red Carpet Gallery at David Pecaut Square will once again provide RBC Avion® Visa cardholders and film fans with an elevated viewing experience of the red carpet prior to Gala premieres at Roy Thomson Hall. A staple since 2017, RBC House ― located at the Storys Building ― will host a number of parties for films premiering at TIFF, as well as an exclusive RBCxMusic concert. RBC will also celebrate its long-standing commitment to emerging Canadian filmmakers and RBC Emerging Artists through a new trailer, which will be played at the beginning of screenings throughout the Festival.

Visa is excited to welcome TIFF audiences back to the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre for TIFF 2022, with exclusive benefits for Visa Infinite cardholders including priority line and Visa Infinite Lounge access. This year, Visa is proud to announce the expansion of their long-standing partnership with TIFF to include an exciting new programme that provides communities with exclusive access to films, creator talks, and more. Visa Sharing the Screen launches at TIFF 2022 and will be a cornerstone of Visa’s partnership with TIFF moving forward.

BVLGARI, the Rome-based Maison, will build on its legacy in cinema with an exciting array of programmes year-round at TIFF. Highlights at Festival include a high-style Portrait Studio, that brings the artistry and brilliance of BVLGARI jewels to TIFF. BVLGARI will also host a private screening of Inside the Dream, a film that captures the passion and process that transforms the rarest of gems into the most distinctive BVLGARI pieces. BVLGARI is the sponsor of the fourth annual TIFF Tribute Awards fundraising gala taking place on Sunday, September 11 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, which honours the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, and serves as a kick-off to the fall awards season.

In addition to TIFF’s major partnerships, TIFF is also grateful for its government supporters the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Toronto. As previously announced last week at an event at TIFF Bell Lightbox for the Canadian film industry and press, the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario confirmed their commitment to a non-repayable investment of $10 million to support TIFF’s recovery and the return to a larger, in-person Festival. Additionally, Telefilm Canada announced a $700,000 contribution to support TIFF’s position as the leading platform for launching Canadian films and a must-attend event for the global screening industry, bringing Telefilm’s contribution towards the Festival to $1.4 million in support for 2022.