TIFF Announces Industry Conference Plans

The Toronto International Film Festival’s development, business, and networking initiatives are set to return fully in-person, with the Festival welcoming international professionals back to Toronto this September. This year’s five-day Industry Conference will be held at the Glenn Gould Studio September 9–13, while the Industry Centre returns to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Festival Village. TIFF is creating industry incentives for professionals to gather at its year-round home, TIFF Bell Lightbox, for targeted development sessions and impactful rooftop events.

“We are so excited to welcome the international film and television communities back to Toronto this September to celebrate the craft and its creators, build towards more sustainable business practices, and help develop original, distinct, and diverse voices that deserve to be championed,” said Geoff Macnaughton, Senior Director, Industry and Theatrical, TIFF. “Although we had many successes delivering hybrid digital/in-person Industry initiatives over the last two years, including a record-breaking year in film sales, we are thrilled to return to in-person business and networking.”

Under the direction of TIFF’s new Chief Programming Officer, Anita Lee, this year’s Industry Conference is programmed and developed by Geoff Macnaughton and Jane Kim, Industry Programming Producer, and managed by Julla Shanghavi, Manager, Industry Conference.

The 2022 Industry Conference comprises six distinct programmes. Visionaries offers inspirational keynotes from distinguished industry leaders who are forging innovative new paths creatively and in business. Dialogues features rich and lively discussions on craft among creators, including directors, writers, and showrunners. Perspectives presents timely and thought-provoking conversations with a wide range of expert panellists, who will speak on various aspects of the current state and the future of the industry. Connections is geared toward emerging and mid-career filmmakers, providing them the opportunity to interact directly with industry leaders and acquire practical insight that will help fuel their projects and expand their understanding of the industry. Microsessions are curated discussions that showcase new technologies and new ways of doing business, while TIFF’s Spotlights stream highlights global talent, incentives, co-production opportunities, and pitching sessions. TIFF’s Industry Conference is supported by Major Supporters Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and media partners including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Screen International.

Some of the topics and speakers confirmed to date include a rare onstage Visionaries conversation with MUBI Founder & CEO Efe Cakarel, who will discuss the impact of the company as a streamer, curator, publisher, distributor, producer, and, most importantly, cinema lover. Jason Ryle, TIFF International Programmer, Indigenous Cinema, will guest program a Perspectives session on Narrative Sovereignty; and Nuria Bronfman, Executive Director of the Movie Theatre Association of Canada, will guest program a Perspectives session on The State of Global Film Exhibition.This timely session brings together exhibition experts who look beyond post-pandemic recovery and explore new ways to strengthen the cinema-going experience as well as continue to what they do best: transform the way we see films together.

Also supporting the Industry Conference programming this year are Thom Powers, TIFF International Programmer, Documentaries, who will invite the international documentary community back to TIFF through insightful conversations from leading doc filmmakers. Jason Anderson, TIFF International Programmer, Short Cuts, will program two Connections sessions focusing on short films and first features.

TIFF will continue to support emerging film creators from under-represented communities through its pass-gifting initiative, now in its third year. The initiative provides burgeoning diverse talents and up-and-coming professionals with access to the Festival’s Industry Conference, Press & Industry screenings, and networking tools to expand their careers and make connections for future opportunities. Last year, this initiative supported over 240 emerging filmmakers in collaboration with supporting partners and community organizations from across North America.

Press & Industry delegates are invited to follow @TIFF_Industry on Twitter for the latest announcements, updates, and live tweets from the Industry Conference, Press Conferences, and the Festival. Join the conversation to connect with other delegates, stimulate conversation, and amplify important discussions.

Further details on TIFF Industry programmes and Talent Development initiatives will follow throughout the summer.

Online registration for TIFF’s Industry Conference is now open through August 26. To learn more about passes and price points, visit www.tiff.net/industry-accreditation/.

Godfather star James Caan Dies at 82

American actor James Caan, who rose to fame for his portrayal of Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, has died aged 82.

With a career spanning decades as a Hollywood leading man and iconic figure he was nominated for an Oscar, an Emmy and four Golden Globes.

Caan’s family thanked fans on Thursday for an “outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences”.

The New York native was married four times and leaves behind five children.

Bronx born Caan initially planned on pursuing a career as an American Football player. But his path in life changed after befriending Director Francis Ford Coppola whilst at university together. The pair joined forces in 1972 to adapt Mario Puzo’s The Godfather in what would become one of the true undisputed landmark masterpieces of modern cinema.

For his performance as hot heated crime family scion Sonny Corleone, Caan himself received an academy award nomination for best supporting actor.

Beyond that iconic role Caan will also be fondly remembered for countless classic films including Misery and Christmas family favourite Elf.