TORONTO — Netflix is committing to a three-year investment in Canadian film industry programs through a new partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the two organizations announced Tuesday.
Netflix is directing support towards TIFF’s Talent Accelerator program, where six female filmmakers will receive subsidies in order to access TIFF’s Industry programs and events. These programs are committed to increasing participation, skills and opportunities for women, behind and in front of the camera, TIFF said in a news release.
In addition, Netflix will support Canadian filmmakers through an investment in TIFF’s Industry programming and participants, including TIFF Filmmaker Lab, which takes place during the Festival. Each year, the Filmmaker Lab brings together some of the world’s best emerging filmmaking talent during the Festival over a four-day period. Participants learn from filmmakers and guests, deepening their industry understanding and empowering them to move forward with their projects, TIFF said. Furthermore, part of Netflix’s investment has been earmarked for the development of three events specifically targeted towards the professional development of Canadian film industry creators.
Netflix’s support of TIFF Industry offers emerging Canadian filmmakers valuable mentorship opportunities with industry leaders and affords access to TIFF’s Industry Conference and resources both year-round and at the Festival. This support comes from Netflix’s $25 million fund to support the next generation of Canadian creators, announced in September 2017, a Netflix spokesperson said in an e-mail. Netflix did not disclose the amount of investment it is making in TIFF’s Industry programs.
“Netflix’s agreement to support both the Festival and TIFF’s year-round work with the Canadian film industry signals a meaningful commitment,” said TIFF co-heads Cameron Bailey and Joana Vicente, in the news release. “TIFF Industry is dedicated to developing filmmaking talent and these resources will be directed towards expanding our efforts towards gender parity, under-represented voices in cinema and championing the very best in Canadian film.”
Scott Stuber, Netflix’s head of film, added: “New voices are important to the future of film, and we share TIFF’s confidence in the emerging talent coming out of Canada. This investment will help TIFF increase representation in the industry, and expand opportunities for these filmmakers that will allow them to deepen their craft and advance their projects.”
More information about TIFF’s Industry programs can be found at tiff.net/industry-talent-development.
