Tayyaba
In a shocking turn of events, Bell Canada has announced that it is ending its long-term sponsorship of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival! After supporting the event for over two decades since it was given this name in 1955, the telecommunications company will now be stepping away after the festival’s 48th edition this year.
What did Bell Canada say about ending their partnership with TIFF?
In a statement shared with Variety on Saturday, a representative of Bell Canada gave a lengthy statement in which the telecommunications company mentions that after stepping away from the Toronto International Film Festival, it will be investing in other opportunities that “are core” to its business. The company also adds that it’s grateful to have been part of the long and “terrific” 28-year journey and are “proud of our partnership to help make TIFF a leading global destination for film and to support Canadian content and talent on the world stage.” Despite Variety’s request for comment, representatives from TIFF did not provide a response.
“Earlier this year, we decided that the end of 2023 would be the right time to step back from our partnership with TIFF and opted not to renew our sponsorship in order to invest in other opportunities that are core to our business. We are confident TIFF will continue to develop and showcase the world’s leading content to inform, educate and entertain the best audience in film. We’re grateful to have been a part of it all.”
Bell Canada
Toronto Film Festival 2023: What’s in store for attendees?
In July, TIFF announced a lineup of 60 films, representing 70 countries around the world for this year’s festival. Titles such as The Holdovers by Alexander Payne, Hit Man by Richard Linklater, Monster by Koreeda Hirokazu, and Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet, who won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, will also be showcased. Netflix films, including Rustin by George C Wolfe, Pain Hustlers by David Yates, Nyad by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin will also screen at the 48th edition of TIFF. On September 16, the global premiere of Sylvester Stallone’s documentary Sly will conclude the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall (the festival will begin on the 7th of September).