About The Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. Between 300-400 films are screened each year, many of them either North American or World premieres. The attendance at the festival exceeds 300,000 from both the general public and industry audiences. Many studios use the Toronto Film Festival to begin their Oscar campaigns for high profile films.History of The Toronto International Film Festival
Known originally as The Festival of Festivals, The Toronto International Film Festival was founded in 1976 at the Windsor Arms Hotel. The festival originally started as a collector of the best films from festivals around the world. Over the years, however, the festival has grown in size and relevance, becoming a become component of Hollywood's marketing machine. Many notable films make their North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Recent examples include Downfall, Sideways, and in 2008, the Coen Brother's Burn After Reading.
Focus on Canadian Film
In 2001, Perspective Canada, the program that had focused on Canadian films since 1984, was replaced by two programs:- Canada First! a forum for Canadian filmmakers presenting their first feature-length work, featuring eight to 15 films, and
- Short Cuts Canada, which includes 30-40 Canadian short films.
