Here are tips on getting the best out of 45th edition of Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-19). With over 50 films in the 2020 selection, 34 conference sessions, TIFF Industry Online will provide accredited press and industry access to all of the necessary tools for success at TIFF

PERFECT PLANNING
The complete film and conference programming schedule is online at www.tiff.net. If you plan out your schedule properly it is possible to see all 50 films in selections this year. You have to plan and map out your schedule the way you would ordinarily do so at the physical festival. Pretend that you’re actually flying and getting a hotel room and just diving right in to the festival and devote as much time as you can. Press and industry screenings on the TIFF digital platform will be accessible within a 48-hour window to allow them to be viewed wherever delegates are in the world. All films will play for a full 48-hour window so you can watch at your convenience. The platform will be based on Shift72’s technology with strict security measures.

‘PASS’ MARK
You still have time to register for TIFF Industry Online. Film professionals can participate digitally in this year’s festival by registering for one of two pass options, depending on their professional needs: the Digital Pro Pass is designed for distributors, exhibitors, sales agents, talent agents, producers, and writer-directors, while the new Digital Talks Pass is ideal for new filmmakers, actors, students, and scholars.

TIFF, which usually discovers and shows the path to the best of award seasons including Oscars, will have a lineup of 50 new feature films, five programmes of short films, as well as interactive talks, film cast reunions, and Q&As with cast and filmmakers.

NOT JUST ABOUT FILMS…
TIFF 2020 is programmed in a way that you have room to cover everything during the festival period. In between films, you can also attend various industry conference events, masterclasses and live in conversation discussions. So, you have to really plan well and make sure to stick to the schedule.

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
TIFF festival selection features represent a diverse selection of the highest-quality films from around the globe. Films on offer will reflect first-rate international cinema, documentaries, and Canadian creativity. The strong representation of women, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of colour among TIFF’s selection reflects the organization’s continuing commitment to normalizing gender parity and racial equality for future generations.

TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE
The HBO, Spike Lee-directed filmed version of David Byrne’s Broadway theatrical concert ‘American Utopia’ will be the opening night presentation of the 45th Toronto International Film Festival on September 10.
American filmmaker Spike Lee masterfully directs a transformative experience, as the show raises political injustice, revealing how audiences can come together during challenging times through the power of entertainment.

SOCIAL DISTANCING
If you are in Toronto and lucky enough to enter enter TIFF Bell lightbox, you will have to wear masks when you moving around public spaces or restroom.  Once you’re seated for the screening, you can take the mask off. Social distancing is must and limited number of people will be allowed in enclosed spaces, like a restroom at a time.

MATCH & MEET
If you are an industry badge holder, you can connect in a virtual space with professionals from all over the world via Cinando’s networking app Match & Meet. With integrating video calling, you can easily connect and do meetings. Match & Meet will help find your perfect professional match. Registered delegates will receive an invitation with instructions on how to join after your confirmation email.

VIRTUAL REALITY
The entire TIFF Industry related activity will be virtual this year. But you can do everything as if you were are the Hyatt Industry Centre. Explore TIFF’s National Agency Spotlights on the platform homepage and see content from the various territories just waiting to be discovered. These dedicated shelves will be home to titles both in and out of selection, in addition to conference programming.

WHAT’S IN STORE
National Promotional Agencies will have a footprint on our platform to showcase completed productions and co-productions, as well as new initiatives and talent, through curated Spotlight talks available to all registered professionals.

BY THE NUMBERS

TIFF 2020 received 6876 film submissions this year.

6038 were international and 838 from Canada

In TIFF 2020, 43% of films are directed by women