TIFF 2023: A Festival Sneak Peek
by KM, Movie Lightbox
The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recognized as the world's largest public film festival, is scheduled to take place from September 7 to 17, 2023. TIFF 2023 promises to deliver an exceptional cinematic experience, showcasing the best in International and Canadian cinema with its well known public and industry screenings, special events, and star-studded red carpets.
TIFF 2023 will transform Toronto into a film and movie lover’s hub, with various official screening venues serving as hosts for the festival. Venues for this year include TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cineplex's Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, Glenn Gould Studio at the Canadian Broadcast Centre, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Additionally, the fifth edition of the TIFF Tribute Awards Gala, presented by BVLGARI®, will be held on September 10, 2023, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The festival street will once again grace King Street, from Peter Street to University Avenue, offering a vibrant and family-friendly celebration of all things film.
Under the guidance of TIFF's Chief Programming Officer, Anita Lee, the programming team for TIFF 2023 has been announced. Festival team includes: Robyn Citizen, Director of Programming & Platform Lead; Norm Wilner, Acting Lead Programmer for Canada and Industry Selects; Kelly Boutsalis, International Programmer (Canada); Jane Schoettle, Senior Programmer, Special Presentations; Andréa Picard, Senior Curator, Wavelengths & Classics; Thom Powers, Lead Programmer, TIFF Docs; Peter Kuplowsky, International Programmer, Midnight Madness; Geoff Macnaughton, International Programmer, Primetime; Giovanna Fulvi, Senior International Programmer (East Asia); Dorota Lech, International Programmer and Discovery Lead (Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Caucasus Regions); Nataleah Hunter-Young, International Programmer (Africa and Arab West Asia); Jason Anderson, International Programmer & Short Cuts Lead (Nordic Countries and Benelux); Diana Cadavid, International Programmer (Latin America, Southern Europe, the Caribbean); Jason Ryle, International Programmer, Indigenous Cinema; Jane Kim, Producer of Industry Programming; and Christoph Straub, Producer of In Conversation With. Joining the programming team in new roles are: Meenakshi Shedde, Senior Programme Advisor, South Asia; and Ivan Giroud, Senior Programme Advisor, Latin America; June Kim, Associate International Programmer, Southeast Asia; Jesse Cumming, Associate Curator, Wavelengths.
Notably, the Contemporary World Cinema section has been renamed "Centrepiece," highlighting its significance within the festival and emphasizing its role in showcasing acclaimed titles, premieres, and influential filmmaking luminaries. “We are proud to bring the world together through film, and we are especially proud of TIFF’s legacy of centring international art-house cinema,” said Anita Lee, TIFF Chief Programming Officer. “The name change to Centrepiece crystallises the importance of this programming within the festival at large and a renewed spirit.”
In response to audience and member feedback, TIFF is offering a more accessible and streamlined experience. Single ticket on-sales will begin earlier, allowing film lovers more time to explore the diverse programming. Ticket packages have also undergone changes, retiring redemption windows while introducing new curated packages at various price points. TIFF Members will enjoy a 20% discount on regular screenings when purchasing in multiples of 10 tickets or more. Membership details, benefits, and pricing can be found on the TIFF website. Important ticketing dates have been outlined to ensure film enthusiasts can plan ahead. Curated package pre-sales exclusively for Visa cardholders and TIFF Members will take place in June, with further details to be announced. The official film schedule will be released on August 15. Pre-sales will follow for Patrons Circle Members, Contributors Circle Members, Visa Infinite cardholders, and TIFF Members, leading up to the general public ticket on-sale on August 28. Ticket prices range from $26 to $32 for regular screenings and $39 to $88 for premium screenings. Special rates will be available for Under-25 Free Passholders and community partners.
TIFF 2023 is set to captivate audiences once again and offer a great festival experience filled with International and Canadian films, arthouse and crowdpleasers. With an exceptional programming team at the helm, accessible venues and an array of ticketing options designed to enhance the festival experience, TIFF promises film and movie lovers an unforgettable journey into the world of cinema. Mark your calendars for September 7-17, 2023.