Toronto Film Fest Signs New Lead Sponsor

Toronto Film Fest Signs New Lead Sponsor

As a longtime Torontonian and a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief and anticipation as Rogers steps in to sponsor the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for its 2024 edition. Having weathered the storm of the pandemic and the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike, TIFF is finally getting back on track, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.


The Toronto Film Festival has found a replacement lead sponsor for its 49th edition in September.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Rogers, a prominent telecommunications company from Canada, would serve as the primary sponsor for the 2024 version of the People’s Choice Awards, which will mark its finale.

The specifics of the sponsorship agreement remain undisclosed, however Rogers will now take over from Bell, who had been the primary sponsor of TIFF since 1995 and decided to cease their $5 million annual funding after the 2023 event. This withdrawal of financial support from Bell led to budget reductions at the film festival, resulting in job losses as a cost-saving measure.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’m diving headfirst into TIFF this year, eager to witness its resilience post two challenging years of pandemic disruptions in 2020 and 2021. The festival has adapted with digital editions, but the excitement remains palpable as we anticipate a more traditional experience in 2023. However, even this year isn’t without its hurdles, as the ongoing Hollywood actors and writers strikes continue to make an impact. But here’s to hoping for another fantastic film festival!

As the main backer, Rogers plans to leverage its financial relationships with TIFF to offer exclusive VIP experiences of the film festival and its screenings to its cable, phone, and internet subscribers.

“This year, as the foremost Canadian provider of communication and entertainment services, we’re thrilled to collaborate with TIFF. Together, we aim to present top-notch films and entertainment from Canada and globally. TIFF is renowned as one of the finest film festivals worldwide, and we take pride in our role in supporting it and offering more Canadians access to exceptional content and experiences,” commented Terrie Tweddle, chief brand and communications officer at Rogers, based in Toronto.

The Toronto Film Festival is set to run Sept. 5-15.

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2024-07-31 15:24