About Us
A division of the TIFF, Film Circuit provides filmgoers in under-served communities with transformative experiences through access to Canadian and international independent films. With over 195 groups in 163 communities across Canada, Film Circuit is essential in helping TIFF lead the world in building markets and audiences for Canadian cinema.
Film Circuit promotes Canadian and international cinema through grassroots distribution, marketing, and exhibition. Canadian films such as One Week, Stone of Destiny, The Necessities of Life, Cairo Time and Cooking with Stella were among the most attended films screened on the circuit in 2009. Film Circuit groups also successfully screened diverse and engaging international films such as Is Anybody There?, Happy-Go-Lucky, Goodbye Solo, Empties and I've Loved You So Long. While providing filmgoers an opportunity to see films that may not otherwise be available, Film Circuit also provides distributors with an opportunity to extend the theatrical run of their films.
Eighty-three Canadian filmmakers traveled to thirty-one communities across Canada to introduce their films and participate in question-and-answer sessions in 2009. Guests included Richie Mehta, Rupinder Nagra, Jennifer Jonas, Leonard Farlinger, Stephen McHattie, Michael McGowan, Kari Skogland, Carl Bessai, Charles Martin Smith, Benoit Pilon and Jennifer Baichwal travelling across the country to communities including Bowen Island, BC, Vernon, BC, Gimli, MB, North Bay, ON, Cobourg, ON and Hudson, QC.
Recognizing that it is important that each individual community curates its own screening events to maximize community commitment and capitalize on knowledge of local demand, Film Circuit encourages collaborative programming between Film Circuit staff and individual Film Circuit Groups. Release schedules are issued throughout the year, and each group selects films according to local demand with the goal of enhancing awareness of and increasing exposure for independent cinema. The Film Circuit office then books films based on availability as determined by the distributor. Film Circuit staff arranges print traffic, provides development support, researches and prepares film titles and availability lists, offers programming consulting, books guests and ensures cross-Film Circuit communication.
Films screened on Film Circuit are event based and generally classified as 'limited releases'; they require local marketing support to reach audiences. Some methods groups use to generate local interest in the programme include:
- Flyers
- Word of mouth
- Local press (ie. Newspaper articles, radio/television interviews)
- Sponsored advertising
- E-newsletters
- Blogs
Local organizations or individuals interested in starting a Film Circuit group in their community should contact the Film Circuit office:
Contact: Robin Rhodes
Toronto International Film Festival
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1600
Toronto, ON M5B 1J3
Tel: (416) 934-3245
Toll-Free: 1 (888) 703-7778 ext. 7
Fax: (416) 967-7497
Check if there is a Film Circuit Centre in your community and find out what's playing in your area. Read the History of Film Circuit, read our News Releases, view our Sponsors, and review our General Policies.