Inclusivity, belonging, a tilt towards equity-deserving groups of diverse backgrounds are the calling card of the partnership between the Toronto International Film Festival and RBC.

The partnership aims to help advance projects from emerging creators with diverse backgrounds who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and/or are from other equity-deserving groups. Each year, two producer/director teams with feature-length projects in post-production will receive targeted support to pitch their projects to industry decision-makers in three key markets.

As a long-standing supporter of the arts and film community, RBC announce its 16th year as official bank partner of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This year, RBC will deliver programming designed to nurture emerging talent and enhance the festival experience for film fans and RBC clients.

The RBC Red Carpet Gallery returns as one of the most coveted spots for star gazing in David Pecaut Square (215 King Street West, Toronto).

“At RBC, we believe in supporting and advancing creative mediums that elevate diverse voices and unique perspectives. The arts bring vibrancy to the communities where we live and work,” said Mary DePaoli, executive vice president & chief marketing officer, RBC. “Our partnership with TIFF allows us to help bring impactful stories to the big screen, while fulfilling our commitment to supporting the arts and fostering emerging Canadian talent.”

RBC House, the go-to venue for film and industry parties, will once again host several noteworthy events for emerging and established talent and filmmakers. This year, RBC House will be located at Petros82 in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. In addition to film premiere after-parties, programming for RBC House includes:

– RBCxMusic Night: Taking place on Friday, September 8, the annual highly-anticipated Opening Weekend celebration will feature a performance by DJ Diesel, a.k.a. Shaquille O’Neal. One of the most dominant players in basketball history and now also a renowned entertainer.

–  The L.A. Times Studio will return to RBC House, welcoming directors and international stars for video interviews and photography as part of a new program this year, Los Angeles Times Talks @ TIFF.

– The Black Academy Legacy Kick-Off Party: This celebration of emerging and established Black Canadian talent will take place at RBC House on Sunday, September 10, ahead of The Legacy Awards later that month.

“We are incredibly thankful for RBC’s continued support and commitment to the festival, emerging talent and the arts community as we celebrate TIFF 2023,” said Cameron Bailey, chief executive officer, TIFF. “With each year, our partnership deepens, and we are so excited to collaborate with RBC for the 48th edition of TIFF.”

RBC is proud to invest in programming during TIFF that will develop professional skills for Canadian talent and filmmakers through community partners like SeriesFest, which provides year-round opportunities for creators and industry experts to connect, collaborate and share stories.

In addition, the TIFF Every Story Accelerator, part of the RBC Screen Creators’ Initiative supported by the RBC Foundation, is designed to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging in film. It aims to help advance projects from emerging creators with diverse backgrounds who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and/or are from other equity-deserving groups. Each year, two producer/director teams with feature-length projects in post-production will receive targeted support to pitch their projects to industry decision-makers in three key markets.

TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film. An international leader in film culture, TIFF projects include the annual Toronto International Film Festival in September; TIFF Bell Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; and innovative national distribution program Film Circuit.