URGENT UPDATE: TIFF: The Market is set to welcome over 250 international buyers for its inaugural event, marking a significant expansion in the film industry’s marketplace. This initiative, supported by a USD $16.9 million (C$23 million) investment from the Canadian federal government and Telefilm Canada, aims to create new opportunities for distributors and filmmakers alike.
The market will feature 650 premium screening slots at TIFF Lightbox and Scotiabank, beginning just two days before the festival on September 10, 2026. This unique setup allows sellers to invite curated public audiences to test screenings, effectively bridging the gap between the market and festival experiences.
Organizers are currently awaiting confirmation on whether they will assist the new cohort of distributors with travel, accommodation, and badge costs. The market hub will be located at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, offering 120 exhibitor spaces, multiple programming stages, business lounges, an innovation zone, and market screenings at the venue’s new cinemas.
Industry heavyweights such as UTA Independent Film Group, WME Independent, and CAA Media Finance are confirmed participants, bringing completed projects for potential buyers. However, the timing of this September market has raised concerns among some sales agents, as it occurs shortly after the summer holiday period, potentially impacting attendance and engagement.
Despite these challenges, the market has received strong support from key stakeholders, including major film agencies and international buyers. As TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey stated, “As the largest public film festival in the world, there is no better place than TIFF to get a pulse on what is resonating with audiences.”
The event promises a seven-day speaker summit, an innovation hub showcasing eight projects across AI, XR, and immersive content, as well as a project market for titles in development aimed at supporting co-production. Additionally, there will be talent development labs for directors, screenwriters, and series creators, further emphasizing the market’s ambition to foster new talent and ideas within the industry.
As excitement builds for this unprecedented event, film professionals and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and developments. The first screening slots commence on September 10, 2026, at TIFF Lightbox, signaling the countdown to a transformative experience for the global film community.
