#1 Theater & Film Event
Despite reducing the overall number of titles screened by 20 percent for 2017, the event remains the city’s biggest film festival, now in its 42nd year, and attracts an international group of critics and industry professionals. Last year 397 features were screened, including 266 world, international, or North American premieres, and 83 countries were represented. Bell returns this year as the lead sponsor. Next: September 7-17, 2017
#2 Theater & Film Event
The festival broke attendance records again in 2017, with 215,000 documentary buffs screening 228 films in 15 venues. The first-ever Food and Film series proved extremely popular, with several sold-out events. Scotiabank returned as presenting sponsor. Next: Spring 2018
#3 Theater & Film Event (up from #4)
The festival of free and ticketed theater moved to its new home at Scadding Court this year, expecting attendance to hold steady at about 90,000 as the number of shows increased to 160. Steam Whistle Brewing returns as a sponsor, and Bike Share Toronto also supports the event. Next: July 2018
#4 Theater & Film Event (up from #5)
The festival celebrated 20 years in 2017 with its biggest program to date: 166 films from more than 40 countries, plus 45 guest speakers at the TIFF Kids Industry Forum. Bell remained the lead sponsor, and Disney Channel was the official media partner. Next: April 2018
#5 Theater & Film Event (up from #6)
The event moved to a larger venue in 2017—the 1,500-seat Elgin Theatre—for a cocktail reception and award ceremony, with an after-party held in the opulent lobby. Soulpepper Theatre Company took home the outstanding production award, and Now magazine returned as a sponsor. Next: June 2018
#6 Theater & Film Event
The curated festival of theater, dance, music, and live art is scaling back to 52 from 69 performances this year, but still expects about 25,000 spectators at its various venues. New this year: long-weekend passes, late-night events, and more free venues. TD and Ireland Park Foundation return as sponsors. Next: August 3-13, 2017
#7 Theater & Film Event (up from #8)
More than 30 percent of films sold out at this year’s celebration of Jewish culture, where there were 105 screenings, up from 92 last year. The new NxtGen Pass helped attract younger audiences, while the tribute to Canadian literary icon Mordecai Richler was a fan favorite. CP24 and CTV were new sponsors. Next: May 3-13, 2018
#8 Theater & Film Event
With new executive director Andria Wilson in charge, the L.G.B.T.-focused film fest expanded industry programing in 2017 and introduced the Inside Out Film Finance Forum. Only 136 films were screened, down from 165 in 2016, and RBC returned as presenting sponsor. Next: May 2018
#9 Theater & Film Event (new to the list)
The award broadcast returned to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in 2017, where comedian Dave Chappelle presented Just for Laughs with the Icon Award and Christopher Plummer with the Lifetime Achievement Award. CBC and Telefilm Canada sponsored. Next: Spring 2018
