Theater & Film Events Toronto 2019

This international juggernaut screened 342 films from 82 countries last year, when Julia Roberts, Viola Davis, and Lady Gaga graced the city’s streets. Bell remains the lead sponsor for TIFF’s 44th incarnation, and major sponsors RBC, L’Oréal Paris, and Visa return. Next: September 5-15, 2019
See more: TIFF 2018: 24 Highlights From Premiere Parties and Festival Sponsors

The 26th edition of North America’s largest documentary film festival, conference, and market boasted record-breaking attendance of 228,000, but showed slightly fewer films on fewer screens. Official delegations from Bermuda, Chile, and Japan were on hand, and Scotia Wealth Management was the platinum presenting partner. Next: April 30-May 10, 2020

Up from #5
Celebrating its 40th edition, the Doras moved to a bigger venue, the Sony Centre for Performing Arts, and hosted 1,500 members of Canada’s theater, dance, and opera community for cocktails, a show, and after-party. New this year: the introduction of gender-neutral performance awards. Next: Spring 2020

There were fewer productions (151) planned for this year’s free and ticketed theater festival, with about 90,000 audience members expected. But activity at the pop-up patio, known as PostScript, was expected to increase, as free concerts and other programming grew. Quebec car-sharing company Communauto came on as a sponsor. Next: July 2020

This year’s festival had record box office revenue, with about 25,000 viewers watching 86 films from 24 countries. The Happy Hour Lounge, open both Sundays during the festival at the Alliance Francaise, was new and buzzworthy this year. Cineplex and the Toronto Star returned as sponsors, and Ace Hill Beer Co. was new. Next: May 2020

Up from #7
The sold-out, opening-night screening of biopic Rocketman set the tone for another high-energy L.G.B.T.Q. film fest in 2019. Attendance stayed level at about 35,000, while the number of films shown grew to 153 from 133. The Rec Room was a new venue this year, hosting the Women’s Gala and the Closing Night Gala. RBC returned as lead sponsor. Next: May 21-31, 2020

Up from #9
This year’s gala award broadcast was host-free, with comedians like the cast of the Baroness von Sketch Show on stage at the Sony Centre. Attendance at Screen Week, which precedes the gala, grew by 50 percent thanks to Family Fan Day and the Members Lounge, which hosted industry speakers. Bell Media returned as a sponsor. Next: March 29, 2020

One of Canada’s most important launch pads for new performances, SummerWorks was expecting 12,000 audience members at free and ticketed shows this summer. New this year: the use of public spaces like a public library and Ontario Place for performances. The Lindy Green Family Charitable Foundation was a major new funder this year. Next: August 8-18, 2019

New to the list
About 8,000 audience members are expected to take in between 50 and 75 films at Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival this year, which takes place at multiple venues in Toronto. National Bank was the presenting sponsor last year, when highlights included a live pitching contest with industry judges and a youth video production workshop. Next: November 7-15, 2019