TORONTO – The Toronto International Film Festival will lose Bell as its major sponsor.
Bell has been a festival partner since 1995 and has his name on TIFF’s downtown headquarters, located in the heart of the entertainment district on King Street West.
Bell spokeswoman Ellen Murphy says those naming rights will end when the sponsorship expires at the end of December. Murphy says the communications giant chose not to renew the contract.
News of Bell’s departure comes as organizers and film fans brace for a reduced celebrity presence at next month’s festival due to ongoing strikes in Hollywood.
Last year, sponsors contributed around $13.4 million, accounting for 28 percent of total revenue. TIFF and Bell’s split was first reported by the Toronto Star.
The 11-day film marathon begins on September 7th with Hayao Miyazaki’s long-awaited animated film “The Boy and the Heron.”
TIFF said in a statement that the 28-year partnership has contributed significantly to its growth and success.
“Earlier this year, we mutually agreed that this partnership would end at the end of 2023,” Judy Lung, vice president of TIFF communications, said via email Friday.
“We sincerely thank Bell for their unwavering support, commitment and collaborative spirit and look forward to working with them again.”
In a statement Friday, Bell said it was grateful to have been part of the annual festival that attracts top films and talent from around the world.
“Earlier this year, we decided that the end of 2023 would be the right time to step away from our partnership with TIFF and have decided not to renew our sponsorship in order to invest in other opportunities that are core to our business.” said Bell.
“We are confident that TIFF will continue to develop and present the world’s leading content to inform, educate and entertain the best film audiences.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2023.
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