TIFF set to lose lead sponsor Bell after a nearly three-decade partnership
TORONTO –
The Toronto International Film Festival is ready to lose Bell as its main sponsor.
Bell has been a pageant companion since 1995 and has its title on TIFF’s downtown headquarters, situated within the coronary heart of the leisure district on King Street West.
Bell spokesperson Ellen Murphy says these naming rights finish when the sponsorship expires on the finish of December. Murphy says the communications large opted to not renew the contract.
News of Bell’s departure comes as organizers and movie buffs brace for a lowered celeb presence at subsequent month’s pageant attributable to ongoing Hollywood strikes.
Last 12 months, sponsors contributed about $13.4 million, which amounted to twenty-eight per cent of its whole revenues. TIFF’s cut up with Bell was first reported by the Toronto Star.
The 11-day film marathon kicks off Sept. 7 with Hayao Miyazaki’s long-awaited animated characteristic movie, “The Boy and the Heron.”
TIFF mentioned in an announcement that the 28-year partnership has vastly contributed to its development and success.
“Earlier this year, we mutually agreed that this partnership would come to a close at the end of 2023,” TIFF communications VP Judy Lung mentioned Friday by e-mail.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Bell for their unwavering support, dedication and collaborative spirit and look forward to working with them in new ways.”
In an announcement, Bell mentioned Friday it is grateful to have been part of the annual pageant that attracts high movies and expertise from all over the world.
“Earlier this year, we decided that the end of 2023 would be the right time to step back from our partnership with TIFF and opted not to renew our sponsorship in order to invest in other opportunities that are core to our business,” Bell mentioned.
“We are confident TIFF will continue to develop and showcase the world’s leading content to inform, educate and entertain the best audience in film.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Aug. 25, 2023.
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