Film festival stresses ‘zero tolerance’ policy
TIFF commits to five years of supporting women in the industry via Share Her Journey
AAs the Toronto International Film Fes- tival prepares to kick off Thursday, it’s doing so in a changed landscape — one organizers have responded to with a few powerful additions to the usual mix of glitz and glam.
With initiatives including the Share Her Journey women’s rally, a newly created hotline and an emphasis on its code of conduct, TIFF is making it clear it’s an inclusive and safe space after the tide of sexual misconduct allegations stemming from the Harvey Weinstein scandal last fall.
“We’re making sure that everyone wwho’s taking part in the festival under- stands that there’s a standard of behaviour, that harassment and abuse won’t be tolerated and that there are repercussions for that,” says Cameron Bailey, artistic director of TIFF.
“You’re on our ground and there’s zero tolerance,” adds Piers Handling, director and CEO of TIFF. “You will not be wwelcomed back if you violate any of these t rules.”
This is the first TIFF since the Weinstein scandal last October led to a steady stream of allegations involving many others in the industry, and the establishment of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements to end abuse.
Weinstein had been a fixture at TIFF in the past, using it for the world premiere of films that went on to Oscar glory, including The King’s Speech, The Imitation Game and Lion. Two misconduct accusations against him, from actresses Mira Sorvino and Montreal’s Erika Rosenbaum, allegedly took place in Toronto hotel rooms during past TIFFs.
TIFF has always had a zero-tolerance harassment policy and a code of conduct, but this year those elements will be more visible through signage around the festival, says Handling. All delegates mmust also agree to the code of conduct in t their accreditation forms and the press package includes a reminder of it.
“For the first time we actually have a hotline, so if anybody feels that they’ve been harassed and they don’t feel they can approach us, they can go to a third party,” he adds.
The hotline — 1-833-265-9835 — allows callers to confidentially report wrongdoing or unethical conduct.
Handling notes they’ve taken badges away from delegates in the past, but that was “more for bad behaviour.”
Perhaps the biggest symbol of solidarity at this year’s festival will be seen on Saturday with the rally by TIFF’s Share Her Journey, a five-year commitment to support women in the industry. Speakers at the event will include Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder and director of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Oscarwwinning actress Geena Davis and Cana- dian star Mia Kirshner, who co-founded the #AfterMeToo movement.
Meanwhile, at a pre-rally breakfast, Bailey will pledge TIFF’s commitment to the 5050x2020 initiative that supports gender parity and inclusion in film festivals.