‘Zero tolerance’
TIFF plans women’s rally in #MeToo era
As the Toronto International Film Festival begins Thursday, it’s doing so in a changed landscape.
With initiatives including a 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 who’s taking part in the festival understands 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 welcomed back if you violate any of these rules.” This is the first TIFF since the Weinstein scandal last October led to a steady stream of allegations and the establishment of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements to end abuse. Weinstein has been a fixture at TIFF in the past, using it for the world première of films that went on to Oscar love, 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 zerotolerance 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 must also agree to the code of conduct in their accreditation forms, and the press package includes a reminder. 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 slated for the event include Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder and director of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Oscarwinning actress Geena Davis and Canadian star Mia Kirshner. Meanwhile, at a pre-rally breakfast, Bailey will pledge TIFF’s commitment to the 5050by2020 initiative that supports gender parity and inclusion in film festivals. Such initiatives can have a big impact, say those in the industry. “I think the most important message that kind of stuff sends is that there are groups now behind this new standard that we all have, which is that kind of Harvey Weinstein-esque behaviour is not OK and if you are going to risk acting like that, then it’s no longer one or two fringe, really brave women who are going to come out and say something — it’s a streetful of women,” adds Nikki Saltz, winner of TIFF’s inaugural 2018 Micki Moore Residency for female screenwriters. This year, 34 per cent of films in TIFF’s lineup are by women, up from 33 per cent last year
“We’d like it to get to 50 per cent, but I think the industry has to actually itself step to the plate,” says Handling. “We can only go so far. More women have to be behind the camera directing films, and then we’ll show them.”