COMPETE LEVEL

TIFF enters a new era with $25,000 jury prize.

The Toronto International Film Festival is recognizing the next generation of auteurs with a $25,000 prize. The long-running film showcase says a new competitive program called Platform will highlight “artistically ambitious international films.” The section will be comprised of up to 12 films of “high artistic merit that demonstrate a strong directorial vision by significant international filmmakers.” A three-person international jury will award the cash prize to the best film in the program. Cameron Bailey, the fest’s artistic director, says the goal is to highlight highquality international cinema and give the next generation of filmmakers a chance to increase their global profile. The jury and film lineup will be announced in the coming months. The 40th Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 10-20.