RBC Announces 10-Year Deal To Become Official Bank Of Toronto International Film Festival
TORONTO, (rushprnews) 05/27/2008 – — RBC and the Toronto International Film Festival Group (TIFFG) announced on May 22, a 10-year agreement that will make RBC the Official Bank and a major sponsor of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Toronto is a critical market for RBC and the Toronto International Film Festival Group contributes significantly to the region’s economy, vitality and national and international reputation,” said Jennifer Tory, RBC Regional President, Greater Toronto Region. “Our association with TIFFG extends beyond the two-week festival to support its diverse programming and cultural contributions throughout the year.”

“We are grateful for this strategic partnership with RBC. Their new commitment reinforces their ongoing support of our vision and will enhance learning experiences in Bell Lightbox for years to come.” said Piers Handling, Director & CEO, Toronto International Film Festival Group. “RBC is a strong believer in community building, by funding emerging Canadian artists they are expressing their confidence in our filmmakers and strengthening the fabric of our artistic community.”

As the Official Bank of TIFF, RBC will continue its legacy of supporting education through the arts by contributing to the RBC Learning Studio at Bell Lightbox, where innovative education programs will bring the art of cinema and the moving image to adults and children. In addition, RBC will support the creation of the RBC Emerging Talent Bursary to be presented annually to support the participation of Canadian filmmakers from across the country in TIFFG Industry Programmes. RBC and TIFF will also collaborate to provide RBC clients with exclusive experiential opportunities. Now in its 33rd year, Toronto International Film Festival ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. RBC has been a TIFF financial partner since 2002.

“Our leadership role with TIFF is perfectly aligned with our approach to supporting the events, causes and activities that are important to our clients, such as the RBC Canadian Open, the RBC Blue Water Project, the RBC Canadian Painting Competition, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, Canada’s Olympic and Paralympics athletes, and Hockey Canada,” said Jim Little, RBC chief brand and communications officer and TIFF director. In the Toronto area, RBC has a strong presence in several community based initiatives including the CIMA Toronto Mayor’s XI Youth Cricket Tour, Toronto Harbourfront, The Board of Trade and WinterCity.
About RBC in the Community

RBC is proud to support the events and passions that resonate with our clients and all Canadians. In addition to sponsoring numerous grassroots and community causes and events, RBC is pleased to play a leadership role in the following initiatives: The RBC Blue Water Project is aimed at fostering a greater commitment to water stewardship in Canada and abroad. As the longest standing partner of the Canadian Olympic Team, RBC continues its sponsorship through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With golf as the top participation sport in Canada, RBC has become the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open – the country’s national golf championship and the third oldest in the world; and RBC is the Official Bank of the world’s top public film festival – the Toronto International Film Festival.
Bell Lightbox

Construction of Bell Lightbox, a landmark destination for the moving image and headquarters for TIFFG, began on February 1, 2007. It is a five-storey podium building located on Reitman Square in the heart of Toronto’s downtown entertainment district. Bell Lightbox is designed by world renowned Toronto-based architectural firm KPMB and contains five cinemas, two galleries, three learning studios, a reference library and archive, and a retail store.

TIFFG’s capital project to build Bell Lightbox is generously supported by founding sponsor Bell, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario who have each contributed $25 million. The King and John Festival Corporation comprised of The Daniels Corporation and Ivan Reitman, his sisters Agi Mandel and Susan Michaels have donated a gift of more than $22 million. As well, numerous other individuals and corporations including, but not limited to, CIBC, The Copyright Collective of Canada, NBC Universal Canada, VISA, Allan Slaight and family, Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, the TIFFG Board of Directors and our staff have contributed to the Bell Lightbox campaign. Total raised to date is $147 million, three quarters of the total campaign of the $196 million.

The Toronto International Film Festival Group (TIFFG) is a charitable, not-for-profit, cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world. Its vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.

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Media contact:

Toronto International Film Festival Group
Marie Nazar, Manager, Corporate Communications, 416-934-3296, mnazar@tiffg.ca

RBC
Beja Rodeck, Director, Media Relations, 416-974-5506, beja.rodeck@rbc.com
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