TIFF strives to be accessible to all our audiences. We work closely with our accessibility stakeholders to help inform best accessibility practices and to provide welcoming and inclusive film-going experiences.
TIFF has improved its Festival accessibility over the past few years, including increased availability of CaptiView, assisted listening devices, and captioning on our short-form video content where possible. To find in-person screenings that offer closed-captioning or descriptive sound (CC/DS) options, please visit tiff.net/films (Festival) or tiff.net/calendar (year-round), open “Filters” and from the drop-down menu labelled “Accessibility,” select the appropriate filter.
Digital TIFF Bell Lightbox features many titles presented with closed-captioning. To find accessible screenings on our digital platform, click here.
Open-captioning will be offered on screen in real-time at TIFF’s In Conversation With… in-person events.
For physical accessibility, TIFF’s screening venues the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cinesphere, Glen Gould Studio and the Hyatt Regency Toronto are suitably accessible. All levels of these venues can be accessed via lobby elevators, which provide wheelchair access and assisted seating. The Royal Alexandra Theatre is a heritage building, the majority of which is only accessible by stairs. However, its main-level facilities and services are accessible. To find more information on venue accessibility, click here.
If you have further questions about TIFF’s accessibility please contact accessibility@tiff.net.
Accessible and companion seating must be booked over the phone. If you require assistance, our Call Centre is open daily from 10am to 7pm at 416-599-2033 or 1-888-258-8433.
ASL sign language is also available on-demand for our Industry programming. Industry delegates can contact registration@tiff.net for assistance.
Films screened at the Festival are yet to have their theatrical release, and public release dates could be months or years away. Many films may still be in production and not in their final theatrical release format and may present challenges with the availability of accessible film formats. The decision to closed-caption a film remains at the discretion of the film’s rights holder or studio. TIFF actively encourages filmmakers to provide accessible formats for their films where possible.
All TIFF screenings offer accessible seating. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though we do our best to accommodate every request, seating cannot be guaranteed.
Accessible and companion seating must be booked over the phone. Our Call Centre is open daily from 10am to 7pm at 416-599-2033 or 1-888-258-8433.
Guide dogs and service animals are welcome in all public spaces at TIFF Bell Lightbox, including the cinemas. Please note that Front of House staff may request that you provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal is required due to a disability, as per the AODA’s Customer Service Standards.
TIFF strives to be accessible to all our patrons and to offer as many films as possible with closed-captioning, open captions, or descriptive sound. To find in-person screenings that offer accessible options, please visit tiff.net/films (Festival) or tiff.net/calendar (year-round), open “Filters” and from the drop-down menu labelled “Accessibility,” select the appropriate filter. To find accessible screenings on our digital TIFF Bell Lightbox platform, click here.
