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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Filmmakers, directors, actresses and movie fans will converge on the Toronto International Film Festival this morning for a rally to address gender inequity in the movie industry.
The Share Her Journey Rally is among the more high-profile events tied to TIFF’s mission to increase the participation, skills and opportunities of women eager to enter the business.
Speakers are set to include actress and activist Geena Davis, inclusion expert Dr. Stacy Smith, actress and #AfterMeToo co-founder Mia Kirshner, and director Amma Asante.
Events begin with a pre-rally breakfast, where TIFF co-head Cameron Bailey will pledge the fest’s commitment to joining a broader industry campaign of reaching 50/50 gender parity by 2020.
Meanwhile, the Directors Guild of Canada has announced its “So Not Cool” campaign, in which it urges cast and crew members to speak out whenever they witness harassment, bullying and violence on a set.
The guild’s Kendrie Upton says it’s time for “fundamental changes to the day-to-day culture in our industry.”
“It’s not just about knowing that you can report an incident. Each and every one of us should feel empowered to speak up when we see something unwelcome.”
The Share Her Journey rally will be followed by the world premiere of the documentary, “This Changes Everything,” in which an array of top actresses including Meryl Streep, Sandra Oh, Jessica Chastain, and Taraji P. Henson detail Hollywood’s gender bias.
It’s produced by Davis and directed by Tom Donahue, whose documentary “Casting By” championed a field dominated by women.
According to data gathered by the Share Her Journey campaign, female storytellers are in the minority across many key creative and decision-making roles.
The best candid celebrity photos at TIFF 2018
The stars have officially descended on Toronto for the city's annual international film festival! And aside from their incredible films and obvious talent, they're also aces when it comes to meeting adoring fans, mugging it for the camera and hitting the after-party scene.
Matthew McConaughey toasted co-star Jonathan Majors's birthday at the White Boy Rick premiere after-party at RBC House.
Chris Pine got friendly with his fans at Outlaw King's opening-night premiere on Sept. 6! Roy Thomson Hall was buzzing with excitement as the handsome star took time chatting with his admirers before heading in to watch the historical action drama.
Greta stars Maika Monroe, Isabelle Huppert and Chloe Grace Moretz descended on Weslodge for their lavish after-party. Later that night, Chloe and Maika hit Soho House and broke it down on the dance floor to some Destiny's Child.
Steve Carrell, Timothee Chalamet and Amy Ryan were all smiles as they chatted about their film Beautiful Boyon Sept. 7 in the IMDb Studio at Bisha Hotel. Photo: © Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb
Cheese! Beautiful Boy star Timothee Chalamet obliged hordes of screaming fans with chit chat and, of course, selfies.
Photo: © GP Images/Getty Images for TIFF
Actor Dev Patel meets with fans as he arrives for the world premiere of Hotel Mumbai at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto on Sept. 7, 2018.
Actor Julia Roberts arrives for the world premiere of Homecoming at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, September 7, 2018.
REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni.
TIFF CEO Piers Handling, left, arrives at the Outlaw King premiere.
NATHAN DENETTE/THE CANADIAN PRESS