Guyana partners with Toronto Film Festival

As part of efforts to expand Guyana’s film industry and orange economy, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that the country will be partnering with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“We’ll have a massive showing there because we’re taking a strategic decision to collaborate with the TIFF officials and the organisation to help us build out that orange economy,” the President said on Saturday a major Guyana diaspora engagement event at the Pearson Centre in Brampton, Ontario.

The TIFF is Canada’s premier home of cinema. It ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. This year it will be held from September 10 to 20.

Days ago, President Ali engaged TIFF’s Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Bailey, to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening Guyana’s growing film and creative industries.

In a Facebook post, the President said discussions focused on expanding global platforms for Guyanese storytellers, filmmakers, artists, and creatives to showcase their talent, culture, and stories to international audiences. It was also noted that Guyana will have a strong presence at this year’s festival, highlighting Guyanese film, music, fashion, culture, and storytelling on one of the world’s premier cultural stages.

The President confirmed this while speaking at the diaspora engagement event on Saturday.

“We want Guyana to be seen, to be heard, to be felt,” Dr. Ali said.

The President has increasingly spoken about expanding the orange economy, which refers to all economic ventures related to creativity, culture, and innovation. In Houston, Texas, where he was before travelling to Canada, the President said e wants movies to be written and produced in Guyana. He also believes TV shows, like the survival-themed reality competition shows ‘Naked and Afraid’ or ‘Survivor’, could be filmed right in the tiny South American nation.