In a few weeks, I will begin my virtual coverage of the Toronto Film Festival. Now for those that will be heading to Toronto for the upcoming festival, proof of vaccination is now required. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that this years Toronto Film Festival will require Hollywood talent and execs attending its upcoming 2021 edition to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their arrival at any TIFF venue.
The move, announced on Monday, follows a directive that those launching their latest movies in-person, including on the red carpet, had to mask up at all theaters and affiliated venues. But TIFF organizers had stopped short of demanding proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter its venues after Canada began allowing entry only to fully vaccinated Americans starting Aug. 9.
The new demand for proof of vaccination or a negative test will not apply to TIFF movie-goers at outdoor drive-in theathers where audiences will be in their cars. Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey, TIFF co-heads, said in a statement,
“TIFF has taken great care and consideration in implementing these TIFF specific protocols to mitigate risk to audiences and guests attending TIFF. We have relied on municipal and provincial medical direction and advice on rapid testing and we expect this will provide another level of clarity and comfort for all 2021 festival goers,”
