The Hamilton Film Board is making its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year to showcase the city’s filmmaking talent. Christopher Giroux, a filmmaker and the founding president of the Hamilton Film Board, believes the Hamilton House Party at TIFF is long overdue. He attributes Hamilton’s appeal to filmmakers not only to the provincial regional film tax incentive but also to the supportive and diverse creative community that the city offers.
Recent data from the Hamilton Film Office indicates a growth in film and television production in the city over the past few years. In 2024, 139 productions in Hamilton generated over $59.9 million, which increased to 158 productions and $80 million in 2025. The trend continued in the first half of 2026 with 86 productions bringing in over $32.2 million.
Devon Hogue, a business development consultant in Hamilton’s creative industries, highlights Hamilton’s significant contributions to Ontario’s film industry for more than a decade. She expresses excitement about the opportunity presented by the Hamilton Film Board’s presence at TIFF to showcase the city’s industry strengths to a global audience.
Aside from the usual screenings and events, this year’s TIFF will feature TIFF: The Market, a platform for industry professionals to engage in buying, selling, financing, pitching, and discovering content. Among the films being screened at TIFF, four were filmed in Hamilton: “Back in Black,” “In the Heart of the South,” “Neverman,” and “YAGA.”
Giroux is eager to connect with industry professionals at the event, including producers, distributors, actors, agents, and more. The Hamilton Film Board has been reaching out to Hamilton alumni Eugene Levy and Martin Short through social media, hoping to engage them in the festivities. Levy and Short, who have had successful careers in television and film, have yet to respond to the invitations.
The Hamilton House Party is scheduled for September 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Ballroom on John Street in Toronto, requiring online registration for attendance. It aims to provide a networking platform for individuals within the industry, whether local, international, or Canadian.