Monday, September 1--------Although Toronto has no official market the likes of Cannes, Berlin or American Film Market, this is still very much an industry-rich event. Film sellers, buyers and programmers are expected here in the thousands to sample new films, sell old ones and do the necessary networking. While it has resisted the creation of a formal Film Market (although this may change with the opening in the next few years of a new Festival hq, the Bell Lightbox), the Festival does maintain a Sales and Industry Office for accredited professionals.

This year, Stefan Wirthensohn, Director, Sales & Industry Office announced a partnership with Cinando, the online database reference source for the film industry (www.cinando.com). For the first time, the Industry Delegates Guide and Rights Availability Lists will be available online on both the Festival and Cinando websites. The Festival site is: www.tiff08.ca/industry

These expanded services are part of a new partnership with Cinando, one of the most important databases serving the cinema industry, which lists companies, films, projects and rights. Delegates will be able to search all attendees, buyers, films and screenings at TIFF08 online. They will also be part of the new Cinando industry delegates’ social-networking community.

The Sales & Industry Office services include national film promotion agency desks, promotional billboards for Festival films, meeting spaces, full access to Match Club at 5th Elementt, Press & Industry Screening Library, S&I Delegate mailboxes and an internet lounge.

"We are strongly committed to providing the best services possible to all our guests and supporting the international industry attending TIFF" said Wirthensohn. "Our expanded partnership with Cinando will allow for more efficient and productive planning for buyers and sales agents at TIFF'08." Indusry and press central is the Sutton Place Hotel, where all the movers and shakers can be found from September 4 to 13.

Sandy Mandelberger, Toronto FF Dailies Editor