Ontario Investing $55,000 to Support Vaughan International Film Festival

June 20, 2025

Investment will celebrate Canadian and local culture, boost tourism and
strengthen Thornhill’s economy

THORNHILL – Ontario is investing $55,000 through the 2025 Experience Ontario program to support the Vaughan International Film Festival. This is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support main street businesses.

The announcement was made by MPP Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill.

“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, its people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province. They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”

In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events
across the province.

“Film serves as a powerful tool to celebrate our communities and connect us through shared stories. Festivals like this not only celebrate the talent and creativity found here in Thornhill and across Ontario, but also invite audiences from near and far to experience our culture and communities,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “This investment is a testament to our commitment to preserving and growing the arts in Ontario. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, it’s vital that we come together to support made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and strengthen our local economies.”

“We at VFF are thrilled to welcome long-time supporter, MPP Laura Smith, as co-presenter of the inaugural Best Canadian Film award. This award serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting Canadian artists and providing them with platforms like VFF to celebrate and showcase their creative spirit.”
-Antonio Ienco
Director of Sponsorship & Events
Vaughan International Film Festival

“We’re incredibly grateful to receive $55,000 in support from the Experience Ontario grant this year. This funding has been instrumental in helping the Vaughan International Film Festival expand our programming, attract visitors from across the province, and create meaningful opportunities for emerging filmmakers. With the support of the Government of Ontario, we’ve been able to deliver a vibrant festival experience that not only showcases diverse voices in film but also strengthens tourism and the local economy right here in Vaughan.”
-Jane Ranjanantham
Senior Writer & Editor
Vaughan International Film Festival

QUICK FACTS

• Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, in 2023 visitors to Ontario
  spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs.
• Since 2021, the Ministry’s Experience Ontario program (formerly known as
  Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported over 2,000 Ontario
  festivals and events.
• In 2024-25, the ministry invested more than $20 million to support more than 250
  festivals and events around the province.
• Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by
  drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in
  restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
• The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched on November 28,
  2024, with direct outreach to over 4,000 stakeholders and closed on December
  30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario
  2026, email experienceontario@ontario.ca
• In 2024-25, our government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector
  through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination
  Ontario, ministry attractions, and tourism agencies.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Office of MPP Laura Smith
905-731-1178
laura.smith@pc.ola.org