In 2010, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) achieved a significant milestone by opening its new headquarters at King and John Streets. This facility, built on land donated by filmmaker Ivan Reitman’s family, cost nearly $200 million. It features five public theaters, two staff theaters, display spaces, restaurants, and a gift shop. The venue, originally named TIFF Bell Lightbox, reflects TIFF's commitment to nurturing new filmmakers and promoting diversity.

Piers Handling, a key figure in TIFF's development, noted that discussions about the Lightbox began around 2000. He explained, "We were grappling with having a very successful film festival but we had challenges when it came to our year-round activities." The decision to build a dedicated space was aimed at creating a clear identity for the organization. Handling emphasized that the Lightbox allows TIFF to engage with the public year-round, not just during the festival.

Cameron Bailey, another prominent TIFF leader, contributed to the branding of the Lightbox. He recalled, "The only significant contribution I made was the name," suggesting it during a branding retreat. The Lightbox has since become a hub for various film-related activities, including the TIFF Talent Lab and the Every Story fund, which promotes inclusion in film.

One of TIFF's most notable initiatives is Share Her Journey, launched in 2017 to advance gender equality in the film industry. Maxine Bailey, who spearheaded the initiative, was inspired by a talk at the Cannes Film Festival. She noted, "We’d already started tracking how many films were directed by or led by women," and sought to create a program that would connect women filmmakers with industry resources.

Despite its successes, TIFF faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lightbox closed for 18 months, leading to canceled schedules and significant revenue losses. When the festival resumed in September 2020 and 2021, it operated with fewer films and smaller audiences. Cameron Bailey described the closure as "terrifying" and highlighted the rapid shift to online events to maintain engagement with audiences.

In 2022, a $10 million federal grant helped stabilize TIFF, which had previously attracted over 700,000 visitors and generated significant economic activity. By 2024, TIFF rebounded with record attendance and an estimated economic impact of $240 million. R.T. Thorne, a first-time filmmaker, expressed gratitude for the festival's support, stating, "To have the world’s greatest film festival in your hometown... was just mad!"

As TIFF continues to evolve, it faces ongoing challenges, including strikes by major Hollywood unions in 2023, which reduced star presence at the festival. However, the organization remains committed to its mission of showcasing diverse films and engaging with audiences. Bailey noted that the festival has adapted to changes in the industry, including the rise of streaming and new storytelling formats.

Looking ahead, TIFF plans to launch TIFF: The Market in September 2026, aiming to position Toronto as a major hub for film and television content. The festival's leadership acknowledges the changing landscape of cinema and the importance of maintaining a connection with audiences. As Sarah Polley remarked, "I really think we’re in a golden age of brilliant artistic people running TIFF. If anyone can give this festival its best shot in this unpredictable world, it’s the people running it now."