What began in 1989 as a small offshoot of Cinéfest in Sudbury – then moved under the TIFF umbrella in 1995 with 16 screening groups – has blossomed into the Film Circuit of today that boasts over 200 groups in 169 communities across Canada.

‘Film Circuit’s growth can be attributed to the loyalty of audiences who love watching quality films that they cannot access at the local multiplex,’ explains Karen Black, director of Canadian initiatives at TIFF.

‘Film Circuit proves that there is a large, enthusiastic Canadian audience for Canadian and other independent world cinema all across the country,’ says director Leonard Farlinger (All Hat).

Passenger Side director Matt Bissonnette says the ‘Film Circuit has been instrumental in getting my films [such as Who Loves the Sun] out to a wider audience, and it’s also lots of fun. I can’t say enough good things about the Circuit.’

Doc helmer Jennifer Baichwal (Act of God) agrees: ‘Film Circuit is a crucial part of our independent film community, and a great enricher of our cultural community in general. Its hard work has brought Canadian films to Canadian audiences everywhere; its success has unequivocally demonstrated that people all over the country, urban and rural, have a passion for the films of their own.’

Film Circuit operates through grassroots distribution, marketing and exhibition. The success of the program is dependent on strong community partnerships with local volunteers who present and market the screenings to their community.

Over 1,500 volunteers donate time and energy to Film Circuit, and approximately 350,000 filmgoers attended Film Circuit screenings across Canada last year.

Film Circuit’s top five films of 2008 based on attendance were The Kite Runner, Emotional Arithmetic, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Amal and Lars the Real Girl.