On Sunday, September 7, 2025, more than 225 filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals gathered at Malaparte on the rooftop of the TIFF Lightbox for the annual Inside Out x TIFF Queer Brunch. The event, launched in 2018, has become a fixture of the festival’s opening weekend, offering a space for 2SLGBTQ+ creatives to eat, meet and connect.
This year’s brunch featured remarks from Elie Chivi, Executive Director of Inside Out who also announced his departure; Keith Bennie, VP of Programming of TIFF; and Alex Schmider, Sr. Director of Entertainment of GLAAD.
Chivi, in his final address in the role, spoke about the significance of queer storytelling and the importance of sustaining community networks.
“Though this event is only two hours, it’s always incredibly inspiring to be in a space surrounded by so many talented filmmakers, donors, members, and partners. This year, we are also joined by Inside Out’s three RE:Focus Residents, a new mentorship and development program that we have launched to support first-time feature filmmakers, particularly those facing intersectional barriers in the film industry.”
Before introducing Bennie and Schmider, Chivi also applauded TIFF’s 50th anniversary, thanked GLAAD and IMDbPro for joining in supporting this event, and left a few parting words.
“As Inside Out marks 35 years of challenging attitudes and changing lives, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate TIFF on 50 years of transforming how people see the world through film,” Chivi said. “In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for communities to support festivals and mission-driven organizations like Inside Out. I’m proud to share that this year, GLAAD and IMDbPro have stepped in as sponsors of this event, ensuring that we can continue to provide this vital space for connection and community.”
“As I prepare to leave, I want to thank the entire Inside Out team and Board of Directors for five amazing years, and all of you — our members, filmmakers, and partners — for your continued engagement and support. It’s truly a privilege to do what we do. As the organization searches for its next leader, I encourage you all to help spread the word and recommend anyone within your networks who might be interested. This individual will get to work with a phenomenal team and lead the organization with Festival Director, Jenna Dufton. This isn’t an easy role, and the challenges we face as an organization, industry, and community are significant. But, as soon as the lights go down on opening night, I promise that it will all be worth it.”
The Inside Out Queer Brunch was presented with support from Lead Sponsor RBC; Supporting Sponsors GLAAD and IMDbPro; In-Kind Supporters Paradise Grapevine and Perrier; with Special Thanks to Tlisa Lee Florals and DECIEM.
Guests gathered under a white tent hung with chandeliers, serving sumptuous buffet breakfast choices, hot coffee, and cold drinks provided with support from sponsors and in-kind partners before the space transitioned into the Fourth Annual Transgender Filmmaker Summit, of which GLAAD and IMDbPro sponsored. More on that event here.
The Brunch and Summit continue to serve as annual must-attends for visibility and connection within the film industry during the Toronto International Film Festival.
Exclusive photo gallery below.
