FAQ
We here at the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) get a lot of questions about our festivals and events. While we do our best to convey information through our social media platforms, newsletters, and advertising– sometimes stuff gets lost along the way, so here’s a handy-dandy F.A.Q. to help you on your way! But you can always reach out to info@taafi.com if you have a question that isn’t here!
What is TAAFI?
The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International, or TAAFI, is the animation festival that welcomes a massive audience of talented professionals, students, studios and enthusiasts, year after year.
TAAFI’S Mission is to showcase incredible animation and the creators behind it. TAAFI is a local reunion for global animation.
TAAFI has evolved into an unforgettable event in the international animation landscape with distinct events and audiences held throughout the year. We aim to showcase and invigorate the passion in animation.
We are a completely volunteer-run not-for-profit organization that is crazily passionate about animation, cartoons, and the people who make them.
What is this “MEGA FEST” I keep hearing about?
In the past, TAAFI’s programming has existed across three yearly events; a Job Fair, an Animated Film Festival, and an Industry Conference. This year, however, TAAFI has unified all of these events into one epic week-long MEGA FEST, taking place from April 9th to April 13th.
Where can I learn more about the festival? What places have the most up-to-date information?
You can always check out the tabs on our website, or subscribe to our newsletter and social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!
What ticket should I buy? What do I get for each ticket?
There are a variety of tickets to choose from, ranging from individual shorts blocks to full all access passes! You can read more about the individual tickets on Afton, but we’ll go briefly into detail here:
ALL ACCESS:
Access to all of our events, including the Opening Ceremonies (Hot Docs), all of the Screenings at Hot Docs, TAIC Conference panels at the Courtyard Marriott Toronto Downtown, Closing Ceremonies (Courtyard Marriott), and the Pipeline Party at the Victory Café!
Festival Pass:
Access to the Opening Ceremonies and all of the Screenings at Hot Docs, the Closing Ceremonies at the Courtyard Marriott, and the Pipeline Party at the Victory Café!
Conference Pass:
Access to the Opening Ceremonies at Hot Docs, all of the TAIC Conference panels at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown, the Closing Ceremonies (Courtyard Marriott), and the Pipeline Party at the Victory Café!
Student Festival Pass:
Same bonuses as the Festival Pass, but you will be required to show VALID STUDENT ID to gain entry to the event.
Feel free to pick which ticket suits your interests best, and we’ll see you there!
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Absolutely! Just look for our registration booth at our venues, where you can scan a QR code to purchase tickets on the day through Afton!
Can I buy separate tickets for film blocks for Film Festival?
You certainly can! When you go to aftontickets.com to purchase a ticket, you just need to go to the lower dropdown menu labelled “TAAFI ”
Are tickets refundable?
Unfortunately tickets for our events are non-refundable; but there is a silver lining! Check out the answer below to get the answers.
Can I trade my tickets with someone else? Can I give someone else my ticket instead?
Absolutely! If you think you can’t attend, or need to trade tickets with somebody else, you can do so through Afton– or just send us an email at info@taafi.com and we can help you out!
Where is the MEGA FEST located?
We have numerous events happening throughout the MEGA FEST at a variety of venues. They are as follows;
Our FILM FEST programming will take place at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3)
Our INDUSTRY CONFERENCE programming will take place at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown Hotel (475 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario) in both the Alexander conference room (exhibitors) and the Courtyard Hall (presentations).
How can I get to the venues for the MEGA FEST?
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3) is located conveniently at the intersection between Bathurst Street and Bloor Street. For those travelling by TTC, it's only a short walk from Bathurst Station (just turn left onto Bloor and you'll see it in no time!), or if you'd prefer a more scenic route, Spadina Station will also do! For everyone driving in, paid parking can be found conveniently close to the theatre at the Green P Parking Lot just off Lippincott Street (535 B Bloor St W, Toronto). Parking is limited, so we recommend folks take the transit when possible!
The Courtyard Toronto Downtown Hotel (475 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario) is located just two minutes walking distance from College Subway station, the Courtyard Downtown Toronto is easily accessible for those commuting to our festival via the TTC! For those coming in by car, there is paid valet parking available at the hotel itself, as well as various paid parking options along Alexander Street!
What hotels or other places can we stay at if we’re traveling far?
We’ve got a list of hotels you can stay at close to our venues already on our website, but here they are again just to help lend a hand!
Courtyard Downtown Toronto (this is where we’re holding the Industry Conference)
Address: 475 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1X7
Telephone: (416) 891-2413
Website: https://www.marriott.com/yyzcy
Hotel Features:
Location of the Industry Conference
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Fitness center
2 minutes walk to College Subway Station (TTC)
Novotel Toronto Centre
Address: 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1W2
Telephone: (416) 367-8900
Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/0931/index.en.shtml?
Hotel Features:
Free WiFi
Fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna
Range of flexible space suited for any successful meeting
5 minutes to Meridian Hall, St Lawrence Market, Union Station, Hockey Hall of Fame
Walking distance to Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, CN Tower, Ripleys Aquarium, Distillery District
Chelsea Hotel
Address: 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON, M5G1Z4
Telephone: (416) 595 - 1975
Website: https://www.chelseatoronto.com/
Hotel Features
Free WiFi, ergonomic workspace, IP TV
Fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna
Restaurant
5 minutes to Dundas Subway Station
5 minutes walk to Yonge-Dundas Square
When does volunteering open up? What do volunteers get?
Volunteer applications are actually OPEN NOW (what are you waiting for? Go and apply!). As for why you should volunteer? Why, TAAFI is run entirely by volunteers! If it weren’t for all the tireless hard work from passionate folks whose love for animation and the industry as a whole, there wouldn’t even be a TAAFI! So if you share those same sensibilities, you’d probably be a perfect fit!
Plus, volunteers get FULL ACCESS to the event and a free t-shirt.
Are service dogs and other assistive means allowed?
Generally yes! Although we strive to find venues with accessibility options, as well as those that allow for assistive means like service dogs, we do highly recommend checking the resources online to make certain those accommodations can be met.
Below are some links related to our various venues’ accessibility options:
Courtyard Downtown Toronto (475 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario),
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) (Pitch Perfect Workshop only)