The Global Tourism Film Festival concluded four days of worldwide destination discovery through enigmatic cinema screenings and in-depth seminars, facilitating destination film appreciation, in-depth tourism insight and professional development. GTFF 2023 hosted by the city of North Bay, Ontario had been produced to engage proactive filmgoers, travel consumers, and travel and film industry professionals.

GTFF 2023 held this year in Canada, shone a spotlight on the country with ‘Cinema Canada’; a segment of Canadian produced film promoting the destination’s heritage.

Highlights of GTFF 2023 included presentations from domestic and international Tourism Boards, professional development workshops, film production by Film Boards, and special event programming on indigenous culture, including an indigenous medicine bag workshop. The event was enhanced with unique elements including an opening gala featuring gastronomy of countries presented at the festival.

Professionals attending received firsthand introductions to North Bay touristic landmarks such as the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company, featured in numerous films; the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace, showcasing Canada’s air defense history from the First World War to modern day operations, and the Dionne Quints Museum that tells the story of the famous quintuplets that brought global attention to Canada and Ontario in the 1930’s. Included in the program was a tour of the North Bay Museum which allows for the discovery of the people and places of the city that is regarded as the Gateway to the North. The program also included tours of the Canadore College’s postproduction facilities, local film studio visits, and a North Bay animation production seminar, that touts the city as an emerging film production hub of Canada.
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GTFF saw the world premiere of ‘Closer to Heaven’ by director Zara Janjua, attending with cast members, that went on to receive a Women Filmmaker Award. 2023 notable film category award recipients were Visit Cascais - Best Tourism Commercial (Portugal), ‘When the Southwind Blows’ - Best Short Film (Taiwan) and ‘Blueback’ - Best Feature (Australia). The Global Cine Award was presented to ‘Kumari’ (India).

The Global Tourism Film Festival shorts and feature film roster conjures up a thrilling journey of worldwide discovery. From the multicultural and majestic geographic diversity of Canada; to trekking lush forests of Brazil and breathtaking Himalayan mountains; to seeking the ancient Pyramids of Egypt and uncovering the lands of Vikings; to sub-marine worlds of the Australian great barrier reef; to unearthing cosmopolitan gems of Singapore; to expeditions through the plains of Africa and the stark polar wilderness of the Arctic, GTFF brings the world to North Bay.

Enhanced by presentations from the National and Regional Tourism Boards of Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, the one-of-a-kind film festival allows participants to get inspired to see the world and get the absolute insiders’ perspective of the destinations, including upcoming attractions, to get out and explore.

For Filmmakers, GTFF 2023 and its presentation partners, consisting of Canadian and Ontario Film Boards, open the door to discovering the multifaceted filmmaking opportunities provided by the province for filming in Northern Ontario.

Independent features screened and highlighted during the festival include ‘Superheroes’. directed by Paolo Genovese, ‘Kumari’ directed by Nirmal Sahadev, ‘Monkey Beach’ directed by L. Sarah Todd, ‘Blueback’ directed by Robert Connolly, ‘Tears of Persephone’ directed by Teppei Isobe, Yasuaki Genda, and the Northern Ontario filmed feature; ‘The Protector’, directed by Lenin M. Sivam, amongst festival selections.

GTFF 2023 is held in association with the City of North Bay, Ontario with activities at Canadore College. Nestled between two of Northeastern Ontario’s most stunning lakes and surrounded by forests, North Bay, the ‘Gateway to the North’, is surrounded by the beauty of nature, art, and culture. Visitors for GTFF 2023 receive a taste of Northern Ontario beauty, and can partake independently in North Bay and regional activities, such as trekking the Canadian Shield, experiencing Duchesnay Falls, as well as indulge in delectable gastronomic offerings from restaurants during GTFF, with a dining guide available to attendees.

“On behalf of City Council and the community, we look forward to welcoming GTFF organizers and attendees to North Bay.” said North Bay Mayor, His Worship, Peter Chrico.

Hon. Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade continued “We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s festival here in North Bay, a thriving hub for film and tourism. A sincere thank you to everyone who is working hard to ensure that Ontario is a global leader in the film and tourism industries.”

"The film and tourism industries bring good jobs and provide an economic boost to our province," added Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "I encourage everyone to make a trip out to North Bay to support this terrific festival and enjoy the films and destination seminars.”

"Filmmaking and tourism are key economic drivers and they are also two industries that tell our story to the world. The Global Tourism Film Festival is an excellent opportunity to bring the world to Canada through a series of shorts and feature films, all while showcasing the best that the City of North Bay has to offer. Residents and visitors alike should not miss out on this incredible chance to immerse themselves in our fantastic outdoor, authentic Indigenous experiences, and so much more! To everyone who took part into making this event happen, congratulations!" said Hon.

Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance.
“Thank you for the wonderful City of North Bay and GTFF for hosting this incredible event and for supporting both the film industry and the tourism industry” said Ontario Premier, Hon. Doug Ford, “This is a great opportunity for visitors to take in all that the city has to offer; experience the beauty of Northern Ontario and enjoy some great films.”

The Global Tourism Film Festival 2023, held in Canada in association with the City of North Bay, Ontario is pleased to announce special programming segments recognizing film, accomplishment, and advancement of Indigenous Peoples, People of Color, and Women in film and tourism.

The Festival’s Canadian Film selection (Cinema Canada) presents the award-winning indigenous feature film ‘Monkey Beach’ by filmmaker L. Sarah Todd,, based on Canadian author Eden Robinson’s novel; the first full length work of fiction by a Haisla writer. Indigenous films screened at the festival additionally include a free screening of the acclaimed animated short film ‘Arctic Song’, Co-Directed by Inuit artist, storyteller, and Canada’s Governor General Award recipient, Germaine Arnattaujuq (Arnaktauyok). The film, co-produced with the National Film Board of Canada, depicts Inuit creation stories.

GTFF 2023 activity incorporates a cultural workshop on medicine pouches that educate on the four main medicines recognized and used by many Indigenous communities in prayers and as protection. The pouches, traditional to North American First Nations communities, are worn to carry medicines and ensure the spirit and mind are protected. The indigenous cultural workshop is organized through the Canadore College First Peoples’ Centre that offers comprehensive cultural and academic support for Indigenous learners at the institution.

“Reconciliation is about acknowledging and addressing our past, but it's also about learning and celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples. The Global Tourism Film Festival 2023 provides incredible opportunities to do this, through film and activities including cultural workshops. I encourage everyone to participate, and I thank the organizers for promoting the history, stories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.” Stated Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
An Australia Tourism Board presentation at GTFF 2023 includes a segment on Aboriginal Guided Experiences, part of the country’s Signature Experiences Tourism Program. Returning to GTFF 2023, a seminar is extended on sustainable tourism initiatives and rights working with indigenous communities, by Maithri Panagoda, legal advocate and recipient of Australia’s Governor General Award for his work with Australian Aboriginal Peoples.

More programming includes a workshop by Marie Y. Lemelle, founder of Platinum Star Public Relations. The Southern California native with experience handling notable clients from the African American community of Hollywood, provides Public Relations insight, that focuses and engages minorities and women. She is the recipient of numerous honors including the US National Association of Female Executives’ Women of Excellence Award for Community Service.

On April 30, GTFF film programming streams a short film block of productions by female filmmakers. These include the World Premiere of ‘Closer to Heaven’, a documentary produced and directed by UK Filmmaker Zara Janjua chronicling a fundraising climb of Tanzania’s Iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, that accompanies a seminar by the Tanzania Tourism Board. Other films of the series include ‘The Tribal Traveler’, ‘Atayal Mountains and Forests’, ‘Wood as Chance of Existence’, ‘Different Village’, ‘Mark’, and ‘A Journey of Restoration.’

Film Professionals attending GTFF 2023 may register for a free Familiarization tour of North Bay, Ontario.

The full day program that includes lunch will introduce attending industry professionals to facilities in and around the city, including production and postproduction facilities, studio facilities, a western backlot and outdoor filming setting locations used as various television and film outdoor backdrops, extending to numerous Hallmark films. The program is delivered with aim of providing an overview of the various facets advancing North Bay and the region as a fast-emerging film production hub.

Recent productions in North Bay and Northern Ontario have included ‘Essex County’, ‘Delia’s Gone’, ‘The Lake’, ‘The Desperate Hour’, ‘The Breach’, ‘Trickster’, ‘Cardinal’, ‘Door Mouse’ among others. Venues visited incorporate Mukwa Studios, North Star Studios and Northern Ontario Film Studios.

Participants will additionally have an opportunity to view the North Bay Museum. The Museum located within the historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station, preserves the history of North Bay, and inspires discovery of the people and places of North Bay.
GTFF, a Film Festival presenting films which have the power to raise awareness about the vital role destinations play in the success of cinema and television, features Canada’s renown film production landscape, with spotlight on North Bay and Northern Ontario.
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Film industry attendees can attend seminars and workshops from amongst the country’s foremost film boards and organizations, including the National Film Boards of Canada, Cultural Industries Northern Ontario, Ontario Creates, Ontario Film, and Economic Development North Bay to learn about production facilities, tax credits, incentives, film financing and coproductions in North Ontario.

Travel Professionals attending GTFF 2023 may register for a free Familiarization tour of North Bay, Ontario.
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The full day program that will include lunch, will provide an opportunity to discover the charms of the city and get a taste of Ontario’s magnificent Northern region. Featured in the itinerary are museum visits, including the North Bay Museum, Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace which provides understanding and connection to Canada’s historical and current contributions to air defence, and a visit of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company; to experience the magic of a restored Heritage Carousel and nostalgic Heritage Railway. Participants will continue the day with a tour of the city and tour a local North Ontario Brewery with a delicious selection of local craft beers; enjoying a flight or pint. Participants may also have the opportunity to visit a Maple Syrup Farm (subject to time availability), to indulge in savouring Canada’s iconic sweet delicacies from a region well known for maple syrup production.

​About North Bay, Ontario
North Bay is Ontario’s up and coming film hub and adventure tourism destination.
Featuring pristine parks and waterways, North Bay attracts year-round visitors. Its iconic waterfront is regionally renowned for activity and attractions connecting the province's best beaches with marina, restaurants, and other attractions. Bustling with culture, the city boasts of galleries and museums including the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defense.

GTFF announces a special presentation by the Ukraine Government Agency responsible for the country’s tourism development. 

The presentation will provide a status update on Ukraine’s tourism industry, destination attractiveness, the current situation during the war, and the vision of the Ukraine Government for recovery; to create pent up travel demand for Ukraine.
 
The first of its kind seminar on the country’s vital tourism sector, a key segment of the Ukrainian economy, will be delivered by Mariana Oleskiv, the Chairperson and head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD). The presentation is delivered virtually only during GTFF on April 28, 2023. The presentation precedes a short film of the country’s tourism regions, and current environment.
 
GTFF 2023, hosted by the City of North Bay, Ontario, will be held April 28-30, 2023, features Films, Documentaries and Shorts coupled with Destination Seminars and Workshops by a variety of Ontario and International Tourism Boards. 

GTFF returns with its mandate to present a multi-activity slate of film and events which have the power to raise awareness and celebrate destination diversity, for inspired travel.

GTFF 2023 screening selections include films from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Central and South America. Film categories comprise of Feature Films, Documentaries, Short Films and Tourism Commercials that compete for the prestigious Global Cine Awards. Event attendees will have access to Q & A panels with directors of select films screened.

Workshops on filmmaking are delivered by established expert Film Industry professionals with credits that include network television and feature films. Seminars are available to provide insight into key filmmaking facets, as Film Financing, Public Relations, and Film Distribution.

GTFF 2023 destination seminar partners include Tourism Boards from Canada, popular sun destinations of Jamaica, Bahamas, as well as exotic locales as the Azores, Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Bhutan, Tanzania, Sudan, Colombia, and Jordan, among others to be announced. Seminars allow for the discovery of the unique cultural and historic attributes of participating destinations.

GTFF 2023 held in Canada this year, will spotlight travel to the prominent Canadian Province of Ontario with participation of Destination Ontario, Destination Northern Ontario, and Northeastern Ontario Tourism. Ontario will introduce audiences to new experiences found in the province’s natural Northern Region. A key presentation is delivered by Tourism North Bay; with the city regarded as the ‘Gateway to the North’.

An indigenous programming segment of GTFF 2023 includes a live indigenous ceremony, a seminar on global indigenous tourism, and a screening of the multi award winning feature, ‘Monkey Beach’ by visionary Canadian filmmaker L. Sarah Todd.

GTFF 2023 will host the world premiere of ‘Closer to Heaven’ a documentary by UK Director, and 2021 GTFF Award Winner, Zara Janjua. The film tells the story of Simon Allan who overcomes huge physical challenges to summit Tanzania’s iconic Kilimanjaro Mountain to fundraise for a hospice, created in memory of his daughter Mia, who died from a rare illness in 2017.

GTFF 2023 will be held live at North Bay, Ontario 27 – 30, April 2023 with attendees able to participate in seminars at various venues, view film screenings and attend the GTFF Gala. North Bay will provide an array of dining experiences for event visitors.

Attendees for GTFF 2023 can reserve their entire attendance including flights, accommodations, even tour packages, for an exciting spring festival getaway, directly online at the festival website. For assistance with travel arrangements, attendees can contact the festival.
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At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) it was announced that the City of North Bay and participating partners will host the upcoming Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF) in North Bay Thursday, April 27th – Sunday, April 30th, 2023.
 
The Global Tourism Film Festival recognizes motion picture productions around the world and creates a platform to enhance audience experience by screening films that engage with destinations. Festival attendees will have an opportunity to view international premieres of tourism-inspired films.  Festival events include industry workshops and seminars, as well as an event gala.  The Global Tourism Film Festival welcomes audiences on an immersive odyssey, revering film, and fascinating global destinations.
 
“On behalf of the Global Tourism Film Festival, I am delighted the GTFF is held in Canada in partnership with the City of North Bay which has secured an eminent future, serving the film and tourism sectors in exciting ways.  I thank the City, Tourism North Bay and event sponsor, Canadore College, for its support in delivering a captivating GTFF 2023”, said Nisha Amin, GTFF Executive Director.
 
The GTFF invites worldwide attendees to an opportunity to view international premieres of tourism-inspired films along with participating in workshops and seminars to understand trends in movie making ending with the Gala events where you can rub shoulders the film fraternity and celebrity.
 
With pristine lakes, a beautiful natural landscape and an iconic film-friendly downtown, North Bay’s active film and television industry welcomes productions and visitors seeking authentic four-season experiences.  Home to countless activities for the outdoor enthusiast, a lively arts scene and amazing local shops and restaurants, North Bay is a great weekend getaway and a hot filming destination. 
 
“I am so pleased our community has been selected to host the 2023 Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF),” said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.  “On behalf of City Council and the community, we look forward to welcoming GTFF organizers and attendees to North Bay in April.  North Bay is very film and visitor friendly, so this festival is a great opportunity to showcase two very important industries.”
 
Located in North Bay, Canadore College is home to one of the most modern film production, post-production, and screening facilities of its kind in Ontario. Canadore is uniquely positioned to deliver production services to the film, television, and video production industry that attract new business and stimulate the film and television sector in Ontario and beyond. 
 
“Canadore College is pleased to support the Global Tourism Film Festival and we extend a warm welcome to all participants,” said President and CEO George Burton.  “The College trains individuals for careers in the film industry, and I encourage our students and staff to take advantage of the learning opportunities by participating in some of the festival premieres, workshops and seminars.” 
 
Canada has nearly 60 International Co-Production Treaties (both Bipartite and Multipartite) including the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Greece, Switzerland, Australia, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, among other countries, currently funding over $300 million in Co-Production per year. (Telefilm Canada Annual Statistics on Coproduction Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022)
 
The value of the Entertainment and Media market worldwide is estimated to exceed USD $2.5 trillion worldwide in 2022 (statista.com).
 
During GTFF 2023, delegates will learn about Canada’s renowned film production incentives, financing, and co-production opportunities.
 
Manuel Canales, the GTFF Global Marketing Director held several meetings during TIFF with Hollywood producers which indicated their high interest to participate in the International Co-Production Sessions, relations that GTFF is pursuing actively all over the world.
 
One focus of the Global Tourism Film Festival will be to educate, document, network, and facilitate Hollywood production groups, International independent producers, and worldwide attendees, to execute International Co-productions.
 
GTFF 2023 destination partner Air Canada provides attendees special fares on travel coming to North Bay for the festival.  Attendees are additionally eligible to win two roundtrip tickets by raffle to fly anywhere within Canada, courtesy of the airline.
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The Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF) kick-started the next GTFF Festival edition with an immersive evening of Portuguese culture featuring entertainment and cinema at the Lula Lounge.
 
Celebrate Portugal; a first of a kind Portuguese gastronomy, music and cinematic experience presented in association with the non-profit Lula Music and Arts Centre supported by Hertz Portugal and SATA Azores Airlines, drew in a higher than anticipated turnout to the iconic establishment in the heart of Toronto’s ‘Little Portugal’.
 
The evening featured a special screening of the award-winning 2022 Portuguese period drama ‘The Child’ by Marguerite De Hillerin, Félix Dutilloy-Liégeois, followed by an evening of Portuguese Fado performed by promising Portuguese Canadian guitarist, Simon Arruda accompanied by Fadista Jennifer Bettencourt. Master of Ceremonies was tv and radio host Rick Campanelli.
 
Revelers attending the intimate evening held at the former historic film theater, also had the opportunity to discover visiting Portugal via a booth facilitating travel information. 
 
Concluding the night was a draw for a seven-night Azores holiday package for two with flights by SATA Azores Airlines and accommodation at the Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa in Terceira, won by Dana Said. Terceira, one of the vibrant islands of the archipelago, is home to the Azores’ only UNESCO world heritage city; Angra do Heroísmo. Karen Evans. Director for Canada of SATA Azores Airlines gifted the prize to the winners.     
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The Global Tourism Film Festival will be held in partnership with the City of North Bay April 27-30, 2023. Activities include international film screenings, forums, and seminars from Canadian and international tourism organizations.  

Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF) announces an evening Celebrating Portugal, kickstarting the upcoming GTFF edition in North Bay.
 
Celebrate Portugal: Gastronomy, Fado & Cinema takes place Monday December 12 and will open with an exclusive screening of ‘The Child’ from 6:30 – 8:15 Pm. Glimpse Portugal through the lens of Directors Marguerite De Hillerin and Felix Dutilloy-Liegeois. Embark on a cinematic adventure that will take you through stunning visuals, beautiful landscapes and Portuguese heritage.

Celebrate Portugal kickstarts the next edition of GTFF 2023 organized in partnership with the city of North Bay, Ontario.  The Global Tourism Film Festival recognizes motion picture productions around the world and creates a platform to enhance audience experience by screening films that engage with destinations. Festival attendees will have an opportunity to view international premieres of tourism-inspired films. Festival events include industry workshops and seminars, as well as an event gala. The Global Tourism Film Festival welcomes audiences on an immersive odyssey, revering film, and fascinating global destinations.
 
Celebrate Portugal is co-presented with Lula Music and Arts Centre, held at Toronto’s Lula Lounge. Established originally in 1936 as Brockton Theatre during the silver screen era, the live music venue that is now known as Lula Lounge has distinguished itself as Toronto's home for groundbreaking world music. Lula Music and Arts Centre at Lula Lounge is a not-for-profit organization that presents more than 150 concerts annually, additionally offering educational and artist development programs.

From 8:30 pm onwards, the evening will have a Fado music extravaganza performed by up-and-coming Portuguese - Canadian artist Simon Arruda and his band. Simon recently released a cover of Ana Moura's Vinte Vinte, with Jennifer Bettencourt on vocals which aired on CHIN FM.
MC for the evening will be Rick Campanelli, TV personality, former host of ET Canada and current co-host of Z103.5's morning show.
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The evening will be complemented with Portuguese wine and select food on an a-la-carte menu paper purchase with proceeds to GTFF and Lula Music and Arts Centre’s artist support initiatives.
Celebrate Portugal is supported by Portugal’s SATA Azores Airlines and HERTZ Portugal. Attendees will have the chance to win an Azores Islands Holiday package for two with airfare.
Celebrate Portugal takes pleasure in warmly welcoming the public during this holiday season for a fun, enigmatic, magical evening of discovering Portugal through cinema, dining, and live entertainment in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood. 
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For Celebrate Portugal program information, tickets and reservations visit www.lula.ca. 

GTFF in association with Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, announces a diverse slate of films, workshops and seminars integrated in the October 21-24 Festival held virtually this year.
 
Having received entries from almost every continent, GTFF 2021 film selections include feature films that showcase fascinating world regions and cultures ranging from Netherlands, Japan, Turkey, France, Nepal, Zambia, and Russia, among many other destinations.  
 
GTFF 2021 film categories screened during October 21-24, 2021 include Feature Films, Documentaries, Short Films and Tourism Commercials.
 
Workshops on filmmaking and performance are delivered by established expert Film Industry professionals and trainers with credits that include network television and film.  Seminars are available to provide insight into key filmmaking facets; as Screenwriting, Film Financing, Public Relations and Film Distribution.
 
Festival participants would receive access to workshops from the national Tourism Boards of Netherlands, Belize, Azerbaijan, Jordan and Uganda that allows one discover the unique cultural, natural and historic treasures of the countries.
 
Netherlands Government Board of Tourism and Conventions would host a seminar for visitors to the country in ’Beyond the Tulips’ that educates audiences on what else there is to experience visiting the country outside of its iconic Tulips, and discusses the future tourism strategy of the Netherlands. The seminar as well highlights the link between cinema and tourism in the Netherlands.
 
Festival participants will receive the opportunity to enter and win a US $700 permit to observe Gorillas in the wild in Uganda. Uganda, one of the recent up and coming African tourism destinations, boasts of amongst the highest primate diversities in the world.      
 
The 2021 segment ‘Cinema Netherlands’ showcase Dutch Filmmaker produced films selected for the Festival, that include ‘My Extraordinary Summer with Tess’ by Director Steven Wouterlood, ‘Bulado’ by Director Eché Janga and ‘Drommeland’ by Director Joost van der Wiel and Producer Wout Conijn.
 
A special seminar on sustainable tourism with focus on indigenous relations on tourism, delivered by Maithri Panagoda recipient of the Order of Australia for his work with Aboriginal communities, is included as part of this years’ program.     
 
GTFF 2021 will host the world premiere of ‘Growth’ a documentary by Iranian Film Director Vahid Alvandifar, which traces the history of coffee from its roots in Ethiopia, to the bustling cafes and restaurants in today’s world that are synonymous with worldwide tourism.  
 
GTFF 2021 will close with ‘A Spirited Journey’, a heart lifting travel feature by award winning U.K. filmmaker and director Zara Janjua that follows a group of global philanthropists and business leaders in Nepal, capturing the precious and transformative experiences of the travelers and staff members.
 
The eminent international Festival Jury, is led by Diane McGraw, one of the America’s leading Film and Tourism professionals, former Executive Director of Travel, Tourism and Film for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and past CEO of various entertainment commissions including Los Angeles, Orlando, Louisville and Philadelphia. She has also been instrumental in work with the AFI Awards and Grammy Awards.       
 
The distinguished GTFF Global Cine Award is sponsored by Canadian Kiara Jewels. Top Award winners would also receive a resort stay to ultra-luxury Maldives sponsored by Dhigufaru Resort. Nestled on the protected Biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, Maldives, Dhigufaru Island is the epitome of what one would imagine as an exotic getaway. 

The Global Tourism Film Festival has announced Jury Members to the 2021 International Competition. Prominent Film and Tourism executive Diane McGraw is presiding over this years’ Jury. 

The Jury will comprise of women and men with eminent award-winning backgrounds in fields of production, direction, writing, editing, technical and visual effects, as well as tourism.
 
The First Edition of the Global Tourism Film Festival includes Diane McGraw former film and tourism commissioner, veteran acclaimed film producer Beau Rogers, Hollywood visual effects maestro Dean Lyon, and multi-award winning Film Director, Writer and Editor Arunaraje Patil.    
 
The Global Tourism Film Festival will unveil the list of film selections on September 15th and the Jury will award the winners on October 24th during the GTFF Closing Ceremony.

A distinguished panel of film, entertainment and tourism: 

DIANE MCGRAW
Diane McGraw is amongst the U.S.' leading Tourism, Sport, and Entertainment Executives. With an eminent background, she was the Film Commissioner of Philadelphia, the President and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, the Sports Commissions of Orlando, Louisville and Philadelphia Sports Congress. She negotiated the return of the Grammy Awards as the first premiere event in the Staples Center and relocated the LA Film Festival from Santa Monica to Hollywood (now the AFI Film Festival). She has hosted and assisted the producers of the MTV Awards, and American Music Awards among many other award events.
 
BEAU ROGERS
A veteran U.K. Film Producer, Beau Rogers has made a name for himself in U.K. and Hollywood as the Executive Producer of countless titles during the late 1990s and early 21st century. His best known work is 1998's critically acclaimed "Gods and Monsters," which was nominated for several Academy Awards (for which writer Bill Condon won an Oscar for "Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium"). Other films that Rogers served as executive producer on during this era included 1999's "I'll Remember April," 2000's "Big Monster on Campus," and 2004's "The Eliminator," among countless others.
 
ARUNARAJE PATIL
Arunaraje Patil is a critically acclaimed Writer, Editor and Director from India. Her 2019 gender assertive film “Firebrand” was produced with Priyanka Chopra’s production company, Purple Pebble Pictures. Graduating from the Film Institute of India with a gold medal, she was the first female technician in the history of Indian film industry.  A winner of 5 National Awards, she has taught filmmaking and founded SHIFT FOCUS - a school for Cinema and Life. She has been a strong voice for gender equality empowering men and women to find a new equation. Her Harper Collins published autobiography, ‘Freedom – My Story‘ is an inspiring account of her life and films.
 
DEAN LYON
Dean Lyon is a world-renowned U.S. Visual Effects Creator and Computer Graphics Innovator with 30+ years' experience in collaborating with cutting edge directors, motion picture studios, production companies, postproduction facilities and technology developers throughout the world. He has contributed to hundreds of international television commercials and over 50 feature films including major Hollywood films; “Lord of the Rings”, “Star Trek: Quantum of Solace “, ”Armageddon”, “Independence Day”, “Air Force One”, “Avatar”,  and many other well-known productions.

The Global Tourism Film Festival (GTFF) launches 21st to 24th October 2021!
 
GTFF is a groundbreaking Film Festival presenting films which have the power to raise awareness about the vital role destinations play in the success of cinema and television. GTFF, a world-first nomadic Tourism Film Festival is produced to be held in support of tourism destinations and local economies dependent on tourism.
 
GTFF recognizes international filmmakers and audio-visual productions that fundamentally integrate and advance global destination awareness. Driven by a powerful mission statement, GTFF activities include film industry workshops as well as seminars exploring sustainable tourism; inspiring audiences to take positive preservative action.
 
The 2021 GTFF Virtual Edition is produced in association and support of Netherlands Tourism.
 
The Mission of the Global Tourism Film Festival are:

• To acknowledge and reward talented tourism filmmakers
• To present to the public films and productions about tourist destinations and products
• To promote the latest trends in tourism film making
• To incline the interest of the tourist business and production companies towards tourism film products
• To inspire film industry professionals to turn their efforts and specialize in tourism film making
• To draw the attention of film production companies, media, tourism, and the public to one platform
• To create conditions for highly effective promotional content

 
A portion of the GTFF revenues will be shared with active foundations ready to advocate for sustainable tourism principles.
 
GTFF is produced by Canadian and US tourism and film industry leaders that have a demonstrated prominent background in Film and Tourism including appointment to regulatory commissions’ of film and tourism.  In partnership with the Radisson Hotels brand, one of the world’s leading hotel chains with over 1,500 hotel locations in 115 countries, GTFF aims to invite patrons to experience  first-hand some of the most enigmatic tourism destinations for upcoming Festival editions.
 
From world premieres to awards ceremonies, from screenings to fruitful industry networking, from fierce competitions driven by international jurors, to bright keynote speakers, opportunities to fulfill participants' needs to better understand and be part of the ultimate trend in movie making are numerous.
 
The public, film and tourism sector would also have access to first hand news and information from international tourism authorities with destination information connected with cinema and film. 
 
Festival information is available at www.tourism-festival.org and the 2021 Festival film schedule will be available September 2021.