Actors and directors Mark Ruffalo, Adam McKay, Julianne Moore, Rachel McAdams and Joaquin Phoenix are among the signatories of an open letter calling on the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to withdraw sponsorship from RBC Bank next year.
The signatories accuse RBC of being the world’s largest fossil fuel financier and supporting destructive projects on indigenous lands.
RBC is a major sponsor of TIFF.
For Quebec director Elzha Kephart, one of the initiators of the open letter, it is time to put an end to greenwashing [mascarade écologique] at TIFF.
It is reminiscent of the partnerships of the tobacco era. [RBC] use art to hide their bad reputation and gain a better one.
Referring to the construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in British Columbia, in which RBC is one of the financiers, Chief Na’Moks of the Wet’suwet’en Nation explains in a press release that having TIFF as a partner is inconsistent to combat the worst offenders in social issues while supporting indigenous filmmakers.
Ms. Kephart understands that the loss of the major bank would be a financial blow to the festival, but believes TIFFIFF could find another sponsor if organizers declare they are distancing themselves from RBC in solidarity with First Nations stand the surroundings.
Answer from RBC
RBC Bank defends its balance sheet in a press release.
When it comes to climate change, we strongly believe that more and faster action is needed to combat it. “We actively work with our customers and partners to find ways to do more to achieve our shared goals,” says spokeswoman Stephanie Bannan.
We also seek to work with indigenous communities so that reconciliation moves forward together, she adds.
“We are in discussions with RBC and welcome their openness to engaging in the dialogue,” wrote Judy Lung, the festival’s vice president of communications. “We are committed to environmental sustainability and recognize the importance of addressing climate change quickly and together,” she says.