To Our Valued Supporters,

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Meaford Culture Foundation has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Meaford International Film Festival. 

We take the health and safety of our volunteers, patrons, suppliers, and donors very seriously, and are actively following safety protocols implemented by Canada’s health experts.

Since 2007, MIFF has become an economic driver for tourism in Meaford, bringing in hundreds of tourists every Labour Day weekend. This not only promotes Meaford Hall, it also helps drive business to local restaurants, boutiques, accommodations, and more. This upcoming Labour Day Weekend, the Meaford International Film Festival was scheduled to celebrate it’s thirteenth year.

Without the support from our outstanding community, the Meaford International Film Festival would not be the success it is today.

If you are a previous patron of MIFF, we look forward to our next opportunity to see you, and want to extend a warm thankyou for your past support.

If you are a local contributor, vendor, or supplier to MIFF, please know that the services you provide are indispensable, and play a fundamental role in the event’s success. We very much look forward to inviting you to be a part of MIFF 2021.

If you are a donor, MIFF could not exist without you. The Meaford Culture Foundation relies heavily on donations to keep our organization operational. While we are not seeking donations for MIFF this year, any contribution will still be graciously accepted. Every dollar we receive goes back into our community to support arts, culture, and tourism.

At this time, we are exploring alternatives to keep the festival alive in 2020. This may include digital showings and other innovative viewing alternatives. We are open to feedback and ideas from our community and supporters.

It is difficult to say when life will return back to normal, or what the new normal will look like. In the meantime, we encourage you to share the love of film, arts, and culture with your family at home. In times like these, culture matters. Art and film can give us a feeling of global togetherness that breeds hope and inspiration. 

We look forward to inviting you to be an integral part of MIFF in 2021.

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THANK YOU FROM THE MEAFORD CULTURE FOUNDATION

The Meaford Culture Foundation would like to thank the Meaford Chamber of
Commerce and the Meaford Rotary Club for continuing with the 2020 Meaford
Community Awards during these difficult times. In these frightening times of
stress and self-isolation, it is important that there are good news stories that
champion the positive things that are still happening in our community.
We are particularly proud to have been awarded the Special Merit Award! Sponsored by the
Municipality of Meaford, this award recognizes exceptional effort within our community by a
volunteer organization or service club. There are so many amazing groups in our community
that are worthy of this recognition and we are humbled to be in their company.
Our volunteer Board of Directors tirelessly donate their time and efforts to ensure that Arts and
Culture are vital components in the social and economic welfare of the Municipality of
Meaford. We would also like to recognize and share this award with our incredible army of
volunteers. Without their herculean efforts, events like MIFF and various Community Outreach
performances would not be possible.

It is a very difficult time for everyone right now but particularly those companies and individuals
whose income relies on arts and culture programming. The impact of the cultural sector is more
evident than ever as all performance spaces, including Meaford Hall, have had to close till
further notice. Restaurants that normally rely on packed houses on event nights have also been
forced to close and are trying to survive on take-out business alone. Local Farmers Markets,
Wineries, Distilleries, etc. that also count on tourists and drop in business are also closed and
relying on online sales to stay afloat. We encourage people to order from these businesses as a
show of support in these trying times.

We have already had to postpone one of our scheduled Community Outreach performances,
and are, like everyone else, watching and waiting to see when things might return to some
semblance of normalcy. We are still meeting online to determine how best to move forward as
it is extremely important that we be prepared to continue our efforts to support arts and
culture programming once this is over. We invite you to explore our website at www.meafordculture.ca
to learn more about what we do and get updates on our programming.

It is easy to be negative but we encourage everyone to be strong. More than ever, we need to
support one another. Reach out, even if it’s only virtually, to friends, families, neighbors and
loved ones. Use this opportunity to recognize and support those essential services that are
putting themselves on the line so others can self-isolate.

And finally, enjoy the endless varieties of entertainment that are still available as artists around
the world find unique online ways to keep us connected in a wide variety of arts regimens. Yes,
arts and culture are alive and well, and we need to be prepared to embrace our local arts
heroes once this dark veil has lifted. Be strong and safe!

Anna den Hengst (right), Meaford International Film Festival’s (MIFF) new Artistic Director, meets with three predecessors (left to right): Michael Anderson (2009-2011), Christopher Thomas (2012-2016) and Joanne McKenzie (2017-2019) at the Meaford Culture Foundation After 5.

Where MIFF happens…in beautifully restored Meaford Hall’s Opera House

The ZoomerMedia CEO Moses Znaimer interview of The Cold War movie on the Miff stage.

The announcement of the Peoples’ Choice Award for The Grizzlies

Joanne MacKenzie interviewing through Skype, actress Anna Lambe, in The Grizzlies.

And the Dinners and After Party are in the Festival Tent

The After Party with many discussions about the movies which is also attended by some of the featured guests from the evening interview.

Take a Tour of Historic Meaford Hall

If you are missing our beautiful century old building, you can now take a virtual tour via Google Street view.

Click https://goo.gl/maps/hr1axd2fsfQLhVaj9 and take the tour today.

MIFF is proud to announce 2019 People’s Choice winner, our Pomme d’Or award goes to…
The Grizzlies!!! This little beauty will be engraved and sent to Director Miranda de Pencier!