press release
April 2, 2026
TIFF announces opening of The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio
Transformational gift by the Ibrahim Family Foundation will support a state-of-the-art production hub located within TIFF Lightbox
TORONTO – The Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF) today announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art production hub inside TIFF Lightbox. The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio will enhance TIFF’s in-house content team’s ability to produce, capture, and amplify world-class content featuring established and emerging talent for audiences around the world. The studio is made possible through a generous philanthropic gift from the Toronto-based Ibrahim Family Foundation.
“We are grateful to Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung for their extraordinary generosity and belief in TIFF’s mission,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Sam’s journey, from arriving in Toronto as part of an immigrant family to building businesses from scratch alongside Melissa, reflects a remarkable ‘Scarborough grit’ that continues to shape their success. We look forward to inviting local and international talent into this incredible new space.”
“Their story embodies the creativity, ambition, and resilience that define this city, and this gift exemplifies a new generation of philanthropists committed to giving back,” added Jennifer Frees, TIFF’s Chief Business & Marketing Officer. “We hope Sam and Melissa’s leadership inspires others to join us by investing in the storytellers that project our city’s unique spirit onto the world stage."
“We chose to make this gift because we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of creating space for emerging voices to be seen and celebrated,” said Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung. “TIFF has always represented excellence in film and culture, and contributing to the TIFF Melissa Chung Studio felt like a meaningful way to support creativity, community, and the next generation of artists. Toronto is home for us and where we are raising our family and building our work, and supporting TIFF is a natural extension of our commitment to giving back to our city.”
The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio is a fully equipped, flexible production hub located off the Gallery space on the main floor of the Lightbox, with windows facing south onto King St. W. Outfitted by Atriani Interiors and equipped by Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, it was designed to support a wide range of creative uses: from podcast recordings and filmed interviews, to a photography studio, social media, premium digital series, and long-form video production. Built with versatility in mind, The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio enhances TIFF’s capacity to collaborate with filmmakers, talent, and industry partners while also serving as a premium venue rental space for external clients seeking a state-of-the-art production facility right in the heart of the entertainment district. Over the years, TIFF’s content platforms have featured conversations and appearances from some of the most influential voices in film and culture.
This investment recognizes and supports the growing importance of digital storytelling, highlighting emerging Canadian creators, in-depth conversations with filmmakers, and building a year-round bridge between audiences and the films they love. With a combined social audience of more than 2.8 million global followers and 900 million impressions in 2025 alone, TIFF continues to engage film lovers, creators, and industry leaders at an unprecedented scale.
This transformational gift reflects the vital role philanthropy plays in advancing TIFF’s mission. To learn more about supporting TIFF and The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, visit tiff.net/give.
To learn more about the space and rental opportunities at The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, please visit tiff.net/studio.
“We are grateful to Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung for their extraordinary generosity and belief in TIFF’s mission,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Sam’s journey, from arriving in Toronto as part of an immigrant family to building businesses from scratch alongside Melissa, reflects a remarkable ‘Scarborough grit’ that continues to shape their success. We look forward to inviting local and international talent into this incredible new space.”
“Their story embodies the creativity, ambition, and resilience that define this city, and this gift exemplifies a new generation of philanthropists committed to giving back,” added Jennifer Frees, TIFF’s Chief Business & Marketing Officer. “We hope Sam and Melissa’s leadership inspires others to join us by investing in the storytellers that project our city’s unique spirit onto the world stage."
“We chose to make this gift because we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of creating space for emerging voices to be seen and celebrated,” said Sam Ibrahim and Melissa Chung. “TIFF has always represented excellence in film and culture, and contributing to the TIFF Melissa Chung Studio felt like a meaningful way to support creativity, community, and the next generation of artists. Toronto is home for us and where we are raising our family and building our work, and supporting TIFF is a natural extension of our commitment to giving back to our city.”
The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio is a fully equipped, flexible production hub located off the Gallery space on the main floor of the Lightbox, with windows facing south onto King St. W. Outfitted by Atriani Interiors and equipped by Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, it was designed to support a wide range of creative uses: from podcast recordings and filmed interviews, to a photography studio, social media, premium digital series, and long-form video production. Built with versatility in mind, The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio enhances TIFF’s capacity to collaborate with filmmakers, talent, and industry partners while also serving as a premium venue rental space for external clients seeking a state-of-the-art production facility right in the heart of the entertainment district. Over the years, TIFF’s content platforms have featured conversations and appearances from some of the most influential voices in film and culture.
This investment recognizes and supports the growing importance of digital storytelling, highlighting emerging Canadian creators, in-depth conversations with filmmakers, and building a year-round bridge between audiences and the films they love. With a combined social audience of more than 2.8 million global followers and 900 million impressions in 2025 alone, TIFF continues to engage film lovers, creators, and industry leaders at an unprecedented scale.
This transformational gift reflects the vital role philanthropy plays in advancing TIFF’s mission. To learn more about supporting TIFF and The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, visit tiff.net/give.
To learn more about the space and rental opportunities at The TIFF Melissa Chung Studio, please visit tiff.net/studio.