TORONTO (September 17, 2026) – The Cayman Islands brought some needed vaCay during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year, as co-presenter of the Campari Cinema Center and The Collider Studio putting the destination - and its white sand beaches, three diverse island experiences, cultural attractions growing film and production credentials - directly in front of some of the biggest names in film and television.
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) and Cayman Islands Film Commission (CIFC) partnered with the high-profile media studio as a hub for conversations with actors, directors, producers, filmmakers, media, industry and VIP guests, giving the industry an opportunity to learn about The Cayman Islands as an A-list leisure destination. The activation was also an opportunity to introduce the CIFC Film Commissioner, Brittany Kelly, and learn more about the Cayman Islands as a production destination, while experiencing the irreverent spirit of the destination’s new tourism campaign, Welcome to vaCay.
And because even Hollywood needs a “vaCay”, The Cayman Islands arrived in Toronto prepared to recharge some very depleted batteries.
Guests were treated to ‘Welcome to vaCay’-branded swag, including MagSafe power banks and YETI coffee tumblers carrying a tongue-in-cheek message: “Vacation drains your battery. VaCay recharges it.” Building on the campaign’s theme of traditional vacations are work, but a Cayman Islands vaCay” is the needed respite we all need, the line quickly became a running message, with festival-weary talent and filmmakers joking that the ongoing promotional junkets, celebratory premiere and party circuit had, indeed, drained their batteries - and that what they really needed and wanted was a Cayman Islands ‘vaCay’.
“This was an incredible opportunity to put the Cayman Islands in front of the people who are actually making the films and television series that shape global culture,” said Raymond Mathias, Canada Business Development Manager, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. “But we also wanted to have some fun with it. Everyone at a film festival knows what it feels like to run on empty, so ‘Vacation drains your battery. VaCay recharges it’ really resonated. It was a great way to introduce people to the Cayman Islands while opening the door to conversations about why Cayman is an increasingly attractive place to visit, and, naturally to film.”
Adding to the playful vaCay experience was a custom-built swing “set”, positioned inside The Collider Studio. After completing their interviews with Collider.com, scores of actors, directors and producers stopped for photos on the swing, creating a steady stream of shareable content and giving visiting talent a chance to literally take a seat and escape the intensity of the festival - if only for a few minutes.
Among the high-profile talent and filmmakers who came through the studio were Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Michelle Yeoh, Sebastian Stan, Courtney Cox, Patricia Arquette, Andrew Scott, Orlando Bloom, Billie Piper, Mahershala Ali, John Cho, Giancarlo Esposito, James McAvoy, Josh Hartnett, Sarah Paulson, Dianne Wiest, Rebel Wilson, Sung Kang, Laura Linney, Jodie Comer, Lily-Rose Depp, Cole Sprouse, Will Sharpe, David Oyelowo, Ed Helms, Jay Baruchel, Chase Infiniti, Christopher Briney, Monica Dolan, Peter Farrelly, Jason Reitman and many, many others. The extensive roster represented a cross-section of major studio productions and television series to independent films and emerging filmmakers.
While the vaCay activation provided a memorable and lighthearted way to engage with festival talent, the presence of the Cayman Islands Film Commission had a serious industry objective: to establish Cayman as a destination where productions can make more than just a great-looking film; they can make a smart production decision with an up to 35% cash rebate incentive for qualified film, television and vertical productions.
The Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, “Film and television production presents a tremendous opportunity for the Cayman Islands to diversify our economy, create new opportunities for local talent and businesses, and showcase Cayman to audiences around the world. We have the infrastructure, industry expertise and competitive cash rebate to attract high-quality international productions.” He continued, Just as importantly, productions can put the Cayman Islands on screen as a destination, inspiring viewers to discover our three diverse islands for themselves. By growing our film industry, we can generate economic activity today, while creating valuable tourism exposure, and continuing to build a sustainable creative sector for the future.”
Additionally, the Cayman Islands co-presented eight cast and filmmaker premiere parties held at Cinema Center including Faith (James MacAvoy, Erin Doherty), Magazine (Lily McInerny, Iris Apatow, AnnaSophia Robb), The Surgeon (Michelle Yeoh, Martin Freeman), Vintage Violence (Cole Sprouse, Kiko Mizhura), The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd (Tim Blake Nelson, Amanda Seyfried, Scoot McNairy, Missy Pyle), All That She Wants (Annie Murphy, Zosia Mamet, Christine Baranski), Re/Pair (David Schwimmer, Van Jones), Han-Chan Shake Your Booty (Rinko Kikuchi), Ashes (Diego Luna) and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Noah Segan).
Commissioner Kelly connected directly with filmmakers and production professionals about Cayman’s locations, infrastructure, local production support and film incentive program.
She also participated in an industry panel alongside producer Chrystine Zhang (Josephine, Bedford Park, Glenrothan) and producer Lee Broda (The Housewife, Paper Tiger, Solo Mio), and director Alexandra Pechman (Magazine). Moderated by Collider.com Founder and Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub, the panel, “Follow the Incentives: How Film Tax Credits Are Reshaping Where Hollywood Shoots,” explored the increasingly important role production incentives play in determining where films and television series are made. Kelly highlighted the Cayman Islands’ cash rebate of up to 35%, while the lively discussion examined what producers and directors look for when choosing a production destination — from financial incentives and compelling locations to infrastructure, local support and the overall ease of bringing a production to life.
The Cayman Islands offers a distinctive combination of film-ready locations, streamlined production support, duty-free equipment imports and a cash rebate of up to 35 per cent, depending on qualifying expenditures and applicable uplifts.
The Film Commission’s participation at TIFF builds on the Cayman Islands’ strategy of maintaining an “always on” presence in the film and entertainment industry: establishing relationships consistently, while increasing activity around moments when Cayman has the strongest story to tell.
“Film and tourism are increasingly connected,” said Commissioner Kelly. “The people who make movies are also the people who influence where audiences want to travel. Being part of this important industry event allows us to speak to both sides of that equation - showcasing Cayman as a spectacular place to visit while demonstrating to filmmakers that it is also a place where they can bring their stories to life.”
For more information about the Cayman Islands, visit www.visitcaymanislands.com.
@visitcaymanislands | #vaCay
ABOUT TWENTY35 AGENCY AND CINEMA CENTER
Twenty35 Agency is a leading entertainment, media and experiential agency specializing in creating high-impact platforms and experiences at the intersection of film, talent, brands and culture. Founded by entertainment industry veteran David Manning, the agency develops and produces distinctive programs that bring together filmmakers, actors, media and leading global brands around some of the world’s most influential entertainment moments.
Among its signature programs is Cinema Center, an acclaimed independent hospitality and media destination that has become a sought-after gathering place for the entertainment community at film festivals around the world. The multi-day program creates a dynamic environment where film, talent, media, brands and hospitality converge, with daytime media programming giving way to premiere celebrations, cast gatherings, cocktail receptions and private industry events.
A cornerstone of Cinema Center programming is the Collider Media Studio, presented in 2026 by Campari and the Cayman Islands. The studio welcomes leading filmmakers, actors and entertainment personalities for interviews and exclusive content for Collider, one of the world’s leading entertainment media platforms, reaching more than 30 million unique visitors each month. The studio provides talent and filmmakers with a high-profile platform to discuss their films, careers and the stories generating conversation throughout the festival.
The 2026 program took place at Cassius Cucina Contemporanea, serving as a hub for talent, filmmakers, producers, media and industry leaders, supported by a roster of international brand partners including Campari, The Cayman Islands, Lavazza, Rodeo FX, poppi and Anderson College.
Cinema Center operates independently in Toronto in support of participating filmmakers and is not affiliated with, sanctioned by, or formally associated with the Toronto International Film Festival.
@twenty35agency | @cinemactr