Bringing the Toronto International Film Festival to the masses will be no easy feat this year. COVID-19 has changed everything, but one idea from the Ontario government will bring the live movie experience to some TIFF fans.

The provincial government says it is investing two-million dollars for socially distanced summer activities at Ontario Place, which will include a drive-in version of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Lisa MacLeod – minister of heritage, sport, tourism< and culture industries — says the initiative will help Ontario communities reconnect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will go toward concert performances, comedy shows and movie screenings at a drive-in space at the waterfront venue.

MacLeod said the investment will help bring Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar arts and entertainment industry back to life.

However, she warns that the province is still in the midst of a pandemic and staff will enforce social distancing rules throughout the events.

The events at Ontario Place will start in late July with a foreign film festival and end in mid-September with nine days for TIFF.