TIFF 2014: Youth want smoke-free movies

TORONTO, Sept. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - During the Toronto International Film Festival, hundreds of Canadian Cancer Society youth advocates from across Ontario will host an event in Toronto to highlight the issue of smoking in youth-rated movies (G, PG, 14A). During the "Director's Cut" themed event, youth will be dressed as directors in black t-shirts and jeans and will be holding director's clapboards urging the public to help cut smoking off the screen.

The youth event aims to:

• Educate the public and movie-goers about the link between tobacco use in movies and youth smoking initiation.
• Rally support and advocate to the Ontario Film Review Board (the provincial body responsible for the rating system of movies in the province) to change its rating system to ensure all future youth-rated movies are smoke-free.

Ontarians can show their support for smoke-free movies here: takeaction.cancer.ca/smokefreemovies

For more information on smoke-free movies, visit www.smokefreemovies.ca.

What:	Director's Cut event to highlight the need for smoke-free youth-rated movies.
When:	Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Who:	Youth advocates from across Ontario
Where:	Demonstration: 11:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: On Simcoe St. sidewalk (east side) between King and Wellington streets across from Roy Thompson Hall.
	Display: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 10 Dundas St. East (Yonge and Dundas intersection) on the second floor.
Photo op:	Youth volunteers will hold directors' clapboards at the Yonge and Dundas display and during demonstration event across the street from the St. Vincent movie screening at Roy Thompson Hall. St. Vincent is a youth-rated movie in the U.S. and contains smoking. The film is not yet rated in Ontario.
Interviews:	Youth advocates and a Society spokesperson will be available at the event and in advance.

About Canadian Cancer Society youth advocates
Canadian Cancer Society youth advocates are between the ages of 14-24 and are dedicated volunteers committed to engaging their peers and the greater community as cancer fighters on issues that impact youth such as smoking in movies and flavoured tobacco. Youth use their voices and creativity to speak up to further the Society's advocacy efforts aimed at policy change at the provincial level of government.

About the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

For further information: or to book an interview opportunity, please contact: Prior to September 6: Pascal Ouandji, Senior Coordinator, Communications: 514-430-9459 or [email protected] On event day: Nicole McInerney, Senior Coordinator, Public Issues: 416-829-5299 (phone or text).