Organizers told us today that talks would begin with workers representatives shortly after the end of the festival.
The festivals standing is such that its Frontieres program has cemented a seven-year collaboration with the Cannes market.
Watch on Deadline
But many of the staff that power the venerable festival arent happy.
Montreal, Fantasia Film FestivalGetty
Weve spoken to multiple workers this week about their concerns.
The Festival staff relative to other film and cultural events in Montreal is really young.
This isnt a coincidence.
And when these expectations arent met, workers are routinely told their efforts are amateurish or semi-pro.
I truly believe a union will be beneficial for all parties, the disgruntled staffer continued.
Theres huge turnover year-to-year, but I think improved wages and working conditions will change that.
The size and scope of the festival has grown exponentially over its 27-year history.
Fantasia is one of the longest film festivals in the world, spanning three weeks with no breaks.
I think the timing speaks to an overall culture of exploitation in all facets of the film industry.
We work through all three weekends of the festival.
We sincerely hope that the union will be able to be certified without contestation from Fantasia.
The expectation from union sources is that certification could come in a matter of weeks.
Fantasia this week crowned Canadian thrillerRed Roomsas Best Feature.
