The Toronto International Film Festival Group has named Karen Black as director, Canadian initiatives, for the organisation. Black has served as acting director for the past year, following Cam Haynes' departure in 2008.

Her remit includes TIFFG's Film Circuit, Canada's Top Ten and the Student Film Showcase. She will also be responsible for industry programming during the September festival, including the Talent Lab, the Telefilm Canada Pitch This! sessions, and Match Club, including Doc Corner and Doc Rountables, the CFTPA Producer's Award and Meet With sessions. Canadian programming for the festival proper will continue to be overseen by Steve Gravestock.

Previously, Black was senior manager of the Film Circuit, the traveling version of TIFF that carries festival titles to Canada's various regions and Canadian films abroad.