RealTVfilms Gifting Lounge a great place for a little Toronto Festival Insider pampering – by SKYE

Some serious swag was had at the RealTVfilms social media & gifting lounge right down the street from the TIFF Filmmakers Lounge. The amazing team straight from LA invited Toronto International Film Festival VIPs to be pampered in their relaxing lounge, offering an abundance of gifts & services — including a masseuse, hair & makeup artists, satiating food & beverage, and even eyelash extensions, a unique Japanese turned celebrity beauty trend.

The hi-lite of my guided tour was choosing a new pair of frames from Les Pieces Uniques (seeing as David Cronenberg dug my glasses so much, I figure what better time but now to add to my collection.) The Italian line exudes quality & elegant face-flattering designs.

To end my tour, I was interviewed by the lovely Samantha Gutstadt and treated to a mini photo shoot like a real VIP. I’m glad I chose to wear my go-to chic & ultra-comfy dress by Nada Designs for the unexpected photo opp! I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on another glamorous night of TIFF. — SKYE

The Thompson Hotel roof in Toronto proves a hot spot for TIFF’10 as the film festival moves the buzz to King St.

The newly opened Thompson Hotel in Toronto certainly proved to be a hot spot during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. From hosting some of the hottest parties – Vanity Fair and a certain Blackberry themed bash (that had a rare sighting of not just Ryan Reynolds but his betroved Scarlett Johansson in hand) to name just a few.

But on almost any night during TIFF you could be assured the Thompson roof would be buzzing with activity and a celebrity or two. But getting to the Thompson roof during TIFF can be a challenge as the guest list is usually kept pretty exclusive and gatekeepers below DO need to buzz you up to the top floor with that special little card.

Of course, when you get to the Thompson roof there is a certain camera etiquette and a Festival Insider wouldn’t get too far trying to haul a big DSLR cam up there. But, after a glass of wine (or two!) and an iPhone my fellow insider SKYE and myself can still have a little pictorial fun.

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Canadian Film Centre’s annual @CFCcreates Barbecue always a highlight on the TIFF party schedule – Norman Jewison hosts with Paul Haggis

The Canadian Film Centre’s annual Sunday afternoon Barbecue has always been one of the better invites of TIFF week. The yearly event always promises a fun afternoon of chatter among old friends, drinks, and good eats (Licks burgers & Guck sauce!)

One of the reasons the BBQ is held each year is to celebrate the films and projects that are created by CFC alumni and make their way into screening during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Two CFC shorts – HOW TO RID YOUR LOVER OF A NEGATIVE EMOTION CAUSED BY YOU! and CHAMPAGNE, created through the CFC Short Dramatic Film Program will screen in the Short Cuts Canada program, while CFC’s commitment to innovation takes centre stage with WHAT?S YOUR ESSENTIAL 100, an interactive installation that invites visitors to text in their favourite films from the Essential 100 list and see a dynamic visualization of images projected above the box office.

photo: Academy award winning writer and director Paul Haggis chats with Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE during the annual CFC barbecue. SKYE is wearing a dress by NADA Designs. (September 12, 2010 / R. Budman photos)

The party for UMA THURMAN and the cast of CEREMONY at the Youtube Lounge Brassaii had a decidingly PULP FICTION vibe

photo: UMA THURMAN arrives at the YouTube Lounge Brassaii on King St. in Toronto for the TIFF premiere party for CEREMONY. The Toronto Film Festival premiering film is written and directed by MAX WINKLER.


Before the party started there was a private dinner with the cast in Brassaii. In attendance was the executive producter of the film, director Jason Reitman and even Max Winkler’s dad, HENRY (yes, The Fonz!) was there.

While Uma Thurman was at TIFF supporting her newest film – there is no forgetting the iconic role Ms. Thurman played in “Pulp Fiction.” There was decidedly seventies Tarantino soundtrack vibe to the DJ set played that night at the Youtube Lounge.

If the 35th edition of the Toronto Film Festival will be remembered for anything – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX – Toronto’s new home for film and culture

photos: Cadillac Festival Insider SKYE on arrival at the newly opened home of TIFF – The BELL LIGHTBOX. SKYE is wearing a dress & accessories by Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes (photo: September 16, 2010 / Richard Budman)

Over a decade in the making, if there is one thing the 2010 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival will be remembered for – it’s the opening of the BELL LIGHTBOX.

TIFF’s new home will be all things to the festival – a state-of-the-art screening facility as well, as place to meet and discuss the art and culture of film.

We couldn’t let the 35th edition of the festival end without a visit to the new Bell Lightbox. And it was as beautiful and spacious as one could imagine. We Festival Insiders especially loved being able to begin our night with a drink before a TIFF screening in the Blackberry Lounge. The lounge even had Blackberry charging stations so we could give our batteries a quick charge before tweeting into the night.

The esteemed film critic, Roger Ebert who annually covers TIFF couldn’t help but comment while in Toronto visiting the new facility, “The Bell Lightbox is superb. No other word for it.”

2nd annual September 11th Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser raises badly needed funds for Haitian earthquake relief – an impressive list of stars supports the cause in Toronto

The 2nd annual Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser was held in Toronto last night to raise badly needed funds for Haitian relief. The event is held annually on September 11th in Toronto on the first weekend of the International Film Festival.

A star-studded line-up came out to support the important APJ cause. Founded by Oscar winning writer and director Paul Haggis. And Mr Haggis brought an impressive list of friends out to the party. Co-hosted by James Franco and AnnaLynne McCord – Martin Sheen, Josh Brolin, Kathleen Robertson, Rachel McAdams all stopped by the swanky Filmmakers Lounge at Pears on Avenue road in Toronto. (photos: Richard Budman for Cadillac Festival Insider)

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director David Cronenberg comes out opening night of TIFF in support of Artists for Peace and Justice at the TORO Film Industry lounge – the director takes a surprising interest in the design of the Festival Insider’s GLASSES

photo: David Cronenberg and Cadillac Festival Insider host SKYE at the preview of the NY Times Canadian Photo Archive Exhibit. The private exhibition was curated by David’s daughter, photographer Caitlin Cronenberg. The elder Cronenberg was very taken by the design of SKYE’s glasses.

Canadian filmmaker DAVID CRONENBERG (Videodrome, Dead Zone, Eastern Promises) came out in support of his daughter, photographer CAITLIN CRONENBERG for the opening of the TORO Film Industry lounge. On display was a private preview of RED – the NY Times Canadian Photo Archive Exhibit. The exhibition features iconic images of George Chuvalo-Muhammad Ali, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and of course a young David Cronenberg.

5 GREAT things to do around the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival – FOR FREE!

You don’t need the hottest party invite or Gala screening ticket to enjoy the buzz of the Toronto Film Festival. There are still plenty of downtown sites to take in the magic of TIFF and it doesn’t even have to cost you a dime. We can suggest these 5 great things to do around TIFF for FREE;

1. THE TIFF RED CARPET PREMIERES – The TIFF red carpet screenings still offer the best bang for your buck for getting up close and personal with a movie star. It’s rare a celebrity doesn’t interact with the crowd at their premiere. We’ve seen before some stars spend more time with the fans, then the media. Roy Thomson Hall Gala premieres have a large area where crowds gather. But warning – if you want a good spot on the fence, get their early. The Elgin Winter Theatre and Ryerson are also very fan friendly and good spots for seeing your favorite actors up close. Tip: The stars exiting the Elgin theatre out the back door can be an intimate vantage point.

2. YORKVILLE AVE. – Yes, some festival buzz is moving south to King st., but Yorkville avenue is still home to two of Toronto’s most swanky TIFF hotels – The Four Seasons and The Hazelton. So Yorkville is always a bees hive of activity come TIFF time – especially opening weekend. Grab a coffee and take a seat outside on the Starbucks patio for some fun people watching.

3. THE PARTIES – The Hello Canada magazine party, the Variety Studio at Holt Renfrew, In Style Party. You may not get into these events – but many have red carpets outside and sometimes hundreds of fans will gather in the streets.

4. ESSENTIAL CINEMA MUSEUM and FILM SCREENINGS – at the TIFF Bell Lightbox opening daily September 12th the exhibit will feature movie props, costumes, and posters from some of most popular movies ever. TIP: They’ll also be free screenings of past great TIFF films.

5. TIFF BLOCK PARTY – on Sunday, September 12th. Everybody is invited to one of TIFF’s coolest parties this year. The opening of the BELL Lightbox on Sunday afternoon. Free food and entertaiment including the headlining of a major Canadian act that TIFF is keeping secret for now (but we think is Nelly Furtado.)

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Artists for Peace and Justice fundraising event during TIFF will raise badly needed money for Haitian relief – follow @natashankpr on Twitter to help donate

photo: Olivia Wilde, Natasha Koifman, and writer / director Paul Haggis at the APJ fundrasier at the Windsor Arms hotel during TIFF’09

There is no question that it’s often a time of celebration at many events during the Toronto International Film Festival. But it’s also become a time for giving back and many events occurring during TIFF have a charitable aspect to them.

One of the most successful fundraising events held annually in Toronto around film fest time is The Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser with Paul Haggis and this year, James Franco co-hosting. The APJ has been tirelessly working for Haitian relief this year.

Still months after the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, the country struggles to get everyday supplies. Food, water, and medical care are in short supply and without raising more money international relief efforts will continue to slow down.

One organizer of the Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser, Natasha Koifman is donating $5 for every new follower on twitter she gains till September 15th.

Follow @natashankpr on Twitter to help donate

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IVAN and JASON REITMAN had a very busy TIFF 2009 with Up In The Air, Jennifer’s Body, and Chloe all having Toronto premieres

(festivalinsider.ca) There could not have been a more active father-son duo in the filmmaking business then what Ivan and Jason Reitman put on display during the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Put simply, the Reitmans owned TIFF’09. Jason Reitman was in Toronto as producer on Jennifer’s Body and director on the already highly acclaimed UP IN THE AIR. After the recent film festival reviews for Up In The Air, many think the George Clooney starring vehicle will be well represented come awards time. During the press conference, Jason was sure to point out a key producer on the film, his father, Ivan Reitman proudly sitting in the first row with the assembled media. It wasn’t the only business at TIFF for Ivan – he was also there to support another Gala premiering film he produced – the Atom Egoyan directed CHLOE. From press, to red carpet premieres and receptions, there was no shortage of Reitman sightings during the 2009 TIFF week.

Duchess of York SARAH FERGUSON spent 15 years producing The Young Victoria – Toronto Film Festival’s closing night Gala film

The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson spent a few days in Toronto during TIFF week on a couple of different missions. First, The Duchess and her two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York spent an evening at Ultra on Queen St. to launch the Canadian arm of the Sarah Ferguson Charitable Foundation. The next evening, The Duchess would be walking the TIFF red carpet to support a film she produced, the closing night Gala THE YOUNG VICTORIA featuring Emily Blunt in the starring role. Producing the film has been a 15-year labor of love for Ms. Ferguson as she first became fascinated with Royal life and its unique history when she spent time in Buckingham Palace after marrying Prince Andrew in 1986. The Duchess said in repeated media interviews during her week in Toronto that she related to the story of at least one character in the film, not the Queen herself, but Albert, the beloved consort who was after Queen Victoria’s heart.

“But if you’re not born into royalty, you never really belong there.” – SARAH FERGUSON

Mini-Me VERNE TROYER at TIFF for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – says AUSTIN POWERS 4 could be a GO!

VERNE TROYER attended the after-party for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus held at the swanky Cheval Bar on Toronto’s King St. Director Terry Gilliam and most of the cast (sadly sans Depp) showed up to toast the Toronto premiere of the film. Troyer first came to public attention from his role as Mini-me in the Mike Myer’s string of Austin Powers films. At the party, the insider couldn’t resist asking Troyer if there is any plans for an Austin Powers 4? Not only did Troyer indicate the idea had been discussed, another sequel to the hit film could maybe shoot next year. And of course, Mini-me would be back at Dr. Evil’s side.

rising star Amber HEARD at TIFF’09 with THE JONESES – Next up is THE RUM DIARY with Johnny Depp

Rising star AMBER HEARD was in Toronto for the world premiere of The Joneses. The film also stars Demi Moore and David Duchovny. Heard was channeling old-school Hollywood glamour during her stop at the after-party at AME on Mercer St. for the TIFF premiering film which has been earning strong reviews. Next up for Amber is a movie based on Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diary, opposite Johnny Depp.

Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts celebrate Mother and Child with a few TIFF party stops

(festivalinsider.ca) KERRY WASHINGTON and NAOMI WATTS attended the party for Mother And Child at Swarovski crystal store on Bloor Street prior to their Gala TIFF screening. Watts and Washington continued the celebrating after their premiere stopping by a party at The Gardiner Museum for designer turned director Tom Ford’s A Single Man

MATT DAMON parties during TIFF week with BILL CLINTON and MARY J all in support of ONE X ONE kids foundation

(festivalinsider.ca) Matt Damon was in Toronto this week for the premiere of THE INFORMANT. It wasn’t Damon’s only duties as he has been coming to Toronto the last few years for his One X One charitable foundation. “Who isn’t interested in trying to improve the lives of children around the world?” mused Damon to the Toronto Star when discussing the important work the OneXOne foundation does. For 2009, Damon’s fundraising events were spread across an entire weekend. Saturday night saw a gala concert at Kool Haus, featuring Mary J. Blige. The next evening was a more intimate fundraising reception at the home of Edward Rogers, Rogers Communications CEO, with former U.S. president Bill Clinton in attendance.

Power Publicist Natasha Koifman works with Paul Haggis and Olivia Wilde on TIFF Friday night Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser

One of the most talked about parts of the Toronto International Film Festival is THE PARTIES. TIFF is famous for its parties. There are just a select few power publicists in Toronto that make many of the festival celebrations and fundraisers happen. Natasha Koifman is one of those publicists.

A hot party ticket at TIFF this year was the first Friday’s Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Friday nights event brought out a who’s who of TIFF elite including director Jason Reitman, Elisha Cuthbert, Kim Cattrall, Amanda Seyfried, Jason Bateman and Vivica A. Fox.

Find out what it takes to put together a celebrity-laden shindig and what the TIFF power publicists go through in this NOW Magazine profile of Natasha Koifman.

Canadian Film Centre annual BBQ hosted by Norman Jewison in celebration of the independent creative spirit always a highlight during TIFF

photo: director / writer Sook-Yin Lee and her “Year of the Carnivore” cast actors Mark Rendall and Ali Liebert at the CFC annual BBQ.

One of the more anticipated parties during the Toronto Film Festival each year is the annual Canadian Film Centre BBQ that happens on the first Sunday afternoon during TIFF week. While the big Hollywood produced movies can sometimes dominate the press headlines at TIFF, the CFC event likes to, as the invitation says, “celebrate the Canadian independent creative spirit.”

And it does that well.

A Canadian Film Centre produced short, “Shortman v. minivan” is making a Toronto Film Festival premiere this week
photos: Keifer Sutherland of 24 fame made an appearance in support of the CFC event and The Arkells performed.

A very dapper BEN BARNES at the ROOTS party for the film PASSION PLAY

(festivalinsider.ca) A very dapper looking BEN BARNES attends a pre-screening party at the ROOTS store on Bloor St. The very hot Barnes (fresh off the success of leading The Chronicles of Narnia) is visiting TIFF in support of DORIAN GRAY. Also showing up at the Roots event was Megan FOX and Michael CAINE. The Roots event was actually for a film not playing TIFF, PASSION PLAY – a soon-to-be-released film starring Fox.

The only GOATS for GEORGE CLOONEY at Toronto Film Festival will be in the movie – Thank you very much.

The party to celebrate the Clooney starring THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS was held at a posh Bridle Path residence on Friday night. A pen full of real goats was assembled there to greet the guests outside. When it was suggested that Clooney and cast pose with the goats. George wanted none of that and sailed past the goats into the private party. We know Clooney is a great guy – But I guess even George knew that was one photo op to stay a mile away from.

What the Toronto streets look like outside a TIFF party Matt Damon and Michael Douglas are in as the cast from THE INFORMANT celebrate their TIFF premiere

(festivalinsider.ca) Matt Damon has come to the Toronto International Film Festival this year in support of Steven Soderbergh’s THE INFORMANT. After their Elgin red carpet premiere, Matt Damon and cast headed over to Sassafraz restaurant in the heart of Yorkville. Michael Douglas would later stop by to join the party. It didn’t take long for word to spread that A-list stars were in the building as hundreds lined the streets for a glimpse.