Every September the city of Toronto buzzes with film stars, producers, directors, writers and film fans as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place. The festival is world-renowned and has always led the way in championing unique international cinema as well as local Canadian film. The festival usually lasts for 11 days and there is so much to see and do, both for film fans or just anyone who wants to inject some culture into their trip.
The festival primarily focuses on independent cinema but has been the place for a number of Hollywood blockbuster premiers, including ‘The Kings Speech’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. Be ready to do some celebrity spotting with past attending actors including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston.
For anyone who has not been to the festival before we would recommend buying one of the packages on offer, allowing you to see a range of up to 100 films. Packages do sell out quickly so be ready to buy when the tickets are released. If there is a specific film you want to see, individual tickets are also on offer.
Even if you aren’t booked to see any films there is still loads to see and do in the city during the festival. There are exhibitions and galleries galore! Past exhibitions have included: ‘X-Men make-up and prosthetics’, ‘Grace Kelly’s dress collection’ and ‘007 Bonds through the years’. There will be something to delight all ages and interests!
If you want to explore the best the festival has to offer then you have to head to the TIFF Bell Lightbox – the home of the festival and the base of TIFF itself. The Lightbox holds five cinemas, a restaurant, bistro, gift shop, three studios and two galleries. It’s definitely the place to be while the festival is on!
Whether you want to go film-festival-fantastic by planning your whole trip around the festival, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the various exhibitions whilst on a Toronto city break, the Toronto International Film Festival is open to all.
Whatever you choose to do on your holiday to Toronto, Canadian Affair can offer help and advice on where to go and what to do. Contact one of our experts for more information.