It’s that time of the year again. Toronto International Film Festival kicks off this weekend (Sept 8-18).
What to Expect
Ever been to TIFF (as it’s referred to)? What happens when it is on? Where to go, popular hangouts? What’s all the fuss about? One thing you should always anticipate is… line ups (queues), lots of them!
Demi Moore - This is the kind of shot you may end up getting as everyone is pushing to get that perfect picture before they disappear into the SUV
Hollywood’s A-list start to hit the streets of Toronto the week leading up to the beginning of the Festival which is usually the Thursday.
This year, U2 is opening the festival with their film so they will probably be in town on Wednesday (if not earlier). By the end of the week-long festival, many of the stars have gone and a lot of the movies are repeated for those who didn’t get to the galas or premieres.
MAIN VENUES (Gala/Premieres)
Roy Thomson Hall (King St. W /Simcoe St) - probably the most popular of all for the premieres/galas. Big names walk the red carpet there, the media congregates and swarms of people gather along all the metal fences in order to get a glimpse, photo or autograph from some of the A-list visitors promoting their movies. With big names such as Brad Pitt or George Clooney – go hours early prior to the movie time as it gets pretty congested leading up to the time they arrive.
This is the side of the venue that the movie stars enter from Wellington Street
Even after the movie has ended, they always need to leave, but usually if it’s the first film, there’ll be crowds gathering for the second gala (later show) and even then, it’s not all ‘talent’ that want to stop then.
Elgin Theatre(Yonge/Queen Sts) – this has been made a little harder to get up close and personal as they fenced the area off and the crowds have to now stand on the other side of Yonge St opposite the theatre. In earlier years, you could hang out near the front doors but that’s now reserved for media.
The Elgin is on the right side of this photo as this is Yonge St. Also, this section of Yonge street is usually cordoned off whenever the movie stars arrive
Wintergarden Theatre(Yonge/Queen Sts) – this theatre shares the same building as the Elgin and is above the Elgin, so you have to either take the old elevator or lots of escalators/stairs.
Gives you an idea of what the backstage doors of the Elgin will be like - you are not allowed to stand and wait on the road
With both these venues, the ‘talent’ sometimes exit through the front doors, but usually leave via Victoria St entrance (backstage). So, if you miss them on Yonge, make sure you’re at the backstage doors (where the big black SUVs pick them up) maybe an hour or more before the movie ends. Expect to battle with others to get a picture or autograph – people tend to push (a lot) when the stars start exiting.
And if you make it inside any of the venues, you might get a shot like this - Elgin Theatre with Hilary Swank
Ryerson Theatre (Gerrard St between Yonge/Church Sts) – it’s more open as the ‘talent’ have to cross the pavement from their cars to get into the ‘protective’ zone for the media and such. Whilst they’re on the red carpet here, it’s still possible to get good photos of the Hollywood talent.
Carey Mulligan poses with fellow artists for media before going into Ryerson Theatre for premiere
At this venue, the backstage door is on the side of the building – Gerrard St. Just keep an eye for those black SUVs!
Anthony Hopkins leaving the Ryerson Theatre after premiere of his movie
TIFF Bell Lightbox (King St. W) – home of the festival and now is playing a big part in the Festival. Premieres are held here as well as news conferences. So you may be able to see a star or two on King St. W. The Lightbox also has a terrace where parties will be held throughout the festival week.
This new venue will certainly change the whole TIFF star-spotting scene. More press conferences are being held here. Hotels in the area are more than capable of hosting Hollywood A-listers. Clubs and fantastic restaurants in the area will definitely attract more to King Street West. When Trump Tower opens, Yorkville hotels may have some competition in future TIFF Festivals.
In the meantime, here are the usual suspects for star-spotting hangouts…
HOTELS
Park Hyatt (Avenue Rd/Bloor St) – one of the main hotels (especially their rooftop lounge) in Yorkville area where you can spot a star or two.
Main headquarters for Q&As for the media and stars. Sidewalks are usually 'protected' with temporary fencing
Four Seasons - this hotel is across the street from the Park Hyatt and a lot of the times the actors, etc., in the past, used to walk from the Hyatt after being interviewed by the media to the Four Seasons where they may be staying. Usually allowed to eat/drink there but are definitely NOT allowed to ‘bother’ the TIFF actors/directors otherwise you will be escorted out and told not to return!
Very easy to catch actors crossing from Park Hyatt to Four Seasons - this is how I got this one of William Macy
Hazelton Lanes Hotel - just a street north of the Four Seasons, this 5-star hotel is the new kid on the block for attracting the A-listers. Great patio but don’t be disappointed if you can’t get a table!
Ritz Carlton (Wellington St/Simcoe) – not sure if this will become one of the contenders for Hollywood talent to stay in, but with it being right beside the Roy Thomson Hall, I wouldn’t be surprised if this hotel becomes a fav of the movie talent.
OTHER POPULAR PLACES
Yorkville (area between Yonge St & Avenue Rd and north to Davenport) – during other times of the year, Yorkville is usually quite quiet, just with the normal shopping crowd. This area is home to some of the most expensive shops in Toronto and home to Four Seasons as well as the Hyatt (both popular with Hollywood A-listers).
Very popular area in Yorkville for those who want to just sit and star spot without spending $$$
It has many of the restaurants that have VIP rooms specifically for the ‘talent’ but some will eat on the patios just to be seen. Want to know who’s there, just ask those with cameras and you’ll find out the popular hangouts where Hollywood talent has been spotted.
Starbucks (beside Four Seasons on Cumberland St) – this is a big attraction not only for the actors to grab their morning java, but for the throngs of people who invade Yorkville.
Whole Foods (Hazelton Lanes) – another popular ‘normal’ place for the stars to pop in an buy something.
Sazafraz (Yorkville/Cumberland St) – popular restaurant (yellow walls – can’t miss it on the corner) with great patio for star spotting, if you can get a seat!
Soto Soto (Avenue Road/Tranby St) – favourite Italian restaurant to the stars. Again, this one has special private rooms so don’t be surprised if you don’t see anyone that is of movie star status.
Bistro 990 (Bay St/Wellesley area) – an oldie but still a great restaurant that has been known to be a fav amongst the stars. They too, I believe, have private rooms, so seeing the talent may not be as productive
Holts Renfrew (Bloor St between Yonge and Bay) – fav shopping store for the rich and famous…er … stars. So keep your eyes peeled
Toronto International Airport - the stars have to get to Toronto someway and if you want to hang out with other dedicated TIFF fans at the airport, you can definitely meet a few stars coming through the airport on their way to downtown. Many will do autographs here too!
Movie Sold Out?
If the movie that you really wanted to watch is sold out, don’t despair, there is still a chance that you can see it. It’s what they call the RUSH LINE. Every venue has one. Line up early as not every venue can accommodate the whole rush line. The Rush line is usually on the other side of where the ticket line is, but ALWAYS ask the TIFF volunteers if it’s not clear where to go.
Even when you are in the Rush Line, some nice people have been known to give away their tickets for one reason or another. If this happens to you, quickly go and line up in the Ticket Line.
But, if you have to stay in the RUSH line, make sure you have enough cash to purchase the ticket from the box office so that you can get in and get seated asap.
Many of the movies are re-run more than once throughout the 10 days so it’s best to check the schedule on the TIFF website – always be prepared.
If you are intending on attending TIFF, always be prepared to wait in line, fight through crowds, beat the rush for the best seat, unexpectedly see a movie star or two but most of all, enjoy the movie and enjoy the excitement that the Toronto International Film Festival brings each year to Toronto!
