The CFF/DGC Canada Party at TIFF hosted by The Canadian Film Festival

The CFF (The Canadian Film Festival)/DGC (Directors Guild of Canada) Canada Party at TIFF

When the Toronto International Film Fest rolls into town for its 10-day stint each September, countless parties draw film buffs and A-listers alike. Beyond TIFF-sanctioned film screenings, cast parties, and events staged during the 10-day festival, are a bevy of star-studded festivities. In its 40^th year, the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the biggest film festivals in the world, screened a total of 399 films by the time it wrapped.

(photos by Zefred)

On September 13th, an unpretentious who’s who of Canadian film, media, and VIPs gathered to celebrate Canuck culture at The Canada Party hosted by The Canadian Film Festival. Held at the The Fifth Social Club (formerly Easy & The Fifth), a spacious venue in Toronto’s Entertainment District that feels more like a friend’s private loft then one of the cities most renowned nightclubs, and sponsored by Beaus All Natural Brewing, Tim Hortons and m0851.

Although the event was invite only the red carpet saw more leather and plaid than it did gowns. A strict “no posers, just hosers” policy meant there was no VIP section. Notable guests included The Trailer Park Boys, actor David Sutcliffe (‘Gilmore Girls’), and actress Lara Jean Chorostecki (‘Hannibal’). Legendary Director Jean-Marc Vallée (‘Wild’, ‘Dallas Buyers Club’) whose new film ‘Demolition’, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts opened the festival, played DJ kicking off a night of sweaty dance moves with the reggae classic No, No, No.

Event planners are constantly looking for fresh ideas for food and beverage offerings at such high profile parties and what prouder Canadian fare than craft beer, bottomless Miss Vickie’s potato chips, and special edition Canadian donuts from Tim Hortons (no seriously there was a Tim Hortons kiosk on the dance floor). Specials included the ‘Don Cherry & Chocolate’, ‘Maple Bacon Croissant Donut’, the ‘Bob and Doug Beer Glazed’, and of course, a classic ‘Canadian Flag’. While there was no shortage of free donuts I didn’t catch sight of a Double Double. However, an endless supply of Canada’s fiercely proud Coffee Crisp was at arms reach wherever one stood throughout the night.

If there is one thing festival-goers know when it comes to TIFF time, it’s that your favourite bar is likely to be open and serving until 4am, and 4am seemed to roll around quite quickly from inside The Fifth Social Club. The Canadian Film Fest tried its hand at hosting a TIFF party and along side the heavy weights of the always glamorous annual TIFF Gala and the Producer’s Ball, succeeded in throwing one hell of an unapologetically Canadian bash. One can only hope that Hollywood North will shine in all its glory next year (perhaps with the addition of a bit more plaid and a little poutine?).

Emily Coutts

Bern Euler

Matt Murray

Matt Murray

Zahra Bentham

(photos by Zefred)