Though past themes for the Canadian Film Centre's annual gala and auction have included foreign countries like Cuba, France, and Italy, the inspiration for this year's event, dubbed Borealis, could be found a bit closer to home. The benefit, which drew 600 guests Thursday at the Kool Haus, adopted a Canadian feel with decor inspired by the Canadian wilderness and the northern lights.

"We gave MacLaren McCann the task of coming up with a concept to celebrate Canadian excellence," said Mark Fellion, the centre's assistant manager of events and strategic partnerships. "The theme fits with celebrating Canada and celebrating our stars and our talent. It's a great theme that can be built around for decor as well."

Fellion and his team called on Jeffry Roick of McNabb Roick Events to translate the theme into the decor. Evergreen trees filled the entrance, where green lighting from Westbury National Show Systems created a star-like effect and cardboard bison, deer, and moose heads were mounted on the wall.

Inside the dining room, the tables and centrepieces provided much of the light. "We're trying to keep it fairly dark," Fellion said. Roick used light boxes beneath 40 of the 56 transparent dining tables, topped with iridescent linens. The centrepieces—cylinder lights bearing images of evergreen trees—cast a greenish-blue hue. Dark silhouettes of evergreen trees, constructed out of foam core, dressed the stage and provided a backdrop for the silent auction.

Actress Mary Walsh hosted the event, and R&B singer Divine Brown performed. Event sponsors included Cineplex Entertainment, E1 Entertainment, RBC, Holt Renfrew, Tiffany & Company, Joe Fresh Style, American Airlines, Shaftesbury, Empire Theatres, Alitalia, and BDO.