1. Toronto International Film Festival
This star-studded 10-day affair attracts thousands of movie industry types and more than 1,000 members of the international media and is surrounded by plenty of parties. More than 300 films from 60-plus countries screened in 2009, and organizers expanded free programming at Nathan Phillips Square. The 35th annual festival takes place September 9 to 18.
2. North by Northeast Music & Film Festival and Conference
More than 625 indie bands participate in NXNE, a five-day festival that includes industry workshops, a conference, and a film festival with 40 movies. For the event’s 15th outing in 2009, organizers added more performances in public spaces like Union Station, for a total of 50 venues. The 2010 event takes place June 16 to 20.
3. Canadian Music Week
This industry event includes a conference, a trade show, award presentations, a film festival, and a music festival with more than 500 bands. The 2009 lineup included Burton Cummings and a keynote address by Gene Simmons of Kiss. This year’s event will honour Platinum Blonde, Gary Slaight, and radio legend Roger Ashby. Canadian Music Week was scheduled for March 10 to 14 at more than 45 downtown venues.
4. Hot Docs International Documentary Festival
Founded in 1993, Hot Docs presents more than 150 documentaries from Canada and around the globe. In 2009, the film festival attracted more than 2,000 delegates and kicked off with a gala at the Royal Ontario Museum. This year’s event is set for April 29 to May 9.
5. The MuchMusic Video Awards
MuchMusic opted to forgo its annual MMVA party in 2009, but more than 6,000 fans surrounded four outdoor stages at the intersection of Queen and John Streets for the 20th annual broadcast. Performers included the Jonas Brothers and Lady Gaga. The show returns in June.
6. Canada’s Walk of Fame
Last year, inductees honoured at an award ceremony at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts included Kim Cattrall, Blue Rodeo, and Howie Mandel. Organizers hosted the second RBC-sponsored ball, attended by close to 1,000 guests, at the nearby Sheraton Centre following the ceremony. Details for the 2010 event were unavailable at press time.
7. Genie Awards
These honours for the best in Canadian film saw Amal take the top award at last March’s event, held for the first time in the capital region, at Ottawa’s Canada Aviation Museum. The date and location for this year’s 30th annual awards have not been finalized.
8. Dora Awards
Named for Dora Mavor Moore, these honours reward the creators of theatre, dance, and opera productions in 35 categories with a bronze statue designed by sculptor John Romano. The 31st annual awards, held in 2009 at the Winter Garden Theatre, are scheduled to take place June 28. The location was not set at press time.
