Each year, movie junkies as well as high-profile actors, directors, and producers, gather in the great "T.O." to revel in an event full of screenings, parties, and brand activations at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The festival shines a spotlight on the beauty of film culture, celebrating the year's many box-office busters. Making its 45th debut this year from Sept. 10-20, the event will feature live aspects like physical screenings and drive-ins, in addition to digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, and panels to accommodate for those not able to attend in person. Though TIFF may look a bit different this year, BizBash is flashing back to some must-see moments from years past.
TIFF 2019
Last year, the 11-day film festival was a hub for numerous events and activations hosted by Twitter, R.B.C., Bell, Lyft, L'Oréal Paris, and more. The cast of Hustlers sat down for a #SheInspiresMe panel at the Assembly Chef's Hall—which was streamed live on Twitter—to discuss inclusiveness in Hollywood and the importance of showing diverse voices and telling diverse stories in film.
Photo: Courtesy of Twitter
The Hollywood Reporter's lounge, held at The St. Regis Hotel's Astor Ballroom, offered guests a chance to have their portrait taken by Austin Hargrave. The Mint Agency and Idea Events designed the space, which was sponsored by Mac Cosmetics, Perrier-Jouët, Martell, and Sugarfina. See more: TIFF 2019: 26 Highlights From Festival Parties, Lounges, and Sponsor Activations
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter
TIFF 2018
In 2018, the 43rd edition of the film festival featured new events, including a rally that drew attention to gender inequality in the industry and brand activations from AT&T, Nespresso, IMDb, and L'Oréal Paris. NKPR held its annual film festival countdown event in August at the public relations firm’s president Natasha Koifman’s private residence. The event was sponsored by Hounds Vodka, which had its name displayed with floating letters in a pool.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Nespresso and Audi hosted the premiere for the Neil Armstrong biopic First Man, which took place at Patria. The event, which was produced by Brilliant Consulting Group, served cocktails made with Nespresso, reposado tequila, and cinnamon sticks. See more: TIFF 2018: 24 Highlights From Premiere Parties and Festival Sponsors
Photo: Sonia Recchia/Getty Images
TIFF 2017
In 2017, the Toronto International Film Festival featured after-parties, lounges, and activations from brands including Nespresso, Bell, the Four Seasons, and Lifewtr. Entertainment One (eOne), the largest independent film distributor in Canada, worked with the event teams from Uniq Hospitality and DiGabi to host a splashy industry event at the Citizen. The event, which celebrated eOne's 12 titles that premiered at the festival, featured a gold carpet for guests including Jessica Chastain, Aaron Sorkin, Helen Mirren, and Tatiana Maslany. See more: TIFF 2017: 26 Highlights From After-Parties and Activations
Photo: Courtesy of Entertainment One
TIFF 2016
In 2016, Festival Street turned into a private concert stage for the cast of Hidden Figures and Pharrell Williams, who performed original songs from the film. With more than 500 people in attendance for the show, the VIP area served signature cocktails by Casamigos Tequila.
Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Twentieth Century Fox/AP Images
In the first-of-its-kind partnership with TIFF, the Axe Collective and Vanguard Honours held an off-site event at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. The event, which was free and open to the public, screened films by three Axe Collective aspiring filmmakers, who were also highlighted at the event by mentors John Legend and Mark Duplass, alongside TIFF Vanguard Programmer Colin Geddes. Custom popcorn boxes for attendees provided a movie night-inspired touch. See more: TIFF 2016: How the Downtown Core Became the Ultimate Festival Event Space
Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for AXE
TIFF 2015
In 2015, brands and event producers hosted low-key affairs. Mongrel House Media, an independent film distributor, hosted its first "Mongrel House" event series at the Campbell House Museum. In a "biergarten," food stations offered causal late-night snacks from local eateries. Menu items included lemongrass-chicken dumplings, samosas, and gourmet popsicles.
Photo: Courtesy of Mongrel Media
Gifting suites also had an informal vibe that year. At Diaz Contemporary, the Essentials Lounge, presented by EGPR, offered products from companies such as Cake Beauty, Glaceau, Krispy Kreme, and Knix Wear. To tease all the swag that was available throughout the lounge, a display case held products from each sponsor. TIFF 2015: How Street Culture—and Backyard Barbecues—Inspired This Year's Parties
Photo: Ryan Emberley
TIFF 2014
In 2014, the Toronto International Film Festival celebrated its lineup of 300 films with events held across the city. Pictured here, Entertainment One hosted its "eOne Blue Carpet" bash for 1,500 guests. Held at Moss Park Armoury, the event—which boasted decor by Jeffry Roick of McNabb Roick Events—was awash in the brand's signature blue hue. See more:TIFF 2014: See Photos From Premiere Parties, Brand Activations, and More
Photo: George Pimentel
TIFF 2013
In 2013, The Mint Agency produced several events at Live at the Hive throughout the festival's run. Stationed at 461 King Street West, the venue was part of a traveling property that hosts events catering to celebrities and other VIP guests. The step-and-repeat pictured here, inspired by the word "hive," had a honeycomb-like structure with hexagonal slots for sponsor signage. Throughout the week, signage changed to reflect the hosts and films represented at various bashes. On one night, for example, there were signs for Nespresso and the film The Third Person (shown here). TIFF 2013: Highlights From Premiere Parties, Brand Activations, and More
Photo: George Pimentel
