amfAR CINEMA AGAINST AIDS Toronto benefit raises more than 1 million dollars – MARTIN SHEEN and son EMILIO ESTEVEZ host

photo: Festival Insider SKYE on arrival at The Carlu for the amfAR Cinema Against Aids Toronto benefit. Skye is wearing Pizzicato hoops and bracelet by Psalms 91:1 Accessories (September 12, 2010 / R.Budman)

One of the swankier events held during Toronto International Film Festival week was the amfAR black-tie fundraising Gala – Cinema Against AIDS held at the Carlu. More than 500 guests attended including Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, and Kelly Roland, and a who’s who of the Toronto arts scene.

The evening included cocktails, dinner, a luxury live auction, and performances by Broadway, film, and television star Cheyenne Jackson and the recently reunited band Ace of Base. More than $1 million dollars was raised for amfAR and Dignitas.

The Town’s BLAKE LIVELY makes a stunning red carpet appearance at Toronto Film Festival Gala premiere

photos: Gossip Girl star BLAKE LIVELY made an eagerly awaited appearance for the Gala premiere of THE TOWN. The Ben Affleck directed bank heist drama has Blake starring with a powerful cast that includes Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Renner. (George Pimentel photos)

Lively’s movie career is on fire of late and Blake has hinted she wouldn’t mind if the Gossip Girl producers killed her off the successful television show. Lively has two years remaining on her Gossip Girl contract and it’s doubtful producers would let her out early. It’s not often you have a television series filled with a cast of burgeoning movie stars.

Even Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgely (and real-life boyfriend) is at the Toronto Film Festival supporting his own film.

WANT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TOWN RED CARPET ARRIVALS – CHECK OUR FLICKR STREAM

Fade to Black – The Cadillacs have wrapped their starring role in the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

We have wrapped! And what an amazing TIFF’09 it has been. We put our best shine on and traveled to 21 Gala film premieres at Roy Thomson Hall and hundreds more at other Toronto theatres. We have met wonderful people from the United States, Europe, India, Asia, The Middle East, and Australia. We got numerous movie stars, TIFF helpers, worried publicists, (and one particular tiffinsider) to their screenings and press engagements on time. We even occasionally got that curious “what stars are you riding with?” look from Toronto bystanders. We have been left with the enchanting scents of beautiful actresses and actors – and even the occasional mess of an entourage. Our GPS was kept busy – often racing from red carpet premieres to trendy Toronto hot-spots. And yes, we even found time for an exotic drink or two (non-alcoholic of course, we were driving after all.) And we’ll be back to do it all over again. Perhaps in a slightly different shape, size, or colour next year. See you on roads in 2010!

The Toronto Film Festival Galas at Roy Thomson Hall was a great place for TIFF celebrity sightings

(festivalinsider.ca) If there was one change that proved popular this TIFF – it was the new red carpet set-up at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. In years previous, The red carpet was on one side of the tight Simcoe St. and fans were stuck waiting on the OTHER side of the street. For 2009, the red carpet Cadillac drop-off of TIFF guests was brought into a park on the east side of the theatre, allowing the fans wanting a glimpse of their favorite TIFF stars a much closer look, and an excellent chance for a photo or autograph.

WHIP IT stars MARCIA GAY HARDEN is one very proud mother to EULALA SCHEEL at Toronto Roller Derby exhibition and red carpet

(festivalinsider.ca) There were some proud parents on display during TIFF ’09. Ivan and Jason Reitman were at the Toronto festival to support multiple movies. Michael Moore’s father was beaming on the Capitalism red carpet. And Oscar and Tony award winning actress Marcia Gay Harden and her daughter Eulala Scheel joined her WHIP IT cast at TIFF. Both have roles in the Drew Barrymore directed film.

Duchess of York SARAH FERGUSON spent 15 years producing The Young Victoria – Toronto Film Festival’s closing night Gala film

The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson spent a few days in Toronto during TIFF week on a couple of different missions. First, The Duchess and her two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York spent an evening at Ultra on Queen St. to launch the Canadian arm of the Sarah Ferguson Charitable Foundation. The next evening, The Duchess would be walking the TIFF red carpet to support a film she produced, the closing night Gala THE YOUNG VICTORIA featuring Emily Blunt in the starring role. Producing the film has been a 15-year labor of love for Ms. Ferguson as she first became fascinated with Royal life and its unique history when she spent time in Buckingham Palace after marrying Prince Andrew in 1986. The Duchess said in repeated media interviews during her week in Toronto that she related to the story of at least one character in the film, not the Queen herself, but Albert, the beloved consort who was after Queen Victoria’s heart.

“But if you’re not born into royalty, you never really belong there.” – SARAH FERGUSON

Sean Byrne’s THE LOVED ONES wins 2009 Cadillac People’s Choice Award – Midnight Madness at Toronto International Film Festival

TIFF midnight madness programmer Colin Geddes accepted the Cadillac People’s Choice Award from Frank Trivieri of GM Canada for best Midnight Madness feature on behalf of director Sean Byrne’s The Loved Ones at an awards reception hosted by Toronto’s Intercontinental Hotel.

“This is a candy-coloured popcorn film that invites the audience into a fun, pop-horror world that seems familiar. People will be in their seats, kind of comfortable, feeling like they’ve been here before and then we’ll sneak up and drop acid into their soda.” – SEAN BYRNE

It’s Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS over Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM for Cadillac People’s Choice Documentary Award at 2009 TIFF

In a little bit of an upset, director Leanne Pooley’s TOPP TWINS has won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award for documentary at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM was the runner-up.

“I have been making documentaries for twenty years, and usually they are dark. That is often the world a documentary filmmaker moves in, a dark world. This is a film about joy, and laughter, and love. And its just so special to be able to bring a film like that to audiences like yours. I have to thank the TOPP TWINS. who are a force of nature. Thank you so much.” – Leanne Pooley, director TOPP TWINS

Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN comes to TIFF on Colin Firth’s BEST ACTOR Venice honors – Weinstein Co. acquire distribution

Actors Julianne Moore and Colin Firth joined TOM FORD at the very well-dressed and attended A Single Man after-party held at the Gardiner Museum. Fashion designer turned director-writer FORD proved during the 2009 Toronto Festival he will be a force in the film business. Riding an impressive wave of positive buzz from the Venice Film Festival where Colin Firth’s performance from Ford’s film won BEST ACTOR honors. A SINGLE MAN came out of the Toronto Festival with TIFF’s largest deal as the Weinstein Co. paid a few million dollars to secure U.S. distribution rights for Ford’s directorial debut.

Mini-Me VERNE TROYER at TIFF for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – says AUSTIN POWERS 4 could be a GO!

VERNE TROYER attended the after-party for Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus held at the swanky Cheval Bar on Toronto’s King St. Director Terry Gilliam and most of the cast (sadly sans Depp) showed up to toast the Toronto premiere of the film. Troyer first came to public attention from his role as Mini-me in the Mike Myer’s string of Austin Powers films. At the party, the insider couldn’t resist asking Troyer if there is any plans for an Austin Powers 4? Not only did Troyer indicate the idea had been discussed, another sequel to the hit film could maybe shoot next year. And of course, Mini-me would be back at Dr. Evil’s side.

Jack White talks acting and new music, Meg White says nothing during press for Toronto premiere of THE WHITE STRIPES UNDER GREAT NORTHERN LIGHTS documentary

Meg and Jack White of The White Stripes made a rare appearance together at the Toronto Film Festival red carpet premiere of the documentary The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights. Jack White also appeared earlier in the day at a press conference. Meg White, being her notoriously shy shelf did not talk to the media, but did appear briefly at the docs premiere for photo op with Jack. The film is a bit of a triumph for director Emmett Malloy who managed to convince the usually private band to allow cameras to follow The White Stripes unique 2007 tour of small northern Canadian cities. During the press conference for the film, Jack White touched upon a number of subjects including the difficulties of filmmaking, his passion for acting and what new music he is working on these days.

(on acting in film) “The time that it takes is the hardest part for me. To give up three months to act… there is so much I could be doing.. I could be doing three or four 7″ vinyl records out in Nashville…It really comes down to choices.” – JACK WHITE

IT LOUNGE gifting suite at Windsor Arms Hotel plays host to TIFF celebrities and contributes to a roster of charities

The IT Lounge, hosted by NKPR at The Windsor Arms Hotel during TIFF week is proud to have broken new ground as the first gifting suite in North America to have had each participating brand contribute to a charity or cause.

A who’s who of celebrities visited the IT Lounge during the week to lend their support. For each of those visits, a special donation was made to the 12 charities. Brooks, Fila, Goody , Sharpie, Universal Music, were just some of the gifting companies contributing to the program.

Some of the many celebrity guests that visited IT Lounge: Paul Haggis, Olivia Wilde, the entire crew from So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Sissy Spacek, Saukrates, James Purefoy, Divine Brown, Kat Dennings, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jennifer Garner, Russell Peters, Kyle MacLaghlan, Ivana Santilli, Marci Playground, Edward Norton, Ricky Gervais, Kardinal Offishal, Samantha Morton, Kristin Booth, Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath, Eva Avilla, Lyriq Bent, Monika Schnarre, Caitlin Cronenberg, Lisa Ray, Verne “Mini-Me” Troyer, Terry Gilliam and many, many more!

Bollywood star PRIYANKA CHOPRA arrives in Toronto for TIFF premiere of What’s Your Rashee?

(festivalinsider.ca) Top Bollywood actress PRIYANKA CHOPRA arrived at the Toronto International Film Festival for a day of press to talk about What’s Your Rashee? The film also features HARMAN BAWEJA in the lead role of someone who returns home to India and has to find a bride within 12 choices of women presented (all played by Chopra.) On arrival to the press conference, Ms. Chopra greeted a handful of fans gathered and signed autographs.

Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts celebrate Mother and Child with a few TIFF party stops

(festivalinsider.ca) KERRY WASHINGTON and NAOMI WATTS attended the party for Mother And Child at Swarovski crystal store on Bloor Street prior to their Gala TIFF screening. Watts and Washington continued the celebrating after their premiere stopping by a party at The Gardiner Museum for designer turned director Tom Ford’s A Single Man

MATT DAMON parties during TIFF week with BILL CLINTON and MARY J all in support of ONE X ONE kids foundation

(festivalinsider.ca) Matt Damon was in Toronto this week for the premiere of THE INFORMANT. It wasn’t Damon’s only duties as he has been coming to Toronto the last few years for his One X One charitable foundation. “Who isn’t interested in trying to improve the lives of children around the world?” mused Damon to the Toronto Star when discussing the important work the OneXOne foundation does. For 2009, Damon’s fundraising events were spread across an entire weekend. Saturday night saw a gala concert at Kool Haus, featuring Mary J. Blige. The next evening was a more intimate fundraising reception at the home of Edward Rogers, Rogers Communications CEO, with former U.S. president Bill Clinton in attendance.

Harvey Weinstein attends YOUTH IN REVOLT premiere – Weinstein Co. still showing film world their major players in Toronto with pick-up of Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN

The insiders camera caught iconic film executive Harvey Weinstein quietly stepping into the Toronto premiere of YOUTH IN REVOLT starring Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday. It seems the Weinstein Co. is on a bit of a comeback lately after that revealing feature about the brothers in a recent New York Times magazine. First, Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is a box office hit still collecting very good receipts overseas. Now during this Toronto International Film Festival, Youth in Revolt was met with enthusiastic applause and reviews after its TIFF Premiere, and the Weinsteins just put down $1 million plus for the U.S. and German rights to TOM FORD’S “A Single Man” (also having a TIFF premiere)

Power Publicist Natasha Koifman works with Paul Haggis and Olivia Wilde on TIFF Friday night Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser

One of the most talked about parts of the Toronto International Film Festival is THE PARTIES. TIFF is famous for its parties. There are just a select few power publicists in Toronto that make many of the festival celebrations and fundraisers happen. Natasha Koifman is one of those publicists.

A hot party ticket at TIFF this year was the first Friday’s Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Friday nights event brought out a who’s who of TIFF elite including director Jason Reitman, Elisha Cuthbert, Kim Cattrall, Amanda Seyfried, Jason Bateman and Vivica A. Fox.

Find out what it takes to put together a celebrity-laden shindig and what the TIFF power publicists go through in this NOW Magazine profile of Natasha Koifman.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher grace the TIFF’09 red carpet for THE JONESES

Demi Moore had husband Ashton Kutcher join her at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Demi’s latest work – The Joneses. The film premiered Sunday afternoon at the Visa Screening Room in the Elgin Theatre. It was Demi and Ashton’s second straight red carpet within twenty-four hours. The night previous the couple tended to red carpet duties in New York City.

Canadian Film Centre annual BBQ hosted by Norman Jewison in celebration of the independent creative spirit always a highlight during TIFF

photo: director / writer Sook-Yin Lee and her “Year of the Carnivore” cast actors Mark Rendall and Ali Liebert at the CFC annual BBQ.

One of the more anticipated parties during the Toronto Film Festival each year is the annual Canadian Film Centre BBQ that happens on the first Sunday afternoon during TIFF week. While the big Hollywood produced movies can sometimes dominate the press headlines at TIFF, the CFC event likes to, as the invitation says, “celebrate the Canadian independent creative spirit.”

And it does that well.

A Canadian Film Centre produced short, “Shortman v. minivan” is making a Toronto Film Festival premiere this week
photos: Keifer Sutherland of 24 fame made an appearance in support of the CFC event and The Arkells performed.

IRISH eyes were smiling at the Ondine TIFF red carpet premiere when U2′s BONO & EDGE pay a surprise visit to support Neil Jordan’s film

(festivalinsider.ca) Its definitely been a year of surprise red carpet guests at TIFF. First Robert Deniro shows up on the red carpet for PRECIOUS and the next day, members of the group U2- Bono & Edge appear at the premiere of ONDINE starring Colin Farrell. The insider had a hunch on this one as Irish director Neil Jordan is a close friend of the bands, even done a music video for them. Throw in Colin Farrell and you gotta night to celebrate the Irish. Yup, there just might be a pint or two flowing at that post-screening reception tonight.
UPDATE: U2′s Bono, Edge, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. did join director Neil Jordan and Colin Farrell for a post-film party at a popular King St. west restaurant. There was GREEN CARPET outside to welcome the party guests.

DREW Barrymore on why Roller Derby is empowering for women as her directorial debut WHIP IT makes a TIFF 2009 world premiere

DREW BARRYMORE brought the cast of her directorial debut, WHIP IT to Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas square for a red carpet AND roller derby exhibition. It was all in support of the world premiere of WHIP IT at TIFF. Barrymore talks to the thousands of assembled fans (yes, thousands!) about directing for the first time and why WHIP IT is an empowering story for women.

Robert DENIRO makes surprise TIFF appearance in support of OPRAH’S PRECIOUS at Gala Toronto premiere

(festivalinsider.ca) If the Oscar buzz was not already loud after its earlier world premiere at Sundance, that buzz is screaming now after the Gala premiere PRECIOUS had at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was THE Gala premiere of this TIFF and an incredible line-up of guests came out in support of the film. But when Oprah’s good friend ROBERT DENIRO made a surprise appearance at Roy Thompson Hall last night even the cast of the film was left a little speechless. Deniro came to Toronto unannounced first appearing at a low-key cocktail reception for the New York Times at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) before heading over to the Precious Gala.

MARY J. BLIGE talks about her inspiration for PRECIOUS theme song during press conference for PRECIOUS

With a packed press conference of the world’s media in attendance. Producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry brought a very buzzed about cast to Toronto for the premiere of PRECIOUS. Mary J. Blige was personally called by Oprah about creating music for the movie. Considering the subject matter of the film, Blige could relate and immediately set out to write songs.

Playboy founder HUGH HEFNER (and FRIENDS) makes Toronto appearance for Playboy, Activist, Rebel documentary premiere

(festivalinsider.ca) HUGH HEFNER made a grand TIFF red carpet entrance at The Elgin Theatre on Saturday afternoon for the screening of Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, Rebel. The legendary PLAYBOY founder emerged from a black stretch limo (emblazoned with the famous Playboy symbol) and was accompanied by three lovely ladies. Hef is well into his eighth decade- and it literally took that long for him to open up and support a film about his life’s work. Director Brigitte Berman met Hefner years ago, but it wasn’t until Hefs 80th birthday party that Berman was able to talk the icon into participating in a documentary. “For me, this film has it all – sex, glamour, politics, romance, tragedy, and conflicts – and many great surprises about a man people think they know, but don’t really know,” Berman said.

The only GOATS for GEORGE CLOONEY at Toronto Film Festival will be in the movie – Thank you very much.

The party to celebrate the Clooney starring THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS was held at a posh Bridle Path residence on Friday night. A pen full of real goats was assembled there to greet the guests outside. When it was suggested that Clooney and cast pose with the goats. George wanted none of that and sailed past the goats into the private party. We know Clooney is a great guy – But I guess even George knew that was one photo op to stay a mile away from.

Cadillac People’s Choice Award celebrates the best in film from TIFF – now expanded in 2009 for Documentary and Midnight Madness categories

The 34th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival brings about important change to the Cadillac People’s Choice Award. In addition to the main feature award (Slumdog Millionaire won last year) for 2009, there will be new Cadillac People’s Choice Awards presented in separate documentary and Midnight Madness categories. The awards are chosen by audiences through a voting process that takes place at screenings throughout the Festival.

TIFF’s Real to Reel program that showcases the documentaries has some especially thought provoking films this year. Early favorites might be Chris Smith’s COLLAPSE. A candid look at the media empire of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in VIDEOCRACY has been stirring buzz. We also hear great things about WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY, an insiders look at the Disney animation empire that recently wowed Telluride Film Festival audiences.

A Cadillac People’s Choice Award will also be presented to favorite Midnight Madness feature. An early favorite in this category could be the already much talked about JENNIFER’S BODY, featuring a demonically possessed Megan Fox and written by Oscar winning Juno scribe, Diablo Cody. But vampires from another Midnight Madness feature, DAYBREAKERS, led by Ethan Hawke could give JB a run. And of course, there are still eight other films in the Midnight Madness program for consideration.

One thing for sure, competition for the Cadillac People’s Choice Awards will be tight. We’ll just have to wait and see what the TIFF audiences decide when the awards are presented on September 19th.