You don't have to walk a red carpet to know that fashion matters at TIFF-as festival-goers themselves will feel the pull to take their look up a notch. Our advice: try to avoid skunk-hair like Drew did, and aim for fun cocktail chic a la Penelope or the mambo glam of Natalie.
Be in on the buzz at the 'Black Swan' gala
Director Darren Aronofsky follows 2008s surprise hit, 'The Wrestler,' with what is arguably the most talked about film premiering at TIFF, 'Black Swan.' Starring Natalie Portman as a lead ballerina, and Mila Kunis as her up and coming rival, the thriller examines the consequences of sacrificing everything for an incredibly demanding art form. With its vivid imagery, obsessive characters and a shockingly sexual story that includes a steamy lesbian love scene between the two leads, the premiere is a hot ticket for anyone looking to get a jump on their offices water-cooler talk, especially since the film doesnt open in theatres until December.
Crash the InStyle Party
It's like 'Mean Girls,' but instead of Lindsay Lohan breaking into the high school clique, it's you breaking into the most coveted party of the film festival. In years past it's been held at the Windsor Arms Hotel, where 400 guests mill around yellow orchids, Swarovski candle holdersand of course all the A-list stars. But rumor has it the location has changed. To where? That's the challenge for any serious party hunter.
Show your patriotic pride at 'Trigger'
'Trigger,' from director Bruce McDonald, is the highlight of the Canadian films premiering at TIFF. A simple story about a female rock duo meeting up years after band dysfunction drove them apart. It features the final performance by the late Tracy Wright, a staple of the Canadian avant-garde movement who recently died of cancer at age 50. Also starring Molly Parker, Sarah Polley and Wrights husband, Don McKellar, the films heart and humour make the perfect coda for the late actress.
Go star gazing on King Street
It used to be that come TIFF time you'd have to stake out in Yorkville to see the stars align. But now the rest of the city wants inand King West is the new heart of the festival, thanks mostly to TIFF's just opened Bell Lightbox Centre. Plus, multiple hotels, bars and restaurants in the 'hood are hosting brunches, galas, post-parties and impromptu business meetings during the festival.
Get philosophical with Werner Herzog and Errol Morris
Legendary documentarian Errol Morris ('The Fog of War') and radical filmmaker Werner Herzog ('Grizzly Man') will be sitting down to speak about the current landscape of documentary film at the TIFF Doc Conference, Sept 13. Although it might not be on the mainstreams radar, the talk will be a must-see for the true film nut as the genre-crossing friends are both known for off-the-wall interviews, and will probably have the most interesting conversation of any two people in Toronto during the festival.
Catch a scowl from Clint Eastwood
The five-time Oscar winner is attending TIFF for the first time, to premiere his new film, 'Hereafter,' a paranormal drama following three people from across the globe as theyre forced to cope with mortality through death, hauntings, and a natural disaster. Its the first time Eastwood's gone the supernatural route and hell be on hand for the gala on Sept. 12.
Lie, cheat and bribe your way into the Ed Norton and Bruce Springsteen talk
The hottest live event at TIFF will be Edward Norton and Bruce Springsteen sitting down for a chat about 'The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town,' a new documentary exploring the recording of The E Street Bands fourth studio album. Norton was only nine when the record dropped, but hes a close friend and huge fan of Springsteen. The documentary is full of new interviews and footage from the studio in the mid-'70s. The chat and premiere take place on Sept. 14but if you haven't gotten a ticket yet...
Party for free, and with the kids, at the Bell Lightbox Block Party
Forget those VIP partiesthey're boring anywaythe Block Party being held on Sept. 12 at the Bell Lightbox theatre is free and kid-friendly. Polaris Prize nominees Karkwa, The Sadies and Radio Radio will be playing on the main stage. Meanwhile, the Family Fun Zone is inspired by The Wizard of Oz and bouncy castles, crafts and face painting will be in operation. There's a special act to be introduced by CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos at 3 p.m.
Take a break from films, see live bands
Toronto-based independent record label Arts and Crafts is putting on shows at the Festival Music House (although on an invite-only basis), featuring Canadian indie faves the Stars, City and Colour, Tokyo Police Club and the Tragically Hip's Gord Downie.
