Throngs of people gathered to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Toronto International Film Festival's new home. (Jessica Wong/CBC)Throngs of film fans gathered in downtown Toronto midday Sunday to witness the opening of TIFF Bell Lightbox, the long-awaited new home of the Toronto International Film Festival.
A crowd of citizens counted down to the opening and cheered as TIFF CEO Piers Handling cut through a film-strip ribbon and threw open the doors of the sleek, new, entertainment-district facility.
He was joined by a host of other dignitaries, including TIFF founders Bill Marshall, Henk van der Kolk and Joan Cohl, wife of the late Dusty Cohl, filmmakers Ivan and Jason Reitman, city councillors Adam Vaughan and Kyle Rae, as well as Ontario Culture Minister Michael Chan and federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
Handling called the building a place "where audiences can experience the full range of cinema. Wherever your interest lies, from Jean-Luc Godard to Tim Burton; the opportunities to delve into the cinematic experience will be endless."
A queue that wrapped around the $196-million building had started earlier Sunday morning, as cinephiles sought to be the first members of the public to enter and check out the bright and open space.
Naomi Snieckus, left, and Matt Baram, right, of The National Theatre of the World, introduce Montreal indie rockers Karkwa as part of the Lightbox opening block party in Toronto on Sunday. Lead singer and guitarist Louis-Jean Cormier is seen at centre. (Jessica Wong/CBC)Lightbox includes five cinemas, two gallery spaces (currently showcasing the cinema-inspired art and artifacts exhibit Essential Cinema and the installation work 24 Hour Psycho), two restaurants, a lounge, library and archives, educational facilities and a rooftop screening area and event space. The building also includes office space to serve as TIFF's headquarters year-round.
A free block party held in honour of the Lightbox opening included performances by Polaris Prize nominees Karkwa, The Sadies and Radio Radio, with hip-hop star K'naan also on the bill.
Family activities included a movie-themed costume competition and mini-cupcakes handed out by local bakery Madeleines, Cherry Pie & Ice Cream.
Toronto director Bruce McDonald's latest, the rock 'n' roll reunion story Trigger, is the first film to have its red carpet premiere at Lightbox.
The building's opening festivities will also continue throughout the week with free screenings of past TIFF favourites, including The Big Chill, The Princess Bride, Water and American Beauty.
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