The Toronto International Film Festival is known first and foremost for, well, the films. But the creative team over at TIFF has filled out their festival line-up with some other interesting events. From public art installations to a Canadian concert series, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of a dark movie theatre. Here are our picks for the best things to do at TIFF when you aren't at the movies.
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The Mavericks Programme: It isn't unusual to see some of your favourite actors pop up to help introduce their films at TIFF or participate in a Q&A. But if you are fans of a select handful of people, you will get the chance to enjoy a more in depth chat live on stage. The Mavericks programme pairs movie experts with big guests to talk about their career. This year, the speakers include Jon Stewart, in town with his directorial debut Rosewater, Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Juliette Binoche, Reese Witherspoon, Richard Gere and Robert Duvall.
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Festival Music House: Okay, so Festival Music House is invite only but it is definitely worth trying for a rope jump. It doesn't hurt to try a little charm with the door man, right? This year, the concerts are being held on September 7 & 8 at Adelaide Hall. From A Tribe Called Red and BADBADNOTGOOD to The New Pornographers and We Are The City, the concerts aim to show off Canada's talent to movie industry insiders. Hey, The New Pornographers are already movie soundtrack mainstays, who knows what other bands will perk the ears of Hollywood's decision makers.
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Festival Street: If you walk along King Street or up along Yonge Street during TIFF, it is not hard to tell that something big is going on. From the multiple covert Escalades, to screaming fans and flashing cameras, the festival is not exactly underground. But this year, TIFF is officially taking it to the street. From September 4 to 7, King Street West between Peter and University Streets will be transformed into a pedestrian area with pop-up theatre and music performances, food trucks and also just a place to lounge. You can stop in front of the Hal9000 Photo Booth and get your picture taking by Stanley Kubrick's eerie 2001 robot villain or even spill your TIFF anxieties to the Film Festival therapist Amanda Burt. We are not kidding.
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Jason Reitman Live Read: This has yet to be announced, but we are putting money on the chance that Jason Reitman will be bringing his live read back to TIFF this year. Popular in Los Angeles, Reitman brought the event to TIFF two years ago with American Beauty. The script is read live by a group of famous actors, selected based on the idea that they would be cast in the movie if it were made today. In American Beauty, Bryan Cranston was Lester Burnham (originally played by Kevin Spacey) and Christina Hendricks was Carolyn Burnham (originally played by Annette Bening). Last year, he staged Boogie Nights, which read live, gives it a whole level of awkwardness. Reitman is going to be in town with his new movie Men, Women and Children so we would also keep our eyes on his Twitter for the announcement of another live read.
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