A fun block party and thoughts on the Bell Lightbox

By John C.

When you think of the Toronto International Film Festival, besides movies, one of the things you’re going to think of is all the parties. And TIFF parties are often associated with upscale clubs populated by celebrities and shots of SKYY vodka. But perhaps the biggest party of this year’s festival was one with admission open to everyone, no chance of getting carded, and diet Coke being served.

The TIFF Bell Lightbox officially opened it’s doors yesterday with a free block party, proving to the public for the first time that any skepticism over the multi-million dollar installation of this new permanent venue for TIFF was entirely unneeded. Believe the hype, the Bell Lightbox is a spectacular addition to the city. With 5 cinemas, several galleries, lounges and restaurants, the complex lends itself well to an evening out. The building officially opened it’s doors yesterday a little after noon, with the cutting of a film strip by TIFF co-director Piers Handling.

When first entering the 5-storey building, patrons are welcomed by an impressive atrium, but escalators take us up to where a lot of the real action takes place. With different seats and styles in every theatre, each auditorium evokes a different experience, with cinema 5 feeling more like a lecture hall or private screening room. For the most part, the first several theatres have the familiar feel of a regular movie house. Although with comfortable seats, extra leg room and lower down cup holders to avoid spilled drinks, the design is much more thought through.

When I toured the building, cinema 1 was playing a tribute to 35 years of the Festival of Festivals, and Cinema 3 was playing an expertly put together montage of scenes from all films appearing on the Essential Cinema list of 100. Cinema 2 was set up with a collection of 10 short films that were produced for the 25th anniversary of TIFF. Cinema’s 4 & 5, on the third floor, were set up with art installations. 4 was featuring Atom Egoyan’s 81/2 Screens, a tribute to Fellini with classic film clips playing over different screens hanging over the seats, and 5 wasn’t featuring any film at all, rather just a tribute to sound.

The block party was the perfect way to officially open the building to the public. With events for those of all ages, plenty of space to move around and lots to see and hear, this was an excellent way to spend a cool afternoon in Toronto. But the party wasn’t just for festival goers. For kids, there was a yellow brick road leading to a bouncy castle, face painting and a photo booth, all with a special focus on what is arguably the greatest family film of all time: The Wizard of Oz.

The bands 100 Monkeys, Karkwa, The Sadies, Radio Radio and Toronto pop star Fefe Dobson provided the soundtrack for the day, with special guest K’Naan performing at 3:00 PM. K’Naan was in full form, with his call-and-response lyrics lending themselves well to the enthusiastic crowd. Despite the disappointment of my camera not recording the standout 15 minute finale, it was impossible not to get swept up in singing along to ‘Wavin’ Flag.’ As expected, he completely rocked the corner of King & John for just under an hour.

Although they blend seamlessly into the skyline, the Lightbox and festival tower are unique installations when viewed up close. Throughout the year they will play classic films and limited engagements, but the building will really come alive over the next week and next September when it will be used as the permanent venue for numerous screenings throughout the festival.

Our exclusive pictures from the event are after the break.

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The Crowds lined up for the official unveiling.