“Festival magic is back in full-swing!” That’s what most of Toronto is thinking this year when it comes to the return of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and it’s also what Natasha Koifman told Curiocity this week.
It’s been a minute, and the city is now feeling electric with TIFF energy. While the major film festival doesn’t officially start until September 8, fest enthusiasts know that the countdown event is one of the key industry gatherings in Toronto. And on August 24, a toast was raised to the return of that very event, NKPR’s annual Film Festival Countdown.
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Like previous years, the Countdown event took place at Koifman’s private residence, with guests enjoying catered food from Pusateri’s, a giant candy & dessert table, a Hounds Vodka x La Bonne Fille spiked tea bar and Lobos 1707 tequila, as well as an ice cream truck. Each year, this event lights the excitement into the community, not just the film community, but the entertainment and hospitality industries as well.
“This September, Toronto will be the star as the city’s energy and vibrancy returns to play host to the entertainment industry for the largest public film festival in the world,” said Koifman, President, NKPR.
Koifman is celebrating the 20th year of NKPR, and with it, she continues to also host the Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Gala which also returns this year.
“For well over two decades, we have been committed to creating meaningful and unique experiences and activations that resonate and celebrate the film industry,” she said. “One of the building blocks of our business was the festival, so as we celebrate NKPR’s 20th Anniversary this year, we look forward to creating continued meaningful moments that matter, including our Artists for Peace and Justice Gala Events that have raised over $33M to fund educational programs for the children of Haiti.”
This year, the Gala takes place on September 10. Global celebrities and supporters of APJ include Ben Stiller, Susan Sarandon, and Jackson Browne.
Along with the Gala, NKPR’s IT House also returns this year, kicking off on September 8th and running through September 10th. The IT House is the experiential hub, which has been an anchor space serving as a curated area for media, talent and VIPs looking to “recharge and relax during the hustle and bustle of film festival.” Past visitors have included Mila Kunis, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Dev Patel, Natalie Portman, Elizabeth Olsen, Donald Glover, Jared Leto, Adrien Brody, and Daniel Radcliffe.
The Toronto International Film Festival returns in September 2022 for its 47th edition, and will run for 11 days. It features international and Canadian films, as well as special events featuring some of the biggest names in film.
