September in Toronto always brings about a buzz; students are back in town and are filling up the local bars and cafes, the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) starts up again, the Virgin Festival is back for its annual concert weekend, and of course, all the celebrities are in town for the Toronto International Film Festival.

By: Jenny Sung (Toronto Correspondent - Canada)

September 2008

September in Toronto always brings about a buzz; students are back in town and are filling up the local bars and cafes, the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) starts up again, the Virgin Festival is back for its annual concert weekend, and of course, all the celebrities are in town for the Toronto International Film Festival.  This year's turnout didn't fail to impress, with celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Gerard Butler, Paris Hilton, and Jessica Biel making their way north of the border to celebrate "for the love of film".  To capitalize on the amount of celebrities in town, other star studded events took place during the festival, including Canada's Walk of Fame and Fashion Television Presents DSQUARED², drawing in more than your average movie star to Toronto.

The fabulous parties that the film festival always brings with it were in full swing this year, as evidenced by many festival goers' packed schedule, trying to fit in as many as they could in one night.  This proved difficult for some, having to cross town from Harbourfront to Casa Loma or from Cabbagetown to Queen West.  But distance is trivial in the matters of celebrity obsession - err, that is, of the heart.

For those who weren't able to sneak their way into the guestlist-only parties, the red carpet glamour, which never ceases to impress, was the best way to grab a glimpse of their favourite celebrity and maybe even an autograph.  Canada's own Rachel McAdams shone at the premiere of her latest film "The Lucky Ones", and trying to break her princess image, Anne Hathaway beamed her signature smile promoting her controversial role in "Rachel Getting Married".  But of course, the talk of TIFF (excluding film buzz, which is plenty) surrounded this one young lady for not only her gorgeous outfit, but for her frail frame as well - Keira Knightley.  Her grey chiffon gown draped beautifully on her body, but it was difficult to differentiate between her front and her back: both were flat with bones protruding unbecomingly.

Couture was on the minds of film goers this year with the documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor" in the festival lineup with the added bonus of having the legendary designer in town to promote the film.  Fashionistas from every corner of the city came to see the film before its release, dressed to the nines only to sit in a dark theatre.  But the fashion crux came to a glittery resound when Fashion Television hosted an exclusive runway show of DSQUARED²'s men's and women's Fall/Winter 2008 collection at the CityTV headquarters on Queen St.  The welcome home for the twin designers ended off with an equally fabulous party to the theme of "Gold Fever Disco".

Jealous yet?

Don't be.  Although TIFF's public draw (aside from the movies) is mainly the Hollywood personalities, this year was truly one with the least celebrity sightings, and the most security clad festival compared to years past.  Without a festival/press pass, or an invite to the tightly controlled exclusive events, the stars were hard to spot and they didn't seem to be in town for the parties (unless of course, you're Paris Hilton).  That shouldn't detract from the excitement of TIFF at all - if anything, it shows how the festival is maturing as a real forum for the art-form to be discussed and to flourish.  But honestly, is a film festival a film festival without giant black Escalades pulling up in front of a club to release a starlet out into the public for a night of partying?  I think not.

Bring on the glamour celebs...there's always next year (and we won't bite).