Toronto, Canada: The Toronto International Film Festival Adds Outdoor Movies

The 33rd Toronto International Film Festival brought free outdoor programming to Yonge-Dundas Square for the first time, taking the festival experience to street level at one of Canada’s busiest intersections (60,000+ daily pedestrians at Yonge and Dundas).

Festival Showcase featured free public performances tied to films in the programme: Youssou Ndour headlined a concert in celebration of Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love; Keb’ Mo’ honoured Chess Records in support of Who Do You Love; cast members of ‘A Chorus Line’ performed for Every Little Step; and a martial arts demonstration accompanied The Real Shaolin.

Movies on Movies, curated by Colin Geddes, offered free outdoor film screenings on the art of cinema — Visions of Light (history of cinematography), That’s Entertainment (MGM musical vault), and The Celluloid Closet (evolution of sexuality on film). An information desk and outdoor photo booths rounded out the square.

“Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or all day, this is the place to plug into the Festival,” said Cameron Bailey, Co-director of TIFF. “It is a unique opportunity for Toronto audiences to catch sensational performances and presentations for free.”