A night to remember: Celebrating female filmmakers at TIFF
A star-studded evening at Soho House Toronto
The Variety and Chanel Female Filmmakers Dinner was a dazzling affair, bringing together a constellation of Hollywood stars and creatives. Among the notable attendees were Andrew Garfield, Elizabeth Olsen, and Marielle Heller, who made a brief appearance before the premiere of her film, “Nightbitch.” The event, held amidst the Toronto Film Festival, was a vibrant celebration of cinema, creativity, and camaraderie.
An electric atmosphere
The evening kicked off with a lively cocktail hour on the ground floor of Soho House Toronto. The atmosphere was electric, with drinks flowing and delicious food aplenty. A spontaneous game of “Two Truths and a Lie” added a playful touch to the festivities. The second floor hosted a sumptuous three-course dinner, where guests mingled and shared their passion for filmmaking.
A gathering of talent
The highly anticipated film “Saturday Night” had its cast members Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Ella Hunt, and Dylan O’Brien in attendance. The film, set in the chaotic 90 minutes before the first episode of “SNL” aired in 1975, is one of the hot titles at TIFF. The cast mingled with fellow comedic actor Tony Hale, who was promoting his new film “Sketch.”
Marielle Heller arrived with her husband, Jorma Taccone, known for his work with The Lonely Island and “MacGruber.” The cocktail lounge was abuzz with stars like Isabella Rossellini, Nava Mau, and Danielle Deadwyler, who is showcasing both “40 Acres” and “The Piano Lesson” at the festival.
Celebrating women in film
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey delivered opening remarks, celebrating the immense contributions of women filmmakers. “Some of the most talented people in film, some of the most exciting people here at the festival, are here in this room tonight to celebrate the contribution that women make, which is massive in cinema and growing,” Bailey said. He also highlighted the “Share Her Journey” program, which supports female filmmakers.
Variety’s co-editor-in-chief encouraged the women filmmakers in the room to raise their hands, prompting a heartfelt toast in their honor. The dinner, a collaboration between Variety and Chanel for the past five years, aims to foster connections and inspire storytelling.
A feast for the senses
The dinner featured shared plates, allowing guests to savor a variety of dishes, including burrata salad, salmon crudo, roasted potatoes, and steak. The intimate setting encouraged lively conversations and the exchange of ideas.
Memorable moments
The evening was filled with memorable moments, from stars posing for photos to impromptu games. Beatrice Grannò, known for her role in “The White Lotus,” led a game of “Two Truths and a Lie” with Maria Bakalova, Rachel Morrison, and others. The game added a fun and interactive element to the night.
A toast to the future
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of community and shared passion for filmmaking was palpable. The Variety and Chanel Female Filmmakers Dinner not only celebrated the achievements of women in cinema but also fostered connections that will inspire future storytelling.
For more information on the films mentioned, check out the trailers and details:
This celebration of female filmmakers at TIFF was a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting diverse voices in cinema. The evening was a reminder that the future of film is bright, with talented women leading the way.