Stunning skyline views greeted guests of the CFC Gala | Take 35 on Thursday, May 11 at Rebel. Presented by Netflix, the affair marked an occasion to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC). For those in the dark, the CFC is a charitable organization founded by famed Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison that empowers Canadian talent. The splashy event took partygoers back to the 80s, when the beloved Toronto-based film centre was first started.
This year’s CFC Gala was the first in-person event in three years — and was definitely a cause for celebration.
The evening began with an indoor/outdoor cocktail reception hosted by AMC and Shaftesbury in the City Lounge. The terrace offered expansive lake views backed by Toronto’s towering skyscrapers. Naturally, a red carpet greeted guests upon arrival, where they were snapped by famed Canadian celebrity photographer George Pimentel. Whether guests opted for an 80s-themed look or not, there was one common denominator: eye-catching outfits that reflected the vibrant personalities of the creative set that wore them.
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Notable names in attendance included actors Andrew Phung (Run the Burbs), Amanda Brugle (The Handmaids Tale, Working’ Moms), and Humberly Gonzalez (Ginny and Georgia); CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival Cameron Bailey; and director Justin Wu (Children Ruin Everything), to name a few.
Later, guests took their seats for an entertainment-packed three-course dinner. Over the meal and clinking wine glasses, we took in the sounds of The Collective featuring Cleopatra Williams, Theo Tams, Juno-nominated musician Shakura S’Aida, and Gordon Deppe and Sandy Horne of Canadian band Spoons.
“The industry is massive in bringing the economy back to Ontario,” said The Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ministry of Tourism in a dinnertime speech. “What is important to me is to say how inspired I am by everything you do and how you impact people in such a positive way. Take the economics out of it for a second, because I’ve told you how important this industry is to Ontario and the impact it has on so many people and on careers and jobs.”
The dinner portion also featured a video appearance from the beloved Jewison. “Thirty-five years, can you believe it?,” said Jewison of starting the CFC. “We started with 12 filmmakers. Thirty-five years later, we have TV writers, actors, composers, directors, and producers. The CFC has grown beyond my wildest dreams and I am especially proud of our alumni who have proved that Canadian talent is world-class.”
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Post-dinner, the party continued upstairs with CFC’s first-ever brand new after party, CFC After Dark. Hosted by Eggplant Music and Sound, the high-energy dance party featured sounds from DJ Jade Elektra and live performances that got the crowd moving.
Through ticket sales and a jam-packed auction, the gala raised more than $600,000 towards entrance scholarships for incoming residents to the CFC. The celebrated centre offers programming in film and TV production, acting, music, and media.
Here are some notable faces from the event…
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