Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Grace Kelly: From Movie Star To Princess comes to TIFF Bell Lightbox


Grace Kelly: From Movie Star To Princess Set To Shine At TIFF Bell Lightbox This Fall

Iconic dresses, personal memorabilia of style queen come to Canada for the first time; major Hollywood Golden Age film programme to accompany the exhibition

Toronto
– Following the weekend nuptials of Prince Albert of Monaco, and as Canada continues to play host to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their first tour as a married couple, Piers Handling, CEO and Director, TIFF, and Noah Cowan, Artistic Director, TIFF Bell Lightbox, further fuelled royal fever today with the announcement that TIFF’s upcoming Fall exhibition will provide an exclusive look at the influential films and wardrobe and incredible memorabilia of one of the world’s most beloved stars. Running from November 4, 2011 to January 22, 2012 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess will feature rarely-displayed items and artifacts ranging from Kelly’s days as one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses to a princess of one of Europe's oldest royal families. Based on the Grimaldi Forum’s The Grace Kelly Years exhibition in Monaco, and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition in London, TIFF Bell Lightbox is the only venue in North America to host elements from these landmark shows and to complement the exhibition with a dedicated film programme.

Many of Kelly’s original dresses, a special exhibit around an exact replica of her iconic wedding gown, her signature “Kelly bag” and tiara will star in the exhibition, along with images from her childhood scrapbooks and high school yearbooks, letters signed "Affectionately, Hitch," telegrams from Prince Rainier and her Academy Award® for The Country Girl. Kelly’s personal home movies – shot on Super 8, and featuring her famous friends and family – will provide visitors with an extremely rare glimpse into her personal life.

“It is an honour that the Princely Palace and Grimaldi Forum have placed their trust in TIFF to showcase this collection,” said Handling. “We welcome the chance to display a variety of Grace Kelly’s personal belongings for the first time in Canada and look forward to putting a TIFF stamp on an exhibition that will appeal to those interested in film, fashion, or all things royal.”

“Grace Kelly brings together the Golden Age of Hollywood, European royalty and the very best of 20th century fashion. Considered the epitome of elegance and glamour, she was also among the most significant tastemakers for women around the world,” said Cowan. “TIFF Bell Lightbox is the perfect venue in which to explore Kelly the actress, the bride and the princess with a dedicated film programme, providing a fascinating look at this on and off-screen leading lady."

Also announced today is the first part of a major, two-season film series on the subject of the blonde in Golden Age Hollywood cinema, which will accompany the run of the Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess exhibition. Curated by TIFF Cinematheque Senior Programmer James Quandt, Part One is Icy Fire: The Hitchcock Blonde which highlights several high points in Kelly’s film career including To Catch a Thief, Dial M for Murder and Rear Window. Other famous blondes featured include Kim Novak (Vertigo), Eva Marie Saint (North By Northwest) and Tippi Hedren (The Birds). Further details on programming and other exciting guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

TIFF’s current exhibition, Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions, launched on June 30 and runs until September 18. With its first and only North American stop at TIFF Bell Lightbox, the exhibition showcases Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini’s fascination with stars, paparazzi and scandal, and reveals how his films contributed to the creation of contemporary celebrity culture. The accompanying film programme Fellini / Felliniesque: “Dream” Double Bills features contributions from filmmakers, critics and programmers who have each chosen a double bill that pairs a Fellini film with another film that is inspired by, rhymes with or contrasts with the Maestro’s unique vision.

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