The gathering of the Canadian film tribe: the CFC BBQ

Story and photos by Allan Tong

"You going to the barbecue?"

If you're a Canadian at TIFF, you inevitably hear that question, followed by, "Did you get an invite?"

Held in the first Sunday afternoon of the festival, "the barbecue" is a gathering of the Canadian film tribe as well as a fundraiser for the Canadian Film Centre. It takes place on the manicured lawns of the CFC far north of the Lightbox but near the millionaire mansions of the Bridal Path. Given its distance and isolation, the barbecue is hard to crash and coveted.

If you're lucky enough to get in, you nibble on burgers, hot dogs and pizza and sip wine and beer that sponsors generously donate. But the real point is to show your face, shake hands and catch up with other Canadian filmmakers from various disciplines. Exchanging business cards is an essential ritual.

Each year, CFC founder Norman Jewison delivers a speech and this year under a sweltering sky, the venerable film director, wearing his "NJ" baseball cap, asked for a moment of silence on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

TIFF 2015 – the Canadian Film Centre barbecue

The Canadian Film Centre held its annual barbecue on Sunday afternoon at their Windfields Estate location.

Although it was a somewhat gloomier day than usual for the outdoor affair, many hundreds from the Canadian film industry nonetheless showed up and had a great time. The CFC barbecue is always one of the best parties at TIFF.

All pictures by Allan Tong.

CFC Presents an Evening with Academy Award-Winning Writer/Director John Patrick Shanley

[UPDATE BELOW]

Writer/Director John Patrick Shanley on Adaptation and his Creative Process

On the heels of the world premiere announcement of A Woman is a Secret, the new play written by John Patrick Shanley, the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), is pleased to present An Evening with Academy Award-Winning Writer/Director John Patrick Shanley on Adaptation and his Creative Process.

Taking place on Monday, March 23, 2015 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Shanley will take the stage to discuss writing for the screen versus writing for the stage, the challenges associated with adapting work for the screen as both a writer and a director, as well as his experience with casting, working with other directors and producers, and future adaptations of his plays.