The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is known for its unpredictability, offering attendees a variety of experiences that range from emotional standing ovations to unexpected encounters with celebrities. As the festival celebrates its 50th edition, various filmmakers and industry insiders reflect on their most memorable, humorous, and nerve-wracking moments over the years.

Piers Handling, former TIFF CEO

Handling recalls a particularly bizarre incident surrounding the 1995 premiere of Claude Sautet’s drama Nelly et M. Arnaud. Just before the screening at Roy Thompson Hall, Handling informed Sautet in French that a few sponsored Canadian short films would precede the main feature. However, something seemed lost in translation that ignited Sautet’s nervous behavior. “He was extremely nervous before the screening... literally running around the green room and bouncing off the walls,” Handling recalls. The scene was confusing for everyone present, including the French ambassador to Canada, and Handling even feared he might have to introduce Sautet alone.

Charlene Coy, publicist

With over 23 years in the industry, Charlene Coy has worked with numerous young stars at TIFF. A standout memory came during Lauren Bacall’s visit for The Walker in 2007. Bacall, known for her fear of flying, traveled from New York City to Toronto with her dog in tow. Coy developed a unique rapport with Bacall, who insisted Coy accompany her for meals, shopping, and various engagements. “She shared personal stories with me, including photographs of her children with Humphrey Bogart,” Coy reflects, highlighting the surreal nature of the experience.

Atom Egoyan, director

During the 1989 premiere of his film Speaking Parts at TIFF, Atom Egoyan nearly faced a catastrophe when a local lab mixed up the order of the film reels. As a result, the audience initially watched the first reel jump to the third. Stunned, Egoyan dashed home to retrieve an extra print. “It was the most surreal moment... I was trying to convince the driver I was not delusional,” he reminisces. Astonishingly, the audience waited patiently for half an hour until his return, even applauding as he rushed back with the film canisters.

Natasha Koifman, NKPR president

Natasha Koifman's most memorable charity fundraiser during TIFF occurred in 2013, hosted at the home of Diane Bald and Michael Budman. A star-studded guest list included Adrien Brody, Colin Firth, and Olivia Wilde with Jason Sudeikis. The evening took an unexpected turn when actress Maria Bello leaped into the swimming pool in her designer attire, bringing laughter to the event. “She was wearing this beautiful red Marc Jacobs suit,” Koifman recalls, adding that the whimsical atmosphere was enhanced when a third guest jumped in to fish out an iPod from the pool.

Kazik Radwanski, director

At TIFF 2012 for the premiere of Tower, Kazik Radwanski opted for a punk-themed bash at The Bovine Sex Club over the festival’s more glamorous parties. The evening became exceptional when Bill Murray unexpectedly walked into the venue, leaving guests momentarily stunned. Radwanski describes the atmosphere: “Everyone just kind of trying to be cool... but we were also like, ‘Holy crap, Bill Murray’s here.’” Later on, he was starstruck by the sight of acclaimed French actress Sandrine Bonnaire dancing, which made for a surreal experience.

Peter Mettler, director

In 1977, Peter Mettler found himself as TIFF's sole chauffeur after a chance meeting with the festival's director of hospitality. He was tasked with driving Henry Winkler, who was in attendance to promote Heroes. Winkler’s immense popularity, fueled by his role as Fonzie in Happy Days, led to a crowd frenzy, gathering around the festival's Lincoln car. “I had to drive one mile per hour as their hands were clamoring all over,” Mettler recalls, impressed by the impact of celebrity culture even back then. Upon returning to the car, he discovered love notes stuffed into every crevice from the adoring fans.

These anecdotes collectively showcase not only the excitement and unpredictability of the Toronto International Film Festival but also the personal connections and unforgettable moments that define this renowned cinematic event.