A walk-on role in downtown living
Being close to the action and film screenings, especially during TIFF, is a highlight of city lifestyle
For some people, the cinema is a way of life and — in the GTA — the Toronto International Film Festival is one of their annual highlights.
The allure of TIFF events, getting upclose and personal with Toronto’s thriving arts and cultural community, not to mention big-screen celebs, is one of the draws to downtown living. For consummate urbanites who reside in the Entertainment District, the neighbourhood becomes their living room.
“I’m a film buff and I’m really enthusiastic about TIFF. I mean, I really, really love to watch films and rarely go a day without doing it,” says Samantha Dookhoo, a second-year fan of the annual festival that this year marks its 40th anniversary with more than 300 feature films (as well as dozens of shorts) plus the attendance of film stars from around the world. It runs until Sept. 20.
“I wrote a few very short screenplays at my university, and did some filming as well,” Dookhoo says. “I studied directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, David Fincher and Quentin Tarantino obviously, for Kill Bill.”
She recently purchased a suite at Minto Westside condominiums, at Bathurst and Front Sts., to be closer to the Entertainment and Theatre Districts in the King West neighbourhood. “Once I’m in the area, I’ll be entrenched in the culture,” Dookhoo says.
“I’ve got a beautiful unit, it’s on the fifth floor, overlooking the landscaping. It has trees and water, it’s almost like an inner-community circle,” she says of the onebedroom suite.
The building is scheduled for occupancy in 2018.
Jess Hunichen lives at the residences of the Thompson Hotel, a well-known venue for star-studded receptions and parties, with its rooftop patio and infinity pool. “It’s one of the top places to be in the city” during TIFF, she notes. “Many A-listers stay at the Thompson.
“I’m from Melbourne, so last year was the first year that I was here for TIFF,” says Hunichen, who says she’s attending a variety of festival events close to her home this year. She couldn’t get much closer: the Colette Grand Café, at the base of the Thompson, is a TIFF party spot and last year hosted gala events including the GQ-Hugo Boss bash for the premiere of The Riot Club.
Hunichen moved to the area to be close to clients and the downtown culture. With her business partner, she runs the Shine public relations agency from the hotel residences.
They are often seen at the Colette, networking with clients.
“I love spaces like this. It evokes a little more creativity than sitting in an office nine to five.”
Hunichen was impressed with how the neighbourhood changed during TIFF last year.
“It was so alive, so many more people down here — everyone’s out and about, everyone’s going to shows, there are parties on. I think it’s a really amazing time to be in Toronto.”
“I really, really love to watch films and rarely go a day without doing it.” SAMANTHA DOOKHOO
This year marks the 40th anniversary of TIFF and King West resident Raquel Nero has already got a head start. “They did 40 free screenings this summer, so I’ve been to a few already.” she says.
Nero migrated from her home city of Burlington three years ago to be close to Toronto’s cultural corridor, and TIFF factored into the equation. “I wanted to immerse myself more in the core of the city and have more of the downtown feel.”
Nero resides in a one-bedroom plus den at the Fashion House condominiums, which she says is rather spacious compared with other Toronto condo suites. “I have mine decorated in French vintage right now, which is nice to have because my old place was super-modern” she says.
At the base of the building is Her Majesty’s Pleasure, a fashionable mashup of café, bar, spa, salon and gift shop.
It’s a popular spot with the condo residents, where one may have a manicure and enjoy a cocktail at the same time.
“I frequent it pretty often. It’s a really unique concept, that you can go and relax and still have a spa atmosphere and get what you need done,” Nero says. She plans to attend Her Majesty’s red carpet refresh event for the ladies, which will be held during TIFF.
Living where she does, Nero said it was easy to build a network of likeminded people in the building who also have a keen interest in cinema, and plans to attend TIFF events with a group of friends.
“I’m really looking forward to Black Mass, the new one that’s premiering with Johnny Depp,” she says. “I heard that Scott Cooper is a really talented director and I’ve watched a few of the trailers and it looks like a pretty enticing film.”
“I wanted to immerse myself more in the core of the city and have more of the downtown feel.” RAQUEL NERO KING WEST RESIDENT