(Image courtesy of The Toronto Star)
The Toronto Star has teamed up with WPP Media’s Motion Entertainment for a special multi-platform commemoration of the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The 68-page City of Stars: 50 years of Movie Magic at TIFF, presented by Jaguar, will feature an oral history of the festival from longtime movie critic Peter Howell; Shinan Govani’s behind-the-scenes celeb run-ins; stories behind some of photographer George Pimentel’s most famous A-list shots; and other original content.
The collector’s edition magazine has a run of just 65,000 copies: 55,000 were delivered to targeted subscribers on August 30, and the balance will be distributed at TIFF Lightbox and key screenings during the festival.
“Storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and the Toronto Star has truly captured the spirit and evolution of TIFF in this collectible piece,” Daniel Mekinda, EVP and head of Motion Entertainment in Canada, said in a news release. “We are proud to support this initiative, which celebrates the power of film and provides audiences with a new, deeper connection to the festival’s remarkable 50-year journey.”
Also part of the commemorations is a public pop-up gallery showcasing 50 of Pimentel’s most iconic TIFF photographs of the past five decades. The exhibit, supported by Ink Entertainment, will be open to the public September 4-14 at Toronto’s Portland Square, with limited-edition prints for sale through the Star Store.
Both anniversary initiatives kick off with VIP events the first week of the festival. Other event partners for the photo exhibit are Frank Leo, Ocean Spray, La-Z-Boy of Southern Ontario and Policaro Group, while the magazine launch partners include Kerastase, Reitmans, Ruffino and Peroni.
Motion Entertainment specializes in entertainment partnerships and produces original brand-funded content.
Other partnerships at this year’s TIFF include SJC Media’s Hollywood North party becoming an official festival event; Volkswagen Canada’s #Buzzcode challenge; and Redbreast Irish Whiskey’s tastings and pre-roll trailers.
