Starting out in 1976 as a collection of films from other festivals — a "festival of festivals" — the Toronto International Film Festival has become one of the most beloved cinematic events in the world, universally regarded as an ideal platform for filmmakers to launch their careers and to premiere their new work. The Festival has been described as "the most important film festival in the world — the largest, the most influential, the most inclusive."
TIFF Bell Lightbox opened in 2010. It is the headquarters for the Toronto International Film Festival.
The entrance for the structure's 46-storey tower of condominiums is on John Street, set back from the much smaller 19th-century buildings along King Street. TIFF Bell Lightbox cinema complex, the Toronto International Film Festival offices, a ground-floor restaurant and a roof-top terrace are housed in a five-storey structure on King. TIFF Bell Lightbox is a five-storey structure that features five cinemas, two restaurants, major exhibitions and galleries, a gift shop, rooftop terrace, and learning studios. The five-screen cinema complex also includes a film reference library, galleries and workshops.
During construction, crews found artifacts belonging to York General Hospital which was located on the site in 1829.
TIFF Bell Lightbox occupies an entire city block in the heart of Toronto's media and entertainment district. All spaces, including the cinemas, are wheelchair accessible to the public.
Photo: Wikipedia