Sebby DSeptember 23, 2024

Inside the #TIFF2024 Lightbox

As my (overdue) TIFF coverage comes to an end, I wanted to take all of you loyal readers on a tour through

TIFF's flagship theater, the Lightbox. This monument to cinephilia operates year-round on the corner of King and John street in Toronto. Let's take a look!

I still don't know how to rotate pictures on Peliplat, so you may have to rotate your monitor for me. Sorry! I will fix this when I figure out how.

First, the exterior, advertising the Lightbox's programming:

Once you get inside, a temporary red carpet has been set up for TIFF visitors to get the paparazzi experience.

On the left is the box office, where tickets can be bought and exchanged. Above it is a projector screen with info and movie clips.

An event space is tucked in the back, but I could not get inside to take pics on this day :/

Upstairs, you have the Lightbox's two biggest theaters, and a better view of that projector screen. There's also a concession stand, and a mysterious/tantalizing control booth. Always wanted to go in there.

At the bottom of the walkway, a group of autograph seekers have been cordoned off as they wait for passing celebs.

The third floor is my favourite, in addition to hosting two of TIFF's smaller theaters, there's a calm sitting area, with a screen showing a loop of past TIFF films. On the day I took these photos, I'm greeted by my old friend Sammy Fabelman.

Down the hall, there's a glass case that houses costumes and props from beloved films. The day I was there, they had Jim Carrey's outfit from Eternal Sunshine:

Posters of classic films line the walls:

Down a hidden hallway is a room that used to host cocktail events and afterparties. Recently though, it's been converted to the “Varda Cafe.” The volunteer at the front tells me I will likely not find a seat, and she is right! Still worth a visit though.