Director/producers Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman pose at the 82nd annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images) |
The heart of Toronto's Entertainment District was the site of a historical land donation and an equally monumental naming with the area housing the TIFF Bell Lightbox being christened Reitman Square after Leslie and Clara Reitman, the parents of famed producer and director Ivan Reitman, whose son Jason, himself a decorated writer-producer-director was at his dad's side for the presentation.
Piers Handling, TIFF's CEO and director was accompanied by Ward 20 Councillor Adam Vaughan who officially named the spot, located on King Street, between John and Widmer, in honour of the pioneering film lovers who came to Canada from Czechoslovakia after WWII.
“Leslie and Clara persevered through hardships to bring their family to Canada and create a life for them,” said Handling. “Ivan, Agi [Mandel] and Susan [Michaels] recognition of their parents’ commitment and vision has played a vital role in the realization of this dream, building a home for film at TIFF Bell Lightbox. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and film lovers from around the world, we are delighted to dedicate Reitman Square to Leslie and Clara.”
When TIFF began searching for a new home in 2001, the Reitman proposal stood out among the nearly 20 other applicants, "in which they expressed their enthusiastic support and belief in both Toronto and TIFF," along with The Daniels Corporation, according to an email statement.
The Reitman family, along with The Daniels Corporation, formed the King and John Festival Corporation and subsequently donated the land and the management fees to help build the new home of the festival.
And that dedication and enthusiasm is certainly evident nearly a decade later as the world waits for the TIFF Bell Lightbox to opens its doors September 12, with Bruce MacDonald's rock and roll pic Trigger as the first red carpet film.
--The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 9-19. Catch our full coverage here.
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