This year, Daniela’s involvement at TIFF is organizing the TIFF Bell Lightbox Block Party, or the largest public festival party to date. Unlike so many parties, that are uber VIP, this event invites every Torontonian to celebrate and gong-in this new exciting chapter. The event promises the biggest names in the music industry plus free cupcakes, a movie star look-a-like contest and an official ribbon cutting ceremony; forever changing the landscape and impact of TIFF. Is this a lot of pressure? YES. How does she do it with two baby girls? We have no idea. (We can barely handle our mischievous Pomeranian. 

In years past Daniela has chastised Jeremy Irons for puffing smoke, whooped it up with hottie Gael Garcia Bernal and this year is, essentially, opening up the streets to invite all to a kickass party and monumental opening.

How are you preparing for TIFF right now? Doing my nails, hair, dry cleaning, getting waxed. Taking inventory and making sure I have enough business cards, pens, note cards,my reusable water bottle and new shoes. Attempting to get rest. Making a ton of phone calls and sending and signing contracts back and forth to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of.

During TIFF, where would we most likely find you at 2PM? At 2AM? At 2PM you’ll likely find me at the Hyatt Regency on the phone or at one of the cinemas doing a walkthrough. At 2AM I wish I could say you’ll find me at some swanky amazing party but in fact I’m more likely to be at home with my family trying to catch up on sleep and snuggles. 

What has been your most memorable TIFF party to date? Why? A few years back TIFF had a party for the Latin American films and their talent. It was at C-Lounge and I remember being so relaxed and loving the vibe there. Also helped that I had causal conversation with Gael García Bernal. 

I also loved the time the Film Italia had a party in the abandoned subway station at Bay. So secret agent. Very cool.

What’s your celebrity story, or moment, that gets rehashed most at dinner parties? When the film Being Julia opened TIFF in 2004, Jeremy Irons (who I’ve always had a weird crush on) was up in the VIP area at Liberty Grand. I went up there to rest and found him smoking a cigar by one of the windows. Not sure why but I felt compelled to tell him that smoking was not permitted inside, but I did. He paused, took a nice long inhale from the cigar and then exhaled with a slow and deliberate,”I know.”

After his dramatic drag was officially over we both laughed really hard and I knew my crush was justified.

What are three things you need to survive during TIFF? iPhone, over sized purse and amazing walking shoes.  

What film are you looking forward to most this year? Modra. It’s Canadian and it’s about a Slovaks. Being Slovak Canadian this is one I don’t want to miss. Plus I love Ingrid’s work.

What party are you most excited about this year? The TIFF Bell Lightbox Block Party of course! Free, outdoors, open to the public with some rockin’ bands, free cupcakes and a chance to see inside the gorgeous building. We’re also running a movie star look a like contest with some awesome prizes so I can’t wait to see the candidates who come out in full gear. The exclusive cocktail receptions can get old pretty fast and I love when TIFF does things for the ‘people’. Block parties rock! I hope everyone comes out. The surprise guest will be a real treat. Mark your calenders friends: Sunday, Sept.12th 11am to 4pm right in front of TIFF Bell Lightbox on King St. between John and Peter. 

If you could pick the brain of one filmmaker, who would it be? I’d love to get inside Danny Boyle’s head. I also think John Cameron Mitchell does amazing work. Hedwig and the Angry Inch is one of my all time favourite films. 

If you could grab a drink with one celeb who is attending TIFF this year, who would you choose? Bill Murray. He’s hand’s down one of the most versatile actors out there. I just love the man and imagine he’d be fantastic to drink with.

What’s the first thing you’ll do once TIFF is over? Sleep. Spa and possibly escape to a far off land.