#TIFF14: AL PACINO AT THE THIRD ANNUAL TIFF GALA

Now in its 39th year, TIFF ’14 kicked-off with an Opening Night Gala at none other than TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX.  Ringing-in the celebrations was Acting Icon Al Pacino who did a Q&A with George Stroumboulopoulos, discussing everything from his childhood to what he looks for in a project now.  The Godfather Star says without ever a doubt he always knew he would be a Movie Star, encouraged by a Grade School Teacher who noted to his Grandmother his talent at a young age.  “I feel like I am doing Films I feel are reflective of where I am in my life.”, states Pacino.

The New York-born-Los Angeles Transplant is at TIFF ’14 with two new Films, The Humbling and Manglehorn.  Arriving on the Red Carpet tonight with his Girlfriend Lucia Sola, Pacino admits the former is subject close to him.  The Film is about a suicidal Actor and a younger Woman’s sexual relationship.   “Manglehorn challenged me to do something different”, he says about the other Drama which seems him starring as a Locksmith in a small town, never quite getting over the love of his life.

The Star got candid about his childhood and relationship with his estranged Father whom had married five times.  Although he didn’t get to know his Father Sal well as a Child, he recalls distinctly understanding what it felt like for the first time feeling his Father’s spirit covering him after his death.  He remembers feeling so moved that he had been stopped in his tracks.

In addition, an Auction was held for the charitable Organization afterward, one prize including a shadowing opportunity with TIFF‘s Chief Executive Officer Piers Handling. Among those ringing-in the festivities tonight were a Who’s-Who of Canadian Talent including Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy), Sarah Gadon (Maps to the Stars),  Gabriel Macht (Suits), Don McKellar (Sensitive Skin), Colm Feore (The Borgias), Eric Johnson (Rookie Blue), Gregory Smith (Rookie Blue) and Newlyweds Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue); Peregrym looked dazzling head-to-toe in Intermix.

TIFF ’14 has finally arrived, running Thursday, September 4, 2014 through Sunday September 14, 2014!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)