The CFC’s fundraising event gathered Canadian talent for an 80s-inspired night of festivities at Rebel in Toronto.
By Canadian Film Centre
Date May 17, 2023
On May 11, the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) celebrated its 35th anniversary with its first in-person event in three years: The CFC Gala: Take 35, a gathering of Canadian talent at Toronto’s Rebel nightclub, presented by Netflix. Celebrating 35 years of Canada’s entertainment industry and its storytellers, the festivities rocked an ’80s theme—honouring the decade the CFC was ‘born’—from its fashion, its décor and its music.
The fundraising gala raised more than $600,000 towards full entrance scholarships for incoming residents to the CFC and towards its suite of programs across film, TV, acting, music and digital/immersive media.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the evening, starting with a cocktail reception hosted by Shaftesbury and AMC, which led into a surprise dance performance by Mayhem’s Finest before guests sat down for dinner. Later, they were treated to incredible performances from The Collective featuring Cleopatra Williams, Slaight Music artist Theo Tams, Juno-nominated roots contemporary artist Shakura S’Aida, and Gordon Deppe and Sandy Horne of iconic Canadian new-wave band Spoons. Plus, there was a number of onsite activities and a digital auction filled with exciting packages and experiences, like a private villa in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, weekend getaways at exclusive resorts across Ontario, shopping sprees, spa treatments, unique cultural experiences and more.
Check out the top looks of the night on the red carpet—and on the dance floor—in the gallery below.