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Inside NKPR President Natasha Koifman’s Lavish, All Black Closet

By StyleDemocracyView Author PostsSep 3rd 2019

If there’s anyone in Toronto that knows about the ins and outs of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), it’s Natasha Koifman.

For those who don’t know, Natasha Koifman is the owner and president of NKPR, a public relations firm that plays a integral part in the festival each year. From working with clients sponsoring events and hosting one of the biggest gifting suites the festival has to offer, to throwing two of the most notable TIFF galas every year — the Producers Ball Gala and the star-studded Artists for Peace and Justice Gala — Koifman and her team work hard to put TIFF, Toronto, and their clients on the map.

During the two-week festival, which takes place between September 5 and September 15 this year, Koifman works around the clock — and of course, she looks good while doing it! We had the opportunity to talk to Koifman about TIFF 2019 and take a peek inside her lavish, all black closet.

From where to spot your favourite celebrities to the movies she’s most looking forward to, here’s Koifman’s guide to Toronto’s biggest festival:

Tell us a little about the IT House x Producers Ball Gala.

On the evening of Friday, September 6^th Drew and Jonathan Scott and I host the Producers Ball Gala at our IT House. In its ninth year, this is one of the most anticipated events of TIFF. The guest list consists of industry insiders, producers, actors, and directors to celebrate accomplishments within the TV, film, and digital media production industry.

You and your team have played a big part in TIFF over the years. Why is the festival so special to you?

One of the things I love most about TIFF is how the city transforms into Hollywood North – you can feel the electricity buzzing through the atmosphere. TIFF is the only film festival that is open to the public. This year, specifically, I’m excited as there is a a record-breaking 50% of the Gala films being directed and/or co-directed by women.

What are some hot spots in the city you’d suggest for star-gazing?

There will be many places for some fun star-gazing this year. Our red carpet at our IT House x Producers Ball Gala, which will be on Adelaide Street West at The Purman Building on the evening of September 6^th will be a fun hot spot.

There also is a lot happening in Bloor Yorkville. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association party sponsored by Hollywood Reporter is happening on the Saturday night September 7^th at the Four Seasons, as well as our Artists for Peace and Justice Gala at the Windsor Arms Hotel.

If you want the perfect view of the city and do some industry spotting, check out the Thompson Rooftop! Another BIG hot spot for this year will be the Broadview Hotel – we have quite a bit of talent staying there. It’s just a 10-minute hop, skip, and jump from anywhere downtown.

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Which movies are you looking forward to seeing?

There are a few. I’m very excited about the world premiere of There’s Something in the Water where Ellen Page directs and produces a documentary film that brings attention to the injustices and injuries caused by environmental racism on Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women in their communities. I’m also excited about seeing the film Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band directed by Daniel Roher, a documentary that follows Robertson’s life. Also, we will have Daniel sit on our Get into the Groove: Musical Bios & Docs at TIFF industry panel on Thursday, September 5^th from 12 – 1 p.m. at our IT House x Producers Ball.

Are there any celebrities you’re looking forward to seeing?

I’m hoping to see Christian Bale, Antonio Banderas, Nicole Kidman – of course Renee Zellweger. And Meryl Streep as she’s in town to receive the inaugural TIFF Tribute Actor Award.