TIFF 2018: We Went to the First Man Premiere Party

By Meghan McKenna

Date September 11, 2018

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So I attended a TIFF Party! To help those who couldn’t make it feel like they were there, I completed this comprehensive post-party questionnaire.

What was the party for?

First Man, a Damien Chazelle film written by Josh Singer, based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen. The movie, which first premiered at the Venice Film Festival last week to rave reviews, stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, and follows the young astronaut’s life leading up to the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969.

Where was it held?

Patria, a Spanish restaurant at 478 King St W.

What brands were present as partners?

Nespresso and Audi.

Which celebrities were supposed to be in attendance?

Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy and Damien Chazelle.

Which celebs did you actually spot?

Well, the Prime Minister made a surprise appearance. Following his speaking engagement at Tina Brown’s Women in the World Summit earlier in the day, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau stopped by the festival circuit to support the North American premiere of First Man.

Trudeau didn’t pose for photos, but graciously shook party attendees hands on the patio. Shortly after, Gosling and Foy were whisked away in separate cars. So we had our head of government, our most cherished hometown hottie, and the Queen (Claire Foy) all in one room. Oh Canada! What a night for the commonwealth.

Food? Cocktails?

Spanish tapas and coffee cocktails pair better than you probably expected.

Describe the general vibe.

Grown up sophistication. The kind of party that an astronaut, an Oscar-winning director and a government official all swing by.

Please repeat one conversation you overheard.

“So are the Prime Minister and Ryan Gosling, like, friends?"

If you had to title the party as if it were a film, what would it be called?

Canada’s Internet Boyfriends