About Town and Around the World: Ladies at Lunch

Women in Film and Television (WIFT) held its international summit in Toronto last month, highlighting homegrown talent among an impressive array of industry professionals. WIFT is designed to encourage and support the work of women, and men, in screen-based media.

The summit provided an excellent opportunity for Canadian filmmakers and producers to network with other industry leaders, as well as a chance to show off some impressive exports. Among those who gave the Canadians bragging rights were Academy Award and Genie Award winner Torill Kove (The Danish Poet) and Genie Award winner Deepa Mehta (Water), both of whom were awarded Outstanding International Achievement Awards during a posh gala luncheon at the Park Hyatt Hotel. While the gala luncheon was a highly anticipated event for summit delegates, the general public also leapt at the chance to be in the presence of these controversial and compelling women. Every ticket available to the public was scooped up at a mere $215 each.

"We are very excited about presenting this important event," said Sue Sheridan, Executive Director of WIFT-Toronto. "In a global marketplace, it is essential for women and men in screen-based media to network, forge new partnerships, and learn from the experiences of colleagues in other parts of the world."

Another delicious event took place last month when celebrity chef Christine Cushing showed off her skills and skillet on July 11 for a Pre-Bastille Day cocktail event at the Alliance Francaise. World renowned cookware brand T-fal was the generous sponsor of this exclusive event. Cushing provided scrumptious pairings of French cuisine and wine while Xavier Sabourin, vice president of T-fal, showed us why the "Made in France" cookware is reason enough for a Fête nationale. While the food, wine and joie de vivre were intoxicating, Cushing proved herself to be an inspiration. Trained at George Brown college and the Paris-based École de Cuisine La Varenne, she has launched a catering business, hosted a live show on the Food Network, written three best-selling cookbooks, and now runs her own line of food products called "Pure." She volunteers her spare time to terminally ill children through the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.

Published Women's Post, August 10 2007