The Circuit

Few fests can boast about their real estate holdings like Toronto, which will open its Bell Lightbox in 2010. 

The five-story building in Toronto's arts district will house five screens, two galleries, three learning studios, a library and a store.  Some press have been invited to hard-hat tours this year by Noah Cowan, former co-director of the fest who will be the Box's artistic director. 

How did the fest land such a sweet Box?

According to the Lightbox site, the land at King and John streets was sold "at well below market value" to the festival group (TIFFG) by the King and John Festival Corp.  KJFC is a joint venture between the Daniels Corp (fancy condos) and the Reitman Family (headed by filmmaker Ivan Reitman). 

The $129 million Box is being funded with help from Bell and the Canadian and Ontario governments.

But like any indie filmmaker, KJFC hopes that fest laurels will help sell its own thing. 

While TIFFG will own its 150,000 square foot Box, KJFC will erect a 42-story Festival Tower on top of it, where it will pimp high-end condos -- "one part condo. one part film festival." 

KJFC will also own the junk in the trunk (the building's shops and parking garage).