Miss Universe Canada is the most interesting thing about the official TIFF opening party

Miss Universe Canada is the most interesting thing about the official TIFF opening party

Painted ladies (and men): staffers at the official TIFF lauch party (Photo by Jen McNeely)

Beyond shiny naked people wearing fig leaves over their junk, the official TIFF opening night party at Liberty Grand was the usual haze of suits stuffing their faces with free food and booze, and socialites pretending they had somewhere better to go. We didn’t see Jennifer Connelly coming in after the Creation premiere at Roy Thomson Hall, but did receive four texts in regard to her skeletal frame. (For TIFF.TO’s pictures from the red carpet, click here.) We were, however, fortunate enough to have a tête-à-tête with Miss Universe Canada, Mariana Valente. The full text of our chat, after the jump.

Miss Universe Canada Mariana Valente (Photo by Jen McNeely)

TIFF.TO: How are you involved in the festival?
MARIANA VALENTE: Miss Canada is always invited to the opening night of the film festival.
TIFF.TO: What are the challenges you face as Miss Universe Canada?
MARIANA VALENTE: You have to prepare not only your body but also your mind.
TIFF.TO: If you could name one director or actor that you love, who would it be?
MARIANA VALENTE: I think all of them are amazing and I’m open to everything.
TIFF.TO: What is Miss Universe Canada’s main responsibility?
MARIANA VALENTE: Go to elementary schools and share my experience of how I got where I am today.