For two decades, one name has been synonymous with the social pulse of the Toronto International Film Festival: Natasha Koifman. As founder and President of NKPR, the agency she launched in 2002, Koifman has built not just a business but an institution — one whose flagship festival activation, IT House, marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Who Is Natasha Koifman
Koifman founded NKPR to bring together two passions: telling stories of substance and championing causes that matter. Under her leadership, the agency has grown into a full-service public relations, advertising, talent, marketing and digital agency, now representing more than 40 national and international brands with offices in Toronto and New York.
Her influence on the Canadian PR landscape has not gone unnoticed. Koifman has been named a Women's Executive Network (WXN) Most Powerful Woman in Canada four times, alongside recognition from Notable magazine and BizBash. She is also a member of the Forbes Council and a regular commentator on public relations, business, marketing, pop culture and fashion.
Her personal brand has even taken physical form in the city's skyline: in 2021, Lanterra Developments unveiled Natasha the Residences, a 47-storey condominium in Toronto named after and inspired by her.
Beyond business, Koifman has made philanthropy a defining part of her career. She chairs the Board of Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) in both Canada and the U.S., an organization that has raised more than $36 million over 15 years to support youth and education in Haiti. She also serves as a Board Member of Women's College Hospital Foundation, among other charitable commitments.
Two Decades of IT House
Koifman's clearest connection to TIFF is IT House, NKPR's signature festival destination, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. For 20 years, IT House has served as a meeting point for talent, filmmakers, media and brands throughout festival week — a space that has, over the years, welcomed names including Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Lopez, Daniel Craig, Scarlett Johansson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Orlando Bloom, Selena Gomez and Channing Tatum.
This year, IT House runs from September 10 to 14 at the Q Tower Presentation Centre by Lifetime Developments and DiamondCorp, in collaboration with PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly and Shutterstock. The activation includes the return of a renowned portrait and video studio, staffed by an award-winning team of photographers and videographers capturing talent and filmmakers throughout the week. Programming opens with an exclusive media and industry day before continuing with a curated slate of experiences.
Sponsor and brand activations at this year's IT House include a clothing display and styling station by Melanie Lyne, a preview of SOREL's new Ambler collection, the debut of e11ement's Hypochlorous Acid Pet Spray, a showcase tied to Eric Hendrikx's book Motorcycle Life, offerings from F.U.M Imports' Wellibites and Diablo Sugar Free brands, and locally sourced food from LowKal.
In her own words, Koifman frames IT House as more than a festival stop: "For 20 years, IT House has been a place where talent, industry leaders and creatives come together to celebrate the power of storytelling and connection," she said, adding that the destination continues to support causes the agency cares about, including Artists for Peace and Justice.
Entertainment Weekly Editor in Chief Patrick Gomez echoed the sentiment, calling TIFF "an incredible celebration of the stories and talent that captivate audiences around the world" and pointing to the continued collaboration with NKPR as a highlight of the festival for the publication.
Purpose Alongside Programming
IT House's charitable dimension is not incidental — it reflects Koifman's broader approach to her festival programming. Alongside Artists for Peace and Justice, this year's activation also supports Project Paws, which raises awareness for pet adoption by giving talent and filmmakers the chance to meet adoptable puppies on site.
The Artists for Peace and Justice Gala
Koifman's TIFF week culminates each year in the Artists for Peace and Justice Gala, now in its 18th year, which she chairs. The 2026 edition takes place September 13 at the Windsor Arms Hotel — the same venue that hosted the organization's very first Toronto gala.
Since its founding, APJ has raised over $36 million and supported more than 32,000 students through access to education, healthcare and opportunity in Haiti. Past honourees at the gala have included Sean Penn, Jackson Browne, Norman Jewison, Geddy Lee, Eric McCormack, Nelly Furtado and Dr. Jane Goodall.
This year's gala will honour three women: Andrea Martin, who receives the Global Artists for Peace and Justice Award for her humanitarian work; Emily Hampshire, who receives the Canadian Artists for Peace and Justice Changemaker Award for her advocacy around mental health and queer experiences; and Jann Arden, who receives the Artists for Peace and Justice Impact Award for her decades of philanthropy.
George Stroumboulopoulos and Kardinal Offishall will serve as Masters of Ceremonies, with performances by Noah Reid, Haitian music icon Paul Beaubrun, and a surprise guest. The evening's live auction will feature works by Russell Young, Tyler Shields, Mr. Brainwash and Anthony Ricciardi, alongside experience packages including a Bautista Impact Summit trip to the Bahamas and a getaway to Hightail Ranch in Montana.
"Every year, the APJ Gala brings together an inspiring community of artists, leaders, philanthropists and advocates who believe in the power of education and opportunity," Koifman said. "It is a special evening, but more importantly, it helps us come together to make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Haiti."
A Festival Legacy Built on Substance
Between IT House's milestone anniversary and the ongoing work of the APJ Gala, Natasha Koifman's imprint on TIFF week extends well beyond red carpets and brand activations. Her festival programming consistently pairs high-profile talent and industry access with tangible philanthropic outcomes — a combination that has defined both her agency and her reputation over more than two decades in Canadian public relations.
