TIFF

The Toronto International Film Festival is still a few months away but, like any great event, it is an occasion this city and patrons from across the globe eagerly anticipate all year.  Now approaching the 35^th anniversary of the festival, the organizers are preparing the prove once again why TIFF is one of the most acclaimed and respected affair in the entire film industry and why Toronto is one of the world’s leading cultural hubs.  

This year, the festival will run from September 9^th–19^th. That’s right, this year the events will run an extra day, giving us a total of 11 days of TIFF. Supporters and sponsors this year include Telefilm Canada, the Ontario Arts Council, A&E, Astral Media, and—of course—Bell.

Officials and organizers are busy at work, preparing to screen over 300 films from 60 countries, to oversee countless events and galas, and to be host to some of world’s most well-known and glamourous stars of the entertainment industry. Film programmes include Midnight Madness, Sprockets Family Zone, Contemporary World Cinema, Discovery (a showcase for young and new filmmakers), and few Canadian categories (Canadian Open Vault, Short Cuts Canada, Canada First!).

Packages and tickets go on sale on July 5^th and the film schedule will be available in late August. Changes have been made to the package choices to include more detailed descriptions and a special Canadian selection option has been added for all patrons looking to see a showcase of films from the Great White North.

The perks have improved too. Every moviegoer who purchases a “TIFF Choice Pack” will receive a free ticket to a screening at TIFF Bell Lightbox after the festival has ended.

Ah, the Lightbox. Piers Handling, the CEO of TIFF, is very excited about the new five-storey venue that will serve to host TIFF programmes and event throughout the year. Once its doors open in September 12^th, Handling and the entire city anticipate that the building with provide great economic growth for the city through tourism (a predicted increase to $200 million from TIFF by 2012) and, hopefully, will be a new opportunities for gainful employment.

Looking back, TIFF and our fair city have been host to brilliant films and witness to some memorable moments, both classic and controversial. Debuting in 1976 and named “the Festival of Festivals”, the event saw over 35,000 patrons enjoy 127 films from 30 countries. It was a success and a marvel from its beginnings.

Several exceptional films saw their North American debuts right here at our festival: Chariots of Fire (1981), American Beauty (1999), and Crash (2004). Last year, I think we were all very happy when Precious received the Cadillac People’s Choice Award, joining the ranks with past winners Slumdog Millionaire, Eastern Promises, and Hotel Rwanda. However, 2009 wasn’t all smiles. The avant-garde film Antichrist angering audiences with its disturbing violence and misogynist themes.

Last year’s controversies did not end with the Lars von Trier film. For TIFF was under ire by many activists when the City to City programme featured 10 films about Tel Aviv. Many people, including several filmmakers, were outraged by the selections, deeming them items of “the Israeli propaganda machine”.

Of course TIFF is no stranger to this kind of debate and uproar. 2006’s Death of a President, a fictional account of the assassination of then-U.S. President George W. Bush, caused a quite a stir. In 2002, the world was livid when 11’09”11 came out as a collection of 11 films about the events of 9/11 just over a year after the tragedy occurred. In that respect, the outcomes and feelings of that day were still very raw and sensitive for most people. Controversy or not, we can all agree that the film selection is what has always held TIFF together and kept the festival is such high regard.

Nowadays, the film festival has become more than the screenings. The press conferences, special events, and exhibits have become noteworthy and well-appreciated aspect of TIFF, integral parts of the festival experience. Conferences are held so that the public and the press can learn about the filmmaking experience and process straight from the mouths of directors and actors. Workshops, competitions, and roundtable discussions are organized for emerging filmmakers and seasoned professionals can have the chance to talk, observe, share, and live their passion.

Among the many events exclusive to TIFF there will be the Telefilm Canada PITCH THIS! Competition, which offers a prize of $10,000 CAD. The “Meet With …” series will provide an opportunity to discuss important topics and current events surrounding the film industry.  There is also The Master Class, an event for emerging filmmakers, students and industry delegates to hear anecdotes, advice, and answers from a film industry veteran. And, of course, there will be the star-studded premieres and galas, chances to meet and possibly rub shoulders with some big names.

TIFF has become the perfect chance to “star-gaze” as some of the world’s most well-known film stars and directors walk the streets and enjoying the sights and sounds of Toronto. Given the increasing interest in celebrity culture, more and more visitors come to partake in the festival AND try their luck at meeting a few of their favourite celebrities. Expect high pedestrian traffic in and around the Yorkville area during the festival. You might see a famous face shopping, dining, or walking right next to you.

Of course, not everyone is out to play amateur-paparazzi. Many of the patrons find TIFF the perfect opportunity to visit some of Toronto’s landmarks and cultural centres which often hold special events and exhibits in honour of the festival. Keep on the lookout for updates and announcements from the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, The National Film Board of Canada, and the many art galleries and theatre venues in the city. There will definitely be loads of events to attend.

There are still three months left before TIFF commences but officials have already been sending updates and news about films and events for the September festivities. To keep in the loop, receive updates, and find out about where and when you can purchase tickets, visit the official site at www.tiff.net. To all the eager moviegoers, there’s no need to wait for TIFF to arrive. The current Summer Season is offering screenings of several inspiring films, events, and director retrospectives through www.cinemathequeontario.ca.

Since its debut over three decades ago, the Toronto Film Festival and its host city has enchanted moviegoers and filmmakers. Given its remarkable history and the buzz around the upcoming festivities, this year will certainly be no exception.