Wednesday, 13 September 2017

Toronto International Film Festival


Greetings! The 42nd Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF or stylized as tiff) is currently underway from September 7 to 17. TIFF is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world.

The weather has been beautiful with clear blue sky and pleasant temperatures which encourage people to go out and stay out longer. TIFF attracts over 480,000 people annually so it’s definitely big business for Toronto.

Some interesting numbers from the 2017 TIFF official film schedule:
  • 21 programmers covering 6 continents to choose the films
  • 255 feature-length films and 84 short films are included in this edition
  • 3,200 dedicated volunteers who help make TIFF happen every year
  • Only about 30% of Festival screenings are actually sell out thus tickets are always available
  • Weekday daytime screenings: CAD$18-25 for adults, and $10-18 for age 25 and under
  • Regular evening and weekend screenings: CAD$28-35
  • Rush regular screenings: CAD$20
As a local resident, it’s entertaining for me to see the fans lined up to catch a glimpse of celebrities on the red carpet, or at the nearby five-star hotels. You can always tell when a celebrity makes an appearance from the fans’ sudden shrieking.

Movie fans
The event organizers did a good job setting up facilities such as tents, display booths, barricades, and signage starting a few days before the Festival began. They also do a good job dismantling and moving everything out once the Festival is over. Here’s a temporary covered red carpet walkway for the movie stars:

Temporary red carpet walkway
Aside from the movie stars and their fans, there are also many international media crews, TIFF employees, volunteers, and security personnel at the venue sites.

TIFF box office

I’ve scanned TIFF film schedule and short listed a number of films to see. The films are screened at some of the best theatres in Toronto. Movie goers can buy tickets on-line, or at the ticket office. Rush tickets are available on site. I’ve seen queue around the blocks at some of the venues.

Official film schedule
In case you want to bring home a TIFF souvenir, feel free to stop by this shop set up in a giant container:

TIFF souvenir shop

Although some of the movies will be released in the theatre in the coming months, the Festival buzz is certainly something fun to experience. Once again, I feel privileged to live in such a dynamic city.

What fun activities did you enjoy this week?  Please share below.
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

12 comments:

  1. Debbish13 September 2017 at 20:33

    I'd love to go to a 'popular' film festival (like Venice or Toronto or Sundance). I must admit I saw some pics earlier in the week on Instagram (am a fan of Brie Larson) and she was using the #TIFF (hashtag) and I had no idea what it was at the time! #teamlovinlife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie13 September 2017 at 20:55

      It's a great film festival here, Deborah. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  2. Min - Write of the Middle13 September 2017 at 20:59

    I've never been to a film festival of any kind. This would have been great fun! Did you buy yourself a TIFF souvenir? I guess if you've been before you'd already have that covered! Loved the photo's - thank you! :-) #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie14 September 2017 at 07:13

      I'd say TIFF is fantastic fun for movie goers, Min. I haven't thought of buying any TIFF souvenir because I see the festival every year as a resident. I guess my pictures and the official film schedule that I picked up are my TIFF souvenirs :-)

      Delete
  3. retirementreflections13 September 2017 at 23:50

    Hi, Natalie - What a great post! Our eldest son is a movie director and producer (mostly animated film for Disney and Netflix). So, I read with interest details of your post. You are indeed fortunate to live in such a dynamic city. I would have loved to be there this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie14 September 2017 at 07:18

      Hi and thank you, Donna! Do you get to go to the openings of your son's movies as a special guest? That would be so cool. TIFF is on every September so you can plan a trip for it.

      Delete
  4. Sydney Shop Girl14 September 2017 at 02:33

    Thanks for your behind the scenes look at the festival. I've never been to a film festival before.

    Looking forward to reading more about your life and travels on your blog.
    SSG xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie14 September 2017 at 07:21

      Thanks, SSG, for stopping by and leaving a comment. "Behind the scene look" is exactly what I had in mind when I wrote the post and took my TIFF pictures.

      Delete
  5. Jo Tracey14 September 2017 at 05:09

    I've never been to a film festival - how weird is that? I have to say, I really look forward to your link-ups each Thursday. It gives me a glimpse into a life on the other side of the world that is seriously interesting. Thankyou. #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie14 September 2017 at 07:26

      Jo, you just made my day :-) Likewise, I look forward to the Lovin' Life linkup so I can learn about what's on in another country. I even like the name of the link.

      Delete
  6. Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit17 September 2017 at 16:36

    I can imagine there would be a great vibe going on! Very cool
    #teamlovinlife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie17 September 2017 at 16:43

      "Great vibe" is a very fit description for TIFF, Leanne. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)