The Toronto International Film Festival

What is The Toronto International Film Festival?

The festival began in 1976 in a small hotel ballroom with only 90 guests in attendance. Now, the festival attracts more than 480,000 visitors annually, features more than 300 films, and has a network of both domestic and international partners that reaches millions of people around the globe. TIFF is a non-juried festival, which means that all of the films that are screened during the event have been selected beforehand. There is no overall “winner” of the festival, but there are a number of awards given out to some of the participating films.

Why Attend TIFF?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to attend TIFF. First, it’s a great opportunity to experience world-class movies. There are many big-name stars in attendance and attending the red carpet parties is a great way to get up close and personal with these celebrities. TIFF is also an excellent cultural event, it gives the city of Toronto a special energy and buzz as it becomes the centre of attention for people from around the world. It’s also a great opportunity to network with others in the business or to meet like-minded people who enjoy movies and are excited about the festival.

Timing and Where To Watch TIFF Movies

The festival runs for 19 days each year, starting on a Thursday and ending on the second Sunday of the month. Films are shown during the day, followed by special events in the evenings. Most of the films are shown at the following locations:

- The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema

- The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (Little)

- Cineplex Odeon Harbourfront Cinemas

- Cineplex Odeon Queensway Cinemas

- Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

- Scotiabank Theatre (Cineplex)

- The Revue Cinema

- The Royal Cinema

There are a number of ways to watch TIFF films:

- You can purchase individual tickets to watch a film at any of the above-mentioned venues.

- You can purchase a “pass” that allows you to watch as many films as you want at each venue.

- If you are a member of the festival, you can attend TIFF in the “Wavelengths” section where you can experience experimental, avant-garde, and short films.

- If you are an industry insider, you can attend the “Platform” section, which gives you an opportunity to watch films early and meet the filmmakers.

- If you have a group of 8 or more people, you can attend the “Midnight Madness” section, which is a lineup of action-adventure and horror films.

The Films: What to expect at TIFF

The festival always attracts many major movies and this year is no exception. Here are some of the biggest movies at TIFF :

- The Death of Stalin: This is a surreal, comedic look at the power struggle that occurs following the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The film is written and directed by Armando Iannucci and stars a number of top British actors.

- The Florida Project: This is a drama that takes place in the shadows of Disney World. It focuses on the lives of children whose families live in cheap motels outside of the park. Directed by Sean Baker, it stars Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, and Bria Vinaite.

- The Shape of Water: This is a fantasy film about a mute woman who works in a government laboratory in the 1960s and falls in love with an aquatic creature that has been experimented on. It stars Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

- The Disaster Artist: This is the story of the making of the film The Room, which has become a cult classic of bad cinema. Starring James Franco as the film’s director and Dave Franco as his brother, The Disaster Artist is a comedy drama about artistic vision and friendship.

- The Mountain Between Us: This is an action thriller starring Idris Elba and Kate Winslet as two people who are forced to survive after a plane crash in the mountains.

Who Can Go?

Anyone can attend TIFF. The main thing that you need is a ticket, which you can purchase online at the festival’s website. You can also attend as a guest of a participating sponsor. The best way to attend is to become a member of the festival. This allows you to attend films in the Wavelengths programs and gives you other special access and privileges. If you want to attend the festival, you should do so as early as possible, as tickets always sell out quickly. You can also purchase tickets for the special events, such as the red carpet premieres, which are often very popular.

Tips for Attending TIFF as a Film Fan

- Pick Your Venue: The festival shows films at a variety of different venues around the city. Pick one that is close to where you will be staying so that you don’t have to travel too far.

- Make Events Part of Your Schedule: There are many special events during the festival, such as red carpet premieres, industry parties, and special events for film journalists and celebrities. Join a club or attend a film festival panel to meet like-minded people who are excited about films.

- Go Beyond the Films: The films are only one part of the festival. There are a number of other events that are worth attending, such as film panels, special exhibitions, and industry networking events.

- Have Fun: Above all, enjoy yourself. Films are meant to be enjoyed, and the festival is a great way to experience something new and exciting.

Final Words

If you have the opportunity to attend TIFF, do so. It’s an excellent opportunity to see some of the best films in the world and enjoy the cultural buzz that only a festival of this size and scale can provide. It’s also a great opportunity to network with others in the business and to enjoy some of the other events that are part of the festival. If you want to attend the festival, make sure to get your tickets early as they always sell out. And enjoy the experience, you won’t regret it!