In the Midnight hour...

I'll sleep in 10 days!

TIFF Day One: Notes from Underfoot

This is your insiders look at The Toronto International Film Festival from a lowly grunt in the organization, a view from the 'feet' of The TIFF.

Here's where I'm trapped during the day, very glamourous. And honestly, The TIFF picks no favourites! :/


In preparation for the long hours and poor nutrition of the next ten days, we're offered a free B12 shot, by a 'doctor' mind you, and yet for some reason I'm the only one who bled. I call butchery!


My first film was Ari Folman's animated documentary WALTZ WITH BASHIR.


5 word review: Must see, gorgeous, deeply affecting.


Next up was the opening night party, which I'm sure is supposed to be an important event, judging by the 'character' of party goer. Tying this shindig into the opening night film, the Canadian World War One 'epic' PASSCHENDAELE, seemed like an odd decision. There were tanks stationed at the front door and men in military uniforms wandered around the party among the young, overly-modified party girls. For some reason it reminded me of R&R in Saigon in '69.

Now the smart move would have been to go directly home after the FF&D, but instead a bunch of us ended up at the uber-trendy Drake Hotel. Many drinks and embarrassing dance moves later, I got to bed at 4:30am... For The Love Of Film!

TIFF's Madness is announced!

It's that happy time of the year for all robots in the vicinity of Toronto this fall, as the Toronto International Film Festival's MIDNIGHT MADNESS programme has been announced. What stands out at first glance, especially compared to last year's films, is the absence of well known filmmakers. No Romero, no Argento, not even Miike this year! Call me crazy, but I couldn't be happier, as I thought last year's MOTHER OF TEARS and DIARY OF THE DEAD were really weak. I'd much rather witness an emerging talent than be tied down to the death rattles of previous genre masters.

Click the pics below for more info, or go here for the official press release.