How Do You TIFF?

How do you TIFF?
Goes the question asked by my friend Kalidadis as I invited her son and daughter to join me and D for this week long movie watching event - the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). So, instead of e-mailing her, why not explain to her in a blog? Here then is a TIFF how-to :



General
The festival runs from Sept 10 -19, 2009. There will be around 300 movies from all over the world (mostly shown for the first time) in several theaters around Toronto.

There are 18 categories/programs ranging from Gala Presentations which features high profile films likely to provoke award-season buzz; Masters - films of world's greatest filmakers; Discovery - feature films of new and emerging directors; to Contemporary World Cinema - a collection of the finest films from around the world.

A movie is shown only 3 to 4 times within the festival in separate days and times.

Tickets

• Single at $19.76/person for Regular Public Screening (starts selling on Sept 4 only).
• Single at $38.33 /person fro Premium Public Screening - red carpet event, usually Hollywood movies where you hobnob with stars and directors.
• Several Ticket Packages are also available depending on your need, such as the student card at $19.87 which allows you to watch all movies you want in a day; there's Day Package Lite at $139 good for 15 movies for the festival duration; and the most flexible -- the 10 ticket package at $159.14 which can be shared with 4 other family members.

Mechanics
10 Package Tickets (which is my recommendation) should be bought in advance. TIFF committee will send you vouchers.
August 20 - complete list of movies will be available on line. Time to browse and make a preliminary list of movies that interests you.
August 25 - List of movies and schedule available in The Program Book - which can be picked up from the TIFF office or any Scotiabank building.
Time to finalize movie list, synchronize schedules, make room for lunch or dinner, check theater locations for movement between movies.

August 31 - Deadline for submission of your movie choices and schedules.
September 3 - Start of TIFF tickets pick up
September 10 - TIFF opens

For more TIFF details click here.