TIFF and the serious moviegoer

TIFF is edgy and fun. My TIFF experience began in the long line up at Dundas Square where I waited patiently for an hour to pick my movies from an advance draw. Unlike in other lineups it is quite normal to start a conversation with a complete stranger and to delve into topics not just limited to movies. People will share titbits about how they made time from their hectic schedules to take in TIFF and in the process reveal intimate details about their daily routine, their work, personal commitments and passions. I found therefore that the serious moviegoer is more interesting than the movies themselves and sets themselves apart from the rest. They dress practically in sensible shoes, carry a bag pack with food and sustenance and reading materials to tide them over between films. They pick up with other aficionados who they see this time each year, to exchange pleasantries, share a coffee and movie reviews. There is much gushing over wonderful films and never talk about the ones that did not do it for them. A serious moviegoer will leave the theatre within the first 10 minutes, if a movie does not vibe with their psyche. There are too many movies and not enough time to spare suffering one. The serious moviegoers speak a common lingo and display an uncanny memory for trivia. It is nice to sit among them as they do the collective "ARRRGH" when the piracy announcement comes on and the wild applause when TIFF salutes the volunteers who run and manage the festival. TIFF does not appear to be plagued by private and commercial interests and therefore attracts the serious moviegoer. The selection of movies shown reflects this, with a fine balance between independents and big studio films, documentaries and features. The movies also represent a wide cross-section of themes from across the globe. In the Q and As that follow, the serious moviegoer asks questions that touch on the sublime and the ridiculous all of which are responded to with matching earnestness by the directors several of whom are world reknowned. It is good to know that in this wonderful City we have a festival that has the artistic clout to draw celebrities. However, what keeps TIFF real is that it is not about celebrity but about the ardent moviegoer, the ultimate artist whose imagination immortalizes a piece of celluloid.