Travel Reviews

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Toronto International Film Festival, 2000

You settle into the seat as you catch snippets of conversation around you. The smell of popcorn works it's way into your nostrils as you feel the building anticipation in the air. Finally, the lights dim, a spotlight illuminates the microphone on the stage. A man named Collin jumps into the light. "You'll hear people say they attended the closing film at the festival up the street at the Gala. F__k them. THIS is the closing film of the festival!" And the crowd goes nuts as the Midnight Madness showing of Wild Zero begins. Thus bringing the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival to a roaring close.

The Toronto International Film Festival celebrated it's 25th anniversary with a gathering of industry insiders, film connoisseurs and fans for films, galas, parties, tributes and events. Toronto is becoming known as a premier festival and has grown in popularity through the years, as was apparent by the quick pace in which film tickets were sold out. First time film makers and veterans alike  work hard to get their films accepted into this festival whose audience proves it's taste and knack for highlighting the best films in the world. The past two People's Choice Award winners went on to snag Oscars for Best Picture.

Experiencing the festival as a fan can be a rewarding experience. For ten days every fall any Tom, Dick and Harry can become a film critic, industry expert and Gala or World Premier attendee. They can rub elbows with the famous, critique technique with directors and spout opinions with authority. All in a city that caters well to the film festival and it's many visitors.

This year's festival had 329 films from 56 countries. 178 of which were North American Premiers. No particular genre was highlighted, though movie goers quickly snatched up tickets for those about to make their U.S. debut. For fans of international cinema and those who prefer to attend screenings of films less likely to receive U.S. distribution the choices were varied and numerous.

Not all films at the festival are new releases. Toronto is also known for it's screening of past greats. Stephen Frears was honored with this year's Bloomberg Tribute. Fans of this prolific director were able to view some of his greatest films. Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters, Prick Up Your Ears, Sammie and Rosie Get Laid, The Hit, My Beautiful Laundrette and this year's Liam were all shown with great delight. For fans of Frears American releases this was a great opportunity to experience much of his UK work.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan) was awarded this year's People's Choice Award. All focus will surely be on this film come Oscar time. Can it live up to expectations set by last year's winner, American Beauty? Perhaps Australia will be Oscar contenders with The Dish or Innocence, this year's second and third place winners. Only time will tell.

The praise awarded at this year's festival and the films it brought to life stands as a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. As distribution deals are secured in Toronto, films can make their debuts in countries around the world. Soon, people everywhere will be able to experience a little of the magic of cinema at it's finest, in no small part due to the Toronto International Film Festival.
~Trixie, October 2000

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