TIFF'08 Vlog Day 10 - Saturday September 13/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 10, Notes & Links from Vlog
Chocolate director is Pracha Pinkaew
Eden Log director is Franck Vestiel
Eden Log colour story reminded me of Chrysalis from TIFF'07
I enjoyed The Secret of Moonacre as I enjoyed The Golden Compass
Japanese family dramas seen at TIFF'08: Still Walking, Tokyo Sonata, Achilles and the Tortoise (stretching a little there) and All Around Us
Peoples Choice Award Winner went to Slumdog Millionaire
This is the last Vlog for TIFF'08 but I will continue to post reviews and vids
Next festival I will be covering is Toronto After Dark Film Festival October 17 - 24, 2008

Films discussed:
The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World, Chocolate, Eden Log, The Secret of Moonacre and All Around Us.


Poster for The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World


Chocolate director Pracha Pinkaew (left)


Eden Log director Franck Vestiel


People Choice Award: Slumdog Millionaire


Last ticket, last beverage for TIFF'08

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 9 - Friday September 12/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 9, Notes & Links from Vlog
Empty Nest is a Argentina/Spain/France/Italy co-pro
Link to Images Festival, Movie Moxie coverage of Images Festival 2008
Takeshi Kitano's films in the trilogy mentioned are: Takeshis', Glory to the Filmmaker! and Achilles and the Tortoise
Correction: Pontypool was shot in 15 days

Films discussed:
Empty Nest, Martyrs, Universalove, Pontypool and Achilles and the Tortoise


Grey day for my last morning at Scotiabank. See any missing landmarks?


Empty Nest poster


Packed House at Varsity 8 for Pontypool - were you there? Apparently Brian De Palma was

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 8 - Thursday September 11/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 8, Notes & Links from Vlog
Filmmaker Day!
"insert word" = production
Gaming acronyms explained & respective films:
MMORPGing (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) Second Skin
LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) Darkon
Classic arcade gaming The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Films discussed:
Sauna, Winds of September, The Dungeon Masters and Tokyo Sonata


15 min to get from Osgoode Stn to AMC 10 - I just made it!


Packed house for Tokoyo Sonata.

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 7 - Wednesday September 10/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 7, Notes & Links from Vlog
Random fashion notes, reminder to check the weather! It's been chilly recently.
Other Canadian road movies: Let's All Hate Toronto, Maple Flavour Films
Director of One Week is Michael McGowan
Radio Love director is Leonardo de Armas and cast members are Beatriz Rico and Jorge Luis González

Films discussed:
Ashes of Time Redux, Tale 52, One Week and Radio Love

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 6 - Tuesday September 9/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 6, Notes & Links from Vlog
Kisses director Lance Daly and stars Shane Curry, Kelly O'Neill were at the screening

Films discussed:
Kisses, 24 City, Toronto Stories and A Film with Me In It.

Crazy long line at the Elgin for Kevin Smith's latest:


The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 5 - Monday September 8/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 5
Wow, apparently I think a lot of things are 'unbelieveable' on this all Scotiabank Day!

Notes & Links from Vlog
Still Walking director is Hirokazu Kore-eda
Fear Me Not director Kristian Levring and star Ulrich Thomsen were at the screening
Thanks to the folks who came to the TIFF meet up: Bob, James, Ryan, John, Kurt, Milton, Richard, Greg & Donna, Chris & Polly, Matt, Steven and Christina.

Films discussed:
Still Walking, Every Little Step and Fear Me Not



The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 4 - Sunday September 7/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 4
Random things that happen on this rocking day of great screenings. All 5 films rocked and 4 had great Q&A's as well.

Notes & Links from Vlog
-Clarification: Rafaël Ouellet's Le Cèdre penché was his first *feature* film
-TUFF (Toronto Urban Film Festival) silent films shown in subway monitors and on the festival site
-Stand Right, Walk Left: standard escalator etiquette here in Toronto (mostly on the TTc) is to stand on the right hand side of the escalator so if people want to walk they can do so on the left hand side.
-The director for White Night Wedding name is Baltasar Kormákur

Films discussed:
It Might Get Loud, Derrière moi, The Real Shaolin, White Night Wedding and Vacation.

Box Office & Advance Ticket Holder Lines at the AMC:


Rush Line at the AMC:


TUFF in the subway:


People *not* Standing Right, Walking Left:


The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 3 - Saturday September 6/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 3
This is not the most articulate Vlog!
See more on Detroit Metal City at the Midnight Madness Blog: Opening Night Q&A and more here
Festival vs Theatre Box offices: Festival Box Office are at Yonge & Dundas, Manulife Centre and Roy Thomson Hall - they sell tickets to all TIFF screenings. Venue Box Office is the box office solely for that venue (i.e. Scotiabank, Ryerson), which sell same day tickets.
Tandem: 2 theatres (usually side by side) showing the same film at the same time. Allow for extra time to start as it will be introduced in both theatres.

Films discussed
The Sky Crawlers, Detroit Metal City, Un été sans point ni coup sûr and Patrik 1,5

Ryerson Ticket Line Hidden from the rain:


THE AMC Board that indicates Line up/Rush/Doors Open:


Things actually get busy at Scotiabank!


The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 2 - Friday September 5/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 2
All about the Wintergarden theatre, Scotiabank theatre and the Queen & John area.
Films discussed: Dernier Maquis and C'est pas moi, je lu jure.
Correction: C'est pas moi, je lu jure is set in 1968.

Also in the Queen & John area: EAST! Restaurant has 10% off for festival goers (EAST! is on the north side of Queen, just East of John):


St. Patrick's:


Set up for the E!Talk Festival Party:


Scotiabank Theatre:


The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Vlog Day 1 - Thursday September 4/08

Here is my TIFF'08 Vlog Day 1
All about line ups and where to go when you get to the venue. Films discussed: Ocean Flame and JCVD.

Notes & Links from Vlog:
Male lead in Ocean Flame is Liao Fan
Director of JCVD is Mabrouk El Mechri

When you arrive at the theatre, where do you go?
If you don't have tickets - check availability on The Board, if available go to the Box Office
If you have your tickets - the 'ticket holders' line
If you don't have tickets and the film has gone 'rush' - the 'rush' line

Stairwell lineup:


The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Pre-Fest Vlog#4 - What to Expect here at Movie Moxie

Here is my TIFF'08 pre-fest Vlog#4.
Discussed topics are what to expect here at Movie Moxie throughout the festival and some of my picks for this years festival.

Notes & Links from Vlog:
What to expect during the festival: Daily posts, vlogs and polls!
Full list of Film to be seen at the bottom of the post.
Toronto really does have over 300 titles in regular release per year. See the lists here: 2006, 2007 and 2008 (so far).
TIFF's description the Vanguard program.

Looking for some festivalling tips?
Below I revised last years things to remember post. TIFF Talk also has a great list on Ticket Options and Festival Tips.

Remember your ticket
Not much is worse than getting to the theatre and realizing your ticket is sitting diligently by the door waiting for you. Keep them in with/in something you take everywhere. Could be your wallet, glasses case, bag or purse but make sure it's on your person when you head out.

Check your ticket
I'm sure you checked the film title, but it's always good to double check the date and time (am or pm... they have shows running from 9am to midnight) and the theatre. In the program book sometimes the eyes waver which you are looking at all those films and you don't want to find yourself at Ryerson when you need to be at the Bader.

Give yourself enough time
If you are particular about seating make sure you get there early. Also, some of the theatres are within really short walking distance of each other (Cumberland /Varsity/Bader) or pretty close to each other (Ryerson/AMC/Elgin) but others are a fair distance (Ryerson/Scotiabank). Also remember that many of the screenings have Q&A’s so the experience of that will exceed the end time in the program guide. I love the Q&A’s – they are one of the things Iook forward to every festival.

Wear comfy shoes
Especially if you plan on going early, or have multiple screenings to go to and/or quick treks across town.

Layers can save the day
Not all theatres are created equal. I tend to always bring a sweater whenever I go to the movies, and this I would recommend just in case and if you have the space and get chilly. Ryerson is notorious for being chilly and the Bader can crank the AC as well.

Ask the right person the right questions
Have a box office (ticketing) question? Ask the box office staff.
Not sure who to ask what question? Ask someone (volunteer or staff) who is the best person to talk to.
It's always great to chat with folks in line, but if you want to know something for certain - ask staff.

Full List of Films Movie Moxie is seeing at TIFF'08:

24 City
A Film with Me in It
Achillles and the Tortoise
All Around Us
Ashes of Time Redux
Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World, The
Blind Loves
C'est pas moi, je le jure!
Chocolate
Dernier Maquis
Derrière moi
Detroit Metal City
Dungeon Masters, The
Eden Log
Empty Nest
Every Little Step
Fear Me Not
It Might Get Loud
JCVD
Katia's Sister
Kisses
Martyrs
Ocean Flame
One Week
Patrik, Age 1.5
Pontypool
Radio Love
Real Shaolin, The
Sauna
Secret of Moonarce, The
Sky Crawlers, The
Still Walking
Take 52
Toronto Stories
Tokyo Sonata
Un été sans point ni coup sûr
Universalove
Vacation
White Night Wedding
Winds of September

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Pre-Fest Vlog#3 - Tickets Picked Up/The Board/Offsale vs Rush

Here is my TIFF'08 pre-fest Vlog#3. Discussed is more on picking up advance orders, "The Board", Offsale, Rush, single tickets and more!

Notes & Links from Vlog:
Richard at TIFF Talk posted and tweeted on Monday about the pick up process.
Link to my last Vlog where I talked about last years exchange process
TIFF link re: Merchandise (not a lot of info)

When I say 'substitutions' this is for people that didn't get all the selections in the advance ticket process and now have vouchers to redeem the each selection they didn't get.

When I say 'performance' or 'show' I mean screening. I have to stop doing this! It's a habit from live theatre days.

Off Sale vs Rush
Off sale means that there are currently no tickets available for sale, but they encourage you to try try again. One recommended time to check for more tickets is at 7am on the day of the screening to see if same day tickets are available.

Rush means that the advance and same day tickets are no longer available, however you still might have a chance. Each theatre was a rush line outside the theatre and if seats become available for the screening they may go to the rush line. One thing to note about Rush, is that their is usually 1 Rush line for all films at the location so make sure you know which film you are there to see and have your method of payment ready in case it is your lucky day.

Single tickets for non -Premium screenings go on sale Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 7AM online, over the phone and in person at Festival Box Offices at Toronto Life Square at Yonge & Dundas, Manulife Centre and Roy Thomson Hall. These three box office accept cash, debit and Visa.

As always, check the official TIFF'08 site for all information on policies, procedures and up to date inforamtion.

Here is a picture of "The Board" at the Yonge & Dundas location:



Today was the day where these:



Turned into these:



The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Pre-Fest Vlog#2 - Picking Up Your Pass Order

Here is my TIFF'08 pre-fest Vlog#2. Discussed is the advance order process, pick up, exchanges, single ticket purchases and more random festival insights

Note from Vlog: When I say "exchange" this includes making selections for if you have any leftover tickets on your pass. For example, if you only got 18 of your 20 picks you can "exchange" the last 2 at the times I say "exchange".

Important Dates:

Monday September 1, 2008 10AM:
Processed advance orders are available for pick up at the Festival Box Office at the Toronto Life Square at Yonge & Dundas. Bring your pick up voucher and any/all things noted in the Vlog.

Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 7AM:
Single tickets for non -Premium screenings go on sale at Festival Box Offices at Toronto Life Square at Yonge & Dundas, Manulife Centre and Roy Thomson Hall. These three box office accept cash, debit and Visa.

Update: Want to know more about the pick up process? Check out this post at TIFF Talk for a detailed description. Also check out their link to TIFF Reviews forum where people have posted screenings they did not get into through the advance lottery process - this is great information to have for planning your back up selections.

Schedule Changes:
Here are the details about the changes to screenings. This was copy/pasted from the email send from Customer Service:

"Important information about schedule changes.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, several screenings listed in the Official Film Schedule and the Order Book have schedule changes, which may have affected our ability to fully process your order.
We apologize for the inconvenience. If your order has been affected, you will be able to make substitutions when you pick up your order. Please note the following changes:

Saturday Sept 6 at Varsity 8
MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA
Screening has been cancelled

Wednesday Sept 10 at Ryerson
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Correct start time is 3:15pm

Friday Sept 12 at Scotiabank 4
IL Y A LONGTEMPS QUE JE T'AIME
Correct start time is 11:45am

Friday Sept 12 at Varsity 8
NEW YORK I LOVE YOU at 6:00pm
Screening has been cancelled

Friday Sept 12 at AMC 3
BLOOD TRAIL
Correct start time is 8:15pm

Saturday Sept 13 at Varsity 2
MESRINE is not playing at 6:45pm
(as listed in the Official Film Schedule calendar)
Correct title for this slot is
SIN TREGUA (aka UNWANTED WITNESS)

Title changes:
UNWANTED WITNESS is now known as SIN TREGUA
MESRINE aka PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE, PART 1 is now known as L’INSTINCT DE MORT

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be only one screening of PARIS, NOT FRANCE: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6pm, Ryerson.

An additional public screening of LYMELIFE will replace the second public screening of PARIS, NOT FRANCE: Thursday, Sept. 11, 3pm, Ryerson. An additional public screening of LOVELY, STILL will replace
the third public screening of PARIS, NOT FRANCE: Saturday, Sept. 13, 5:45pm, AMC 2."

As always, check the official TIFF'08 site for all information on policies, procedures and up to date inforamtion.

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIFF'08 Advance Lottery - Box #9 wins!

I've never been to the advance lottery box selection before, it was pretty cool. They actually show you each and every number that they drop in which is awesome but takes a fair amount of time considering there were 78 boxes. Box 9 was selected (It's a little hard to see but that was the selection).

Remember, regular orders are processed after all the donors at the Benefactor giving level and above (gifts of $250 or more). So, after all those order are processed, then they will process orders from Box 9, then Box 10, then all the way to 78, then Boxes 1-8.

For information on what happens next, check out this post.

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Pre-fest Vlog #1

Clicking the play button to hear my views on the TIFF pick up, ticket and schedule process so far! Static pic is a little scary - very strange!



A few notes:
The box office I refer to is called "Festival Box Office at Toronto Life Square" at Yonge & Dundas as opposed to the various name incarnations I came up with.
This is my first ever vlog attempt, I hope you enjoy it!

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.