Six Ways to see TIFF

Want to win your way to the festival? On September 9th, 2013 only we have 2 pairs of tickets to give away, to Giselle (September 9th at 7:15PM) and to Starred Up (September 9th at 9:00PM). To enter, just leave a comment below about which film you want to see at TIFF and why! We’ll randomly draw a winner at 2 PM.

For 10 days in September, the lights, cameras and glamour of Hollywood take over Toronto. Whether you love star spotting, great cinema or simply the energy of the big city, the Toronto International Film Festival is the perfect urban adventure. We’ve got seven great ideas of how you can make the most of TIFF this year.

1. Galas and Glamour
Each year some of Hollywood’s most notable films make their debut at TIFF. In 2010 The King’s Speech scooped up TIFF’s coveted People’s Choice Award, and then went on to win the Oscar for best picture at the 2011 Academy Awards. Though a seat at a Gala is a hot ticket item, you can occasionally score a last minute pass by checking online at 7 am the morning of the screening, or get rush tickets. For more information click here.

2. The more movies the merrier!
The Toronto International Film Festival has become the launching pad for the best of international, Hollywood and Canadian cinema, and is recognized as the most important film festival after Cannes. This year, with more than 300 films from over 60 countries there’s a diverse array of films to enjoy, including from Canadian directors and up-and-coming actors. A peek at the schedule inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox gives you an idea of just how many films are playing. Single tickets for many of these films can still be purchased here.Film schedule on display at the TIFF Bell Lightbox

3. Dine & Dish
Just caught sight of your favourite celeb? Sit down with something tasty and dish over all the details. The TIFF Bell Lightbox is home to some delicious culinary experiences, including LUMA and The O&B Canteen. The Canteen is the perfect place to sit down for awhile, or to grab a snack and go. All of O&B Canteen’s chef-prepared offerings use fresh ingredients. Our pick? The delicious butter tarts, made in O&B’s artisan bakery.

Butter Tarts by O&B Canteen

4. Red Carpets, Red Carpets, Red Carpets
Catch a quick peek of some of the biggest names in the film industry as they arrive at TIFF’s many screening venues. Ontario landmarks like Roy Thomson Hall and the Princess of Wales Theatre are home to glitzy red carpets that the likes of Brad Pitt and George Clooney have walked. Stop by just before a screening, camp out and secure a prime viewing spot, or just wander by early in the day to see what a real-life red carpet looks like.

The Red Carpet at Roy Thompson Hall

5. Souvenirs and Swag
Experiencing a real life world class film festival is something worth documenting! The TIFF Bell Lightbox gift shop has some fun gifts which are a great way to commemorate your visit to TIFF, or to bring something home to friends or family. Another handy TIFF secret? During a quick wander along King Street you’ll likely come across some samples or goodies from festival sponsors.

The collection of TIFF Souvenirs for 2013

6. Five Star Sightings
In the past year Toronto has become home to some spectacular new five star hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, the Shangri-La and Trump International. During TIFF these hotels are a sure place to spot a star, and you’ll often see a crowd outside the hotel waiting for the next sighting. For a peek inside the Trump hotel click here.