Film Fest FAQs

What is the Toronto International Film Festival?

TIFF is an annual event that shows hundreds of feature-length and short films from Canada and around the world. It’s considered the premiere film festival in North America and second only to the Cannes film festival internationally.

Where can I get tickets?

While purchasing tickets to the film festival can seem a Byzantine process, there are really only a couple of things you need to know. One: get a pass or coupon book. These allow for the greatest amount of flexibility and also cater to the more specific whims of festival-goers. This year, the festival has added a Wavelengths pass (for admission to all of its avant-garde film programming) and a Midnight Madness pass (for all of those edgy, gory flicks) to its array. (Our personal favourite is the Daytime pass, allowing for tickets to 25 films, as long as they start before 5:01 p.m.)

The second thing you need to know: act fast. The 30-coupon book and miscellaneous Gala passes have already sold out; other passes and coupons will soon follow suit and all are only on sale until August 25. If you have tarried, don’t fret. The festival offers last-minute Best Bets tickets. Consult the TIFF Web site to find out which screenings will have same-day tickets available at the individual theatre box offices.

While many films do sell out, those films will typically receive a general release in the weeks or months following the film festival. Be adventurous and choose films you might not be able to see again—chances are good you’ll be able to get a ticket for them.

Gala tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. on August 26. Advance tickets for all screenings are available beginning Sept. 6. To purchase tickets call 416-968-FILM, visit the TIFF Web site or visit one of two box office locations: the Festival HQ Box Office, located on the main floor of the Manulife Centre (55 Bloor St. W., north entrance) and, opening August 29, the Festival Box Office at College Park, 444 Yonge St. (south entrance). For more detailed information on tickets, passes and coupons, consult the TIFF Web site.

How do I get tickets in exchange for my pass or coupon book?

Again, it's less complicated than it looks. Once you have ordered your pass or coupon book, pick up a pass and coupon ticket order form with your programme book and official film schedule on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at the Festival Box Office location. (You'll need both the order form and official film schedule to make your film selections.) Make your film selections. Drop off your completed order at the Festival Box Office, by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2006 to be eligible for the advance ticket draw. Pick up your tickets and passes at the Festival Box Office beginning Monday, September 4, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.

All orders received before 1:00 PM on Friday, September 1 are placed in numbered boxes. A draw determines which box of orders is processed first. For example: In the event that 40 boxes of orders have been collected a number representing each box will be placed into a drum for random selection. If box 16 was selected, it would become the first box of orders to be processed. Box 17 would be next followed by box 18 and so on until box 40. Boxes 1 through 15 would follow behind in order. Orders that are received after 1:00 p.m. on September 1 are not part of the draw. These orders are processed after all the advance draw orders, in the order in which they were received.

How will I know which movies to see?

You can read our must-see movie recommendations here; we’ll also be providing daily reviews throughout the festival. Check our movie blog, The Screening Room, for even more coverage. The official programme book and film schedule are available August 29.

How am I going to stay awake through so many movies?

Get in training now. Throw a mini film fest of your own. Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s epic Berlin Alexanderplatz or Krzysztof Kieslowski’s The Decalogue are good endurance builders. Also recommended: take a quick nap in your seat before each film starts. And avoid parties. There’s no way you’ll make it to a 9 a.m. screening if you’re at the Drake till last call. (Bars and clubs are allowed to extend their hours during the festival.)

What should I eat?

While a steady diet of Twizzlers and popcorn might seem convenient, it’s not advised. Bring your own water, yogurt, granola bars, fruit, trail mix and carrot sticks. (Easily squished bananas should be avoided.) Finish crunchier snacks, however, before the movie starts. Try to schedule your screenings so you have time to dash out for a quick bite.

How do I amuse myself in the seemingly endless lines?

Make a TIFF playlist for your iPod. Bring a batch of your favourite magazines (hint: Toronto Life). Books are good, too, but magazines better suit the limited attention span you’re going to have.

Where are the stars going to be?

Practically everywhere. While the streets are crawling with them, almost every evening screening will also bring out the film’s director and actors. Sit in the front rows for a better view. Consult The Stargazer for more celeb-spotting guidance.