TIFF 2023 spoiler alert: The only STARS you will see this year are in the SKY

The Toronto International Film Festival is different this year.  While the street festival was in full swing this past weekend with its free Pizza Nova slices, L’Oréal cosmetics and Nickelback concert, something felt off.  Without the glitzy parties, jam packed press junkets and Hollywood stars, it’s easy to wonder what’s the point?  Since the spotlight has shifted in the past 15 years from a celebration for pure movie lovers to a red carpet extravaganza, you can feel the loss.

I first learned about TIFF in the late 90’s early 00’s when I saw an ad in the newspaper asking for volunteers.  No resumes necessary, all you needed to do was show up at Roy Thompson Hall, stand in a line of 20 people and fill out a form.  You were immediately given a beautiful TIFF x Roots shirt and you were good to go.  My theatre was the Uptown (RIP) on Yonge Street which had a secret back entrance for timid celebs, and for us volunteers, an endless supply of free popcorn.  With each shift my goal was to get as close as possible to my favourite stars, and it was easy.  I stood beside Hilary Swank as she rode the escalator to her screening of Boys Don’t Cry (her short hair looked amazing.)  I was asked by a very chiseled and handsome Guy Pearce to direct him to the restroom.  I played security guard for Randy Quaid’s film reels until he arrived.  I sat 2 seats away from Ethan Hawke as he squirmed through his own film.  The entire culture was different, celebrities arrived in t-shirt’s and jeans (Jake Gyllenhaal) and sat beside movie goers for the entire film without any arrogance (Maggie Gyllenhaal.)  As you walked in Yorkville you were surrounded by the likes of Liev Schreiber, Gerald Butler and Denzel Washington as they popped into the shops, and it felt special.

As TIFF has become a festival juggernaut the mood surrounding it has transformed.  Where in the past you might rub shoulders with Michelle Rodriguez and Carrie-Anne Moss in line at the concession stand, fans now find themselves pushed behind barriers, black suburbans, and swarms of personal assistants.  This year’s drought of star power almost feels like a sign that perhaps it’s time for a reboot.  TIFF was once real, fun and accessible.  Let’s find a way to get back to that, so stars don’t merely fly into Toronto for a quick advertisement.  Instead enjoying the atmosphere of our city and its pure fandom.