TIFF Day Two

Did you know Canada.. we have more updates from blogger Trina Stewart as she continues to write about the sights and sounds from this years TIFF...

If the 2011 Toronto international Film Festival’s main goal was the thwart the crowds and confuse them to know end, well they accomplished this task.

Celebrity stalkers from far and wide, were dazed and confused wondering where to find their fave celebrities this year.  I have been going for over four years now, and would I spend $400.00 for two nights + all the overhead to attend this event again for celebrity stalking purposes?  Highly improbable unless I also purchased a TIFF movie package (which I intend to do in the upcoming years) or I was making money off of TIFF event.

When we arrived, we parked at the Interncontinental Hotel on Bloor.   As we climbed the stairs, we anticipated the velvet barriers and familiar faces from last year.  Instead, we seen nothing.  The press conferences were not taking place at this venue.

“That’s fine kids, let’s go over to Yorkville.”, I said to my two teenager entourages.

Going there was truly a gift, as we were fortunate enough to meet Bono leaving the Hazelton Hotel.  Aside, from that we seen nothing for the whole afternoon.  We didn’t see the familiar paparazzis, and quickly agreed that we were in the wrong place.

I was quite pleased on Friday night that I had prior commitments with a few tweeps, because if I didn’t have plans, I would have been thoroughly angry.

Anyway, to make a rag fest short, this festival is all about films and talent and not about the fans.  It’s just too bad that the only steadfast venue to quickly view a celeb is at the Gala events.  I have never attended a Red Carpet simply because the regular folks are cruel, pushy, and mean.  However, my daughter did and it resulted with her being punched in the face and her hair pulled to get a shot of Robert De Niro.

Nope, I will not do it again for this sole purpose.  I’m calling a spade a spade, I do not make money off of my hobby, therefore, this year was fruitless without the sore feet, major fatigue, and happy faces upon our return home.

Check out @CANADAGRAPHS, you will see that I’m not the only one filled with disappointment.  This event started off as a celeb fest, but it also created friendships, sharing of photos and autographs, and camaraderie.  There was no pulling of hair or punching of faces.

There are many positives that took place this year at the Toronto Film Festival and I will share on further blog posts.

Sarah Polley has quickly become one my favorite director’s after viewing the witty drama about desire, Take This Waltz.

First and foremost, Thanks L’Oreal Canada for giving me this opportunity to attend this Gala Premier at the Toronto Film Festival.

In the Movie, Take This Waltz, Margo is at a crossroads in her five-year marriage to Lou when she meets Daniel, while writing and designing a new brochure for Parks Canada in Nova Scotia.  Margo’s desire for the affection of Daniel stimulates the excitement that she lacks from everyday life.

Polley’s metaphor to desire as being similar to a ride at the fair when the everyday lights are dimmed and the shimmer of the disco ball and music takes us into a different existence for a few short minutes, was pure genius.  The scene somewhat confused me until the lights went on.

Seth Rogan’s dramatic performance of Lou was sensational.  He brought the typical day-to-day comedic edge to life along with his sister, Geraldine, played by Sarah Silverman.  I also enjoyed how Geraldine’s struggles, although different, was parallel to Margo’s struggles of romantic desire.

Michelle Williams was perfect for the role of Margo, with her sweet “can do know wrong” appearance, only proving that anyone struck with desire can.

I have never seen Luke Kirby, previous to this role.  I can only expect that this actor will achieve rave reviews on his performance.

I love this new style of story telling as not only do you leave the movie a bit confused and with a lot of questions, but the movie stays on your mind until you figure it out by looking at real life instances that correlate with the movie’s story-line and metaphors.

Bravo to the Cast and Crew of Take this Waltz.

PS. My Pictures are Horrible.  My dear daughter had the best camera.

TIFF Day One

Did you know Canada.. Click here to read the articles leading up to the TIFF experience from blogger Trina Stewart. She's there and has some fun news to share already, here's how her first day went down..

The Toronto Film Festival is a yearly event at our home.  This year was no exception.  Day 1 proved to be a slightly frustrating, yet profitable day in celebrity sightings.

Bono, from the music group U2, has proven to be the best celebrity ever.

First, I have to admit that I’m not a red carpet fan as I prefer the intimate chance encounters of meeting a celebrity.

Friday morning was quiet on Yorkville as Bono stepped out of the Hazelton Hotel to step into his awaiting Cadillac.

What Bono did was nothing short of astounding for this 4 year TIFF attendee.  Upon his exit from the hotel, he made a B-line to his awaiting fans.  Not only did he sign autographs, but he took the time to shake their hands.  When Bono arrived at my daughter, they were beckoning him to leave, he took her hand, rubbed it on his face and said “I’ll be back, no worries.”

As ridiculous as it sounds, even a person like Bono “gets it”.  We, his fans, put him in that luxurious hotel and fancy Cadillac.  We, his fans, has allotted him the honor, as many other celebrities, to experience a life that we only dream of.

I think if I pass him again today, I think I’m going to just put it out there and ask if I can sing with him too.  Stick out your neck, take a risk, and have fun while doing it.

More stories to follow from this chick on the streets of Toronto.

Gerard Butler is Hands Down The Sweetest Thing at TIFF 2011

My daughter and her friends caught up with him and he graciously snapped a shot.  I only arrived at the tail end as he was crossing the road.

He looked back, he smiled at me, and wave.

Ah…..I was breathless at the brief encounter.

PS. I Love You

TIFF

Did you know Canada.. TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) has been around since 1976 when it was first known as The Festival of Festivals.

In 2010, 339 films from 59 countries were screened at 32 screens in downtown Toronto venues. In the last few years, total attendance at TIFF has exceeded 260,000!!



We are so lucky to have our friend, Trina Stewart, from Life's a Blog, as blogger on the spot! She's going to share her posts and news with us at Did you know Canada. Be sure to follow Trina on Twitter for all her latest news.

Here's the latest news from Trina so far..

Feeling the Magic of The Toronto Film Festival (TIFF 2011)

Between movie screenings, star gazing, and a few chance meetings with fellow Tweeps, this weekend is going to be busy and exhilarating. Going on a pauper’s budget this year is going to be difficult. We have to ensure that we are ready for any event that comes our way.


This year, I have been fortunate. I have won tickets to The Descendants, starring George Clooney (Humina Humina), from Diet Coke. As well, I have won tickets to Hick, starring Blake Lively. I have also been invited to the Diet Coke Gala, which appears to be an anticipated event by many. So who’s going?

I can’t wait to write about my favorite time of year. To share the goodness in life with others is truly a gift. We spend so much time dwelling over the mundane every day hurdles, that the good stuff needs to be focused on even more so.
Here’s to party rocking the weekend! CHEERS!

The celebs can party where they may. but Trina and TIFF are here to stay.


TODAY is the Day, Toronto Film Festival, Here WE Come

For me, it’s always Christmas in September.  This year is even a bigger challenge.  TIFF on a budget.  As most of you know, my dog was sick and we had to put her down.  So the $1,200 saved to enjoy this event went to a great cause (in my heart anyway)

How will you catch us?  Follow @christinauntold (my partner in crime and my lovely daughter) and@trina_stewart.  I’ll be giving a minute by minute recap of where we are, who and what we are seeing.  This is one blog where it won’t be all about me because I have nothing to promote and nothing to lose.  The only thing I won’t do is announce where i am when I take pics because I had a whole lot of people pissed off at me for doing that (even though they didn’t know it was me!)

I will be hashtagging my tweets, #CelebsinTO!

Tomorrow, we’ll be catching the movies Hick and The Descendants.  (Thanks Diet Coke and Blackberry!) I am very excited to review a movie this year because I thoroughly enjoyed doing so in 2008.  It was an amazing experience!

I was on Twitter last night and was so appreciative of the online movie reviews.  However, one thing that REALLY pissed me off is that when I asked a question about something, few responded.  It was like the narcissistic became extremely secretive to hone their acceptance into the celebrity world!  So what do I say?  We’re all celebrities in our own right.  So thanks A**holes, I can figure it out myself.

So those who are following this country hick and her little mice, enjoy it.  If you want to throw out questions, be my guest.  I’m not only at TIFF for my yearly M&D weekend, but I’m also here so you can feel the excitement too!!

2nd Starbucks sighting with Jason Reitman.

Now, I just have to figure out how to juggle all of these electronic devices and be online and ready.  (Not Red Carpet Ready)