TIFF, VIFF and the hustle of film festivals

Last week I came back from the Toronto International Film Festival, where I attended its final four days.

I went firstly because my friend, Director Katrin Bowen's debut film Amazon Falls got selected to play at the festival (I did storyboards, Key grip and best boy electric on it), and she asked me if I wanted to come to Toronto to see the festival in person. Of course I agreed, and bought myself a flight with the little money I had left. I was going to spend the rest of my savings on my hostel bunk bed and food costs.

I was going to attend TIFF's film market without a pass but I went with the hope I'd get hooked up somehow once there.
Another reason I decided to risk my Vancouver rent for a few days at TIFF was because I started working as producer and head of Feature Films Development at a new stereoscopic 3D film production house called False Creek Films, a cool (albeit volunteer) position I landed through my involvement in a couple of independent short films. I could smell the future and decided to bet on it.

So anyway, it really is all about throwing yourself into the fray and being there at the right time. At TIFF I ended up not only having a great time in parties and exchanging contacts with excellent industry people but even made some good friends, like Sean McConville, director/writer/producer of Deadline, with Brittany Murphy and Thora Birch, and Reza Safinia, score composer and music producer who has worked with the likes of Britney Spears and Madonna. And we were all there just to have a good time. Count me in for next year's TIFF!

Next week is Vancouver's turn and the local international film festival is already making some press. I will make sure to check out some galas (Amazon Falls at home!) and network a bit more than I did at previous years' VIFF. Granted its not as big as its Toronto counterpart, but its definitely one of the best film events in Canada. :)

www.javierbadillo.com - Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network