Toronto International Film Festival [2001]

Reports from the Festival

Intro - September 11th "For me, "it" will always be synonymous with the ringing of a cell phone (and by now, you should know damn well what I mean by "it") -- as if I don't have reason enough to hate these things going off in the middle of a movie... There was some urgent muttering, then silence after my row-mate bolted from the theatre. He returned to pantomime something to the others nearest the exit, then, they left. Then another phone went off..." [Read the full report] The TIFF's Reaction "Parties and red carpet Galas were cancelled, as were the Closing Night Party and annual Sunday Awards Luncheon. Interviews and press conferences would proceed on the terms of the respective filmmakers. It wasn't uncommon to see personalities like William H. Macy watching the live coverage on giant downtown Jumbotrons along with a panicked public..." [Read the full report] The Lighter Side of the Fest "In the time following the terrorist attacks and the official start of North American autumn, the dour celebrity telethon has been aired, David Letterman has resumed his Top Ten List, I've placed flowers outside the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue and have been sparring endlessly with too many misinformed countrymen who feel that the people of U.S. somehow "brought" this heinous assault upon themselves. Does that grant me license to attempt some levity, to tell of those festival moments before the attacks that weren't so funereal..?" [Read the full report] Final Thoughts "Screenings get moved, prints show up late, running times get misprinted, Q & A sessions drag on until the house is forced to cut the power. I'm good for about 25 feature-length films max before my eyes starve for light and my blood pools... I don't share "Lantana" director Ray Lawrence's assertion that "the horrors of terrorism should serve as a lesson to Hollywood and filmmakers to stop making violent movies". Well-intended sentiment in these terrible times, perhaps, but who in their right mind could possibly equate such horrific mass murder with a "lesson"..?" [Read the full report] TIFF 2001 Award Winners "The 2001 edition of The Toronto International Film Festival ended without fanfare. For the first time in the event's history, the Awards Luncheon was cancelled and instead, the winners announced via press release.." [Read the full report] "Le Fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain" Download desktop wallpaper featuring People's Choice award winner "Amelie from Montmartre" [Read the full report]

Reports by Robert L