What you need for your first Toronto International Film Festival
Everyone does a ‘what you need for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)’ list which covers the parties but now that I’ve finished TIFF and may have stood in my last line for the festival (maybe?), this is what I found the most useful:
An umbrella. Good for rain and shine. I used it in wet weather and when the sun was out and hot.
Sunshine and rain
Flat shoes help but inserts make the standing for two hours comfortable. Personally, I use airplus but use whatever inserts work for your feet. Blister covers. You’re walking and standing a lot. I got a sample of Elastoplast SOS Blister and that stuff is excellent. My heels have been blister-prone since I took out a chunk when I was 17. Yes, it was disgusting.
Pen and paper for when Cumberbatches appear in tuxes to sign things. Why yes, this is an excuse for me to post another picture.
Signing things in a tux.
Cold, hard cash to buy tickets, popcorn and drinks. Most theatres won’t take debit cards and people will be selling their tickets to people in the rush line. Snap those suckers up.
A fully-charged phone. See if you can bring a battery charger if you’re going to be out all day.
Something to read but something light. You don’t want to carry a big or heavy book or magazine in your bag for hours. Also, the aisles are small.
A sweater or cardigan. Layers.
A camera if you like star spotting. I say a camera instead of your phone’s camera because you may not be close to your star of choice. A camera can let you zoom in.
Something to tie your hair when it’s hot.
Sunblock (and a good moisturizer and lip balm)
Sunglasses
A small bottle of water or at least money to buy a small bottle of water.
Breath mints or gum because you will be eating and drinking.
Antacid because popcorn, coffee and junk food can do a number on your stomach. TUMS fresher (a new product) does both. Really useful and freshens your breath so two in one.
A basic knowledge of where all the public washrooms are. (Ask your line companions, most will know.)
A friend. If you’re not working the festival, it’s fun to see and discuss films with a friend. While Diane and I didn’t get to see all the films we hoped to see, we saw a good mix of studio, small and foreign films.
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