Waiting for TIFF

No one likes a lineup, but it’s difficult to get too crazy when you know you’re waiting to get TIFF tickets.

Business was brisk all day at The Festival Box Office in the concourse at 225 King St. W. but, thankfully, with the help of  polite crowd control, ticket distribution went smoothly. “This isn’t taking long at all,’’ said one woman who was reading a novel. “It’s no big deal.’’

Filmgoers line up for TIFF tickets/Paul Irish photo

TIFF officials wouldn’t comment on how many tickets were sold but people who work in the concourse said hundreds of people had probably visited the office during the day.

Jason Marcel, 35, originally from Niagara Falls but living in Toronto said this will be his 17th festival and this year he plans to take in about 45 to 50 flicks.

“Oh boy! ….. this is it!,’’ he said. “This is just an incredible time … it’s a total adventure.”

He said he and a group of friends watch the movies but that they don’t always go to the same shows. “We stream off and go to see what we really want to see.’’

The picture he really wants to catch is Shame, directed by Steve McQueen.

“It’s about a sex addict … that’s just so film festival.”

Pat Fairbairn, 24, originally from Kingston and now living in Toronto says it’s his third year at the festival but this year he’s going to avoid burnout.

“Last year I watched 15 and that was just a bit too much,” he said. “It’s a lot of time and it can get expensive.”

Christine Spence, 24, from London, said this will be her fifth festival and she waits for the it every year.

“I love the movies, I love the city, I love all the excitement,” she said. “I stay with friends I met at university and we just have a great time.’’

-Paul Irish