Student Name: Sonetta Duncan
Student Number: 210 994 168
Course: Film Art: An Introduction
Course Code: FILM 1400
Due Date: September 18th 2012

Unique Cinematic Experiences at Imogene, Yellow, Do Not Disturb and Artifact World Premiers at TIFF

Though I can’t say I have few exciting experiences, seeing the world premiers of Imogene, Yellow, Do Not Disturb, and Artifact were the cinematic experiences of a lifetime. I had been planning on going to see films at the Toronto International Film Festival for years as I have always been a lover of cinema and the cinematic experience of going to a film festival, especially one basically in my backyard, seemed too good to miss. I received a job with TIFF as a Box Office Supervisor during the festival and received 10 free tickets. I chose my films at my ticket window, which was an online process. This was quite a nerve-racking experience because after all your careful planning of choosing films that fit your schedule and interest, these films may not be available. I ended up getting the films of my choice; Imogene, Yellow, Do Not Disturb, and ABC's of Death, four of which were world premiers (ignoring the latter). Each film’s world premier was very unique from one another and offered a different cinematic experience.

The first world premier I attended was for Imogene. Imogene is a comedy starring Kristen Wiig, the quirky comedian and star of Bridesmaids. I originally had two tickets for the film but after my boyfriend and good friend could not attend, I went on my own (another first as I have never seen a film alone in the theatre previously). Upon arrival, I picked up my tickets at a–to my surprise–very empty box office. I then went to check out the red carpet in which I was hastily forced onward by every volunteer and staff member in sight. The experience at the red carpet wasn’t very encouraging but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my night. I continued my way through apprehensive staff, fervent volunteers, and bemused fans to find the line up. I began to follow it to the end, which seemed never-ending after the three blocks of walking. I later found out that the film had also been delayed. Once I finally arrived in the theatre after the entire three blocks of line ahead of me had also dispersed throughout, I was forced into the balcony. Being a stubborn individual who refuses to wear her glasses unless absolutely necessary, forgot my glasses and being forced into the balcony was not the greatest solution for a near-blind patron. Because I was a single individual, I was able to find a seat easier than most. Though I was still quite disappointed at the view, I was never the less excited. It wasn’t until everyone was settled and a TIFF programmer began the introduction that I recognized it was a world premier, which only added to my enthusiasm. The film itself was quite hilarious and very well written. After the film ended, the Q and A began. The screenwriter, Michelle Morgan, Kristen Wiig, and other actors were present. Because American Beauty is one of my favorite films, I was disappointed that Annette Bening was delayed and unable to attend. It was fantastic to be able to see the team that put a wonderful film together. I wish I had the opportunity to meet every production team after every film I ever saw for a personal Q and A. I always feel like I have so many questions after a screening. I am disappointed I didn’t ask any questions during any of the Q and As.
The second world premier I had the pleasure of seeing was Yellow, starring first time feature-film actress, Heather Wahlquist and new director, Nick Cassavete. This film was the only one I saw at Cineplex Young and Dundas (formally AMC) by the Eaton Centre. Every other film was viewed at Ryerson Theatre (which I was not particularly fond of). There was no red carpet outside the Cineplex and I believe the theatre was actually in a building with other stores. The line was informally done and was in a room that was