TIFF 2020: Why No TIFF Week?
Alright, there’s not going to be much beating around the bush for today. Last year, during the first year of Films Fatale’s existence, we went hog wild and celebrated the Toronto International Film Festival through and through, going on about our favourite places to eat in the area, the films we checked out, and more. However, that’s simply not going to happen this year. You can already put two and two together, but I’m going to clarify why TIFF Week 2020 isn’t being celebrated this year on Films Fatale.
Firstly, the obvious: COVID-19. The pandemic has drastically changed what the festival is going to be like, and much of the festival is digital. While some of it is still in person (with greatly reduced participant sizes, to allow for social distancing) and in drive-in theatres, TIFF has had to change a lot this time around; I’m grateful it’s even happening at all, considering that some other film festivals had to fold this year. Due to the accessibility of these works, that has already made that portion of being a journalist that reported on said festival more difficult.
Then, there’s some other hurdles. We’re well into our decades project, with our ‘70s and ‘60s lists finished (released early October and December respectively) and currently researching for our ‘50s list. Juggling that, other website deals, and the change in the festival just seems difficult. The very few screenings we may watch won’t add up to an entire week; not even close. This is just one of those years, and we’ve accepted that.
In accepting that, we’re allowing ourselves more time to work on building Films Fatale into something even bigger. Next year, when (hopefully) the world is able to celebrate public events and gatherings in a way like we used to, TIFF Week will happen again. For now, all I can say on behalf of Films Fatale is that we are thrilled that the festival is managing to continue forth with a huge amount of alterations to allow cinema to shine in 2020 wisely, healthily, and safely. It’s sad that we can’t party for our favourite film festival like we clearly planned on doing annually, but we’re going to just have to celebrate twice as hard next year.
Onwards and upwards, right? To those that are able to celebrate TIFF 2020 in any capacity, enjoy and stay safe!
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.