9 days, approximately 200 films, and a few bags of popcorn and Twizzlers later, and already we have reached the last Sunday of CIFF 2010. It's been a fantastic year full of pleasant surprises, bold and breathtaking filmmaking, and a real reason to be proud of Calgary's ever-expanding art scene. Buuut, let's not forget the fun's not over yet!
Tomorrow is another jam packed day of programming for the 11th annual festival, and I know I'm psyched for one more day of venue hopping. As a veteran film fester here are a few handy tips to making the most out of your last day to get your CIFF on.
1. Plan out your day in advance.
Personally, I'm prone to making an Excel spread sheets of movies I want to see, what time they're planning at and which venue. This way after a movie ends I'm not flustered and in a frenzy dashing off to catch the next film on my list. I realize not every film buff is quite as nerdy as I am, so just make sure you also choose movies with a bit of breathing room in between one another so you have time to debrief, stretch your legs, or grab a snack.
2. Stay Hydrated!
This advice is really applicable in daily life - not just during the film festival - but it's definitely worth mentioning nonetheless. You won't be as focussed and alert if your body is dehydrated so be sure to stop by the concession stand before or between movies. Planning to have a few snacks is always a good idea as well. Keeping your blood sugar ensures you'll be wide awake from the opening scene to the final fade out, and energetic enough to engage in some post-film discussion.
3. Spice Things Up
The Calgary International Film Festival is teeeeming with a variety of films from all different genres. Keep your energy up by mixing things up. Maybe after catching a film from the Canadian series you want to see a Global Film followed by a documentary. Also try to vary the venues too. The walk between theaters is a good way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs before sitting down in another uncomfortable movie theater seat for a couple hours.
4. Let the Credits Roll
Lots of people are quick to hop out of their seats and dash for the exit as soon as the final scene fades to black. Why not take some time to sit and truly absorb the content of the film you just saw, or discuss it with a friend? It's always neat to listen to another person's view on the same feature and compare how similar or different your thoughts were.
There you have it, a few tips straight from the film geek's mouth. Now get some sleep so you're ready for a full day of movies ahead. Happy festivaling! :)
