WHAT A FEST!

It’s hard to describe the perfect film festival.

A blend of celluloid, celebrity and crystal keggers certainly produce the bulk of any cinematic sandwich. But what is it that makes one great? Location? Perhaps. Certainly frames the experience. Weather? Helps, but it dumped rain here for the first four days.

It’s the people. Always has been, always will be. Doesn’t matter where you are or how many shrimp you can stuff down your gullet. If the people tearing the tickets at the door aren’t welcoming, then you’re not welcome.

This is perhaps the greatest film festival in the world. It’s no surprise to me at all that they have attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond. Kate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Angelina Jolie. And that’s just the tip of one incredibly impressive list.

We all know of Sundance and Cannes. But those are not so much festivals anymore as they are spectacles. It’s almost like being raised in a small town and then walking into a Home Depot for the first time. Sure, it’s impressive, but it has no soul. This festival has so much soul. It’s the Barry White of film festivals. Incredible staff. Volunteers so professional and friendly, you actually want to help them. Great people. They really are the glue to this event.

That said, for the record.

Roger Durling, you have created something exceptional. Candace Schermerhorn, thank you for the privilege.

SBIFF? Recommended.