Every year since 2017, members of the Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club have had the opportunity to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Held annually in Toronto, Canada, TIFF has become one of the most beloved cinematic events in the world, universally regarded as an ideal platform for filmmakers to launch their careers and to premiere their new works.

The Festival has been described as the most important film festival in the world.

It is arguably the largest, most influential and most inclusive festival of its type.

Kallie Olear, Vice President of the Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club, says that with 37 Mercyhurst students and faculty attending, this year’s trip had the most Mercyhurst attendees since the trip’s introduction to Mercyhurst in 2017.

Students attended a variety of world premieres including films like “The Hustlers,” “Bad Education,” “A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood,” “The Personal History of David Copperfield” and more.

Those who attended TIFF expressed that the ability to see films before they have even come out in theaters, running into celebrities and experiencing the electric atmosphere of people from all
over the world who love movies is what makes the trip so special.

Kris Gossett, Ph.D., faculty advisor of the Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club, notes, “As a movie lover, TIFF is the best weekend I could ever hope for every year.”

“Just being in all of those film viewings and listening to the cast, directors and contributors to the movie was worth 10 times what I paid for the tickets,” Gossett said.

However, for Gossett, the best part of the trip is not those material aspects.

He says, “The most fun I have on this trip is being able to share what I love with students.”

If you are interested in attending TIFF 2020, contact the Mercyhurst Modern Cinema Club to reserve your spot.