26th Toronto International Film Festival Coverage: Day Eight

Our coverage of the 26th Toronto International Film Festival was cut short by the horrendous terrorist attacks on the United States.

After stopping screenings on Tuesday the 11th, the Festival decided to resume its public screenings but ended, rightly so, the “festive” elements like red carpet photo ops and parties. The press conferences were also cut back with many of the filmmakers deciding they couldn’t go forward.

It’s amazing how the mood changed on a dime. On the weekend we laughed along with Steve Martin. After Tuesday, we huddled around the TV in the press room watching the news. Even with the red carpet coverage canceled, we could have increased our coverage of the films themselves, but sitting in a darkened screening room just didn’t feel right.

As with all tragedies, the human spirit heals and normal life resumes. People will head to work, watch sitcoms, go to football games and line up for movies. Right now, we look for answers and loved ones and search for ways to diminish the threat of terrorism.

Once again, our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

If you’re reading this, please don’t forget to give blood if you can.