TIFF on the cheap

In a matter of mere hours, a slew of top-tier celebs and Hollywood bold-name types will make their way into Toronto for the 34th film festival, sure to cause much neck strain in Yorkville's hobnobbing enclaves, mid-week lineups at swanky bars and general chaos on the other side of velvet ropes outside various movie theatres. But what about those who don't have the connections, cash or party-crashing chutzpah yet still want to enjoy the 10-day-long celebration of all things film?

Here's a look at some inexpensive and interesting events to round out your film fest experience and spare your wallet.

Zombie Walk

Canadians sure do love them some zombies and master of all things horror George A. Romero, himself a newly minted citizen of our great land, will be on-hand at Yonge-Dundas Square for a Zombie Walk inspired by his latest effort Survival of the Dead, screening at TIFF. Celebrating Romero's latest addition to the cult-horror canon he helped define, the 30-minute walk of Rigor Mortis-ed, undead souls will conclude with a free screening of his 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead.
(September 12, 6pm)

Suck Spotlight

Rob Stefaniuk, who wrote and starred as the titular non-Earthling in 2004's Phil the Alien is back this year with Suck. An unabashedly cheesy musical vampire comedy (they're so hot right now), it boasts cameos from the likes of Henry Rollins, Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and Moby and stars Jessica Paré, Canadian stalwart and "Kids in the Hall" alum Dave Foley and British baddie Malcolm McDowell. This should tide you over nicely until New Moon hits theatres in November.
(Y&D Square, September 11, 6pm)

Celeb spotting

I can personally attest to the rounded rocks across from Sassafraz Restaurant (100 Cumberland St.) being an ideal perch for star-gazing, having spotted Courtney Cox, her hubbie David Arquette and presumably their daughter Coco in a stroller, from my vantage point one afternoon. While in the tony Yorkville neighbourhood, be sure to grab a seat outside with an unobstructed view - it'll help you look nonchalant as you scan the streets for Clooney and Damon. And don't forget to take a walk along Bloor Street's upscale fashion district (think Holt's, Chanel, Prada, Hermes) and of course Whole Foods where you can hope to impress Natalie Portman with your exhaustive knowledge of organic produce.
(September 10-19: the duration of TIFF)

Whip It Spotlight

Paper-thin attempts at 'girl power' aside, Whip It, the latest Ellen Page-isn't-your-average-teenager flick promises to be a good time, what with ladies finding cathartic ways to express their joys, frustrations and tough-as-nails attitude amidst the sweaty confines of a roller rink. More importantly, who wouldn't want to catch a roller derby exhibition featuring local members of the Toronto Roller Derby League (um, we have one of those) AND stars of the film on a Sunday afternoon? If things get too quiet, amuse yourself by counting how many times star and director Drew Barrymore says 'magical'.
(Y&D Square, September 13, 4pm)

The Neil Young Trunk Show

Neil Young is a loved man: aging and neo-hippies have long adored him, the hipsters admire him as the grandfather of a prescient sound and likely even those still holding tight to grunge respect him, so this TIFF In Concert film, with appearances by director Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Rachel Getting Married) and a "spectacular" performer to replace Young since he withdrew from his expected appearance, promises to bring together an eclectic group of music and movie fans. Acoustic guitar jams are likely imminent so get a good seat because this one will probably fill up fast and no one wants to stand behind the guy with the dreads.
(Y&D Square, September 14, 8pm)

Future Projections

The world of cinema collides with visual arts as part of Future Projections, a programme of moving-image projects held throughout the city. Fiercely talented Canadian actor-writer-director Don McKellar screens Imaginary Lovers, his debut installation, a nod to the lonely world of travel that comes with the life of an artist alongside Isabella Rossellini's Green Porno: Scandalous Sea an intimate look at the coital habits of creatures of the sea. And legendary cinematographer Christopher Doyle brings together his hefty collection of video snippets - outtakes, camera tests, etc. - to create his piece, Picture Start.
(Various locations around the city)