I feel very grateful to say that It is difficult to fully put into words what my experience at the Toronto International Film Festival was like. Upon arriving, it was evident that this was a unique experience, but as the week went on, it became so much more. Attending TIFF- and the 50th anniversary at that- for the first time, let alone any film festival, was something that will stick with me forever and I am certain that it will be something that I look back on as I get further in my career as a reminder of why I chose to do it.

Being immersed in an environment full of filmmakers, film lovers, creative people, and like-minded folks for a week even more so opened my eyes to what it really takes to make it in the industry. Sitting in Q&As after screenings, getting the unforgettable opportunity to speak one on one with ‘Obsession’ director Curry Barker, or just standing in rush lines or walking near to people who made it in the field gave me a new sense of hope about my career path. Film takes so much more than just talent. In hearing from people whose films made it into the festival, it’s about being passionate, and the courage to put your work in front of people. To just make the things you want to make. It was so helpful to approach the screenings from the mindset of what I can do to get my own work into the festival as well. In addition, I know now there is definitely job security in this industry; you just have to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better, challenge your creativity, and expand your limits.

Aside from the festival, Toronto itself was so lively. I loved exploring it during the day with my friends or going out to dinner and drinks with them at night. I also enjoyed wandering around alone some days, checking out independent coffee shops, or sitting in line for screenings. It was so nice to live in the moment, de-stress, and go-with-the-flow without handling any of my responsibilities from East Lansing. As someone who is constantly on-the-go, it reminded me how important it is to slow down. Even something as simple as the food being better, or the niceness of everyone I came across left a lasting impression on me.

One of the biggest takeaways, though, was the universality of film. I knew this somewhat already as someone who got to act in a silent film which made it into several festivals across the globe and Korean Broadcast TV, but watching movies in different languages further affirmed how storytelling transcends cultures and languages. There is a whole world of really great films people in the US miss because it doesn’t get distributed here. I got to see films in French, German, and Spanish which were visually phenomenal and with a good story.

After seeing eleven really spectacular films, mostly independent, attending four industry conferences, checking out so many new restaurants, and exploring Toronto for the first time, my love for film, this industry, and travel has grown even more. As someone who has been lucky enough to visit three other countries now, I can attest to the importance of being well-traveled, and I cannot speak highly enough of this program. I feel so grateful to have been able to go, especially in such a momentous year, and I cannot wait to attend next year’s festival.

• Name: Caitlyn Barbieri
• Status: Sophomore
• Major: Digital Storytelling
• Hometown: New Baltimore, Michigan
• Program: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)