Originally written: SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

"12 Years A Slave" kicked off today at 6pm (in fact it started almost an hour later) at Princess of Wales theatre. I got there around 5pm in the hopes of if not getting a ticket, but at least seeing Benedict Cumberbatch.

I was in the line. The weather was nice and much warmer compared to yesterday. The line was on John street, so once again I had no view of the red carpet. And the fans’ screams were deafened by some techno music playing at the venue right behind us.

The line was not moving by 6pm. I was told that there were about 110 people before me. The chances of getting in were estimated as 50/50.

By 6.30pm the line was moving pretty fast, I got my token (as well as two lovely ladies ahead of me) and we were told that Brad Pitt was inside, as well as Benedict (I was watching twitter and live feeds meanwhile, so I was aware of it), and we might actually see them.

Then we queued briefly before the entrance. The lovely TIFF lady in blue dress said that we were all very lucky, because the whole line was getting in! And there were about 50 people after me! Wow!

We rushed inside, got our tickets, and were walking up the stairs to the balcony, as we heard some fan screams outside. One of the girls ahead of me rushed to the window and moaned that it was Benedict. I didn’t see him outside the window and I was on my way up. :(

The film has started by the time I got into my seat, but I didn’t miss anything. It was around 7pm, I believe.

12 Years A Slave is a very powerful movie based on true story. The acting of every single one of the cast members was flawless. I am absolutely sure that this movie will be nominated for best actor, best actress and best movie and probably director as well.

It is a very moving story, quite graphic (not overly so though) sometimes. I kept my eyes covered at some violent parts (e.g., slaves were abused) - couldn’t really watch it. It was really vivid. Couple of funny parts. The audience reacted quite strongly to beatings and emotional moments. The funniest reaction was probably when Brad Pitt’s character said that he was not “from these lands” but from Canada. People clapped.

By the end of the movie a couple of ladies were sniffling behind me. I can totally understand it, because it was a very, very emotional scene.

The end of the movie was met by huge wave of applause. Then we applauded again after the credits. When the producer came into the stage there was a standing ovation. Then rest of the cast came out (except for Ben) and got their round of applause.

No idea why they call it Q&A though if there were only 2-3 quite boring and predictable questions and only a couple of people talked. Brad Pitt was there. I admit of not being his hugest fan (or any fan at all) and I was pretty far at the balcony, so I could barely see him. The only thing that I remember him saying is that if it was his last movie, he is fine with it, meaning that it is a great movie. (Sorry don’t really remember his exact words.) And the producer said they were not actors but artists. Which is really true.

Benedict was quite lovely in his role of Mister Ford. Period drama suit him. Thank goodness, he is one of the good guys. Somehow I was not really surprised, although I found it funny: Benedict and Brad - good guys, Michael Fassbender - a bad guy. No surprise here, eh? ;)

I am amazed at my luck of getting tickets to two very anticipated and hot premieres. I am a bit sad that I didn’t see Benedict. He didn’t stay for Q&A afterwards and he would not be in Toronto for August: Osage County premiere on Monday.

Probably that was my only chance to see the man (since he is not coming to Toronto for Crimson Peak shooting next year - but the fact that it is Hiddleston who steps into his shoes is quite extraordinary) but I am still more happy about getting in to see the movie.

Although next time I might do the opposite - stalk red carpet and watch movies later after world premiere. Because each gala ticket at TIFF costs $45. Ouch.

Tomorrow I plan to rush for Only Lovers Left Alive. Hopefully will get in with no problem, since it is not a gala. I have a ticket for gala opening for Don Hemingway on Sunday (although I am honestly not sure I want to see it). I will attempt to get a rush ticket for August: Osage County on Monday and Kill Your Darlings on Tuesday. I have a gala ticket for Cold Eyes next Friday and Violette (which is not a premiere) next Saturday.

Hopefully I will get to see all those too! Stay tuned! :D