TIFF 2005
Opening Night – September 8, 2005
ROM Movie Theatre

The rush line was not that bad so I finally got in.

Gilaneh was screened on the opening night of the TIFF 2005. The director, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, and the stunning leading lady, Fatemeh Motamed Aria (a.k.a. Simin) were also present for both pre and post film discussions.

The film reminded me so much of childhood memories. Not necessarily the pleasant memories. Gilaneh, the main character of the film is played beautifully by Motamed Aria. She indeed shined in this one. I was quite impressed by her acting and unlike some people didn’t think the film was slow at all.

Strongly recommended.

Andre is kicking some ass this year at the US Open. I did not watch it but apparently, the final set of the Agassi-Blake match was one of the most exciting ones in years! Specially the tiebreak in the fifth set. A breath taking one; playing out after 1 am NY time!

Nice Job Andre …

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today is the opening day of the Toronto International Film Festival 2005. Celebrities will be hitting the red carpet. Movie freaks will be lining up for hours. The Yorkville area will be all packed for the whole 10 days.

Gilaneh, an Iranian film by Rakhshan Bani-Etemad and Mohsen Abdolvahab will be screened tonight at the ROM. I am taking my chances and hopefully get my pass to see this one. Hope it wouldn’t rain as it is pouring now and hope to see you there!

More to come on the TIFF 2005 … Stay tuned …

Have you seen the new iPod nano? How cute is that? I wish I hadn’t bought mine so I could go for one of these cuties! It’s only .27 inch thin and comes in both 2GB and 4GB capacity. The good news for the photo freaks is that it also has full color display. These apple guys are killing me. You buy something from them and the next day they come up with something new and often smaller!

Catch you guys later!

My dad was, and still is, Elton John’s biggest fan; so I grew up with his music. Knew so many of his songs by heart when I was only 7! Last night I finally had the privilege to see this legend on stage at the ACC. A “Full-House” ACC. He truly rocked the whole night. Three bloody hours of a stunning and a jaw dropping performance with absolutely no break in between. The energy and the positive vibe stunned the whole audience. What a night! What a blast! I now can check him off from my “Must See” list with relief.

By the way, did you know that he wrote the song “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” with Ray Charles? He did indeed and it was written in Toronto!

Thought of the ones who are his fan and unfortunately couldn’t make it.

Much love …

Another short and simple update:

US Open is getting more exciting as Andre has gone to the quarter final. Sir Elton John will be hitting the ACC tomorrow night and I’m so going to see him. Killed myself with Yoga in the past few days. That’s almost all I did in the long weekend. My legs are killing me now but it feels the GREATEST. Watched the film “The 40 year old virgin“. It was hilarious. Liked this line: Do you know why you are gay? No, why? Cause you like Coldplay.” The CNN is on and I’m sad. People are dying in New Orleans everyday. It’s so CRUEL.

I’m getting ready for another week. A very busy one and the one before I fly. C’est tout.

Till Later…

Since when has Andre switched to Adidas? Am I being too out of date? Didn’t Nike treat him well? Did he want to catch up with David and Zinedine? Would he win the US Open this year?

Did I ask too many questions?

I just got back home from yoga which was quite relaxing after the busiest day at work. It was actually more like a body-flow session which made it more fun. Needed it badly! The problem is I’m so tired and I still took some work home so right after this, my mind will be again occupied with spreadsheets, reports, etc. Not good. Not good at all. Let’s not complain though. I’m happy and I’m convinced that no road is ever straight. Now listen to this:

“Our lives are inspired by the dreams we have from the earliest stages of our youth. When you combine passion and hard-work, then success is always possible. While no road is ever straight, dedication and persistence will always lead you to your dreams.” — Arte Moreno – Businessman

Life is beautiful. Keep smiling 🙂

Bisous

It was my third time seeing Tori on a big stage. It was an open door one so It was cool watching her with her piano under the rain with the biggest pint of beer ever! Yes, this time was only her and her piano with no band supporting her. Once again her music, her voice and the way she plays the piano fascinated me; made me feel over the moon. This is what is written on my new t-shirt:

“What you didn’t count on was another mother; A Mother Revolution” – Tori Amos

Thanks to Katy for her company and to my sis who introduced me to her music more than 10 years ago.

Better grab a coffee. I need some caffeine.

Catch you darlings later…

Did you know that TIFF is regarded as the second largest and most important film festival in the world after Cannes? It is indeed and it’s just around the corner.

I’m going away soon so it’s a pity that I couldn’t buy a film package this year. You’ll definitely see me in the “Q” for few of the good ones though! Many of the stars including the one and only, Morgan Freeman, will be attending the Festival this year. I’m still not sure how many Iranian films, if any, are going to be screened this year but will keep you posted.

I want to see what people saw and I want to feel like I felt before…

More to come on TIFF…

Nite.