NYFF: Wrapping up the festival

The 51st New York Film Festival isn't over yet, with the world premiere of "Her" still to come. My time at the festival is sadly over though, but I have no regrets. I had a wonderful time at my first film festival. It was a welcome change to watch films with New York's cinephile community, in addition to the benefits of attending press screenings. I wouldn't hesitate to come back again.

To recap my experience, here are a few random thoughts and observations:

• Press conferences are awesome. It's an invaluable experience to hear from the filmmakers right after watching a film.
• Joaquin Phoenix is every bit as flippant as you'd expect.
• Steve McQueen is a very intelligent man. He gave the best press conference of the weekend.
• I had the pleasure of meeting fellow LAMB bloggers Shala Thomas and Max Covill. They're so cool!
• I also met THE Nathaniel Rogers and Michael Cusumano. They're cool too!
• Favourite film: 12 Years A Slave
• Favourite director: Steve McQueen, 12 Years A Slave
• Favourite performance: Paulina García, Gloria
• Favourite screenplay: Sebastián Lelio and Gonzalo Maza, Gloria

Here's how I'd rank the 8 films I saw(in order of preference):

12 Years A Slave
Gloria
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Le Week-End
The Immigrant
About Time
Abuse of Weakness
Bastards