CIFF Countdown - 1.5 days to go...

As the temperatures in NEO continue to rise, so does the palpable anticipation ahead of the 36th Cleveland International Film Festival. This beauty is set to kick off this Thursday. The Opening Night Film, Nesting is directed by John Chuldenko and stars Todd Grinnell and Ali Hillis. Plan on sticking around after the film because there will be a plethora of food and drink at the Opening Night Gala. And thought the price tag may seem steep for the opening night festivities, it goes to a great cause, assuring another year of Film mayhem in Cleveland!... aaaand you can probably end up eating/drinking your money's worth anyway. So go do it!

So, now that you've decided you're going to the film festival multiple days for multiple films here's a list of tips and supplies you'll need to keep in mind and on hand. Print it. Check it. Double Check it. Trust me on the eye drops:

• Bottle(s) of Water, juice,etc. (Whiskey is heavily frowned upon tho)
• Ibuprofen - for minor aches and pains associated with extend film viewing or visits to Lizardville, The Velvet Tango Room or Great Lakes Brewing Company prior to film showings
• NOT Garlic.
• Pen and paper for note taking (if you're into that sort of thing.)
• Eyedrops - this should be an obvious one, but, much to my dismay, this had not occurred to me soon enough last year.
• NOT an "outside" voice.
• Film itinerary - take the time to plan ahead (not forgetting that you have to eat!) I use the film schedule in the Program Guide and highlight my Gotta/Gonna See films.
• Small snacks ALREADY REMOVED FROM THEIR NOISY WRAPPERS (put 'em in a plastic baggy) (check this genius out!)
• NOT babies - cute and.. uh.... reminiscent of life as they are, this is not where they want to be. Believe me; they told me.
• An extra jacket, sweater, or anything easy to carry that can be balled up for extra back support for those multiple-film days
• NOT weapons.
• Patience - Not everyone will be as silent as you or I would like.
• PLEASE don't wear excessive perfume, cologne, lotions or any other unnecessary scented ....stuff. It's super distracting to others even if your nostrils are immune.
• On that note: Gas-X ... because leaving your cellphone on vibrate and/or the "deafening ring" setting isn't the only way to ruin a filmgoers experience.