by Larry Richman
July 3, 2008 5:20 PM

As we celebrate the Fourth of July it's also worth noting that the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival is exactly two months away. I've attended 30 film festivals since the start of 2006, but none as prestigious or breathtaking in scope as this one. I saw over 50 films there in 2006 and 2007, and many of my Top Picks from all festivals over the past few years (of over 300 in total) came from the Toronto lineup.

This year's festival runs from September 4-13 and is considered the top film festival in the Western Hemisphere, second in the world only to Cannes. Many films have their World or North American premieres there. Almost every major Academy Award winning film debuted at this festival. The total number of films typically totals over 350.

The excitement is building once again. The official site is up and running, and the following dates should be noted:

July 7
Box Office opens for Ticket Package purchases at 10:00am, Visa only.

July 14
Ticket Packages available for purchase by Visa, debit and cash.

July 15
Canadian film program information announced at 3:00pm.

July 23
Program information announced for Midnight Madness, Sprockets Family Zone, Wavelengths at 3:00pm.

August 19

* Complete film list by title available online as of 3:00pm.
* Gala and Visa Screening Room schedule available online at 3:00pm.

August 23
Premium tickets (Galas at Roy Thomson Hall, Visa Screening Room presentations at the Elgin Theatre) available as of 10:00am by Visa, debit and cash.

August 26

* Festival Box Office at Toronto Life Square opens; Program Book and Official Film Schedule available at 9:00am.
* Schedule information available online at 10:00am.

September 3

* All tickets onsale as of 7:00am.
* Festival Box Office at Roy Thomson Hall opens at 7:00am.