We have only three days to make our selections- which can be somewhat of a science when trying to coordinate multiple first-choice picks, second-choice picks and the timing of said picks to avoid scheduling conflicts.

In our selections, we always try to avoid films we predict will have a wide release, and always try to include at least one Canadian film.

Trevor (who receives the tickets for his birthday every year, and therefore, gets to make the film selections) has this uncanny ability to pick out award-winning films. For example, in 2004, 2005 and 2007 his selections won in the Best Canadian Feature Film category.

That being said, we have seen one or two that aren't worth mentioning- but even if we don't enjoy the film, we enjoy the experience. The excitement of seeing a film screen for what might be the very first time, and participating in a Q&A afterwards with directors and actors is certainly worth the price of admission.

And though we're not much for stargazing, it was quite memorable to stumble upon Frances McDormand and Christian Bale exiting their limo for the screening of Laurel Canyon in 2002.

What's even more exciting, however, is Brampton's presence at the festival.

In 2006, we saw the premiere of Everything's Gone Green, the first feature film penned by very Canadian writer Douglas Coupland. Cast in the lead role was Brampton's Paulo Costanzo (you would recognize him from the TV comedy series Joey or the teen comedy flick Road Trip). Imagine my delight when both Coupland and Costanzo were present at the film to field questions from the audience- Coupland being one of my favourite authors, and Costanzo coming from my home town.

Last year, Brampton's own rising star Michael Cera (from the TV series Arrested Development) created a huge buzz with his supporting role in festival heavyweight Juno (it was a runner-up for the TIFF People's Choice Award).

And, Brampton's presence at the festival is growing.

This year, for example, Cera returns with a lead role in Nick&Norah's Infinite Playlist, which will have its world premiere at TIFF.

As well, acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta, who's masterpiece Water opened the 2005 TIFF, will present her newest work, Heaven on Earth. The film, which is set in Brampton, looks at the oppression of women. It too will have its world premiere this year at TIFF.

And finally, Brampton's Renata Mohamed is one of a handful of emerging Canadian filmmakers selected to participate in the TIFF Talent Lab- a four-day intensive program offering artistic development opportunities. Past participants of the program include acclaimed directors Atom Egoyan, Daniel Lanois, Sarah Polley, and Kevin Spacey, as well as Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody.

So while it's true that TIFF is a snapshot of some of the most compelling and intriguing filmmaking from across the globe, there are many highlights of Brampton in the program. This is something, as Bramptonians, to be proud of.

As well, Brampton is one of a handful of communities that has this amazing cultural opportunity right in our backyard. We're a 30-minute drive away from films we would otherwise have very limited access to, if any at all.

So get out there and "festival" this year- you won't be sorry.

For details on or tickets to the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs Sept. 4 to 13, visit www.tiff08.ca.