When I picked up my tickets this afternoon from the festival box office, I was yet again reminded of the sheer scope of this event. Dozens of volunteers were in a single room directing ticket holders, distributing tickets and responding to questions by those confused by all this procedure.

Such dedicated workers are needed to help run a film festival this size. More than 352 films are screening. 352. This, of course, makes seeing all of them impossible. It also makes seeing “all one wants to see” impossible. As such, there's no better way to spend time in line than talking to other attendees.

Scheduling must be a nightmare when trying to fit at least two viewings of each of these films into nine-and-a-half days. This year, my only opportunity to see a film I was very much looking forward to conflicted with my only opportunity to see another film I was very much looking forward to. But such is life and there’s not a whole lot that can be done about it.

Such size can be overwhelming. Yet is quite a sight to behold all the journalists, stars, filmmakers and fans coming together to celebrate film. And believe me when I say that truly does change the “overwhelming” sensation to a joyous one.