To see a good festival, go north young film fan

In some 30 years of film-festival attendance, I've had some enjoyable experiences. Watching films in a Greek Theater with Mount Etna erupting in the background. Sitting in front of then-married Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke in Park City's Eccles Theatre. Listening to Jafar Panahi discuss his confrontation with U.S. authorities just before watching his film "The Circle" at the New York Film Festival.

But when it comes to pure moviegoing, I've never enjoyed anything as much as the Vancouver International Film Festival. VIFF began its 2013 edition today, with movies showing at eight different venues. Over its run, which ends Oct. 11, VIFF is scheduled to screen 340 films from 70 countries.

You can get all the info you need by clicking here. If you want to see an overall look at the schedule, click here. For ticket-buying information, click here.

My wife and I are planning on attending the festival next weekend. Maybe we'll see you there.