Walking into the Varsity on the opening night of the festival was a hectic experience.

The Gala may have been at Roy Thomson Hall, but the substantial crowds in line to see the eight films kicking off the fest at the Varsity were abuzz with excitement and chatter. It was especially great to see so many people so excited about Canadian cinema. Even though it was competing with the Gala screening of Fugitive Pieces and the Canada First! opener Young People Fucking, Rafaël Ouellet's Le Cèdre penché garnered a large and enthusiastic audience, who were mesmerized by the film's subtle, lyrical approach to storytelling. The music-filled story of two estranged sisters brought together after their mother's death clearly moved the audience, who sighed and laughed in unison at the film's funny, quirky, charming and emotional moments.

Director Ouellet wasn't on hand to answer questions, but producer Denis Côté did his best to fill in, talking about the pair's DIY approach to filmmaking and unconventional narrative styles. Côté astounded the audience by telling us that the film was made for a mere $10,000. Let me be clear: the film is good regardless. The shoestring budget simply makes it a mind-bogglingly sophisticated accomplishment.

A woman behind me whispered to her seat mate "it's great to see a movie that doesn't have to rely on special effects to be compelling". I couldn't agree more! Check out the second screening of Le Cèdre penché on Saturday September 8 at 2:00pm at the Cumberland, and complement it by seeing Denis Côté's own directorial effort, Nos Vies Privées, premiering tonight, Friday September 8, at 8:45 at the Varsity.