Want to sit next to Brad Pitt?

Cinemaphiles, film fans and movie go-ers join movie stars and the big guns of the film industry at these international film festivals, and it's easier than you think to get tickets to share the cinemas with them. World Reviewer gives you the know you need.

Whether youre an out and proud cinemaphile, afilm fan or a movie go-er, you cant have failed to notice theglamorous photos of film stars lounging casually on their yachts at Cannes, and thought Well that looks like a nice life, doesnt it..

Im sure they slog it out behind the scenes somewhere, under theharsh lights of the set, delving deep for the scripted emotionalresponse, as directors tear their hair out, scriptwriters cower andeditors, in their dark little rooms slowly go blind over a secondsworth of footage; but by the time the press and then the public get tothem their blood sweat and tears have been reduced to an Oh, he/she was an absolute pleasure to work with gush of poise and warmth all round. The international film festivalsare where some of the best performances have to take place, as in frontof the gnashing jaws of the press and public, the pressure is on andthe big guns make their decisions about what well be watching at ourlocal cinemas in the following year. For as well as an opportunity fora big love-in about how great everyone is, a film festival is also aplace to see the best new film making talent, ask somedifficult questions of some big names, and see some films which arentquite there yet, while hamming it up and swaning round town pretending youre the next big thing.

Each festival has its own angle. Cannes dazzles in the chic, sun bronzed glamour or the French Riviera, Toronto and Berlin showcase their own national industries, but with a global view, you love our films, well love yours, and Sundance,struggles to retain its edge as the promoter of new and documentarytalent, despite the encroaching fat wallets of Hollywood. If you cantget tickets for the big ones, Laplands Midnight Sun Film Festival,held over 120 consecutive hours in the height of summer, is one of thenew kids on the festival circuit, but quickly attracting a star studdedcrowd looking for the next big thing.

The London Film Festivaltreads the fine line between red carpet splendour and art houseintelligentsia, and is on in October, so there is still time to gettickets if youre inspired by the idea of sharing some popcorn with theicons of your screen.