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TIFF ticket buyers frustrated by website problems

Tickets for The Toronto International Film Festival went on sale Sunday morning, but those wishing to purchase tickets from TIFF online were left frustrated by a buggy website and not being informed of third-party sellers.

Lucy Todish, who has “been going to TIFF forever,” said the festival’s website has never been “very function-able” but hoped changes made this year would lead to some improvements.

“Literally when I went online, the links weren’t working and I ended up having to phone a live operator to buy my packages,” she said.

Todish was on hold for 39 minutes, and drove another 45 minutes to speak with somebody in person.

Her experience was mirrored by many who aired their frustrations on social media.

Todish was able to get her hands on some tickets but says the purchase was not perfect.

“I have my tickets, it’s a TIFF Choice so I don’t really have the movies that I wanted to see,” she said, adding that TIFF booked a screening just half an hour after another, which she says she can’t attend and has to give away the tickets.

When informed she could have bought tickets from third-party seller, Ticketmaster, Todish said she “had no idea” that was possible.

“It’s a little annoying, a little frustrating because I spent a lot of money,” she said.

Source: CBC