Stamina plays a big part. When you finally have some down time, you're so exhausted that going to your room is easier than going to another movie. Plus the festival adds another variable to the equation by often scheduling Canadian films at night, when you are most likely to have time to get to the theater. And while Canada has many fine filmmakers, I sort of resent the limited opportunity. Whining aside, this is, as always, a thrilling experience.
Most filmmakers are intelligent and articulate, and some are even nice.
Stars, however, are a more mercurial lot. I get to pick and choose who I want to talk to, and unless some young publicist decides I'm too far down the media food chain, I get to talk to talk to almost everybody. Their excitement was tangible and not a little contagious, and it really couldn't have happened to a nicer and more genuine set of folks. You can see a related Journal Sentinel story on the premiere elsewhere on this site. I'll check in again one more time.