WATCH: Moviegoer calls 911 over man using cell phone at TIFF screening. Cindy Pom reports.
TORONTO — A movie blogger irate about cellphone usage during a Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) screening called 911 to report the offense.
At a midnight screening Monday, FirstShowing.net blogger Alex Billington became increasingly annoyed by constant texting and emailing at a screening for press and film industry members. After first complaining to theatre managers, Billington took the extreme step of dialing the police.
Read more: Complete TIFF coverage
He said the emergency dispatcher laughed at his complaint, but Billington took to Twitter to vent his anger. He claimed to be concerned that the movie, the horror film The Sacrament, was being pirated, and that “drastic measures” were called for in restoring movie-going etiquette.
“I’m just trying to fight the good fight,” wrote Billington, “even if others don’t agree with my methods.”
This was clear on Twitter. Tim Burrows tweeted: “In event of another emergency at #TIFF13, like no butter on popcorn or too much ice in your pop, 416-808-2222, not 911. Better to have the non-emerg number for non-emerg things. 911 for life in danger.”
Tweeted David Bell: “People using phones during a movie is annoying. Calling 911 over it is utterly ridiculous/potentially *dangerous*.
On Tuesday morning, Billington issued a mea culpa via Twitter. “I overreacted made heat of moment gaffe, should’ve called police dpt. Full respect for responders, no intention to waste time. My mistake is my own lesson to learn. I contacted staff first for piracy, they did nothing. Attention should be on the policy, bigger issue.”
– with files by Global News
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