Town is abuzz.  The elementary school gymnasium and hockey rink have been transformed into state-of-the-art movie theatres. Show signs glow brightly throughout town and sleeping bags and lawn chairs cover every inch of grass in Elks Park (an open air cinema) once the sun goes down. These are all signs that the Telluride Film Festival has arrived.

Now in its 45th year, the Telluride Film Festival continues to draw a loyal following of cinephiles who truly appreciate the intimacy of a festival that focuses on the art of film. While attendees will not see glammed up stars striking a pose in beautiful gowns on the red carpet, they can often find them steps away enjoying a latte at a local coffee shop or casually discussing their latest film at one of the many free panel discussions in Elks Park. The Telluride Film Festival is different-laid back and intimate.

The long standing tradition of keeping the line up a secret until the day before the Festival creates quite a buzz about what films will show and of course what stars will be in town to represent their latest work. The line-up was officially announced yesterday prompting a multitude of excited conversations “Will Matthew McConaughey be in town for White Boy Rick?" "Will Robert Redford make an appearance for his role in The Old Mand & the Gun”? What about Hugh Jackman for The Front Runner?" There will be many celebrities in town this weekend but they are difficult to spot as they blend into the crowd and enjoy being a “regular” person for a few days.

No doubt, there will be some amazing films in the line-up. Astonishingly, for eight years in a row now, the film that went on to win the Oscar for best picture had either its world or North American premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, including the most recent winner, The Shape of Water.

For those who do not have a pass to the festival, there are many free events and screenings including nightly movies in the open-air Abel Gance cinema; noon seminars in Elk's Park and films at the Backlot. It is quite a treat and surprise to be able to be a part of such a renouned festival and have the opportunity to see some of Hollywood's biggest starts just yards away discussing their latest film in Elk's Park.

Drink lots of latte’s this weekend as you never know who you will bump into while standing in line at the coffee shop.