Blogger calls 911 over phone use at film screening

Toronto - A movie blogger irate about cellphone usage during a Toronto International Film Festival screening called 911 to report the offence.

At a midnight screening on Monday, FirstShowing.net blogger Alex Billington became increasingly annoyed by constant texting and e-mailing at a screening for press and film industry members. After first complaining to theatre managers, Billington took the extreme step of dialing the police.

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 film, the horror movie The Sacrament, was being pirated, and that "drastic measures" were called for in restoring moviegoing etiquette.

"I'm just trying to fight the good fight," wrote Billington, "even if others don't agree with my methods."

Just told by TIFF that industry have the RIGHT to blatantly use phones in the film. They will 'take my complaints' but nothing can be done.

— Alex Billington (@firstshowing) September 9, 2013

I cannot believe that TIFF is allowing this disregard for the integrity of cinema and letting disgusting industry ruin experiences. #TIFF13

— Alex Billington (@firstshowing) September 9, 2013

I'm trying to make a difference for the better, if that's so grating I'm sorry. Changes need to be made and drastic measures are called for.

— Alex Billington (@firstshowing) September 9, 2013