The Film Buff

As soon as there is a nip in the air, the idea of venturing out for an ice cream cone sounds ridiculous. For most people, cold weather and a movie makes for a more pleasant afternoon.

But as soon as the mercury rises, an ice cream cone immediately overrides any film.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East has its customers figured out as along with a huge selection of movies, it has a wide variety of ice cream flavours.

The Film Buff on Queen Street East sends customers out with an obscure film and an ice cream cone. (photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“It keeps the business steady,” said Joe Reed, an employee at the Film Buff. “In the winter I’m recommending dozens of movies and in the summer I’m strengthening my right forearm serving ice cream.”

Reed kicking off the summer season with a scoop of ice cream. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

The Queen Street East location opened five years ago after much success at the owner’s first store in Roncesvalles.

“Even though we do rent out movies that made the Box Office, we are more known for our selection of artsy films,” said Reed.

Each wall houses films of the same genre. It just so happens that the artsy/indie wall runs the entire length of the store.

A wall of artsy films at the Film Buff. (Photo by Tatomme P. Flanagan)

“I just rented Beeswax,” said Paul, a customer who has been visiting this location since day one for its obscure movies.

During the weekends and the summer, the Film Buff acts as a community centre for the neighborhood as everyone from the ages of seven to 75 comes to talk movies and eat ice cream.

With a scoop of Crunchy Frog (mint chocolate chip with a Monty Python flare) in one hand and Beeswax in the other, Paul headed out for a night of sheer bliss.

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