The Kevin Smith Festival kicked off last night with a screening of Clerks, the film that launched the director's career. After the movie, Kevin Smith dropped in at the Bloor to answer question from a very animated audience.

Kevin Smith is an accomplished speaker. His festival appearance follows a two-night stint at Roy Thomson Hall, as part of a cross-country tour. Although Clerks is an indie classic and one of his most critically acclaimed films, I went for the Q&A/stand up "performance".

I was impressed by Kevin Smith's cult following (the show seemed to be sold out) and his ease at coming up with humorous stories. Whether he was answering questions about his early career, the movies he would like to make, or his shoes, it all sounded like clever dialogue from one of his films.

Smith has always been knowledgeable enough about Canada to come up with a few quick jokes about our country. Tonight was no exception - Walter Gretzky (Wayne's dad) was a running gag for the evening. In the second Q&A after the screening of Clerks II, someone asked Smith if he had the choice between living in New Jersey next to Wayne Gretzky or in Toronto next to Walter which would he choose? Smith hemmed and hawed and ultimately chose Jersey because, he figured, Walter would come to visit Wayne and the taxes are lower.

The festival continues tonight and Tuesday with Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, plus 30-minute Q&As with Mr. Smith after every screening.

The Kevin Smith Festival runs February 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Bloor Cinema. Photo by Chandra Menard.