When Sandi Leung attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) red carpet for the first time in 2015, she found it exhilarating. With a little patience, she could snag selfies with stars like Eddie Redmayne and Kevin Bacon, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Fast forward to today, and that thrill is increasingly hard to replicate. Each year, Leung notices a troubling trend— the once-open spaces around the iconic red carpets are being overrun by corporate fan zones that are tricky to access and often require a purchase from sponsors.

"It’s much more complicated now compared to back then," Leung laments, commuting daily from Markham, Ontario, to catch glimpses of her favorite stars during the festival.

As TIFF gears up for its 50th edition, showcasing highly-anticipated premieres like Guillermo del Toro's take on "Frankenstein" and the latest installment of "Knives Out," fans worry they’ll need more than just luck to meet A-listers like Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson.

The festival, once hailed as a celebration accessible to the public, now bears the weight of corporate sponsorships, altering its dynamic. Veteran TIFF attendee Serena Tung reflects, "Every year brings new changes, and it often feels like chaos."

In response to fan concerns, TIFF’s vice-president of strategy, Judy Lung, maintains that the organization is focused on creating "unique, memorable opportunities" for audience engagement. However, many fans argue that these promises ring hollow as they face increased barriers.

The picturesque stretch from the blacked-out SUVs dropping off stars to the elegant Roy Thomson Hall, previously a haven for fans, is now clamored over by corporate booths— most notably by Rogers, TIFF's presenting sponsor.

Rogers is introducing a multi-level viewing area, predominantly for its customers, while offering limited rush-line access for the general public. For die-hard fans like Tung, proving her status as a wireless customer is a requirement to enjoy this revised experience.

Similarly, Royal Bank of Canada offers fans a chance to snag access to two carpets, but only if they sign up in advance, leaving non-customers in the dust. Those lucky enough to grab coveted spots in their booths are warned that these are first-come, first-served, causing frustration among eager fans.

As the elites of Hollywood glide past, some brands like Peroni have been trying to balance the scales by offering free entry and drinks to those willing to queue up outside their booths.

While fans grapple with the changing landscape, sociologist Paul Moore from Toronto Metropolitan University reminds them of the realities: "Nostalgia won’t keep the festival afloat. The financial landscape has changed, and sponsors play a crucial role in ensuring its survival."

To placate supporters, TIFF introduced fan zones at major venues. However, these sections have transformed from open spaces into barricaded enclosures requiring free wristband access that can lead to lengthy lines.

Earlier this year, TIFF switched to an online pass system via Ticketmaster for easier access, allowing fans to secure one pass per screening. However, concerns swirl about the potential for website crashes, bots, and resellers complicating the process.

Faced with these challenges, Leung and Tung have shifted their strategies, choosing to venture outside to find celebrities at parties, press conferences, and gifting suites, rather than solely relying on the ever-evolving red carpets. "It’s a game of location now," Leung admits.

Observers are left to wonder if TIFF can strike a balance between catering to corporate interests while keeping the festival accessible and enjoyable for everyday fans.