We had the privilege of screening The U.S. vs. John Lennon last night at the Ryerson Theatre. We couldn't have asked for a more receptive audience, or a more exciting evening.

After spending nearly a year making a film, it's only human to wonder if anyone other than you and your team cares about it. In the car en route to the theatre, John Scheinfeld (we wrote, directed and produced together) and I had that opening night feeling of "this is it."

We had heard that there was considerable interest in the film, but we really didn't know what to expect. Rounding the corner to the theatre, we were greeted by a dream: a line of festival-goers waiting to get in, stretching as far as we could see.

Disbelief, followed by relief, followed by excitement.

We spotted our brilliant editor, Peter Lynch, on line with his parents. So glad that he could be in Toronto to share the spotlight, because his talent is as much on display in this film as anybody's. Couldn't have done it without you, Pete... a young man who is as brilliant as he is a good person.

Exiting the car, walking the red carpet, seeing my family (my parents, brothers, wife, cousin, and old and dear friend) and others who had come to support us made us feel welcome.

Standing before the paparazzi, with Yoko Ono Lennon between us, was surreal. We had anticipated this moment for so long, and now our dream was coming true. Once inside the theatre, we made our way to the stage for introductory remarks. Finally, it was time to see how the movie would play.

The reception to the film was perfect, as if it had been scripted. Rapt attention, laughter in all the right places, tension and tears. And then an overwhelming ovation. Thank you, Toronto filmgoers.

A few other random thoughts: the projection and picture quality were outstanding. We're now officially spoiled. And from the Q&A afterwards, it's clear to us that the film touched people exactly as we'd hoped.

Thank you for having us, thank you for your gracious praise, and most of all, thank you for welcoming John Lennon's ideals back into our lives.

David Leaf