A participant in the roller derby demonstration at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square in support of the film Whip It. (Timothy Neesam/CBC)

Watching women clobber each other on a circular track doesn't seem like a natural fit for TIFF. Then this year, the festival is showing Drew Barrymore's Whip It, about a young girl (Ellen Page) who abandons the life of beauty pageants to join a roller derby league.

On Sunday evening, a derby was in full effect at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square. Val Capone, of the Windy City Roller Girls, and Axles of Evil, of the LA Derby Dolls, taught a crowd of interested onlookers about blocks, pivots, jams and the necessity of wearing protective gear as members of the Toronto Roller Derby League demonstrated at an exhibition match.

(Timothy Neesam/CBC)

Members of the DVAS (Death Valley Assassins Squad, red) and the Bay City Bruisers (black) did battle on the track.

(Timothy Neesam/CBC)

Members of the Toronto Roller Derby League donned Whip It Hurl Scouts uniforms, circling the track and passing out paraphernalia prior to an appearance by the cast of Whip It.

(Timothy Neesam/CBC)

Director Drew Barrymore, left, introduces Whip It cast members, including Ellen Page, second left, before heading off down the street to the film's screening at the Elgin Theatre.

-- Timothy Neesam