Cops called by FirstShowing.net blogger Alex Billington over phone use in film at Toronto International Film Festival

A man has called the cops during a movie because of people texting and talking during the film. Source: Supplied

A MOVIE blogger irate about mobile phone usage during a Toronto International Film Festival screening called 911 to report the offence.

At a midnight screening on Monday, FirstShowing.net blogger Alex Billington became increasingly annoyed by constant texting and emailing at a screening for press and film industry members.

After first complaining to theatre managers, Mr Billington took the extreme step of dialing the police.

He said the emergency dispatcher laughed at his complaint, but Mr Billington took to Twitter to vent his anger.

He claimed to be concerned that the movie, the horror film The Sacrament, was being pirated, and that "drastic measures" were called for in restoring moviegoing etiquette.

"I'm just trying to fight the good fight," wrote Mr Billington, "even if others don't agree with my methods."