The Festival of Colors is week long film and arts festival in Art Cafe Bar. Daily screenings, workshops, parties, and performances all to bring together this budding artist hub.

The Festival of Colors is concerned with growing its local community of creators in Prospect Heights, so locals who can show up for the festival will get preferred treatment. BUT THIS YEAR’S THEME IS “CIRCLING THE GLOBE FROM SPACE.”

http://www.festivalofcolors.org/

Currator Mike Fallek is a stop motion animator and is best friends with a ferret.

Interview with Mike Fallek:

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Mike Fallek: Our festival is focused on filmmakers meeting potential collaborators and future partners. We accept more films and screen on an ON DEMAND basis throughout the week. We focus on throwing amazing parties for filmmakers to meet new people. We all love watching films but festivals are for filmmakers and it’s hard to meet people when everyone has to be quiet in the dark.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?

Mike: I expect that it will be a year that helps filmmakers redefine how they want to use their resources. I hope we can provide the knowledge to show the modern independent filmmaker where to focus energy.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Mike: Good. A qualified film has to be good. I personally watch all of the hundreds of entries start to finish and talk personally to all accepted entrants. Because I want to be a fan of any work that comes my way.

Matthew: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

Mike: No films get a fair shake ever. Film is a game of emotions. Emotions aren’t fair. Most people, even despite any of their education, judge films on how they are feeling that day. We try to eliminate that human element from our festival. I’ll like your film even if it bums me out on a good day.

Matthew: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Mike: Bringing people together. I got this interview in an email. I haven’t met the question asker, but I feel connected to you. I am honored to get to be even more intimate and see the deepest thoughts of filmmakers from around the world. We milk this feeling of connection until there is nothing left. Meeting people is our passion.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Mike: This is our second year and it has exploded already.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Mike: By 2020, …Lasers? Lasers sound future-y

Matthew: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Mike: I’ve probably seen that clip about FBI copyright infringement a billion times. I love DVDs and special features. They don’t show the FBI warning in theaters. Running a festival is like the special features for every movie. I get to hear the backstories behind tons of films.

Matthew: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Mike: Editing make a film great.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

Mike: The festival in in Brooklyn, I think film is doing ok here ;P