COMMFFEST mission statement: To advance education by raising the cultural, artistic and aesthetic expression of the community. And to advance the public’s appreciation of the arts through related artistic workshops and panel discussions, while promoting the works of filmmakers and artists alike.

The 2015 COMMFFEST (Community Film Festival) celebrates its 10th anniversary from September 23 to 30, screening in movie theatres and exhibition spaces, presented yearly by a group of dedicated volunteers. COMMFFEST a non-profit charitable corporation makes its home in one of Toronto’s most fast growing, economically diverse neighbourhood, Old Town Toronto, where many languages are spoken and where memorable films were made.

Go to the website and learn more about the upcoming 2015 festival: http://commffest.com/

Matthew Toffolo recently chatted with the Festival Director Sandie de freitas:

MT: What is the goal of your film festival?

Sandie: It‘s main objective is to bring communities together in a global cultural exchange under one or more venues to share in their differences and similarities educating them in their struggles and finding their common bonds through film and other artistic disciplines. A place where filmmakers can connect with their audience and network with their peers

MT: How has the festival changed since is began until now?

Sandie: The festival began with 20 films over a three day period from mostly Canada and has now grown into a week long event showcasing over 60 international films with panel discussions as well as a kids film fest attended by schools from across Toronto. It now includes an international art exhibition of renown painters, photographers, mixed media artists. and The festival has an award show called (MADA) the making a difference award presented at our filmmaker’s brunch to filmmakers whose work champions’ social good and community enrichment.

MT: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2015 Festival?

Sandie: Celebration of COMMFFEST’s first ten years combining film with art and music with panel discussions/forums with guest speakers. Special guest appearances TBA.

MT: Is there going to be a theme for the 2015 festival?

Sandie: The general theme of socially oriented cinema

MT: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Sandie: A world class media event that showcases socially relevant films alongside multiple panel discuss intertwined with art and music

MT: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Sandie: A very thriving mecca for film festivals and filmmakers

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

Sandie: The Color Purple

Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO

Matthew Toffolo is the current CEO of the WILDsound Film and Writing Festival . He had worked for the organization since its inception in 2007 serving as the Short Film Festival’s moderator during the Audience Feedback sessions.

Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes. Took over full reins of the WILDsound Festival in May 2013. From then to the end of 2014, he’s presented over 90 movies at the monthly FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto, plus has had over 60 screenplays and stories performed by professional actors at the bi-monthly Writing Festival.