2015 will mark inauguration of the 1st annual Global Revolution Film festival. The idea for the festival came about after founder and coordinator Jamal Blair had spent much of 2014 Promoting and screening his sci-fi feature “Forgotten Kingdom” at various festivals. During this time came in contact with other “fantasy” filmmakers, and through their discussions; he realized how very often Sci-fi and Fantasy films we’re not accepted into mainstream festivals.
Jamal decided to create a festival that would help give Sci-Fi and Fantasy filmmakers the recognition they deserved. The festival is slated to run Aug. 27-30:
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/RevolutionFilmFestival
http://tutmis.wix.com/revolutionfest
Matthew Toffolo interviews Jamal Blair:
Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?
Jamal: Originally I wanted to make a festival that promoted the sci-fi and fantasy films of women and Afro and Latino filmmakers.
Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?
Jamal: Right of the bat the festival took on it’s own life, The majority of the films we have received are not sci-fi based at all. A lot of the films are about struggle and injustice in one form or another; I guess the festivals title attracted a different audience then I originally had expected to cater to haha! But I am enjoying the change it’s organic so I’m not fighting it, I’m just letting the festival go in the direction that it naturally seems to be heading. the films that we have received are very powerful and emotional, some lash out against various wrongs in society; while others explore relationships between two people. Also we have received projects literally from all over the world. films from Australia, Taiwan, Iran, India, France, Canada, England, it has truly become a global festival oh yeah and new York has submitted a couple of films too.
Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?
Jamal: It’s going to be a juggling act, this being our first year we’re not looking to overdue things. but our aim is to show about 6 features and around 20 shorts.
Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2015 Festival?
Jamal: Oh just expect the unexpected! We want this thing to feel like mardi gras, it’s going to be a party it’s a celebration, all these artist have worked hard on their films this is our time to give them all a pat on the back and say great job! Nothing at this festival is going to be run of the mill, and I mean that down to the awards just wait till you see our gift for winner of “Best of the fest” all I can say is that the person is going to look like a true champ. And the closing night party is something you are not going to want to miss; you think they party at Sundance? well get ready!
Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?
Jamal: Unity, and that theme really picked itself. When you have films coming in from various corners of the globe and so many of them are speaking about the same issues troubling people everywhere. Unity is the answer.
Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?
Jamal: 5 years wow that’s tricky, I hope we keep growing. right now we are focusing on bringing attention to new artist, But in the near future I want to help them even more. By next years festival I want us to be able to offer some form of film distribution to festival winners, and the following year possible grants to filmmakers. so by year 5 that’s anyone’s guess.
Matthew: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?
Jamal: Whoa this answer may have a few people forming angry mobs after me haha! But to be honest this is new York, we’re looked at as a huge entertainment area, we’re home to some brilliant artists. But to be honest film wise things feel very stale, very dull and it’s time someone shook things up a little. you know we need that “Pulp fiction” or “400 blows” or “Do the right thing” for today, but I guess that’s not just a problem for New York cinema is it?
Matthew: What film have you seen the most in your life?
Jamal: You know I’m really not sure, there are so many films that I love and just keep watching and never get tired of, I cant tell you how many times I’ve seen “The Crow” or “To sir with love” two vastly different films but they’re both two of my all time favorites! Back when I was about 13 I’d probably seen the original “Ghostbusters” about 13 times so I really don’t know the answer to that question!
Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO
Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes, 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.
Go to http://www.wildsound.ca and submit your film, script, or story to the festival.
Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com and watch recent and past winning writing festival readings.