Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
Brian Hopson: The Lost Sanity Film festival gives attention and recognition to filmmakers who may not have the biggest of budgets, but they have an important story to share with the world. We promote them on our website, as well as bring them attention via local press here in NYC and we do our best to share films which really strike a chord with us to our friends in film distribution.
2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your upcoming festival?
We are a fun, professional and quirky festival all in one. You can expect to have a joyous time with other filmmakers and you may just walk out with one of our prestigious Golden Zombie Trophies !!!!
3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?
We are first and foremost looking for a great story. We have produced films ourselves so we understand you may have financial limitations in terms of film production, so give us something original, well written and with quality acting and there’s an excellent chance you will be invited to be part of our event !
4) Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?
Yes, we believe that certain festivals rely solely on a “big budget” look and as a result some independent gems can get lost in the shuffle. We review all films sent to us – our five judge panel promise that we watch the ENTIRE submission, not just a portion before making our decisions.
5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?
We saw a need to bring films to the New Jersey area, as well as help independent filmmakers gain some attention (and possibly land a distribution deal with some of our associates) . In a nutshell, we just love films and artists !!!!!!!!
6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?
It’s been wonderful, this will be our second film festival and we’ve already noticed a tremendous upward spike in submissions from just a year ago. We attribute this to being very honest with our feedback and running our festival with integrity ( plus our trophies are pretty badass if i do say so myself )
7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?
We see on limits to where this could go, we are already exploring multiple venues for upcoming festivals in the years ahead in NJ / New York and The Philadelphia area !
8) What film have you seen the most times in your life?
That would be a toss up between “THE SHINING” and “It’s A Wonderful Life”
9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?
A compelling story with engaging writing and actors who are so invested in the material that you forget they’re acting !
10) How is the film scene in your city?
In New York it’s wonderful….. we are just across the river in the Hoboken/Jersey City area and we are proud to say that it’s really growing rapidly. We are honored to bring great films to New Jersey !
Festival Reviews 
Reblogged this on WILDsound Festival.
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