Festival Interview

Movie Review of the short poetry film “Hammer”

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“Hammer” played at the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival, part of its October 2015 best of horror/thriller short films from around the word event. 

First off, watch the Poetry Film NOW:

Read Movie Review of HAMMER by Amanda Lomonaco:

While Hammer lacked a lot of the excitement and action that went along with the other films of the night, I still can’t deny how interesting the concept was. Like all experimental films, there will probably be a strong love/hate split between anyone who see sthis film, but I’ve always been a big proponent of experimental filmmaking.

Pushing the boundaries of any medium is incredibly important to highlighting and understanding its limitations, as well as helping us understand our own psyche. That might seem like a bit of a snobbish reason to justify experimental films, which can be pretty snobbish themselves sometimes, but its something many people don’t consider. Our reactions to new things can teach us a lot about ourselves, and about those around us, so it can be fun sometimes to give these films a try.

The poem that is narrated in Hammer is beautiful and original on its own; taking the perspective of a murder weapon as the narrator. The pictures that acompany the narration, superimposed, blurry, and dark, help emphasize the eeriness of the words. The closeups, forced perspective, and lack of clarity of the images also highlight the narrator’s perspective as an object, rather than a living thing. The merger between both mediums enhances both mediums equally, and puts you in an interesting space, both as an audience member, and as a listener, or reader.

Here is where I admit my massive bias; I am a Halloween freak. I love horror films, gore, SPFX make-up, dressing up, getting scared, gorging on candy, all of it. Naturally, I would always be more inclined to like this kind of film, regardless of the subject matter. Of course not ALL horror films pass the test, but the uniqueness of this one stood out to me. I wouldn’t recommend this film to everyone, but if you’re a fan of the gothic, Poe, melancholic style of horror, you’ll definitely appreciate this one.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK of HAMMER:

Interview with Katha Cato, Festival Director Queens World Film Festival

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Get to know the Queens World Film Festival. March 15-20 2016

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queens-World-Film-Festival/131152030233616

@queensworldfilm

http://www.queensworldfilmfestival.com

Matthew Toffolo interview Festival Director Katha Cato:

What is the goal of your film festival?

First and foremost: The films are the stars. Every decision is driven by what will result in the best screening possible. We are always asking ourselves: What is best for the filmmaker?  What is best for the film? What is best for the screening?

 We work to build a sustainable community around independent films; between the film lovers and the filmmakers. The festival is curated into thematic blocks that are marketed to appropriate audiences. At Q5 (March 17 – 22 2015) we had 43 blocks with a range of themes, hosted by QWFF moderators who facilitated talk backs.

 We are proud of the support and attendance of the international filmmakers from over 30 nations including Syria, France, Korea, UK and Russia. We are honored to introduce the local and international filmmakers to local press and NY industry professionals.  Each year we feature a block of Queens Filmmakers ensuring that filmmakers who live here are networking and growing together.

 The festival also draws attention to our other programs including the Young Filmmakers Program that puts media programs in a local school, our free Encore Screenings that extend the life of many of the festival films and the Old Spice Screening Series that produces free lunch time screenings for Senior Centers.

 It would be a shame not to mention that our submissions are open through Dec. 7, 2015.Go to our website and hit submit. We love hearing from filmmakers from all over the world and we currently have just shy of 500 submissions from 15 nations including Germany, Croatia, Ireland and Iran and we find it thrilling to be part of the conversation.

 How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2016 festival?

We learned from the experiences of our earlier years, but we have not changed so much. We remain focused on the films and continue to prioritize creating the best possible experience for everyone. Our commitment to make sure that the films look and sound just the way the filmmaker intended has only deepened and continues to drive us

 Our aesthetic has not changed, we are still interested in films that take a unique stand and present a unique perspective. We are even more interested in stories and films that push some boundaries, use new media, twist themes or mount a new genre.

 And we still love the filmmakers.

 How many films do you anticipate showcasing at your 2016 Film Festival?

We are thinking that it should be around 80 hours, which could be between 110 – 120 films.

We are locked into the Museum of the Moving Image, Ps 69 and the Secret Theatre with a total of 4 screens, so we have lots of options for the 6 days and we are going to be throwing some outrageous images up there.

Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2016 Festival?

 March 15 – Opening night at Museum of the Moving Image, with VIP reception for 2016 Spirit of Queens Honoree Director Melvin Van Peebles, other special guests and a sampling of films that let people know what to expect at the festival.

 March 16 Wednesday

Opening night at Secret Theatre and PS 69 with special Dinner and a Movie screenings. At MoMI we will screen Mr. Van PeeblesSweet-Sweetbacks-Baadasssss Song

 March 17, 18

Screens running at MoMI, PS 69 and Secret Theatre

 March 19

Closing night at MoMI with a special screening of Susan Seidelman’s Smithereens as part of our tribute to her and IndieCollect, followed by our 6th Annual Awards.

 March 20

Winner’s Circle screening of the Best of the Fest award winners at MoMI.

 Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2016 festival?

The themes that are emerging in reviewing this year’s submissions center on a concern felt around the world for the weakest among us, the disenfranchised, the marginalized. We have some films that represent some incredibly risky artistic choices. Admirable, really.

 The screening committee is reporting that we have risky films, some very lush films, some stark and jarring pieces and some very wonderful features from all over the world.

 Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Permanently housed within a complex that provides office and screening spaces alongside classrooms, production labs and low cost equipment rental services. Our ancillary programs serving youth, seniors and struggling filmmakers will be thriving and the annual Film Festival continuing to present films, lovingly paired and curated into events that are sure to engage our audiences.

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

It’s NYC and every borough in this city has a film culture, so it is very dynamic. There are big trucks and big shoots in every boroughs, there are gorilla filmmakers in every boroughs. …There are film schools, film clubs, film festivals, art houses, chains and everything in between. There are screenings somewhere every night.

 Now, remember, in Queens, we also have 2 huge film studios and 2 airports so our film community in this borough is thriving,

 Our screening events are well attended and we are grateful, because it is a noisy city and it is exciting to know that we are carving out a niche with a loyal fan base.

 What film have you seen the most in your life?

Paper Moon or Idiocracy 

Interview with Christian Pouligo, director of AVIFF Cannes Art Film Festival

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The AVIFF 2015 programme: http://art-film-festival.com/programme-2015/

Designed in 2008 as a contemporary art fair or all Art-galleries were only obliged to submit the works of Artists in visual art, “Art show Cannes” becomes the “AVIFF-Art Film Festival” in 2010 with an initial selection of movies authors assigned to Camillo Racana, “curator” for a “carte blanche” in Marrakech in 2010, during the 10th edition of the film festival in December and in 2011 in Cannes during the 64 edition of the film festival in May.

The “AVIFF-Art Film Festival” Cannes has since become one of the preferred places of promoting contemporary art in the field of video art film associated with a changing art market and a legendary film festival: the “Cannes Films Festival”

Artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Motomichi Nakamura, Rouzbeh Rashidi, Pacôme Thiellement & Thomas Bertay, André Senra, the Villemin brothers, Osorio Suarez, David Kagan, Majid Ma’soomi Rad, Shahar Marcus, Pascale Lafay, Lerato Shadi, Christy Walsh and recently Cayetana Vidal, David Law, Juan Carlos Zaldivar, Mahmood Nouraie , Simon Poole Andersson, Ines von Bonhorst, Hiresh Kheirabadi, Thomas Dorman § Ronnie Belcher………..have presented their art-video films in the AVIFF official selection at Cannes since 2011.

Matthew Toffolo interviews Christian Pouligo:

1) What is the goal of your film festival?

The AVIFF is promoting promoting video art internationally and around the world

The official selection of the AVIFF made in Cannes travel the world and is presented in contemporary arts centers, partner festivals and cultural institutions abroad (South Africa, China, Vietnam)
Every year new partners are envisaged (Lebanon, USA)

In 2014 the AVIFF has invited off official selection the Chinese artist Yang Zhenzhong videographer who came from Shanghai to present 7 video art works from his filmography and has received the “Special Jury Prize” for his career

This reinforces and legitimate the AVIFF in its international dimension

2) How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

The AVIFF became more specific over time more focused on the art cinema as the film.

The jury this year’s is composed of academics, researchers, writers and artists. The selection was this severe year with 27 films chosen from over 1800 films submitted

Also the AVIFF in partnership with the master office “Wepler Drouot” in Paris organizes each year an auction in Paris ( France ) of some films from the previous official selection of Cannes

From the promotion is now added the estimate of the works of authors and their estimation validated by an
auction

3) How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

We have 27 films in competition and 22 films in a program “jury”

In fact the jury this year 2015 has decided to do more, taking the risky initiative to propose himself fifteen films, out of competition, showing for some of the milestones of what would fall from his point of view of another cinema. (Raymond Bellour)

Time will tell if the message has been received.

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

For this very selective year will be awarded 3 Prize AVIFF Cannes 2015 and a special “jury prize” awarded unanimously. The trophies are original creations and are given to the authors at the festival closing on May 20 at 15.00. The Prize “special jury” which, without revealing it, tells the story of a well-known group of women activists, will be the date of our festival in 2015

5) Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

NO

6) Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

We received the official support of the city of Cannes this year and those of the University of Paris Sorbonne, CNRS and the Institut ACT. Our AVIFF festival has become a festival for Research and creativity ..

We expect to open the next call to artists with specific categories. One of which will have a category of student trained in schools and universities ensuring high levels of video art training in France and abroad.
Then our festival shall evolve according to new partners which will joining us this year in the field of Culture & Art

We passed the five first year and we now begin an easier time, cause we are known and exposed, but meantime very difficult for the same reasons.

7) What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Cannes is primarily a city of festivals and professional meetings. Over 17 per year

Cannes is also the place where takes place the most legendary film festival: the “Cannes Film Festival”
Maybe Cannes will become in 10 years as the privileged place of Video Art in France. We are working on this dream with the people of the City of Cannes and their representatives

8) What film have you seen the most in your life?

I love the cinema of Lynch, Wenders, Jarmusch ..

So as I look over 2,000 video art films by year I have to admit my love for this kind ..lucky me!

    * * * * *

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.

Interview with Marco Rosson, Voghera Film Festival

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The Voghera Film Festival wants to promote the knowledge and the spread of indipendent cinema, in all its shapes of art and entertainment, creating a new meeting point in the international filmmaking landscape.

http://www.vogherafilmfestival.com/

Matthew Toffolo interviews Artistic Director Marco Rosson:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Marco: Our goal is to create a new meeting spot for international independent cinema. Voghera is a small town, and we love the idea of creating an event which could involve everyone, from the young people to the adults.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Marco: In respect to the first two editions, we’ve added a new prize, dedicated to animation movies, because we were interested in this genre, and we would like to give prominence to it.

This year, we received almost the 30% more of submissions. Moreover, we have big late-breaking news: the Voghera Film Festival will take place at the multiplex The Space (one of the main trademarks in Italy), which counts 160 seats. It would be great if they weren’t enough!

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Marco: That depends, from time to time, on how may works we receive. We don’t have a fixed number of films that have to be chosen. The selection is perhaps the most difficult part of the whole process, but also the most interesting and exciting. We really like to show to our audience films that are diffcult to be seen otherwise.

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

Marco: I won’t say anything more than that we have high expectations of the animation section: we selected very interesting works we’ll sure the audience will enjoy.

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Marco: There won’t be an overall theme, as there wasn’t in the past editions. We want both the authors to feel free to tell us whatever story is in their mood, and the public to be prepared to see an unpredictable variety of films.

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

Marco: I really hope that Voghera Film Festival will turn out be one of the most important Indie festivals in Italy, with more than 3000 submissions per year. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can tell that we’re working hard to achieve this aim. So, fingers crossed! 😉

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

Marco: Not one of the best you could find, actually. There is no such big flow to the cinemas, especially in the last years, and many of the historical ones we used to have are closing.

We believe in cinema as an art, that has to be respected and carried on. This is what we try to do with our film festival, that we consider a way to give visibility and space to new ideas.

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

Marco: My favourite movie is Once upon a time in America by Sergio Leone. I’ve seen it a thousand times!

    * * * * *

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.

Interview with Jo Southwell, Henley Fringe & Film Festival

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Bringing Theatre and Film to you. Drama. Comedy. Stand-Up. Music. New Writing. Film

http://www.henleyfringe.org/

Matthew Toffolo interviews Festival Director Jo Southwell:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

JO: TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING TO AUDIENCES. GIVING THE FILMMAKER A PLATFORM.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

JO: YES IN 2015 WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON SHORT FILMS AS WE FOUND THAT FEATURE FILMS WERE MORE DIFFICULT TO JUDGE AND SCREEN

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

JO: WE SHOWCASE 10 HOURS WORTH OF FILMS

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

JO: ALREADY WE HAVE HAD SOME AWARD WINNING SUBMISSIONS, FILMS SCREENED AT CANNES AND SOME INTERESTING DYNAMIC DRAMAS

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

JO: THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT FOR OUR FESTIVAL IS THE STORY. WE EQUALLY SCORE TECHNICAL QUALITY, ACTING, CASTING AND ARTISTIC VISION BUT WE ARE INTERESTED IN A COMPELLING STORY IN ALL GENRES.

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

JO: WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE ANIMATION, COMEDY AND THE ABILITY TO NOT ONLY SCREEN FILMS BUT WORK WITH INDUSTRY TO CREATE LINKS FOR THE FILM MAKERS

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

JO: THERE ARE A LOT OF RESIDENT FILM MAKERS. ONE CINEMA BUT NOT A BIG FILM FEEL TO THE TOWN

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

JO: TOO MANY TO ANSWER – PROBABLY THE ORIGINAL STAR WARS TRILOGY AS I WROTE ABOUT MYTHOLOGY AND SCI FI FILM FOR MY DISSERTATION.

    * * * * *

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.

Michael Samstag, Festival Director, Film Score and the Scruffy City Film & Music Festival

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Film Score and the 2015 Scruffy City Film & Music Festival will be held April 28 – May 3, 2015.

A celebration of film and music, The Scruffy City Film & Music Festival (formerly the Knoxville Film & Music Festival) http://www.knoxvillefilms.com/festival411/

Matthew Toffolo interviews festival director Michael Samstag:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Michael: Our goal is to shine a bright light on the heart and soul of film—the songs and scores that really make films sing. Any film selected for the festival must have a stand out soundtrack or score, whether it’s a documentary or a narrative film.

The festival was created and is run by filmmakers and musicians so it’s our goal to showcase incredible films with great audiences. All of our screenings are in prime time or during the weekend to ensure the best audiences possible. We also work hard to show our visiting filmmakers, composers, and special guests what true Tennessee hospitality is all about, from accommodations, food and drinks, to our legendary TN Moonshine Gift Bags, we go the extra mile to ensure everyone has a great time.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Michael: Our festival is driven by change. We began as a simple 24 hour competition then evolved to a full blown film & music festival with 6-days of live music and incredible screenings. This year we’ve introduced two new competitions, our Music Composers Challenge that gives composers 5 trailers to score, and our Music Video Challenge, where filmmakers have six incredible tracks to choose from with which to create an incredible music video. The tracks have been submitted from national acts like the Black Lillies, The Features, and 10 Years, to name a few.

Next year we will be introducing a Trailer Challenge and the winning trailers will become the trailers for our Music Composers Challenge, and a Band Challenge, where the winning bands will have their tracks available for our Music Video Challenge.

Change or die, that should be our motto.

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Michael: Not enough. We don’t run multiple screens or screenings during the week days so we have a very limited amount of slots. Our Selection Committee is reviewing over 300 films of which approximately 5 features, and 35 shorts will be selected. We are so fortunate to have James McNally, from Shorts That Are Not Pants as our Director of Film Programming this year. He has done an amazing job recruiting films and overseeing the Selection Committee. Our final deadline is March 23rd, so we are in the midst of making really difficult choices.

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

Michael: We have only officially selected a hand full of films so far, among them “The Tunes Behind the Toons”, an amazing documentary featuring a veritable who’s who of award-winning composers (among them Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Richard Sherman) and other experts share their insights into the role of music in adding character into animation over the decades. Our first official selection was the beautiful music video, “The Lion” about the troubled and redemptive family history of singer/songwriter Benjamin Scheuer told using a pride of cardboard lions, and their friends. We’ll be announcing more films soon.

For festival goers, this year we will be offering free student screenings and Movie and Massage nights where audience members can grab a free chair massage and cuddle up with a therapy dog while watching the films. And of course, we have incredible craft beers, great food, and the best location in downtown Knoxville in the thick of Market Square.

Matthew: What are you most excited about for the 2015 festival?

Michael: Thanks to Film Freeway, our festival is thriving so we’re hoping to bring in as many filmmakers as possible. Beyind the music and the screenings, my favorite moments are sitting around the bar, talking shop with filmmakers, musicians, film lovers, and whomever happens to be part of the conversation. The festival staff goes the extra mile to make sure everyone has a great time. Filmmakers are the new rock stars, and we like to hang out with rock stars too.

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

Michael: Based on the films being submitted this year, I think it’s clear that we will become a hot spot for great music docs, music biopics, music videos, incredible animation, and films that really celebrate their sound track or score.

Beyond that, I think crowd sourcing, crowd screenings, and social media will continue to change the way we think about film, music, and festivals in general. I can’t wait to see how companies like Film Freeway will continue to impact the festival community. Connecting audiences to artists will become easier than ever before.

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

Michael: Knoxville is one of the largest producers of television in the United States so we have a very active group of filmmakers that range from hobbyists to seasoned full-time professionals. It’s also home of the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College so there’s a great mix of filmmakers, students, musicians and innovators. Knoxville is the original music city (before Nashville shrewdly out marketed us) and I think it will be incredible to see where Knoxville ends up in terms of media innovation.

In the mean time, it’s a great place to make film and music. We’ve got as much talent here as in Austin and a much prettier city.

Matthew: What advice would you have for emerging filmmakers and musicians?

Michael: Follow your heart, live with your parents. Find new ways to make ramen noodles taste delicious. Keep on, keeping on. You will find your audience one day and all the bullshit you had to shovel along the way will have been worthwhile.

    * * * * *

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.

Interview with Diane Adams, “On the Edge” Family Film Festival

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The “On the Edge” Family Film Festival will stimulate the creative talent of aspiring and professional filmmakers and provide a venue to express their voice through the cinematic arts. We will inspire and challenge the local community by providing films that enlighten, entertain and educate.

http://ontheedgefilm.org/

Next festival is January 28, 2016

Matthew Toffolo interviews Director Diane Adams:

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your recent 2015 festival?

Diane: We have seen more submissions in the last year.

Matthew: How many films did you showcase at your Film Festival?

Diane: We showcased 11 films.

Matthew: In one word, how would you describe the success of your recent festival?

Diane: Growing

Matthew: Was there an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Diane: Family Entertainment

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

Diane: Hopefully still around with some local submissions

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

Diane: Almost non-existent

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

Diane: Much Ado about Nothing

Matthew: Are you ready for the 2016 film festival?

Diane: Yes

Interview with Michele Baker, Crossroads Film Festival

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The 16th Annual Crossroads Film Festival is happening April 9-12, 2015 at Malco Grandview Theater in Madison, Mississippi, with parties and receptions around the Jackson Metro area. The festival features cash prizes for filmmakers, workshops, evening receptions and live music.

Crossroads Film Society was born out of vision of a small group of Mississippi filmmakers and enthusiasts wanting to celebrate the art of filmmaking by providing a venue to enjoy selected films and by providing opportunities for aspiring and established filmmakers to learn more about the craft. Patrons enjoy Crossroads events throughout the year, but Crossroads Film Festival is the headliner of the Society’s calendar. Film awards are chosen through a juried process. Films are selected from submissions coming from Mississippians and from filmmakers around the country and even beyond.

The Crossroads mantra is “Everyone has a story” and it spends its time and energy promoting and exploring some of the best stories.

http://www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com

Matthew Toffolo interviews Crossroads Film Festival Coordinator Michele Baker:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Michele: The goal of Crossroads Film Festival is simple: to promote and support Mississippi films and filmmakers, which includes bringing in films from throughout the country. Part of our mission is also to promote up and coming filmmakers, including female and minority filmmakers.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Michele: Crossroads Film Society began the annual film festival in 1999. In the beginning, the festival was a few film lovers coming together to see a couple of indie films. In the 16 years since then, it has grown to a four-day event showcasing hundreds of films from across the globe. Crossroads has grown and evolved to a marvelous mix of short films about politics, features about the Southern experience, wonderful animation including animated films by high-school-aged filmmakers, and much more. Each year we include a huge variety of films on every topic imaginable – from experimental silent films about kudzu, to making craft beer, to inspiring films about social justice, to stories about the LGBT community, to faith-based documentaries, and more. There are family-friendly and kid-friendly films, and we always show a widely distributed feature with a well-known cast.

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Michele: We received nearly 850 films this year (Thanks, FilmFreeway!) and are still selecting our films right now, but we anticipate showing about 75-85 films, including a Showcase of local music videos.

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

Michele: Well, it’s still in the works, but there will be an exceptional lineup. We have several international films that will screen together, and some wonderful films made by a young filmmaker from our Gulf Coast.

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Michele: Our theme this year is one we’ve embraced for several years now: “Everybody has a Story. What’s yours?” This year is also our 16th birthday.

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

Michele: Crossroads’ ultimate goal is to become more of a regional festival. Right now we’re well known in Mississippi and Louisiana, because we actively partner with festivals in those areas. But Crossroads has a venerable history which leads me to believe that expansion is the way to go.

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

Michele: Jackson and nearby Canton, Mississippi are both becoming more popular with filmmakers. As you know, Mississippi Film Office is the liaison to filmmakers hoping to shoot their masterpieces in our beautiful state. I can proudly say that Mississippi has one of the best financial incentives packages around, which, when combined with our hardworking and talented cast and crew members and our varied and beautiful landscape (not to mention our history), makes Mississippi an ideal place to film.

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

Michele: Personally, I like stories of all types that make me think. I like action films, romantic comedies, documentaries, experimental films… I like it all. As long as it tells a story, and the characters compel me to feel something, I’m going to like it. In that way, Crossroads Film Festival Coordinator is a dream job – I get to watch movies all day!

Interview with Ashley Berens, from the North By Midwest Micro-Budget Film Festival

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Matthew Toffolo Interviews Ashley Berens, Marketing & Promotion Specialist, Public Media Network
North By Midwest Micro-Budget Film Festival
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Out of the heart of the Midwest, the North By Midwest Micro-Budget Film Festival looked for films done on a shoe-string budget. Our categories included: Long Feature, Short Feature, Short Documentary/Profile, Animation, and an all-new challenge…MicroCam. Our budget restrictions were under 10K for Long Features and under 5K for other categories (not including equipment costs). With our whole new challenge of MicroCam, we wanted people to use their small devices (iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, GoPros – no DSLR’s allowed) and be able to edit them in their software of choice.

Website: nxmwfilm.org
Free Screening Event Day: May 16, 2015
Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Epic Center downtown

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Ashley: As a non-profit Community Media Center, Public Media Network has witnessed the talent and caliber of video production on a small budget. What we know is that you can do many things on your own, or with a small crew, and get a tremendous product – it’s in our DNA. We wanted to showcase media and films from everywhere (we’ve gone international!) that it doesn’t have to have a large Hollywood budget.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Ashley: The festival started out in Ann Arbor, Michigan as a Micro-Budget Film Festival. After losing their venue, we were asked if we could take the festival on. This year was a pilot project, and based on the enthusiastic response, we’ve been greenlighted for next year. Call for entries will be January 18 – February 19, 2016.

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Ashley: We are looking at screening roughly 36 films, selected from across the 5 categories.

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

Ashley: Your guess is as good as ours! We’ve recognized small film making niches in our area, and our hope is that the community will come to our free screening event on May 16, 2015 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Ashley: Recognizing talent, making connections and inspiring filmmakers that something amazing can be done with such a small budget.

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

Ashley: In 5 years, we hope to still be celebrating Micro-Budget talent. Since this is our first year, we hope to expand further year by year. Will the budget still be 5K and 10K? We don’t know…we may have to adjust for cost of living… 🙂

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

Ashley: There are many local colleges and universities that have film or media production programs. There are also many local groups that appreciate film – like one of our sponsors, the Kalamazoo Film Society. Media is huge in Michigan, and seeing as Kalamazoo is a mid-sized community, we wanted to have great prizes. In each category, 1st place receives $1,000, 2nd places receives $500, and 3rd place receives $100. We will have an awards ceremony on the day of the screening.

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

Ashley: Personally, I enjoy many types of films – documentaries being my favorite. But I have to say that Mean Girls is the best!