Festival Interview

Submit to the Summershort Festival in Germany

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SUBMIT via FILMFREEWAY

The Summershort Festival – Summer Edition – is the first international Open Air Film Festival in Munich, Germany.

Interesting Feature Films, Shorts, Drinks, Asian Food, and a nice atmosphere is guarranteed. You can buy Tickets here on Filmfreeway. We are accepting Submissions EXCLUSIVELY within Filmfreeway.com (Preferred Festival).

The Festival will suggest the winning films with a professional jury.
The OFFICAL Selections will be 35 films from all categories, shown in our open air festival days. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winning in every category.

#PRIZES#
1st – Place (Gold Winning Award)
– 1000$ Coupon for Equipment Rental Service Partner
– free entry ticket for the next festival edition
– first place winning certificate, statue
– mentioned on website, social media
– interview on the next edition of SSFestival
– Q&A for the visitors at the festival
– contact for distribution of the film

2st – Place (Silver Winning Award)
– 500 $ Coupon for Equipment Rental Service Partner
– 50% off entry ticket for the next festival edition
– silver winning certificate
– mentioned on website, social media

3rd – Place (Winning Award)
– 250$ Coupon for Equipment Rental Service Partner
– 25% off entry ticket for the next festival edition
– winning certificate
– mentioned on website, social media

4th – SPECIAL MENTION PRIZE
(Chosen from all submissions)

– free ticket to next edition
– winning statue and certificate

summershort-1.jpg

Submit to the Thunderdance Film Festival

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Thunderdance film festival is a bi-annual event set in the heart of East London and the Dalston area. Winning films will be screened in local cinemas and followed by meet and greets/afterparties. Thunderdance is a festival for the ultimate in new wave London film culture.

  • ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE TAKEN THROUGH FILM FREEWAY
  • PLEASE CLICK ONE OF THE TWO BUTTONS BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM


  • THUNDERDANCE DARK FILM FESTIVAL (NOVEMBER 2018)

  • THUNDERDANCE FILM FESTIVAL (SUMMER 2019)

    • JUDGES:

    RUTGER HAUER
    Actor – Blade Runner, Hobo with a Shotgun.

    DAVID NUTTER
    Director – Game of Thrones, Band Of Brothers.

    BARRY WALDMAN
    Producer – ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ ‘Armageddon’ ‘Bad Boys II’.

    COLIN SALMON
    Actor – ‘James Bond’ ‘Resident Evil’ ‘Alien vs. Predator’.

    KATHY PHILLIPS
    Beauty Director of Conde Nast International.

    LEE HICKMAN
    Owner of Wizzo DOP representatives.

    ANDY MOROHAN
    Director – ‘Goal III’ ‘Highlander III’ ‘Guns N’ Roses: Bad Apples’ ‘Murder In Mind’.

    SUE TILLY
    Fashion and art world influencer.

    SHERIDEN THOMAS
    Global Executive Producer of Great Guns.

Interview with Festival Director Patrick Templin (Summershort Festival)

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The Summershort Festival – is the first international Open Air Film Festival in Munich, Germany.

Contact

1) What do you do for filmmakers?

Hi Matthew! Thanks for the interview. We are working together with partners who provide nice prizes for the submitting filmmakers. The winning movies will get big rewards. We don’t like prizes paid in the form of money, but we will give the filmmakers the chance to get direct contact to their new audience. Additionally to the rental service partner coupons , the winners will have the possibility to attend the next edition of SSFF for free and get a Q+A for with their fans. They can answer questions and come closer to the visitors. Also we will try to get a distribution and the winning movies will be mentioned on our websites / social media channels.

2) What do you expect when you attend your Festival ?

As we are a small event, compared to other big Festivals, we don’t want to talk about expectations. We want to celebrate movies again every year and i think this will be the most important thing for us. We will watch a lot of qualitative movies, eat tasty food and have fun together. Don’t expect too much, and take good and bad weather clothing with you. We will do it anyway 😉

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We don’t only choose our winning films by picking out the best “qualifying” films with our jury. Our jury is build up out of professional filmmakers who work in the film business since many years and have a lot of practical “hands on” experience. They will choose the best films by taking a lot of time, watching every movie, which was submitted. They will point out the best ones by viewing them out of many various angles. So everybody will have the chance to win at the SSFF.

4) Do you think that some films don’t get a fair shake from festivals, and why?

I think it is difficult to get a fair answer here. We have to look at both sides of the medal, so, I think its on the first hand difficult for the filmmakers, to submit every season, and make new content, the visitors of the festivals want to see. As I am also a filmmaker, I know this situation very well and it can be some times really hard. But on the other hand, I can also understand, that festival work is a difficult thing. There are so many good films, and if you can, you would screen every good submission of a season, but it is definitely impossible. So I think we have to be fair to both sides – festivals & filmmakers.

5) What motivates you and your team doing this festival?

Our motivation is to make a time possible, where hundreds of people can watch and discuss movies which are on the screen. We want everybody to have a good time with each other while eating delicious food and talking about the flicks which are running. We also love films, and for everybody who knows this, the motivation is clear. We do it for keeping the film business and the passion alive.

6) How has your submission process been?

We have a bunch of very nice films by now. But marketing is a difficult process, you know. We have partners which help us a lot, like companies who gave us their services for free (f.e. the UPMI) and so on. But we definitely need more support by our filmmakers. Everybody who wants to have us on the eye, should share the festival on his social media profiles and websites and so on. Reaching out to the community is a very hard process for a young and comparable small festival like us, but we hope that people like you (thanks Matthew 😉 ) will come to us and ask us questions and maybe help us to gain a much bigger community.

7) Where do you see the festival in 2023?

In 2023, we see the festival as one of the bigger ones, which people love because we take feedback seriously and always are trying to give a lifetime-experience to our visitors and filmmakers.

8) Which film did you see the most times in your life?

Definitely, The Matrix.

9) In one sentence: What makes a great film?

Serious? One sentence? 😀 okay!
– A great film has to be an enrichment for yourself. It’s the perfect combination of a good thrilling story and a perfect visual style.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

We love Germany very much. We have a big independent scene and community here and there are a lot of cool filmmakers, actors and companies. We also work together with many people from Austria and Switzerland and combined together this is a very small, but also a very lovely community regarding the film business.

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 Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with the Redline International Film Festival

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Founded as a passion project by indie filmmakers, Redline’s goal is to shine a light on the films and filmmakers that the mainstream media frequently overlook. As filmmakers ourselves, we have far too often seen quality films being turned away from festivals because they didn’t meet the proper mainstream “criteria”. We strongly believe that film-making is one of the most profound mediums through which art can be created, and should not have to adhere to conventional ideals in order to be celebrated. Which is why, through our monthly festival, we aim to promote those who create art through the medium of film and continue to push the envelope in artistic creation.

Contact

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

Redline: One of the things that we take the most pride in is giving as much value to filmmakers who submit as we possibly can. One of the things that we have seldom seen offered by other festivals & competitions, which we offer and believe is very helpful to filmmakers, is promotional reviews written by film critics for some of the winning films we select. As filmmakers ourselves, one of the most valued things we could ever get for one of our new short films is in-depth feedback. There is no greater feeling than hearing directly from someone who’s watched and dissected your film and came to the end having understood what you we’re trying to accomplish with it, and enjoying it in the process.

We also pride ourselves in leaving politics at the door. No film is off-limits when it comes to our selection process. A good film is a good film, whether it’s a tough-to-watch dramatic subject matter, or a fun crude comedy flick, all films are given a fair shot. Many times this leads to us selecting and showcasing films that sometimes get overlooked throughout the festival circuit purely based on subject matter alone. We offer a platform for ALL filmmakers who make quality films to be showcased and promoted without judgement.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

Our in person screenings are monthly, and are exclusively for those who have signed up and registered as jury members. For those members, they should expect a curated selection of some amazing short films from all around the globe! Our main focus is continue improving on quality as well as increasing value to filmmakers.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

In general, we accept films up to 25 minutes in length made within 18 months of the submission period. We accept live-action, documentary and animated shorts from all genres.

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

Absolutely. As we stated before, festivals and competitions are sometimes very political. Whether they are trying to appease to a certain audience, or they have sponsors they need to keep happy – many implications can cause a skew in the selection process. This causes films that may have more offensive or hard-to-watch subject matters to be passed over, regardless of the quality of film. We have always had the mantra that we select the best films, period. We don’t take into consideration what the mainstream media’s opinions would be, and we will never adjust selections to appease sponsors. We simply choose the best films, always.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

After years of us being on the submitting end of the process, we grew tired of festivals and competitions who either 1. Select nearly every submissions to fill their quota’s and keep filmmakers happy, rendering a selection worthless 2. Offer no value to the filmmakers submitting and 3. Selecting mostly mainstream type films to appease sponsors and a wide audience. We’re not trying to repeat ourselves too much here, but I think you can probably see a trend when it comes to our gripes with the traditional festival circuit. Essentially, we wanted a festival that represented our taste in films, that would choose obscure films that some may not enjoy, but clearly bring value to an audience who is willing to give them a chance. Bringing value to filmmakers that are like us, that have been in our situation, that’s what really keeps us going.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Fantastic. The service is simple to use, extremely responsive when you have an issue, and wonderfully designed. The only issue now is how popular it’s becoming – it’s getting more and more difficult to get promotional spots as more and more festivals flow in to use the platform – which makes sense as they are by far the best submission site we’ve seen, both on the submission and festival end.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

We hope to see it be a widely accepted stamp of quality. We want our laurel to represent filmmaking at its finest. Whether that means having massive screenings and events, or simply being a highly coveted award competition – that is yet to be decided. However, we do know that we want filmmakers to be proud of being selected by our team, and we hope to continue offering them as much value as we possibly can.

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

Titanic, and I have no shame in it. I mean, common, there’s nothing that beats a young Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet! And from historical perspective, it’s just a fantastic, eye-opening film that really puts you in that time and place and connects you to those people living through the disaster – wonderful film. Close second is definitely Schindler’s List though – my all-time favorite film.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one that moves it’s audience – one that strikes a personal chord and makes them feel deep emotion. I’m never happier than when I’m sitting and watching a film – a work of art created by the coming-together of so many talented hands – that makes me completely forget I’m watching a screen and completely transports me and captivates me into this crafted world. A great film takes you on a journey and makes you forget about all your troubles, even for a brief moment.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

For the most part, fantastic. Toronto has a great film scene with so many talented filmmakers, although it’s quite small. It’s common practice that when you make it “big” you leave for either New York or Los Angeles to pursue “bigger” and “better” things. Hopefully this mentality changes in the near future, as there are fantastically talented productions and people working in Toronto all the time whom could benefit greatly if the industry grew. Things like the Toronto International Film Festival are starting to put Toronto on the map more and more within the industry though, which is fantastic! We hope Redline IFF can contribute to growing the industry here as well.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director ToM Zarzecki (PLANET 9 FILM FEST)

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Planet 9 Film Festival is an independent festival that features unique & interesting films made by people from all over the world. The festival will take place in THREE cities this October! In Los Angeles, Detroit & Chicago.

Contact

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

So far I think the Planet 9 Fests are bringing together groups of interesting filmmakers from both local communities and from afar. It’s bringing together individuals who could consider themselves artists or filmmakers. It creates exposure for their work in person as well as on the web. A worthwhile experience hopefully to say the least.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your next festival?

I intend to attend all the festivals. As long as everyone is having a good time and getting a kick out of it and or learning from the screenings. We aim to keep unique filmmakers motivated at what they’re doing.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Originality, creativity and overall execution are foremost what matters to us. I’ve seen some amazing films made from trash and I’ve seen some trash made from high budgets as well as vice versa. Whether it’s experimental art house or a heroes journey narrative, if we vibe with it and it moves us in some way, it’s in. Of course there is also other aspects we love from music score, acting, directing, and sfx. Creativity and execution are the main factors.

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

Absolutely. That’s one of the main reasons we created the Planet 9 Film Festival. We feel that the main big festivals are too damn expensive and that million dollar budgets should not classify as independent really. We also have a love for some lofi DIY films that never seem to do well in many smaller festivals. PLUS I was growing annoyed at having my own films, which I thought were cool, being denied, so we decided we needed to create a festival that was for more obscure, wacky, outsider types of films.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

See above answer + it’s part of an artistic compulsion to a degree. I love the experience of going to see films at a theatre type of environment, which seems like a dying culture in terms of quality non big Hollywood films. It’s part of a lifestyle and trying to create a community for weirdos.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been great. The first year, I was surprised to have gotten as many submissions as we did and it was hard to keep up with them all, so this year we brought on some more help. It’s great.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

The growth, stability and more fun activities and such for the screenings would be great. Creating a larger audience and having more collaboration with filmmakers working together would be dope.

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

The Star Wars movies I’m sure. The Child’s Play films probably come pretty close too. Maybe Tim Burton’s Batman.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is made with passion, determination and has the viewer entranced.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

That’s a trick question, as I bounce around cities. Los Angeles is obviously still the major film capital of the world, where you have so many communities from it being a business for jobs, the corporate redundant crap that brainwashes people, to the anti-hollywood filmmakers who defy all convention for better and worse and then everyone in between. It’s vibrant, pure, tainted, and the scenery in the shots is over done.

Detroit, which is the area I’m from has a very small scene. I’ve been trying to encourage more filmmakers from Michigan to submit to the fest but, it being more of a hobby or artistic expression, I don’t think most of the filmmakers there even aspire or care to submit to fests. I feel like the best stuff is probably sitting on VHS tapes in someones basement, collecting mildew. It’s a city that’s had some of the most amazing art, music and overall creativity, but everyone is still very isolated from one another, so that’s one of my missions with the fest, I suppose.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Ronald Quigley (PITTSBURGH INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival is Pittsburgh’s own film festival for truly independent films, and a headline event for micro-budget films in the USA and world wide. PIIF offers a fantastic opportunity for undiscovered filmmakers to showcase their achievements, filmmakers who posses an independent vision and operate to create innovative work outside the studio system. Two recent winners of the festival have secured a distribution deal, as a result of entering our festival. Both our 2016 and 2018 winners are now in worldwide distribution. The Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival was founded by Ronald Quigley a Pittsburgh native who now lives and works as an  Actor / Director in Los Angeles.  Ronald, re-located from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles in April 2002.  He is the CEO of Last Act Entertainment a production company with several credits to it’s name.  Ronald acts as the Festival Director while our panel of judges are comprised of industry professionals from different fields within the film making community of Hollywood. The PIFF was created in 2010 and screened 48 films from around the world at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont PA,  a suburb of Pittsburgh.  Although the Hollywood worked well for the first year, Ronald felt a need for a venue that was more conducive to a film festival atmosphere. In 2013 the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival moved to The Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks. For the 2019 season the PIFF is being held at the newly remodeled Parkway Theater. Aaron Stubna has taken an old theater and turned it into a hip modern cafe screening room with a Restaurant and Bar integrated all together to make this one of the coolest places to have a Film festival I have ever seen. We hope to be here for many years to come.    Link   http://communityreelartscenter.org/

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

Ronald Quigley: The competition in the independent film world has become fierce, the quality of films has grown exponentially almost every year over the 9 years of our existence. We give an opportunity to filmmakers to screen their film on the big screen and perhaps secure distribution.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your next festival?

This year we have found a newly remodeled hip little theater in Pittsburgh The Parkway Theater. Aaron Stubna the owner, has taken an old theater and turned it into a hip modern cafe screening room with a Restaurant and Bar integrated all together to make this one of the coolest places to have a Film festival I have ever seen. We hope to be here for many years to come. In addition to our already one of a kind official submission plaque that is presented to every selected submission. We are the only festival in the world that does this.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The only qualification is that they be good. They must be shot on a very high level sound, picture and color all have to be great. I have said that you will be judged by your lowest common denominator not only by my festival but that holds true for your audience you wont be remembered as getting it pretty good your will be remembered as the film with bad sound or color whatever the worst part of your film is is what they remember.

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

I don’t know about any other festival but at our festival every film is reviewed very carefully.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The love of film. We are all filmmakers in one way or another. Our team is comprised of directors, producers, sound people, and just plain old filmmakers. We don’t make money from this the festival barely breaks even every year. We are a smaller festival because of where we are located,.but don’t get me wrong Pittsburgh is a great place to have a festival.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Filmfreeway is now our main portal for submissions we get most of our submissions through them. They have come on like gangbusters and have done everything for the better.I love Filmfreeway.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

That’s a good question. We have grown every year and now that we have a hip new venue I think we could have like a little Sundance where everyone can’t wait to come. Anyhow that’s my dream.

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

The Wizzard of OZ still to me the greatest film ever made. No one disagrees with me when I say that, but they may have a different favorite. I vever miss it when it comes on TV.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride you don’t think about anything else you are invested and engaged and you forget about the real world.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

Well that’s kind of a loaded question I live in Hollywood but my festival is in Pittsburgh. But the Pittsburgh film scene has been pretty vibrant Pittsburgh gets about 8 to 10 Major motion pictures a year made there.

These are multi -million dollar productions. Pittsburgh is a very cinematic city and many top rate filmmakers have no problem coming there to shoot 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Programmer Aaron Leventman (Santa Fe Film Festival)

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The initial idea for a Santa Fe Film Festival was first introduced in May, 1980 when Bill and Stella Pence, founders of Taos Talking Picture and Telluride Film festivals, started an event with a New Directors/New Film program, co-sponsored by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The Pences led a festival for four years, with such notable guests as Francis Ford Coppola, Charlton Heston, Sam Peckinpah, and Lillian Gish.  The current form of the Santa Fe Film Festival was inaugurated in 1999 as a nonprofit and began showing films in the year 2000. Festival awards varied over the years. Initial categories included: Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Feature, Best Native American, and Best Latino Film. By 2006 the awards became the Milagro Award (best American independent film), the Independent Spirit Award, and the Audience Award, Honorable Mention in the Creative Spirit Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.The Film Festival has now continued for 16 consecutive years. The special setting of the festival in the unique and historic City of Santa Fe allows filmmakers, journalists, industry leaders and audiences from around the world to gather together in celebration of film. The festival’s annual program includes curated selections of over 40 film programs including narrative and documentary features, shorts of all types, tributes to world-renowned film artists and industry professionals as well as a spotlight on local, New Mexican filmmakers and crew. Embracing the full spectrum of cinematic arts, the Santa Fe Film Festival extends beyond screenings in theaters to panels, workshops, art exhibitions and fabulous parties. Come experience the beauty of Santa Fe and join us for our upcoming celebration of cinematic arts.

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

Aaron Leventman: Our festival has provided an opportunity for filmmakers to screen their work for a film savvy audience of both locals and international attendees. There is also the opportunity to educate oneself on industry related topics with experts and celebrities at high-powered panels. They have the chance to make both industry and personal connections that in some cases has resulted in distribution deals and the development of new projects particularly for our festival award winners.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your next festival?

You will be able to see a variety of shorts, documentaries, and narrative films for both mainstream and underserved audiences in a beautiful southwestern environment with many great historic and cultural tourist attractions.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

They must tell a good story, whether fiction or documentary, with high quality filmmaking. Locally made films are also given special attention.

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

Sometimes a submitted film with a similar theme from a major release comes out in the same year. Those films are often not selected because festival programmers are afraid that they won’t have an audience. For example, the year the 12 Years a Slave came out, other films with a similar topic had a hard time getting into festivals.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I love the chance to showcase important works by lesser known artists and to provide additional opportunities for them. I also appreciate the chance to celebrate the life of seasoned filmmakers that have contributed to the industry for many decades.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We appreciate receiving submissions by both first time and famous filmmakers on FilmFreeway. We receive many shorts but would love to receive more features.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

We will have more international attention because of the increase in popularity of the community of Santa Fe. Cross promotion with other film festivals will result in more recognition. I think we will receive more sponsors from major companies because of the increased interest in our film industry which will allow us to show more major titles and be able to bring in more filmmakers to present their work from around the world.

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

Annie Hall

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Good structure, a well paced narrative, relatable themes, identifable characters, and strong visual storytelling makes a great film.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

We have a thriving film and TV industry where many Netflix and other major networks are shooting in New Mexico in additional to Hollywood films, independent features, and shorts. Local theatres are committed to showing both commercial and foreign cinema supported by our diverse audiences.

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  Bio for Head of Programming, Aaron Leventman

Aaron Leventman was previously the producer of the Bioneers Moving Image Festival, part of the Bioneers Conference. and previously worked for the Sundance Film Festival. Most recently, he was the Director of Programming for Santa Fe Film Festival and the premiere event of the Albuquerque Film and Media Experience. Aaron has also given presentations with the Popular Culture Association Conferences around the country and has been on the awards jury for the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City, CA. He has an M.F.A. from Columbia University’s film program, and is an actor who has appeared in many feature films, shorts, commercials, and industrials as well as theatrical productions in Santa Fe, San Francisco, Boston, and Provincetown, MA. He is also a published playwright (https://tinyurl.com/y9btfqen) whose works have been performed all over the U.S., most recently in New York City. Aaron is currently a writing coach and film and acting instructor at the Santa Fe Community College and Renesan for Lifelong Learning.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Ivan Sosnin (Unknown Film Festival)

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UNKNOWN FILM FESTIVAL is the best platform for amateur filmmakers around the world that provides a stage for short films, animations, visual arts and any variations of branded content. The mission of the UFF is to discover the most innovative independent filmmakers and to make them known all over the world. At the UFF, we focus on the film. 

The aim of the UFF is to discover new talents and possibly create further opportunities for them in the Russian and international filmmaking industry. It is the time when young filmmakers can speak to the world and share their works.
The film festival is organized by the Red Pepper Creative- an advertising company that is existing in the Russian advertising and film industry for more than 10 years. Red Pepper already has numerous works that won awards in big international festivals. Red Pepper is known as one of the most creative agencies in Russia nowadays.

Website: http://unknownfilmfestival.com/main
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unknownfilmfestivalrussia/?ref=bookmarks 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unknownfilmfestival/

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

Ivan Sosnin: We present works of young and unknown filmmakers to Russian citizens and to the whole world. Some of the finalists will win grants for filming their new projects. Our festival is a great opportunity to declare about yourself. 

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)? 

This is the first year for the festival, so we want to make it as loud as possible. We want to have much more applicants next year. For this year the event itself will be very compact and convenient for all participants, it will include award ceremony, concerts, lectures. We are sure that it will be amazing. We hope that many people will come to Russia and will be under a great impression afterwards. 

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?  

We selected films whose quality meets world standards. Ideas and scripts should also be international, they should be understood anywhere in the world. It is very important that a film does not make people bored because it’s a short meter.  

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

Yes, we think so. Many festivals are limited to an online-judging without any ceremonies and awards. Festival is a huge event for every filmmaker. We don’t want to make an event that is just passed-by. 

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?  

We want to develop the film industry in our country, want to develop young filmmakers. And we also want to tell about Ekaterinburg to the whole world.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?  

FilmFreeway is a great platform, very use-friendly. Thanks to it, we received a large number of works of a high quality. This platform unites all lovers of cinematography around the world. 

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023? 

We see that Unknown Film Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Russia where participants come from all over the world. We dream that all participants and finalists arrive to the ceremony

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

Lala Land 

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film? 

Great film is a film that makes an impression on all people, despite their age, nationality and social status. 

10) How is the film scene in your city?

Filmmaking is actively developing in Ekaterinburg. People already gave up an idea of chasing Moscow and are looking for authentic locations and alternative cities for their shootings. Ekaterinburg could offer a lot of things to filmmakers. 

 

 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Olivia Carmel (COPPER MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Copper Mountain Film Festival is hosted at the Copper Mountain Resort and sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing Company and the Denver Filmmakers Collective. The film festival coincides with the Attack of the Big Beers on the weekend of June 22 – 24, 2018. Beer and food sampling starts at 11:00 AM and concludes at 5:00 PM. All accepted filmmakers will be granted tickets to attend the Attack of the Big Beers festival. Throughout the day there will be screenplay workshops, featured speaking panels,

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

Olivia Carmel: We are in our infancy as a film festival since this is only our second year. That said, it is truly an independently-run festival by filmmakers and film-lovers. I think what sets us apart is that anyone involved now is directly helping to shape the future of this festival. It is a film festival by and for independent, low-budget filmmakers. Since we are working industry professionals ourselves, we understand what our submitters go through in making their films and what it means to have an audience for your project. We also understand what sort of benefits are appealing to filmmakers and our award winners, for example, will receive subscriptions and tools filmmakers use each and every day. We selected these as awards specifically because we use them ourselves. We hope to continue to grow in order to provide even more benefits as years go on.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

We are partnered with the Attack of the Big Beers’ festival, which takes place during the day and transitions to our films in the evening. All accepted filmmakers and screenwriters will be given tickets to sample the craft beers. Those tickets not only get you beer and food at the festival itself, but at select restaurants and vendors in the area. We are also offering networking opportunities in the form of an Opening Night Party and a Filmmaker Happy Hour. Additionally, all screenwriters who have submitted to the Screenplay Contest will receive written feedback as well as the opportunity to meet one-on-one with our writing coaches. We are also following up with screenings in Denver of the award-winners so select filmmakers will not only get an audience in Copper but also in Denver. Finally, our festival is in beautiful Colorado in the center of a ski resort town. It may take place during the summer, but the beauty of the mountain landscape is everlasting. There are hiking trails and hot springs to enjoy nearby.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

At this time, we have categories for short films, feature films, and screenplays. We look at the writing, performances, cinematography, sound design, editing, pacing, and overall craft and uniqueness of every film. Frankly, we are looking to program the best and most enjoyable films. That said, since our festival is still young, we only have a weekend to showcase two shorts blocks and two to three feature films so the number of accepted films is limited and thus, competitive.

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

I’ve attended a lot of larger festivals and frequent the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. It’s a wonderful festival and an experience like no other due to its sheer size and notoriety; however, it has changed over the years. There’s no question about that. Many independent, not-yet-discovered filmmakers working on low-to-no budget projects (out of necessity) have trouble standing apart from the mass amount of submissions. In a lot of ways, you have to already be on their radar. That said, with the straight-to-Netflix model of content consumption and more platforms jumping on original content – including YouTube and most recently, MoviePass – most, if not all, movies to screen at these larger festivals get the opportunity to sell and seen in wide release. This is an exciting time! I can’t stress that enough. But there are smaller festivals and platforms stepping up to fill the gap and most of these festivals, ourselves included, have taken a page out of the Slamdance Film Festival guidebook. Slamdance is run by filmmakers for filmmakers and was started by “Sundance rejects” on the cusp of Sundance becoming more mainstream and less independent at heart. Slamdance is for the rebel-heart. It’s for the filmmaker who wants to stomp to the beat of their own drum and make films their way, no matter the budget. This is a style and an art that shouldn’t be left behind. We hope to emulate festivals like Slamdance and work to support the truly indie, low-budget artists waiting to be discovered.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

In part, it comes from submitting to and attending film festivals. There’s an indescribable energy when you’re at a film festival meeting new creators and industry game-changers. Every festival I’ve attended, I’ve learned valuable lessons, met inspiring artists, and most of all, been reinvigorated with creativity and energy to create. I want to build a space for others to feel this. It also comes from a love of that form of independent, get-your-hands-dirty, belly-full-of-Redvines, low-budget filmmaking where no one really knows who else will see your film but in the moment of creation, that doesn’t really matter because you’re building a family. I want to give those filmmakers an audience and the tools to keep on creating.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

I hadn’t used FilmFreeway prior to this year’s festival and I’ll be using them from now on. It’s an easy tool to use and to navigate, their support system is helpful and concise, they provide a wealth of resources, and it’s incredibly easy to communicate with your judges, submitters, and staff. I can’t speak more highly of FilmFreeway. I originally thought since we were such a young festival and hadn’t done much marketing outside our state that we wouldn’t get many submissions. We received many more than expected – from all over the world! It’s been exciting and reminds us why we want to continue to grow this festival.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

I see us having grown to add more days and more screening times. We’re able to provide travel and lodging stipends from out-of-state filmmakers. During the festival, there are more networking and celebratory events added for filmmakers and festival attendees alike to round out the experience. We’re following up the festival with a tour of the award-winning films. The awards include cash prizes and we have a grant program for diverse and rising voices in film.

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

I don’t rewatch many films because I like to experience as much as I can but I’ve seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off a lot. I used to come home from school and watch it on a little TV on the floor of my bedroom. I had it on good ol’ VHS. I’ve also rewatched Top of the Lake (season 1) by Jane Campion many times. It’s one of the most well-crafted pieces of filmmaking and frankly, art I’ve seen in recent years. I could go on about every detail of it. It’s truly beautiful. I also had the unique experience of watching the entire series over the course of an entire day at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. This was the first festival “binge-watching” experience and the cast, crew, and Jane Campion herself were all present the entire time. It was amazing and I think that added to the experience of it as a whole.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is made with passion.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

I’m based in Denver, Colorado. It’s a very creative city on a whole where people are excited to collaborate. We’ve had a number of Netflix, feature films, and nonscripted projects come to work in the area. We’re still earning our step to the ‘next level’ but things are happening.. There are award-winning filmmakers who have chosen Colorado as their home, and notable festivals like Telluride Film Festival and Denver Starz, talented production companies, and discussion of building a ‘studio city’ on the outskirts of Denver soon. If we keep bringing filmmakers here, we’ll continue to grow.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Alecs Nastoiu (SHORT TO THE POINT (STTP) )

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SHORT TO THE POINT (STTP) is an international network of distribution, broadcast and promotion of short films. Since 2009, SHORT TO THE POINT has gone through several steps and right now it has gathered some awesome projects under its umbrella.

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

Alecs Nastoiu: The most important thing I guess is that we screen films every month. The classic annual festivals usually screen few shorts, one time per year. And the next important thing is that we screen short films in unconventional spaces like pubs, bars, museums, theatres or terraces. We try to bring short films to the audience, not the audience to cinemas. And another good thing is that we screen short films simultaneous in over 30 cities from Romania and Moldova. And very soon we will start doing this all over the world.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

We are a monthly festival, with monthly awards and screenings. But we have an annual event as well. Each year we change the host city. This year we will organize the annual edition of the festival in Bacau, Romania at the end of July. We are screening all winner films of the monthly awards editions from past year. So we offer the opportunity to the filmmakers to discover new cities each year and to meet with filmmakers from all over the world. Every time we have new audience, and new locations. So I think the experience of Short to the Point Film Festival is continuous and you will never get enough of it.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We accept any kind of short films in our festival. We have a lot of categories. And each category has it’s own selections and winners. So the qualifications are different from category to category. But our jury is looking for good stories and good filmmaking all the way.

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

There are a lot of film festivals in the world so I think each film has its opportunity to make it to the big screen. It’s all about filmmakers. They have to know where to submit their films.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

First of all we are filmmakers. So we like films. And Short to the Point offer us the opportunity to meet people from industry, to find good ideas that maybe will inspire us in the future and of course to understand what is the trend in cinematography at the moment.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

In my opinion FilmFreeway is the best thing in film festival industry that has happened in last 3 years. It’s the best film submission platform on the market. It’s easy to use and it has a lot of options that makes our job as a festival much more easier.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

In 2023 Short to the Point will have screenings in unconventional spaces all over the world.

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

Because I edit my first feature length movie (Billion Star Hotel) for over 6 months, I can say that I saw it the most times. But If we speak about other directors, I can say that I saw over 30 times ‘The man who wasn’t there’, directed by Coen brothers.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a product that combines perfectly all ingredients: script, directing, cinematography, editing, acting etc

10) How is the film scene in your city?

I was born in Bucharest but for 6 years I live in a small city from Transylvania called Targu Mures. Here I started with some friends the first film production company in the history of the city. And I made 2 feature films. First of them Billion Star Hotel has 19 awards at festivals around the world and the second one is in post production. Short to the point is screening short films here every month, so I can say that the film scene is animated for the moment by my team.

 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.