film festival reviews

Interview with Festival Director Matthew Rooney (VideoDrunk Film Festival)

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Ranking as one of Toronto’s Top Alternative Film Festivals, Videodrunk is a small indie/experimental/underground/genre film festival that will be taking place in Toronto this November and December at Farside. The festival is run by filmmakers and video artists and aims to present an eclectic collection of films in an almost mixtape sort of way to audiences in a non-formal easy going non-cinema environment. We’re basically a party film festival. Amateurs, students, DIYers and pros all are treated as equals.

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

Matthew Rooney: We’re providing a fun event for filmmakers to show their films in a different atmosphere than other festivals around Toronto. We’ve given filmmakers that might not get a chance because of their genre or style get a chance to show where they might not have.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

A little more party-like than last year I’d say thanks to the venue we’re using being less gallery/theatre like. We’re also trying to build a line up that’s a little more off the wall than past years but also more accessible at the same time. We like having active and energetic crowds but film loving crowds that are respectful of what’s going on.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Be enjoyable or interesting. Pretty simple.

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

I do even with smaller festivals. I feel a lot of them have rules that are too strict and sometimes genre festivals have a narrow scope of what fits their festivals.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Love of film, the fun of the final festival and the satisfaction of a job well done.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Simply amazing.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

This one is a little tricky because there are so many factors at play with it. For example, I might be moving out of the country in the next 2 years and maybe Videodrunk retires or goes on hiatus or moves with me and brings its style to Luxemburgish or goes digital or my friend Emil takes it over and turns it into his Uncanny Beauty Film Festival. I don’t know, we’ll see.

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

Not sure, maybe “Duck Soup”

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Can’t answer that because any answer I give will be wrong.

How is the film scene in your city?

We have 100 some odd festivals and dozens of productions (both big and small and domestic and international) going on at any given time plus some amazing video stores. It’s very strong. Strong enough that TIFF makes traveling around downtown nearly impossible.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Programmer Ross Williams (KILLER VALLEY HORROR FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Killer Valley Horror Film Festival was founded in 2007 by filmmaker Randy Granstrom. For 10 years we’ve been showcasing the best in indie horror and sci-fi.

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Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Fes(val succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Ross Williams: We really focus on our local filmmakers. If you live in Southern
Oregon or Northern California, we give you a free entry and a higher chance on getting accepted if you can come to the festival. We also keep the entry fees really low, it only $10 this year. The festival really began as a way for us to show our horror films to our friends and family in the area. It opened up to other local filmmakers in Southern Oregon and began to grow from there. Since we’re still so small, we can’t offer much. But we always let them and their friends in for free. We give out awards and give filmmakers a chance to see
their film on a big screen with an audience.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival
this year (2017)?

We really aim at horror fans. You can expect a killer lineup of short horror films. Some are funny. Some are gross. Some are seriously scary. The best films are all three. We try to mix it up and make it a fun night of horror. We usually have a special guest, the past two years it’s been Adrienne King of Friday the 13th fame, since she lives in our area and loves to interact with horror fans. We have fun horror props and decorations and you can get your picture taken
with Jason Voorhees or some of the other props we have around.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We don’t care about premiere status. We don’t even care if the film is a few years old. Really we just want to showcase cool horror films. We’ve rejected really top-notch films because they didn’t have enough horror in them. And we’ve accepted “poorly” made films because they were entertaining on some other level. We’re really just trying to keep our audience and ourselves entertained.

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

I think horror in general is looked down on in the “serious” film festival circuit. Besides the few rare exceptions, you really only see horror films at horror festivals. So we’re trying to do our part in helping the genre. There’s no other horror festival that we know of in our area. You have to drive 5 hours north to Portland or 5 hours south to the Bay Area to see independent horror on the big screen.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Everybody involved in the festival is a filmmaker. We really want to make it a fun experience for filmmakers when they come. A chance for them to interact with horror fans and get true feedback on their films. For horror fans, we want to present a night of awesome horror films that they probably won’t see anywhere else.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Year one was a bit rough, it was our fault though. Because we really wanted to focus on filmmakers, we made it a free entry to the festival. We were absolutely bombarded by films. We had around 750 entries. A good 25% of those weren’t anywhere close to the right genre. It took forever for us to weed through all the films. This year we made it a $10 fee, just so filmmakers would pay attention when they were entering and not just see “free” and enter without reading our guidelines. It cut down our entries a lot, but the quality of films is a lot higher this year. Other than that, the process has been really smooth, we really like FilmFreeway.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Hopefully we can expand it to at least two nights by 2020. We’d like to eventually expand it into a horror-con of sorts, with horror actors, booths, cosplay, etc. But that’s just a dream at this point, we really need to put a lot more time and money into it if we’re going to get there.

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

Probably Star Wars, but as for the horror film I’ve seen the most it’s gotta be: Return of the Living Dead. In my opinion it’s the best zombie movie and the best horror-comedy ever made.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film that’s fun to watch, has a compelling story and characters, is well made in all aspects and keeps you thinking about it afterwards.

How is the film scene in your city?

For a small town Ashland has a great film scene. We have a ton of filmmakers in the area, you can find somebody making a short film somewhere in the area almost every weekend. We’re all very supportive of each other’s work, we tend to pitch in a lot on each others projects. We have a great filmmaker organization in Southern Oregon Film and Media, that binds us all together. And we have a great film festival in the Ashland Independent Film Festival, in my opinion it’s one of the best I’ve ever attended as a goer and as a filmmaker. We at Killer Valley strive to be half as good someday.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Jorge Blanco (THE HELL CHESS FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Hell Chess Film festival is an event celebrated in Campo de Gibraltar, Spain.

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

Jorge Blanco: My personal experience as filmmaker in Festivals is negative. The most part of festivals got nothing to do with the filmmakers dreams, but with another interests. The Hell Chess Festival is all about creativity, constant communication with the filmmakers and a beautiful message to the world.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

This year 2017 we had three venues, two in Madrid (Spain) and another in a big cinema of St Julian’s (Malta). Now, we are opening the submissions to the 2018 edition, probably in January. The new venues are still in searching process.
You will find pureness in terms of faith in creativity and faith in the best of the human spirit.

And probably if you are sensitive enough, a big surprise will change your life vision.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

When you select a film, even in the most honest way you choose what you like not what is always the best.

You got your own tastes. So the concept of winning means nothing when art itself is not objective.

So, all the non accepted films receive a letter explaining our reasons and our reviews to improve future films. In fact, the winner of our last edition got an incredible story behind. This filmmaker sent us a lot of films which were the most part of them rejected, but she improved the quality of her films until being the winner of the festival (what was a big surprise to her). The criteria of the festival is based in innovation, good taste and ethical values.

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

We live in a dark period to cinema. All the commercial films are based on remakes or old ideas but in the worst possible way. So, the lack of an ethical commitment penalizes the original works. So, many good brave films do not get a fair shake, but an unfair treatment. That´s why we invent the Hell Chess Festival, to all filmmakers who are hungry of justice.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I tell you a story, Matthew. A real story. We needed an upper force to decide a prize to our festival. We were confused. It was a difficult decision. And when we chose the most beautiful verdict based in high ideals then something supernatural (or unknown) happened. It´s difficult to explain, so the best thing is watching the final minutes of this video made by our last season winner:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFEFqriK59g . The Hell chess Trophy has been the most important prize of her life, a prize guessed from beyond our reality.

This is our intimate motivation. Because we knew our path.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Very hard. Filmfreeway is a good tool but I personally hate the “Not Accepted” button. So, in the future I want to change the selection process. Maybe, we´d search for films and ask the directors to be included in the festival, or maybe creating special films only for the Hell Chess Festival. Something unique and compatible with our spirit.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I see a bigger one but not a better one. Today´s Hell Chess Festival is heroic and pure. We need go on so. The last thing we want to be is a fake independent festival run by a Hollywood actor who wants all the cinema honey but none of the real independent sourness. If you decided to be a rich slave you cannot pretend to be a free adventurer.

My Festival got only one sponsor: From the ruin to paradise, society.
That´s the secret of being unique.

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

The Sidney Pollack´s romantic comedy Tootsie. Around 50 times, specially when I was a child. I remember our video Beta and I related the coming of home video with this film. Maybe Tootsie is more deeper than it looks, with a bunch of inspired actors and a story of acting, Television, good tips about men and women psychology, and the irony of success and failure in the audiovisual world.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

When you watch a great film you feel your life becomes important.

How is the film scene in your city?

Very funny. This is a spanish town with no cinemas in the centre (the old cinema disappeared) so you got to drive 7 kilometres to the unique cinema in 1.529 km². The decadence of cinemas is evident. Once upon a time things were different. But the key is not only Internet or tv or videoclubs. The key of this decadence is the decadence of cinema itself. I think in the place I live there was an actor of silent films. Everything is silence and I´m the only who speaks, that´s why I need to make festival far away my place. Sometimes I feel more closed to people like you than from my neighbours. I was 4 years old when I watched my first film Superman (1978) in a cinema room. I still remember my sensations. And not only I want to make movies, but being a saviour. Thanks for the questions.
 

Festival Director BIO: 

I founded a society called “From the ruin to Paradise” in 1998. 
Since that moment nothing is more important to me than this project. 
This society got cinema, educative and spiritual goals. 
The main project of this society is a feature film which is still the biggest, rebel and intelligent project you can imagine. 
In the meanwhile, I directed a 30 minutes film called Hell Chess. A totally innovative 
film in terms of narrative forms and a revision of our values as humans. 
And this film gives the name to our cinema event, The Hell Chess Festival. 
The Festival was a private event 5 years ago (where we played a chess tournament and watched our own movies) but in the Summer of 2016 the Festival began in Centro Cultural Pilar Miró, one of the best theatres in Madrid. We discovered experimental filmmakers like the veteran australian David King, a man of true talent who never won a prize until our event. We do not make any difference between actor/actress all compete in the same category of “Best Acting” like the last season where the actress Lola Manzano won her prize against many men. So our purpose is different indeed.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Kristian Day (Interrobang Film Festival)

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Presented as part of the Des Moines Arts Festival, the Interrobang film festival is three day multi-venue event taking place in the Des Moines East Village Neighborhood. The audience – whether cinema enthusiasts or curious newcomers – can experience curated screenings from films around the globe as well as experience hands on workshops, celebrity lectures, and industry parties.

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

Kristian Day: All of our juried films are free to the public. As a filmmaker myself, I hate the process of submitting to festivals. You spend lots of money submitting your films and then if you are selected, the audience has to pay to see them on top of that. Which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I want to take the risk out of going to a film festival. If your film festival is not a buyers market, then at the very least you want to help guarantee an audience for the films that have been selected.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

For the first 9 years, the Interrobang Film Festival took place within the Des Moines Arts Festival. We have grown significantly and this year we have become a stand alone three day / multi venue event.

New additions this year:

Interrobang Film Challenge, a timed film competition similar to the 48hr Film Project that takes place the weekend prior and the films will then screen the weekend of the film festival.

Best of Show Award now includes how filmmakers market the film in our city. As most filmmakers know, once they are selected it is up to them to get people to come see their movie. I want to encourage old fashion showmanship. Fliers, parades, billboards, guerrilla marketing , whatever they need to do to get people in the seats! It is not only a big marketing tool for the festival but its fun for the city to have that experience. I give all the filmmakers every media contact in the city thats in my rolodex but they have to get more creative then just sending out press releases.

More parties. I don’t think young people have the attention span to sit and watch movies for hours like they used to. The Youtube generation likes things short, sweet and always moving. So we have a lot more non-screening events including a “Beers with Iowa Filmmakers” party and a cocktail hour with the Iowa Screenwriters Alliance.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

I can’t say there is a specific qualification to select a film. There are obvious technical aspects I look for but I am always looking for something unique in each one. Sometimes I might watch it and think “this isn’t for me but I know there are definitely some people who will enjoy this”.

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

Sure. The bigger festivals are very political and I get that. If they don’t have some celebrity attached or if it hasn’t created some controversial buzz behind it then they are not really interested in it. But good films find their way. That is one thing I have learned over the years. A good will won’t go unnoticed if the creators never give up.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I work in the film industry full time. I commute from Des Moines, Iowa to LA several times a year. I do this festival year after year because some day I hope that I don’t need to commute to LA for work. I want to see the industry move into more third markets (areas that are not LA or New York) and to do that you have to continue to develop that culture.

From an Iowan perspective, Des Moines is the capital city. It deserves to have a great film festival.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Great. I love FilmFreeway! We used to use Withoutabox but to be honest it was super tedious, clunky, and convoluted. I like being able to watch films within the site and its easy for the judges to do their work within the system.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Buyers market is always the goal. But it could also just take its place among the other festivals like 80/35, 515 Alive, and the Des Moines Arts Festival: an annual event that everyone in the region looks forward to attending, Either way I would be very happy. I don’t actually want to run this festival forever, I do it because it needs to be run by someone who doesn’t want to be the center of attention. The filmmakers, the audience, and everyone who makes the festival what it is are the most important aspects. There are some programers who think that they are the heroes and this not the attitude I want to see. Also whenever I see someone post things like “Great things on the horizon” on social media I am immediately turned off.

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

Once Upon A Time In The West. This is the single greatest film ever made.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, and Jason Robards are what make a great film. (See the answer to the previous question)

How is the film scene in your city?

It’s OK. We have several shows that film here but not many folks are properly trained to work on a real set. I am a 1st AD on a lot of projects and every time on Day 1 I run into either a camera operator or a sound mixer who hits record and yells “speeding” before I tell them to roll. I have to stop everything and explain to them that no one touches anything until I say so.

My dream would be that we would have people who could work on shows in bigger positions, not just PAs. That could happen but they just need to work more and have more opportunities to be trained.
 

 
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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Albert G. Nigrin (New Jersey International Film Festival)

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The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center proudly announces the 35th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2017. The Festival will be held on select evenings between September 15 and October 15, 2017 and will showcase the best in independent film by featuring premiere screenings and special guest appearances by film directors, screenwriters, cast and crew. For more information go to http://www.njfilmfest.com, call (848) 932-8482 or e-mail us at NJMAC@aol.com or NJMAC12@gmail.com!

 

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

Albert G. Nigrin: Our Festival does a terrific job getting independent filmmakers the media/press attention and audience they deserve. Most filmmakers who are screened go out of their way to praise the great work that we do. And they love seeing their films on our huge screen and on our hi-def projection system.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

You would see enlightening and inspiring films that you couldn’t see any place else in the state of New Jersey as they are all premieres. You would also get to interact with over 20 visiting filmmakers who come from all over the world to present their films and do Q+As with the audience. 17 films will have their New Jersey or Area Premiere screenings as part of the New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2017. Some of these include: Jeremy Bryant’s very edgy short film Hitchhiking with a .357 Magnum; Minwoo Song’s brilliant experimental film Greeting In The Afternoon; Fred Riedel and Jerry Friends documentary film about the making of Lee Ranaldo’s upcoming release — Hello Hello Hello : Lee Ranaldo : Electric Trim; Leslie Ann Coles’ Melody Makers — a rock-doc that traces the birth of rock n’ roll journalism in the 1960s; Goran Trenchovski’s The Golden Five — an intimate feature film from Macedonia about the bonds of friendship, tested by unacknowledged acts of betrayal; Sara Leavitt’s short documentary Riverkeeper about Captain Bill Sheehan who has dedicated his life to preserving and protecting the New Jersey Meadowlands; Scott Morris’s Saving The Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport ­– a documentary about a successful grassroots effort to defeat a plan to build the world’s largest jetport on wetlands in the heart of New Jersey; Chiara Bellini’s Life by the Landfill — an inspiring documentary about a determined group of activists who took on the notoriously mismanaged system of trash collection in Rome, Italy; Jimmy Dinh’s hysterically funny and timely feature You Have A Nice Flight, Nurith Cohn’s amusing short film The Little Dictator; Jordna Horowitz’s surreal feature Painless; Sharon’s Chetrit’s surreal short from Israel Soup; and many others. This fall we will also be re-screening the films that were the Best of our Summer 2017 New Jersey International Film Festival. These include: First Bloom (Best Animation) , Kedi (Honorable Mention), The Ravens (Best Short), Emma (Best Feature), Passaic (Honorable Mention), and Levinsky Park (Best Documentary). There will be Free Food served at the New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2017 except the shows on Thursdays prior to all the screenings courtesy of Jimmy John’s of New Brunswick! Visit our website for more info: http://www.njfilmfest.com

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

All works selected are screened by a panel of judges which included media professionals, journalists, students, and academics. Films are prescreened by 1st round judges and they basically weed the good films from the bad ones. We received over 370s for the current Fall 2017 New Jersey Film Festival and these judges selected about 100 films from these to be viewed by a final jury and they pick the finalists which are being publicly screened at our Festival. 17 finalists were selected for our Festival this Fall. All films viewed by the judges are scored from 1-10 with 10 being the highest. Films that receive 7s and higher for the most part were selected as finalists. Each piece is also scored with respect to the following categories: Originality, Creativity, Production Values, and Performances w/ the grades being Superior/Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor/NA. It is really very professionally run.

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

All films are judged equally. Even the ones screened at 8AM get revisited by the jury to make sure they were given a fair shake. Also the fact that we have a two tiered judging process ensures that films are thoroughly examined. We also provide judges comments to any entrant who asks for them. The Festival judging process is, for sure, imprecise and I am certain many good films are not selected but that is the nature of the Festival process.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We do the NJFF to make sure indy films get seen in our state. The New Jersey Film Festival is one of the longest running Film Festivals in New Jersey. It is now in it’s 36th year and I founded it back in 1982. It has grown from a seat of the pants film program to one the state’s largest and most popular Film Festivals.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Pretty good. It was certainly necessary to give Withouabox some competition. Now there are so many submission platforms to choose from.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

The New Jersey Film Festival has gone through many different changes for a variety of reasons. It started as a revival program in the 1980s. Then we started doing 1st and 2nd run Art House films in addition to revival screenings due to the fact that our programs were growing and had more income to work, with. In the new millennium the Festival has transformed itself into a Festival which premiers Independent films in New Jersey. I expect the Film Festival to continue what we have been doing the last few years which is to help give a platform in New Jersey for indy films.

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

Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Maya Deren’s Meshes of the Afternoon and Bunuel/Dali’s Un Chien Andalou.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one that you can watch endlessly and never get tired of it.

How is the film scene in your city?

Vibrant. It was pretty dead when I got to New Brunswick in 1980 but now it is considered the mecca for filmgoers in New Jersey.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Michael McLaughlin (Disappear Here Film Festival)

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The Disappear Here Film Festival is a first of its kind in Donegal, Ireland. The inaugural DHFF is a 3 day festival taking place in Ballyliffin, Co Donegal from (Culture Night) Friday 22nd September 2017.  Our versatile programme will include screenings, talks, educational workshops and a host of entertainment events through which we will provide a unique festival experience.

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

Michael McLaughlin: It is offering them the opportunity to have their work seen by an audience that wouldn’t necessarily get a chance to see it. It also gives them the chance to network and make connections with others working within the industry. Gaining feedback from an impartial audience is something that can be worthwhile, especially for those that are starting out in the industry. To showcase your work on a big screen, in an environment such as a film festival is a an excellent platform for all filmmakers to avail of.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

The festival is for anyone that loves films, as well as those working or considering working within the industry in the future. We are aiming to offer something for children and adults alike. Disappear Here Film Festival will be another opportunity for the people to get together and celebrate the creative talent on offer through the medium of film. There will be various art installations dotted around the village, allowing people to experience not only film but also, other forms of creative expression.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

There are no set qualifications and we decided against running with a theme for this inaugural year. What we are after is film making that is engaging, that is entertaining and ultimately that challenges audiences, & makes an audience feel something.

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

Yes, I would probably accept that, but obviously I can’t speak on behalf of other film festivals. Films that are maybe high quality and tick all the boxes in terms of one panel member, might be deemed exceptional while another might deem it average, meaning that some films get dropped and don’t make it to selection. Also programmers have a very specific programme duration for short films, so lots of longer short films cannot get shown. My advice to filmmakers making shorts, is to actually keep them short – below 12mins max.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The film festival came about by a desire to showcase the talents of
independent film making in Ireland and to allow audiences in Donegal
access to films they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

In a word, incredible. It streamlined the whole application and submission process. It allowed us to make direct contact iwhtdirectors to clarify any information during the submission process. It made the experience more seamless and less stressful.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

As a major player not just on the national scene here in Ireland, but internationally as well.

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

True Romance! Loved the screenplay by Tarantino and it’s one of Tony Scotts best as far as I’m concerned. Also, like everyone else I fell in love with Alabama, just a little bit!

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film needs to be always entertaining, never ever boring.

How is the film scene in your city?

Getting better all the time! Lots of great filmmakers, crew & locations that have to be seen to be believed! Actually Star Wars- The Last Jedi filmed here last year, so we can’t wait to see our area showcased for an international audience in that film.

Disappear Here Film Festival2.jpg

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Orvil Kunga (Afrikans On Film Festival)

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A unique opportunity to see films rarely seen on the big screen. A well attended festival noted for shining a light on the multilayered aspect of Afrikan filmmaking. It boasts informed discussions, workshops, a unique Afrikan craft market and great cultural food (vegan options available). With performance, poetry and story-telling thrown in for good measure. A true Afrikan experience that will tingle the senses, inform, insight and educate.

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

Orvil Kunga: Afrikans on Film festival has been successful in premiering work for filmmakers who are often overlooked in the wider discourse of mainstream cinema.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Our festival exists solely to promote the multilayered aspect of African centred, creativity. Those who attend our festival should expect films from the African continent, along with African centred films from US, UK and Europe. Many of them are UK premiers. All have been selected because they speak to the essence of the on-going journey of the African body.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We look at films across the board. Animation, documentaries, drama and even music videos.

There is no criteria as such. As the curator, I am interested in films which skilfully portray where African filmmaking is now but also where these contemporary stories sit within Africa’s uniquely spiritual nature of story-telling. Whilst a few of the films screened might be made by non-Black, African people (either from the continent or the diaspora), it is ultimately, the African-centred nature that forms the main criteria for selection.

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

Certainly. African people within the creative industries are often marginalised in the West and the African narrative has almost been erased from mainstream TV and cinema globally. The representation of the African body has historically been mediated through a white (all too often male) gaze. This is problematic and has severely hindered the African’s ability to tell our human stories to the world.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our lived experience guides our passion for creating a platform for pushing the multi-prismic nature of these stores. It is great when we see this work on the big screen. It’s great when we see a room full of young and older people, their eyes wide open looking at the screen, in total awe at the quality, richness and range of these stories.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Its been amazing! Although we’ve been running for 6 years, we’ve not tried FilmFreeway before and have been blown away by the amount of submissions received in such a short space of time since registering on the site. If there is a gripe, then it would be that some people avoided (deliberate or otherwise), the fact that we seek African films. Films either made by Africans or films which focus on African people.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Our Afrikans on film festival has been serving films to the public for over 5 years, free of charge. Which is amazing! It has been partially funded by a small organisation in London, called Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festivals, who receive funding from the local borough of Southwark and thankfully collaborate with us in order to get these beautiful films on screen. Whilst the ‘free’ film festival may well continue under this relationship, Afrikans on Film as a subsidiary film provider, seeks wider sponsorship as we aim to push the festival to twice a year and provide pop-up screenings throughout the year. We hope to provide an out-reach programme, working with creatives here in the UK and linking them with creatives around the African world. If all goes to plan, by 2020 we should be bigger and better!

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

Aah difficult one! Black Girl (Ousmane Sembene), Sankofa (Haile Gerima). BAFTA nominated, Short film – Mwansa The Great (Rungana Nyoni), watched and shared many times! Battledream Chronicles (Alain Bidard). An animated feature from Guadeloupe. The first feature from Guadeloupe is a gem on many levels and I’ve watched it too many times! Summer Of Gods (Eliciana Nascimento), Oya Rise of The Orishas (Nosa Igbinedion). Award-winning web-series Ackee and Saltfish (Cecile Emeke).

I know you said ‘film’ but an unfair question deserves an unfair answer!lol

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film speaks to an inert truth, appeals to the viewer through codes and tropes which unites the soul and lingers on, connecting others as its memories ripple.

How is the film scene in your city?

In London the independent scene is vibrant.

Online platforms have changed the game as cities/filmmakers become more and more interconnected.

Although all the big and medium films come through this city, the home of BFI’s LFF (London Film Festival), Afrikans on Film festival, attempts to serve a need and we feel, remains among the best places to see unique work from up-coming filmmakers who are equally passionate about sharing the Afrikan story.

‘K’ in Afrikan represents a disruption from the contemporary spelling, echoing the politicised presence of the festival and the consciousness of Afrikan-centred creative.

 

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Sarah Marshall (Bluenose-Ability Film Festival (BAFF))

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Bluenose-Ability Film Festival (BAFF), is Atlantic Canada’s first and only disability focused film festival for adults and youth. Our festival’s taking place Thursday, November 30 through Sunday, December 3, 2017. We’re excited to announce that our theme is Celebrating 150 Years of Diversity, in honour of Canada’s 150 Years of Confederation.

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

Sarah Marshall: The Bluenose-Ability Film Festival (BAFF) is Atlantic Canada’s first and only disability-focused film festival. We, therefore, offer a unique and open platform for filmmakers to express themselves. Our culture of inclusion allows filmmakers to portray their experiences and perceptions of disability culture in an open and accepting environment.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

This year, you can expect an inviting environment, tons of local and international films, specialty screenings (Such as LGBTQIA+,) a mental health discussion panel, and a glamourous awards gala. This is our third year of operations, and we’ve just undergone a bit of fine-tuning and rebranding. We aim to deliver a modern, unique experience to our community.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

This year, our theme is “150 Years of Diversity,” in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. Films must fit with this theme. Diversity is a broad word – we’re seeing films about disability, mental health, immigration, and personal journeys. If the film isn’t directly related to the theme, we ask that the filmmaker be from a diverse background. Other than that, we ask that films be under the 25 minute mark. We also look for technical excellence such as a well-written script, thoughtful cinematography, and good music selection. We, however, have different award categories for all levels of filmmakers. Youth can submit films into their own category. We think it’s important to give new filmmakers an opportunity to tell their stories.

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

I think that some film festivals ignore work from inexperienced filmmakers and miss out on some important messaging. We offer a community of growth and support to new filmmakers, and offer year-round Future Filmmaker workshops to youth who wish to improve their skills. We also have youth categories so less experienced filmmakers get a chance to rule their own section of the festival.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our main motivation is to provide a unique and creative platform for the disability community to share their stories. There’s a huge lack of diversity in the mainstream film industry. We want to encourage people from all backgrounds to participate in film culture. Our festival encourages disabled actors/actresses to play their own parts, and for diverse filmmakers to tell their stories and experiences without judgement or biases. We also have a scripted category that allows creative individuals to share their own crafted stories.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been pretty wonderful. We receive tons of submissions, and they’re very easy to assess and download through FilmFreeway. It’s also easy to get in touch with the filmmakers.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We’d like to expand our attendance and strengthen our relationships with our supports and sponsors. We’d also like to add a few more members to our team. All in all, we just want to see BAFF get bigger and better each year!

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

I’ve watched “The Butterfly Effect” an unreasonable amount of times. Something about the flashback effects and the twisted plot makes me hang on to my seat every time. I’ve also watched the entire “Breaking Bad” series more than once or twice. The cinematography is absolutely stunning.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A unique, engaging story paired with thoughtful artistic choices.

How is the film scene in your city?

There’s a few other film festivals around and quite a booming industry for filmmakers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There’s college programs nearby for film students, and lots of opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work. BAFF, however, is the only FREE film festival you can find in Halifax. We made the decision to be a free festival so we can be inclusive and accommodating to our entire community. We want to share film culture with everyone, regardless of background or barriers.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Stephanie Dadet (OUR CITY FILM PROJECT)

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Our City Film Project is a film collective showcasing the work of filmmakers from different cities to a global audience. It is a community celebrating storytelling and passion.  The project aims to promote filmmaking and redefine production practices. As filmmakers, the stories we tell are influenced by our background, experience, and perception but shaped by our community – Our City. OCFP will focus on a chosen theme for a year which determines the accepted entries. The festival is a not-for-profit initiative of Big Bad Wolf Pictures, a film production company from Cape Town, South Africa.

WEBSITE: www.ourcityfilmproject.com

Social Media: Facebook – www.facebook.com/ourcityfilms

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

Stephanie Dadet: Our City film project in its mission aims to provide a platform to celebrate the people and stories that shape us. Our focus is not just on the films but also to shine the spotlight to the filmmakers to have brought these stories to our screen. As we grow, we aim to bring filmmakers together to create projects as part of the collective.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Two days with a great line up of some of the best LGBT short films produced within the past 24 months hosted by the prestigious Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau and a space to network with filmmakers, catch up with friends and of course, good wine.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

As required by 2017 theme of the festival, all entries must be LGBT short films produced between 2016 -2017. We are focused on the quality of the narrative. We are looking for filmmakers who not only understand storytelling but know how to genuinely tell their stories and create value. Our focus, however, is not just about the film itself but also on the filmmaker.

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

The obvious reason is the number of submissions a festival. There are a lot of films made and submitted but limited selections. This is why it is important to create projects like this to provide more platforms. It is very important to get your film out there, to share your story and meet other people with shared visions. There is a film festival out there waiting to share your story, don’t give up – look out for them and keep submitting!

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

That will be the personal commitment to contribute to the growth our film industry and celebrate the filmmakers who are having the effort to show the world what they have to offer and to encourage collaboration on productions between filmmakers especially as we plan for our second year.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Good. We have received over 1600 submissions from FilmFreeway and it has been an efficient platform all round.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We aim to be hosting screenings in at least 10 cities around the world bringing together people to celebrate the stories and filmmakers from their cities and also the collaborative projects put together by filmmakers from different cities working together, learning, sharing and also inspiring. It is called Our City Film project for that reason.

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

That will be the Pixar animated feature UP. It is a brilliant film that gives me Goosebumps – touching, exciting and entertaining. It is a special film.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great script matched with a talented film director.

How is the film scene in your city?

The Film Scene in my City – Cape Town is good and continuously growing. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and hosts quite a number of local and international film shoots. The city has a growing pool of talented filmmakers ready to leave a mark in the industry both local and in the international scene.

 

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FILM FESTIVAL DIRECTOR BIO:

Stephanie Dadet is a film producer and screenwriter. In 2012 she obtained a BSc (Honours) degree in Business Administration and in 2015 moved to Cape Town, South Africa to study for a BA (Honours) in Motion Picture Production attained from AFDA Film School which she was awarded Best Producer and Best Film. She has industry experience working across Nigeria and South Africa in film and television. She is currently completing her MFA degree. She is also the co-director of Big Bad Wolf Pictures founded in December 2016.

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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Co-Festival Director Mia Davis (Queen City Cinephiles)

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Queen City Cinephiles is a an independent film-screening & discussion group based out of Charlotte, NC. The are committed to showcasing short and full length independent features at no cost to the filmmakers, exposing film aficionados to more independent film, and supporting local filmmakers and around the globe.

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

Mia Davis: We build a bridge between filmmakers and film appreciators. For every film we select, we provide the filmmakers with the opportunity to introduce their film, and be present (live or via skype) for our audience discussion. We do not charge entry fees. As part of our Agreements, we ask the filmmakers for social media pages, and we share them online before the event, on our facebook event page, and while we are at the screening. During the Q&A, we encourage the filmmakers to let the audience know where their other works can be found.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

If you mean our film screenings, you can expect arrangements of indie films in blocks at a convenient location with available refreshments, audience participation in film discussion, and to learn more about the film industry.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The film has to be independently made, and the filmmaker has to sign an Agreement with us, showing they have the rights to the film and sharing our facebook page and event on their social media pages.

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

I think it’s hard to find the right audience, self-promote, and film festivals (mostly) charge entry fees and having contracts preventing a selected film to be shown elsewhere during the festival.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

To clarify, this is not a film festival. We have screenings, roughly once or twice a month. I am motivated by my appreciation for independent film, and everything that goes into it, combining with a genuine interest in pushing local business/industry support.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been great! We have several submissions, and I love how it is organized to help us find the right films for our screenings.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Growth, in terms of more of a variety of events, a few rotating venues, and a stronger community between our Cinephile Members and the filmmakers. It would mean a lot to me if our patrons network and get a film made together.

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

The Lost Boys. I grew up watching that regularly, and as an adult, continue to watch it once or twice each year.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a marriage between the visual expression of a coherent story, accompanying resources, and performances.

How is the film scene in your city?

I think there’s a division between Charlotteans that want to work on film in any capacity they can, and a community of industry professionals that suffered a morale loss from HB2 and film incentives being dropped from our state budget.

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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 month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
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