film festival reviews

Interview with Festival Directors Maria Kryvoshchokova & Anna Demianenko (Marhanets International Short Film Festival)

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Marhanets International Short Film Festival is the very first film festival created in a small mining city Marhanets which aims to bring film culture to the city and inspire and motivate filmmaking in the region. The festival was founded by daughter and mother Anna Demianenko and Maria Kryvoshchokova, with the aim of helping smaller cities of Ukraine to develop film in their region.

Website: marhanetsfilmfest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marhanetsfilmfest/

email:  marhanetsfilmfest@gmail.com

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

Maria Kryvoshchokova: Marhanets Film Festival is created to promote Ukrainian and International short films, filmmakers and actors. Our festivals gives opportunity to attract as many cinephiles as possible and lets directors to screen their films to much more viewers getting important feedback.

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

Anna Demianenko: The 2017 edition of Marhanets Film Festival which was held on 6-7 of May was very successful. Therefore we have started getting ready for 2018 edition just after the Award ceremony finished! Every person who will attend our festival will be welcomed by wonderful competition short films from all over the world that inspire, motivate, show new opportunities and solutions. Filmmakers will also be able to take part in workshops and meet young Ukrainian directors.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: We are looking for new and original films showing a unique director’s vision, camera work, acting, sound design. We opt for a strong and genuine story that will capture viewer’s attention from the very beginning and will never let go. We want to see the films that motivate and give people a chance to develop and make themselves better. This year we have decided to expand our maximum running time to 30 minutes as we have discovered that there are many good stories which surpass the time limit we had for submissions last year.

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

Anna Demianenko: I do believe it is true, as there so many films are send to the festivals each year and this great quantity makes it impossible for some selectioners to watch all the films. That is what really important for our festival, no matter how many submissions are sent, we are watching every single one of them, as sometimes the treasures are hidden and only if you are willing to search, that is when you will be rewarded. For example, 2017 Best Short Film Apparition by Denis Dobrovoda (France) was one of the last ones to be watched during the selection process.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: I would say the passion for a good film and opportunity to discover which topics excite, thrill or worry the directors from all over the world. The filmmakers are given a chance to communicate with the audience through their films and the viewers can discuss the films and speak their mind as well. The second and most important motivation is a team work. Our festival team is undeniably helpful and very friendly, people keep joining our team realizing what a wonderful mission our festival entails. We are grateful to every person who was supporting us on our way to creating an incredible event.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Anna Demianenko: We are happy that this year we have much more filmmakers interested in our festival! As it is the second edition we are hoping to receive as many submissions as possible, so that we can show to the festival guests the most quality content. We have a thorough selection process, first the selection committee chooses the best films from submitted, then an expert committee which consists of famous Ukrainian film critics, filmmakers, actors chooses the one that will take part in competition. Members of the expert committee have very different opinions and viewpoints, therefore various films are accepted to the competition.

We are welcome every filmmaker to submit his/her short film following this link! https://filmfreeway.com/festival/MarhanetsFilmFestival
Be the one to be chosen into Marhanets Film Festival Competition!

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: We hope to enlarge the festival by making more competition programs and conducting more workshops. One of our aims is to make screenings not only of best Ukrainian short films of the year, but films of other countries as well. We are searching for cooperation with other festivals so that we can exchange experiences and screen the films in out-of-competition programs. By all means, we are expecting for more visitors from all over the world and more viewers to come and experience our remarkable event.

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

Anna Demianenko: I personally watch films every single day of different countries and year of production. I guess my favourite features are directed by Paolo Sorrentino, I found his films Youth and The Great Beauty as a great contemplation and admiration of life in its true existence. Those films aspire me to search for greatness in every moment of our life. Regarding short films, I watch them every day, I am currently a Programmer for two Dutch film festivals Shift Film Festival and Euregion Film Festival, and it gives me opportunity to watch completely different films. My favourite short film by far is Everything Will Be Ok by Patrick Vollrath. I hope to see more of such films at our festival.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: The one that makes you talk about it and leaves nobody cold.

How is the film scene in your city?

Anna Demianenko: Marhanets Film Festival is actually a huge and incredible event for our small city. Sadly, Ukrainian film business is mostly focused in big cities, and inhabitants of small ones are usually left out. That was our initial aim: to bring cinema back to small cities, make it real and in demand. We do believe that with this festival we can bring big films to small cities no matter where it is a short or a feature. So we welcome everyone to submit their films and to visit our festival in May 2018! Be the one to develop film in small regions!

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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 Directors Roger and Shelley Gillespie (COPA SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL)

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COPA SHORTS FILM FEST, INC. launched its first film festival in February 2017.  It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that focuses on creating a great learning and entertainment experience for filmmakers, screenwriters and film lovers locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide. The festival takes places at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle in Maricopa, Arizona about 35 miles from downtown Phoenix.

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

Roger and Shelley Gillespie: Copa Shorts Film Fest, now starting its second year of programming, has succeeded in highlighting talented filmmakers of short films and screenplays. In a state-of-the-art digital venue, we showed 56 short films in our first festival this February. The films were from around the world and the U.S.

In addition to showcasing films, we provided four screenwriters the opportunity to have table reads of their short screenplays. Each of the four finalists, from four different states, could see their name on the screen and their words voiced by actors.

We also are succeeding at offering workshops to provide hands-on learning experiences for new and upcoming filmmakers for free.

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

Our 2017 festival was held in February of this year. For 2018, attendees can expect more experiences to learn and enjoy film and screenplays. We’re doubling the festival workshops so attendees can have an opportunity to learn from professionals about above and below the line skills. Attendees can also relax in our fabulous location, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, to see the films and experience the screenplay table reads.

We’re in our submission period through October 13, so we don’t know all of the films and screenplays that could be featured in February.

However, we have added a category for military veteran films and we’re seeing some excellent early entries. We’ve also added a separate category for high school filmmakers, as well as college filmmakers.

At our VIP and Wrap Award parties, we’ll be showcasing award-winning Native American musical performers, Native Spirit and Arvel Bird. The parties will be a chance for film attendees, filmmakers, and screenwriters to network.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

CSFF accepts films that are from two to twenty minutes (including credits) in the following categories: Native American, high school student, college student, military veteran and in genres of animation, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, and sci-fi.

The selected films are reviewed by Arizona State University film students and film professionals. We examine story, technical, acting, and overall impact of the film.
For screenplays, we expect screenplays to be no longer than 15 pages and also examine dialogue as one of the major criteria.v

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

Potentially, some film reviewers may not have expertise in reviewing films. This could lead to personal bias.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our team offers this festival because we love films and we want to provide opportunities for talent to be encouraged and showcased. We offer educational workshops to help filmmakers improve their skills. And, in our growing city, we like the idea of providing a major cultural artistic event to attract people.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We have had an extremely positive experience working exclusively with FilmFreeway. Their staff has been responsive when we had questions (We were a first-time festival this year) and everything worked smoothly.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

By 2020, we expect that the festival will be at least a day longer to provide more workshops, more submissions, more attendees, and really strong repeat business.

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

I’m a romantic. I’ve probably seen Pretty Woman tied with Dirty Dancing the most times in my life.

Roger has seen High Plains Drifter the most.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one that makes you think, has a memorable premise, characters, and technical aspects that all work together to create something you want to see repeatedly and talk about with others.

How is the film scene in your city?

Maricopa is a new city that has grown exponentially in the last 14 years. Our festival location, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, was built almost five years ago. Films shown tend to favor blockbusters. We typically have to travel out of town to see art films, indie films and shorts programs.

In our community, there is an avid following for films from school students through senior citizens. Maricopa is home to several current and former filmmakers, screenwriters, Hollywood film professionals and actors. Several worthy locally-made films were shown in our festival.
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BIOS:

Roger and Shelley Gillespie are co-founders of Copa Shorts Film Fest, which began as a desire to create an event focused around film for our community of Maricopa, Arizona.

Roger Gillespie is a screenwriter, producer, film critic and host of the monthly “3-Hour Movie Critic” event at UltraStar, who has been involved in film, broadcasting and journalism since high school.

He has independently written and co-written over 10 screenplays including quarter-finalist for his full-length feature, Saving Liberty, in Francis Ford Coppola’s annual, internationally-renowned American Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest.

An alumni member of Ball State University’s Film and Broadcasting School, and Hal Croasmun’s Screenwriting U, Roger is the first to tell anyone that he can teach you how to format a screenplay in a few minutes, but “it’s the story that matters, and that takes a little more time.”

Shelley Gillespie multi-faceted background includes years as an award-winning journalist (The Communicator, Arizona Republic, Times Publications), an educator and adjunct professor (CAC, NAU), writing coach, marketing consultant and author. (Hiking for the Couch Potato: A Guide for the Exercise-Challenged.) Shelley also shares writing credit for Saving Liberty with Roger.

She has raised millions for not-for-profits, managed training programs and events, and created marketing programs for a shopping mall and corporations.

Shelley holds a BA in English from Vassar College and an MS in Educational Administration from State University of NY at Albany.

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 Kamel (DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival)

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Founded in 2011, the annual DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival (DCPFAF) is a 501c3 nonprofit, volunteer-run enterprise that showcases the work of Palestinian filmmakers and artists around the world to audiences in the Washington DC metro area.

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

Michael Kamel: The DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival (DCPFAF) prides itself on creating a space for Palestinian subjectivity.We highlight the voices and stories of Palestinian artists from around the world. Filmmakers show audiences their debilitating morning commutes to Jerusalem through the infamous Qalandiya checkpoint, the horrors faced during the 2014 Israeli assault on Gaza, and life as a refugee in Greece. These are all stories that need to be heard.

But Palestinian subjectivity is also just that – life from the eyes of a Palestinian. One of our founders, Noura Erakat, describes it as not a Palestine festival, but a Palestinian festival. We’ve featured a short film about personal nostalgia and loss, a fictional animation on a street artist, and even a 1-minute fashion film. No Palestinian story is off the table!

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

You should expect to laugh, cry, and move! The experience this year is loosely centered on Palestinian innovation in all forms, brought to the audience through several artistic mediums. Festival goers will be treated to a carefully curated selection of films that tackle topics from Palestinian image-making to Palestinian political prisoners, a live storytelling event featuring local DC Palestinian talent in partnership with the Boston-based Palestinians Podcast, the Hollywood writer-director-producer-actor extraordinaire Cherien Dabis, a new twist on the dabke (Palestinian folk dance), and more! There is truly something for everyone.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

All of our films must be written, directed and/or produced by someone who identifies as Palestinian. We then evaluate them based on three criteria: production value, entertainment value, and creativity. Our programming team discusses each film, their position and impact in the festival lineup, and what we would want the audience to walk away with.

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

Each festival has their own broad mission and yearly vision; sometimes, a phenomenal film just may not fit into the festival’s scope for that year. However, within Palestinian cinema, good films tend to receive their recognition because filmmakers and audiences realize that’s their chance of success. We must support our own artists because that’s how they succeed both within Palestinian cinema and beyond.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

A volunteer-run festival is truly a labor of love. Everyone on our team truly believes in and supports Palestinian artists, and is passionate about creating a space for them to share their work. We want to ensure that Palestinian art is getting the reach it deserves, and that people in our region aren’t missing out.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been a blessing for our festival, streamlining the process and ultimately making it easier and more accessible.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

2020 will be the tenth year of the DC Palestinian Film & Arts Festival. I see our festival celebrating the past decade of Palestinian art, and building a platform for the next decade. We love to push boundaries. In 2016, for example, we teamed up with Shared Studios, Mercy Corps, and Gaza Sky Geeks on an audiovisual portal that connected artists, musicians, performers, and festival attendees in DC to their peers in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It was amazing to see people dancing, singing, and talking literally across oceans and borders. We’re all about pushing the envelope like that, and we intend on continuing that trend into our tenth annual run and beyond!

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

I can’t lie, I’m not a person who watches movies more than twice (even if I love a film). Still, at the moment, the film I’ve seen the most times in my life has to be Moonlight. I can never get enough of that movie.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film shakes you to your core.

How is the film scene in your city?

The DC film scene tends to focus on documentary filmmaking (usually political), given the fact that we are the nation’s capital. Several Hollywood productions have even shot in DC—Jackie, VEEP, and House of Cards amongst others. You see how those three productions alone deal with politics in some way, shape or form?

There is also an amazing independent film scene. Howard University alone is a pioneer in the area, with professors like Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust) and Haile Gerima (Sankofa). I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some amazing filmmakers from Howard.

American University’s acclaimed film program is home to remarkable filmmakers, including the Palestinian filmmaker Najwa Najjar (Eyes of a Thief).

And, of course, I have to mention my alma mater, George Mason University. Our film program has also been pushing cutting-edge filmmakers and works to the forefront. Shout out to the amazing faculty, including Giovanna Chesler, Lisa Thrasher and the Emmy-nominated Hans Charles (Director of Photography on the Oscar-nominated 13th).

I’ve often encountered people who think that DC filmmakers are only churning out documentaries about the White House. In actuality, our artists create so much more!

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ABOUT MICHAEL KAMEL
Michael Kamel is a local filmmaker and the Curator and Co-Director of the DC Palestinian Film & Arts Festival. His film work often explores themes of identity, loss, and relationships. Subjectivity fuels his content, and he strives to provide a nuanced platform and voice for often unheard subjects. You can view more of his work at michaelkamel.com.

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 Sina Dolati (TORONTO NEW WAVE)

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The Labyrinth Pictures was founded in 2016 by Sina Dolati, Emmanuel McBride and Shaq Hosein as a multi-purpose production company, producing independent film (fiction and commercial), as well as hosting events and other services under The Labyrinth umbrella with the aim of cultivating the Toronto filmmaking scene. Our summer Events Coordinator Farah Mannan has also had a large role in helping this event come to life, as well as Rangga Luksatrio who has helped us in reaching out to Toronto musicians.

The 2017 rendition of the Toronto New Wave showcase is the first public event hosted by the company, screening a multitude of short films from independent Toronto filmmakers, as well as including performances from Toronto indie bands. The event takes place at 7 PM, Saturday August 5th, at Cinecycle.

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

Sina Dolati: We’ll have to see! This is the first public event our production company (The Labyrinth) is hosting since getting founded in 2016 and we’re very excited to see how it goes. Our goal is to provide an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers and allow them to comfortably network with one another in an intimate space.

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

Definitely some great films from up and coming filmmakers of Toronto, as well some fantastic performances by Toronto indie bands. This rendition of the event is more of a ‘showcase’ than a festival, and it will be a jam-packed night for all attendees.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Since our screening time is rather short this time around, we’re prioritizing films from Toronto. We’d like to keep it as diverse as possible and include films from filmmakers that we see potential in.

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

I think it can go both ways. Some films do really well commercially but so not much in festivals, and vice versa. It really depends on the niche target audience. In our case, the goal is to include films from as many Toronto filmmakers as possible.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We founded The Labyrinth umbrella as a way for us to continue making films under The Labyrinth Pictures, all while establishing a network for Toronto artists through a variety of events and services. With Toronto New Wave, we’re excited to illustrate that vision and see it all come together at a physical event for the first time. There is no fee to submit a film and tickets to attend the full event are sold at a very affordable price (~ $6).

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

t has definitely sped up the process. We kept it open to international submissions in order to get an understanding of interest in this sort of event. In the short 11 day submission
period, we’ve received just about 1000 submissions, 100 of which were from Canada. We did not expect to receive this many. At all. We’ve learned a lot (in terms of statistics), which we’ll keep in mind for future renditions of the event. For the August 2017 event, we’ll only be showing films from Toronto in order to create a strong base within our audience network.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Believe it or not, the process that was most challenging for our team in organizing this event was coming up with a name! We finally selected Toronto New Wave, since it was close to our vision of providing an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers (as well as musicians for this event) that continue to enrich the Toronto art scene with innovation. We strive to continue pursuing this vision, and think that the festival will be much larger by 2020, including innovative segments targeted at niche audiences (e.g. Virtual Reality films, Animation, etc.)

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

I have no idea. Maybe Jurassic Park. Loved dinosaurs as a kid.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

I don’t think most filmmakers intend to make a film that is ‘not great’, it just comes down to knowing your audience and being able to execute your vision masterfully enough in order to communicate it with them.

How is the film scene in your city?

Toronto is the third largest screen-based production centre in all of North America, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. However, I think the film industry here is still rather scattered compared to what we see in the US. There is a large gap to fill, which is where companies like ours come into play to provide direct production and screening based networking and resources. Some non-profit organizations such as the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) and Raindance Toronto succeed greatly at doing just that.
 

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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 Conor Armstrong Sanfey (ELEVATION INDIE FILM AWARDS)

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The Elevation Indie Film Awards has been set up by Indie Film makers for Indie Film makers. We understand the difficulties of gaining recognition for your work and want to shine a light on the vast talent of Independent filmmakers from around the world.

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

Conor Armstrong Sanfey: At elevation, we endeavour to give filmmakers feedback on all submissions, weather they are accepted or not to screen. We ensure that all films are watched, and filmmakers go away with constructive feedback. We specifically support indie filmmakers, by providing them a platform for showcasing their work.

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

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

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

No we feel a lot of the major festivals do not give enough attention to independent films. With some not even watching entries at times.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our motivation comes from our experience as indie filmmakers ourselves. We want to provide a support system for independent filmmakers, and provide them with constructive feedback and a platform to showcase their fantastic work.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We have been getting films from all around the world. The standard has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to see for.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We hope to continue expanding the festival, and hopefully hold more live screenings.

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

. Shawshank Redemption.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film that transports you into another world, and most importantly entertains.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Dublin it thriving, especially in the independent film scene.

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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 Gustavo Coletti (ROSARITO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

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The first Rosarito International Film Festival, produced by LOGCINEMA.COM, will be carry out in October this year, a website dedicated to classic and collectible films, which is expanding into independent cinema, providing filmmakers with the opportunity to exhibit their productions online.

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

Gustavo Coletti: Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, just 150 miles from Hollywood, it is the fastest growing movie business on the planet. It is the headquarters of Fox Studios Baja California, the most important branch of Fox, where they filmed blockbusters like “Titanic”, “Master and Commander”, “Quantum of Solace” (James Bond), “Babel”, “Pearl Harbor” “007, Tomorrow never dies”, and so many others impossible to list. 20 minutes from Rosarito is Tijuana with different academic centers for film study, including the renowned Film School of the UDCI (“University of Las Californias International” by its acronyms in Spanish).

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

As spectators watch movies from all over the world. In the Rosarito area live more than 70,000 Americans who regularly have no opportunity in his country to see foreign films, and what you could watch in Mexico do not have subtitles in English but in Spanish. As a filmmaker, to exhibit my productions in the arthouse of greater growth in the world market.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We are looking for in the selected films, greater respect for the artistic aspect of cinema and not of cinema as entertainment industry.

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

I think that the festivals are afraid to show films of low budget and with technical limitations. I don’t think that they too take into account the conceptual part of the film.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are interested in meeting people of cinema’s future generations for future projects and achieve an expansion of interest in the local market towards another type of productions that represent other cultures and other idiosyncrasies.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The entire process with filmfreeway went flawless so far.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I have no doubt that by 2020 the Rosarito International Film Festival already will be entrenched and established as an invaluable event for the community of independent filmmakers. The response that we have taken a few days after initiating the call, exceeded all of our expectations.

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

I have seen countless times the cinema of Federico Fellini, especially “8 and 1-2” and “La Dolce Vita”, as well as the films of the great masters of Italian cinema. I’ve seen much Tarkovsky and the French nouvelle vogue.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one which brings a renewal in the cinematic language, that can dispense with in its elaboration of the commercial intention and has an aesthetic and a history that excites us.

How is the film scene in your city?

Well, I don’t live in Rosarito, live in Los Angeles, which is the most vibrant city in the world in film, but Rosarito is a place where we are always working on new projects and that is exciting.

 

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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 José Claudio Silva (PORTUGAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Portugal International Film Festival will have its first edition in 2017 and aims to promote the Portuguese and World Cinema. Held in the city of Porto, the Festival will award the best films with a certificate and crystal trophy.

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

José Claudio Silva: This is the first year of PORTUGAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, we would like to be a window for
filmmakers showcase their work in Europe. In the next year we´re planning a partnership with a Portuguese Tv Channel to play the winners.

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

A great network with other filmmakers, nice awards (cristal Trophy and certificate of award), Interview with filmmakers, photos and videos for the website.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The most important thing I think is the story, sometimes we see a film made with a great camera, a full team and the story means nothing. In the other hand we had some great student films
that makes me imagine that could be a blockbuster if they have budget.

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

My experience as filmmaker, I realized that some film festivals prefer some genre of films, the most of them gives the awards for drama style. I think that comedy and action films have less chance in festivals.

I don´t know if they ask to the jury to give more attention to drama genre or is a coincidence.

On my festivals, all genres has the same evaluation by the jury.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

As a filmmaker, I think that is an important window to show your work. When I was a film student I tried to screen my film on a theater and it was so expensive that´s why I get all students together and we rent a theater and I made my first film festival.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway is a great place to submit your work. The always create new tools to improve our Festival experience.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I hope that in 2020 we can have more technology to make
better Festivals. Theaters with better screen and projectors, maybe a 4D presentation with virtual reality glasses.

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

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most beautiful films that I ever seen.

I think that I saw it 5 times.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The story is what catch the audience. The technical aspects is important but the story is the heart of a film.

How is the film scene in your city?

The city of Porto is a touristic city, they have few film festivals. We want to make Portugal a hot place for film festivals and increase the Portuguese film production.

portugal-2

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 Kirill Proskura (MIND THE INDIE FILM FESTIVAL (MTIFF))

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Mind the Indie Film Festival is an independent international film festival. It was established with the idea to showcase the best indie films twice a year in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Our mission is to give filmmakers a chance to present their films, shine a light on the value of non-studio productions, and educate audiences of the quality and importance of independent cinema.

https://www.mtiff.org/

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

Kirill Proskura: Mind the Indie Film Festival gives a platform for talented film artists, who create meaningful films that are worth seeing and sharing, but lack the backing of studios, expensive marketing campaigns or famous personas.

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

You’d be able to see our selection of the best short and feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, high quality animation and student films from around the world.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

They need to have a great story, great acting and great sound.

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

I think so, yes. At the moment, the film festival scene worldwide is like a massive lottery, and productions with known cast and big P&A get a free pass to most festivals. So it comes to the point that independent filmmakers, who make great films outside of studios and companies with deep pockets, have little to no chance of getting their films screened anywhere.

That’s why it must become the job of festivals like Mind the Indie Film Festival to show audiences that there are great films and great stories told by people who have little to no money to make them.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The motivation comes from the idea that we love great films, and as indie filmmakers ourselves we want to bring more awareness of independent films to the audience in Bulgaria. We feel this is a very important task, especially since most known festivals in Bulgaria go about screening new releases from Hollywood instead of independent films.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been really great. The platform is very straightforward and super easy to navigate. FilmFreeway is doing a great job with constant updates that help the filmmakers and festivals to get the best experience from it.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We would like to make Mind the Indie Film Festival the number one film festival to go to in Bulgaria. There are plans to grow further and ideas set in motion, but I can’t tell much about it yet. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with what we’re up to.

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

The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a great story.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Plovdiv is slowly growing, both in terms of film productions and the interest in indie cinema.

mindtheindie-1

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 Jonny Mancini (FROSTBITE International Film Festival)

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FROSTBITE is an international online festival devoted to recognizing those who push the boundaries of what cinema can do, regardless of their budget or production quality.

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

Jonny Mancini: Every single one of our judges and festival coordinators is a filmmaker, and know the difficulty of entering your film into bigger festivals to hopefully win awards. Submission prices are generally unaffordable, and even if they are not, indie films tend to not be selected more than bigger budget short films. Our goal as student filmmakers and future teachers of film is to create an environment where professionals, low-budget, and student filmmakers can receive recognition on an equal plane. We offer many different categories and awards, in support of uncommonly recognized genres such as dance film, action sports, and demo reels. We offer a wide range of other categories, and they grow every month as we open themed or genre categories offering unique awards. There are an endless amount of vital aspects which go into the creation of any film, and we offer as many awards as we can for each of these aspects which require a lot of effort on the filmmaker or animators part. We give out awards every month to films for everything from editing and cinematography to concept strength and dialogue design. These small essential details are what can set low-budget or student film far above films with a professional budget, and our jury aims to see they all get the recognition they deserve.

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

Our festival is primarily online in order for us to keep up the pace with giving out awards and getting our winners screened as much and as soon as possible. We have only had local submitters in attendance to our monthly studio screenings, but we offer direct feedback to any of our selections who request it to get the most directly personal experience we can with them as a high pace online festival.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Our selections are determined by very specific criteria based on the effort put in by the filmmakers, and the innovative aspects of these underground films which inspire and push the boundaries of what cinema is. We look for things we have never seen before, and regardless of quality of equipment or budget, we look for films which show excellence in storytelling, dialogue, editing, and technique.

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

As student filmmakers we work hard at our passions, and we have experienced first hand what festivals are looking for, as well as what kind of a message they look for in films. What it comes down to is most elite festivals do not consider films fairly based on the merit of their unique or innovative aspects; even some festivals who claim to do this often do not! Most of them look for emotional appeal, inspiring story, or professional camera technique. These methods for storytelling are wonderful, however, they are copies, and do not push the adaptation of cinema for the future.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

It is simple. We want to see unique films which deserve recognition, receive the recognition they deserve. Every filmmaker from every nation has a unique means to telling their stories, and we want to make sure the world looks at their awards, and gives them the consideration they deserve despite not having the quality of equipment of high budget films.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Incredible, FilmFreeway has been our primary platform for receiving submitters and we have managed to receive a very even mix of professional, low-budget, and student films. This has made it easy for us to consider them for awards based on their unique merits.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We aim to see our festival giving out twice the awards, and bringing in professional filmmakers as judges every month. We want to have large theatre screenings for our winners, and promote them to an even more vast online film audience than we already do.

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

The Fifth Element (1997) by Luc Besson

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is simply one which makes a contribution to the development of cinema, and manifests a visceral experience for the viewer, as opposed to just images on a screen.

How is the film scene in your city?

Colorado Springs has often in the past been dubbed “Little Hollywood,” as it is gleaming with young indie filmmakers and innovators creating incredible projects. The city in right on the foothills of the rockies, and offers an immensely diverse filming environment from alien landscapes which feel far from earth, to jungles, and to deserts high with dunes.

 

frostbite-1

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 Mariah Mathew (Little Wing Film Festival)

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Little Wing grew out of passion, persistence, and frustration at the difficulty of finding paid work for young professionals in creative industries. We’re about providing first-time film makers with the tools and opportunities they need to foster career growth, from entertainment and education, to networking and support.

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

Mariah Mathew: I created Little Wing as a platform for first-time filmmakers to have their work seen, and to be rewarded for it in more ways than ‘exposure’. We’re doing everything within our means to reward them with prizes that facilitate their next project and foster career growth. Working unpaid is such a difficult and unsustainable expectation of young creatives trying to break into their industry, and as Little Wing continues to grow alongside its filmmakers, I hope to make it something of a pebble in the pond towards changing attitudes around unpaid work.

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

Expect a lovably small, grungy theatre above a pub with a long history of launching careers in theatre and comedy. Over the weekend we’re hosting a filmmaking workshop amidst screenings, and want to foster an atmosphere of support, collaboration and development. For the public, it’s a space to see some incredible films from the next generation of filmmakers, and for filmmakers, it’s a space to see what is being produced by their peers and meet like-minded creatives over a pint in the bar downstairs. Oh, and free popcorn.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The festival is open exclusively to first-time filmmakers within two years of their first film, recent graduates within 2 years of their graduation date, and current students.

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

Having access to the best equipment doesn’t guarantee a great film – but it doesn’t hurt. First-time filmmakers aren’t necessarily the most affluent or opportunity-rich of people, and despite being talented, lack of accessibility to equipment and costly software can be a disadvantage that makes it harder for new starters to have their work considered in many festivals. We want to provide a step-up in getting these films to a professional standard that you’d see in festivals, rather than accept only those that have the means to already at that level already.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

When I was trying to break into the creative industry, my unpaid internships, volunteering and ‘work experience’ made living in London unsustainable, when also working for minimum wage to pay rent. When the expectation is that young creatives have to work unpaid to begin their careers, it disadvantages those who don’t have financial support, and those who aren’t living at home. I got so fed up with working hard, and knowing I have the creativity and drive that could generate great things, but people weren’t willing to pay for it when the demand was such that they could fill the position for free. I decided to create a space where I could hire myself, and try and alleviate the struggles of young creatives that were in similar positions.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been the most user-friendly submissions platform I’ve used so far. I look forward to seeing their filmmaker network continue to grow, and having them branch out into different accepted currencies (come on, GBP!).

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

The path of Little Wing will be very much directed by the demand from young creatives and what changes they want to see in their industries. Starting in film and growing each year, we would soon like to integrate a design competition element into the festival, and over the next few years branch out into music. We have a Community Forum online where young creatives are encouraged to share their experiences in their industries and give suggestions for what changes they would like to see and where Little Wing might be able to assist.

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

Possibly Howl’s Moving Castle. Or Pan’s Labyrinth. I tried learning Spanish from watching it and realized I was probably developing an accent from the 1940s. Also Edward Scissorhands, American History X, and The Life of Brian.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Something that shakes me with empathy for the human experience.

How is the film scene in your city?

London’ is the film hub of the United Kingdom. One of my concerns when first imagining the possibility of a festival was that perhaps the festival scene was saturated with this kind of thing already, but there’s been a clear call out for support of new filmmakers and as we grow we’ll continue to set ourselves apart. It will be interesting to see how the city contributes to Little Wing’s growth and direction.

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
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed