film festival reviews

Interview with Festival Director Grant Slater (SBE’s Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival)

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“SBE’s Hamilton International Film Festival presents an incredible opportunity to network with other ambitious filmmakers, exchange ideas and fundraising strategies while experiencing the charm of Hamilton, New York. The Hamilton Theater is a gorgeous venue and Grant Slater has put together a 5 star festival with a great selection of film, food and local beers. This is a must-attend festival that offers more than just frivolous laurels to it’s filmmakers… one could say that you leave Hamilton with a new group of friends that offer a different perspective on making and watching movies!”
-D.J. Higgins Director, Writer/Producer Meet Mario

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

Grant Slater: When we started SBE’s Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival in 2009, we were looking to create an event where the filmmakers would get an opportunity to not only showcase their work, but also have a chance to hangout with each other and do some networking. The nice things about Hamilton is that once you are in the village everything is walking distance so the filmmakers kind of move around town in a group showing support at each others screenings and then meeting up at one of the local bars or restaurants after the screenings. Over the years there have been some great collaborations between filmmakers, but if nothing else some new friendships in a tough industry are developed at SBE’s Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival.

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

First of all Hamilton, New York is a really nice place and and was recently named one of the friendliest towns in the USA and Colgate University in the village is regularly named one of the prettiest campuses in the USA. So it is a good place to be in July. But we also always have a great group of film enthusiasts in attendance at our screenings. That is probably the biggest thing I hear from visiting filmmakers.

During the Festival week, especially Thursday to Sunday it is not uncommon to see a group of filmmakers and film fans moving around the village. It is nice to see. I always felt it was boring when you go to a screening, the filmmaker does a Q & A after the screening and then that was it. We keep the conversations going in the restaurants and bars after we leave the theaters and it gives the film fans and filmmakers a chance to get to know each other. The Hamilton community has been really supportive of the Festival.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

This is always the most difficult part from our end. We try to have something for everyone and set up our programming so there is always a wide range of genres. The experience levels of our filmmakers range from student filmmaker to Emmy award winners. After nine years and some good reviews the number of submissions has gone way up. That makes our job more difficult on several levels. One, we want to make sure to watch every film and discuss every film. We owe it to the filmmakers. There are quite a few festival options so we want filmmakers to know we appreciate them choosing us. There is never a perfect formula in the selection process, but we try to rely on a wide range of people inside and outside the industry to help us with the decision making.

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

As filmmakers ourselves, we are very sympathetic to that notion. The thing I hear most from filmmakers is that they never really know if their film was even watched during the process. So in that regard we try to communicate with the filmmakers throughout the process. We want them to now that we received their submission, plan to to watch and give feedback. That goes for both films that we accept and do not accept.

I should note that we hit a point where we were seeing so many terrific films but we only had so much screen time so we moved to a seven day format a couple year ago so that we could accommodate more films. It still bothers us when we run into a great film but just don’t have the room to fit it into the Festival. There have been times where we did not accept a film one year, but we kept it on on radar and reached out the following year. I hope other festivals are doing the same.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

First of all you better love watching films. We do and it is so cool when you bring all these filmmakers together to share their work with the community. It is also super cool when you see filmmakers that attended our festival and then decide to work together down the road. That happens pretty much every year. Putting on a quality and caring Festival is hard work and very time consuming, but at the end of the day it great when it comes together. The actual Festival days are really fun. It is the stuff leading up to the Festival that is the work.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

Filmfreeway is so well designed. It makes life so much easier for the filmmakers and the film festivals. After about our third year, the number of submissions has really gone up. Every year we get more than the last. I think the key for us has been showing the filmmakers you care and don’t forget about them once the Festival is over. I have so many friendships that started during the festival.The Filmmakers are really our best promotors. I have always believed that since filmmakers have thousands of festival options, we better show some appreciation when they decide to submit to SBE’s Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival.

All that being said, Filmfreeway has exposed SBE’s Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival to a world of filmmakers and has played a significant role in our growth.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Our goal is to continue to grow. Continue to showcase a wide range of experience levels. Continue to be responsive to the filmmakers. The reality is that the bigger we get the more expensive the Festival is to produce, so as long as we can provide the quality that we are offering now, but on a larger scale, I will be happy.

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

Waking Ned Devine. Love it. Makes me laugh every time.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film should always touch your emotions.

How is the film scene in your city?

Very strong. The village of Hamilton is not a big place, but we seem to attract film enthusiasts from all over the region. We have visitors from Boston, New York, Ottawa, Toronto and quite a few other locations. Hamilton and all of Madison County is a great place to visit, but now after nine years the Festival has become a major attraction.
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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 Ann Cabano (The Just Be Love Project)

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The JUST BE LOVE Project is dedicated to education, awareness, and inspiring action for social justice and human rights issues through educational events and socially conscious films. Change begins with education and it is their hope to start the difficult conversations and to inspire action in the hearts of those attending this event.

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

Ann Cabano: The JUST BE LOVE Project is dedicated to education, awareness, and inspiring action for social justice and human rights issues through educational events and socially conscious films. It is my hope that this event inspires filmmakers to use their platform to bring awareness to social issues, to give a voice to the tough conversations, to advocate for the injustices humanity faces.

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

Attendees can expect to have the opportunity to acquire a new lens of perception. Beyond that, it is my hope awareness, change and healing can be a lasting result.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Official selections will have any social justice theme or sub-theme that can become a educational discussion.

We hope to have the filmmakers present to answer questions and when not possible we hope to have subject matter experts offer some insight.

We accept any genre of film.

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

Art in any form is personal and therefore subjective and surely the impetus behind the intention of the different festivals.

And I can only speak for my festival where every entry gets screened and judged equally.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I was personally motivated to create this event because I am an advocate for humanity at heart. My background in non-profit, my personal life experiences and my passion as an educator naturally forged a path to this very moment in my life. I imagine my team is motivated by similar reasons.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

The process has been smooth and steady an right in line with my vision and projected pace.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

As a new venture, I have decided to let The Just Be Love Project organically shape and grow.

We are focused on social justice and education awareness and already had the honor of being asked to work with a group of 56 high school youth that wanted to learn about human trafficking. Our partner Shanna Parker, trafficking survivor and founder of AngelsGoToWork.com helped us educate the young adults at a three hour gathering where the participants also helped us make three powerful videos by lending their voice to the topics of homelessness, trafficking and bullying.

This fall we are mentoring and collaborating with another youth group that will be making a film we will screen at a future event.

We will also be launching a non-profit leg that will do educational outreach around social justice and human rights issues.

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

I will admit that it is a tie between ‘While You Were Sleeping’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘My Cousin Vinny’ and ‘Braveheart’.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Human connection, emotional intelligence, a quirky protagonist and a slight sense of the unreal.

How is the film scene in your city?

I would love to the film community in my city expand and grow.

We just acquired a film commissioner and hope to see an impact on our community.

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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 Joe Sanchez (Catch & Release Showcase Festival)

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The showcase is a meeting point among artists, innovators and media consumers. We aim to spark creativity for both beginners and professionals. Grab your phone and create. Together we can make this world more beautiful with our artistry.

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

Joe Sanchez: We are all about distribution. Right now our focus is for the filmmakers to find a way to stream their films to a wider audience and be able to make revenue.

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

Our goal is a traditional one given this is our first year, just aiming for a good time and that people find us memorable. And for the content to be good.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

As long as the material is shot on an cellphone and under 20 minutes, we will consider it.

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

I’m not sure how to answer this question. I believe in general film festivals are always looking to showcase some of the best and finest in the market to be. I do believe the bigger ones; TRIBECA, SUNDANCE, SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST have monopolize. No longer about what’s next, more so what’s going to bring more celebrities. I remember when CLERKS was the biggest thing at SUNDANCE. Now, that’s not so much the case. This is why smaller festivals are needed. People forget that even film festivals have their roots.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

For me, personally, it has always been about helping filmmakers spread their voice. As a writer / producer myself I know that most filmmakers, if not all of them, are simply wanting to be heard. This is why creating is an outlet / a way to coop with the world. And right now that outlet is needed the most. Our festival is just another way for them to speak.

And, on a personal mission, I’m aiming to bring more social awareness about a greater cause, human trafficking. This is why we teamed up with A21. As a fighter against this global monstrosity, it’s my way to give back while implementing change.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

It’s been fair, first year festival have a lot to overcome. So just getting people to submit is an accomplishment on its own. And having the FilmFreeway brand behind us does give us some type of credibility.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

By 2020 I anticipate for us to be globally recognizable and a higher attendance, just kidding. But seriously isn’t the goal always the same, it’s all about longevity. Whether this festival is still around, that’s without question. Ultimately the goal for us is to be trusted. To be one of the go to festivals where you, a. get some validity and b. be handed a distribution deal. We plan to expand to feature film submissions, at some point.

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

El Mariachi, is one of my all time favorite flicks, as Robert Rodriguez likes to refer them as. I can watch it over and over again. From a filmmakers perspective I can appreciate it for what it is, a film that visually accomplish what it set out to do with it’s minimal budget. As a writer, it’s mind blowing how he took a simple story and gave it a creative spin. And now that I’m a film festival director, I can see it’s charm. But then again, I probably always saw that, ha.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Simply the story. A good story can go along way.

How is the film scene in your city?

I’m in Los Angeles, so my scene is thee scene. I’m joking but I will say this though, I’ve lived in a few cities and an each one there are pockets of people doing film. And even L.A. has it’s own local scene but regardless it’s all part of the same spectrum. The struggle is very real but as long as you do your part, you take solace in knowing that you’re partaking in making your dreams come true.

 

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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 Omar McClinton (Various Artists independent Film Festival)

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The VAiFF (Various Artists independent Film Festival) has succeeded in joining two 21st century opportunities together for filmmakers to get their films released and screened by as many people as possible.

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

Omar McClinton: First, we have eliminated the 2-year expiration policy. In most festivals if your project is older than 2 years from its completion, it is no longer eligible for the festival circuit. This is not the case with VAiFF. Blood, sweat, tears and talent don’t expire. If your film was good 10 years ago, it’s still good today. Matter of fact, we received a submission in the winter submission season that had to be transferred from VHS tape. It was submitted, and actually won its nomination in its category. It is one of the finalists this year!

The other way we succeed in creating accomplishments for filmmakers, both novice and experienced, is by giving them an opportunity to raise their fan base and social following by allowing their projects to be screened and voted for on social media, ‘liked’ and shared with a global audience that may not otherwise be able to attend the festival in person, but could eventually become a fan for life.

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

A filmmaker would expect to experience ‘opportunity’. There are no excuses as to why you shouldn’t take one more shot at getting your project out there. We’ve removed any rule hindering a filmmaker and they should take this opportunity and run with it.

We’re a first year festival. It will take time to earn the trust of other filmmakers and it will take time for us to gain the following of many of the other festivals. But we are confident that when someone, filmmaker or audience member, attends our festival they will appreciate our PROFESSIONALISM, identify with our ENTREPRENURIAL SPIRIT and respect our TENACITY in making sure we help nurture the next generation of successful filmmakers while concurrently raising our own bar each and every quarter to provide the best festival and competition experience for all involved. Those whose projects are on the screen, those who will eventually be sitting in theater seats and those working behind the scenes. We’re all lovers of film. We have to respect the art and the artists. VAiFF will do just that.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

√ Films should be no longer than 45 minutes long (not including end credits)
√ Should fit in either category: Animation (Short), Children / Family (Short), Comedy (Short), Documentary (Short), Drama (Short), Foreign Film (Short), Horror / Thriller (Short), Music Video and TV/ Web Series Pilot.

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

If you’re asking if I’ve heard horror stories and claims of people being cheated out of their time and money when entering other festivals, yes I’ve heard of it. If you’re asking if I’ve personally been a victim of this myself as a filmmaker when I tried to enter a film festival years ago, yes, I have been. But honestly, that’s not enough to warrant a blanket statement over the entire film festival community. A few bad apples shouldn’t spoil the whole bunch. I’m not qualified to judge what does or does not happen at other festivals. I am qualified to speak to what I know. VAiFF will WATCH EVERY SUBMISSION. The board members will vote as honestly and truthfully for every submission. VAiFF will post EVERY SUBMISSION FOR ONLINE VOTING BY THE PUBLIC and provide FAIR and ACCURATE RECORDING OF VOTES. Our INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL JUDGES will vote for who they feel is the best picture in their categories and VAIFF will honor that decision.

So many people work hard on their projects. It’s terrible to not give them the fair chance they deserve to either fail or succeed.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I’ve been in the film / television industry for over 20 years. I’ve had scripts stolen from me, opportunities that should have been afforded to me based on my knowledge, hard work and effort given to someone else. I’ve learned a lot about the industry and about life. I want to share this knowledge with the next generation in the hopes that they can learn from my mistakes and shortcomings.

As one of the organizers and program directors I can’t join the festival, but I know that there are people out there like me that wish they had a ‘mentor’ or advisor. I, with the Various Artists Board members, Zernul Shackelford Jr., Zohra Hasta and Robert Parsons II, have given every opportunity we can to artists out there so the ones my age can turn back the clock, and the filmmakers of this younger generation can speed pass my missteps, and experience the career they were born to have, make movies.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

Film freeway has been nothing but great. I’ve had absolutely no problems with them. I hope our artists submitting feel the same. I’ve heard of no complaints. VAiFF will be using them again and for as long as we can.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

By 2020 VAiFF will be one of the top festivals in the country. Having earned the respect of the global film community, both independent and otherwise, we will have not only afforded the opportunity to many filmmakers that had once given up hope, but we will have introduced the world to the next great filmmakers and artists and the world will be a better place because of it.

2020 will be great, but VAiFF will make sure we enjoy the journey of 2017, 2018, and 2019 just as much. We have a lot of work to do, and we’re doing it with everything we’ve got.

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

Omar’s Reply: ‘Superman, The Movie’ (1978). This is the film that made me become a filmmaker. After seeing it I had no doubt in my mind that a man could fly. When I found out that it was just ‘movie magic’. I knew I’d have to be one of the ‘magicians’ for the rest of my life.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film must be great from start to finish, not total running time, but from concept and development to sound mixing and color correction to theatrical sound systems and the smell of popcorn and comfortable seats.

How is the film scene in your city?

Chicago has dipped its toe in the film community for many years. It comes and goes in waves. Right now things are going very well in Chicago and the very talented and special crew and actors continue to make me very proud. Things are great in Chicago and I hope it stays that way for a long time.
 

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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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THE ITALIAN CONTEMPORARY FILM FESTIVAL (ICFF) 2017

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Interview with Festival Director George Gänaeaard (Short Film Breaks)

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Short Film Breaks is the only film festival taking place in private companies.

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

Our main goal is to promote the independent filmmakers from all around the world. We love to screen films from different cultures and different backgrounds to our audience and we love to see how they react to them. For big chunks of time we accept submissions of films under no fees and when we charge fees, it’s only to transform them into prizes for the filmmakers. All in all, our main mission is to bring the films in front of our audience as easy as we possibly can, for both the filmmakers and the audience.

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

Short Film Breaks is a special festival, because it’s the only festival taking place in private companies. That means that we are showing films to employees of private companies, right where they are working. As we like to say it, SHORT FILM BREAKS is the only film festival taking place in private companies, for an audience formed exclusively by employees, in a bid to offer smart break opportunities while promoting the independent movie industry around the world.

That means that to be able to attend the festival you’d need to be an employee of the companies that are our partners.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Last year we only had two categories, Best International Film and Best Romanian Film and we were expecting films under 30 minutes. But starting with 2017 we’ve expanded to many more categories, for different genres, types and styles. It’s best to check the platforms we have added Short Film Breaks on. At the moment we’re present on the following:
FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ShortFilmBreaks
FestHome: https://festhome.com/f/sfb
Reelport: https://reelport.com/festivals/8575
Click For Festivals: https://www.clickforfestivals.com/short-film-breaks
Submissions for next year’s edition will start on September 18, 2017.

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

I couldn’t answer about other festivals. I am part of a Facebook group with many other festival organizers and we all take great care of the films we receive.

At Short Film Breaks, for example, we now have two selection phases. In phase one each film is watched by three judges and only the films with top ratings advance to the second phase. In the second phase, a committee made of four judges watch them and decide who is selected for our festival. That means that before being shows in the festival a film will be watched by seven different judges. And even the ones that do not get selected have been watched by at least three.

Starting with next year we plan to introduce the Extended Deadline. This will be the final deadline, with the highest fees, but all the films that are sent to us during this deadline will receive the judging forms.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Seeing our audience enjoy the films we bring in front of them, discovering new filmmakers and films, those are the best parts of our job.

But something that can’t be compared with anything else is the projections we organized in the remote parts of Nepal and Indonesia. Witnessing your children, or even adults, watch a film for the first time in their life is the highest motivation one could ask for.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We totally love FilmFreeway. It’s the platform we started with, last year, when we received just a bit under 2000 submissions. This year we’ve received 2066 films on FilmFreeway alone. Even if we also joined FestHome and Reelport, we’re received over 90% of our submissions on FilmFreeway. Amazing!!

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We’d love to have screenings in more and more companies, to reach a wider audience. And we’d also love to continue with the special events and screenings we’re organizing in remote parts of the world. We’re in discussions now to also hold screenings in the favelas in Rio.

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

Uhm… I don’t really watch the same film too often. Fight Club and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, each about 3-4 times. But I’ve watched in excess of 4000 films, many of them made before the 70’s, many from Europe, Asia, Latin America. Watching eclectic films, from different cultures and production years, that’s the goal.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film that succeeds in conveying an emotion, or a film that succeeds in changing your perception about something you were taking for granted.

How is the film scene in your city?

We have a few film festivals in Bucharest, but not the biggest in Romania, TIFF, which is taking place in Cluj-Napoca. But we have the biggest film festival for short films here, NexT International Film Festival, a partner of ours, the festival we started our projections with, back in 2014.

There are a dozen cinemas, though not as many as we’d want them to be, especially as the most of them are multiplexes, inside the malls. For a city as big as Bucharest is, we could have more places where films are shown.
 

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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 Arilyn Martinez Cora (LATINO FILM MARKET)

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The Latino Film Market 2017 (LFM) event focuses on providing community networking opportunities and creating direct tools for upcoming Latino filmmakers and industry professionals internationally. LFM takes place July 28 – 30, 2017, in collaboration with La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, a 37-year old, nonprofit, cultural organization, housed at El Barrio’s Artspace PS 109, in East Harlem, New York. LFM will engage participants from the USA, the Caribbean and other Latin American countries, with a potential participation of 500 – 600 individuals.

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

Arilyn Martinez Cora: The 2017 Latino Film Market succeeds at providing a unique platform to raise the visibility of up-and-coming Latino filmmakers. LFM 2017 brings film professionals together to collaborate on the distribution of approximately 40+ selected projects within the United States.

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

You can expect a great program filled with outstanding Latino films from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, Panama, Spain, United States, Canada, United Kingdom -all gathered in one location and ready to increase opportunities for international sales and distribution of films made by Latino filmmakers. Workshops, panel discussions as well as photo and sculpture exhibitions will alternate with the event program. In addition, there will be Q&A sessions with actors, producers, directors, and crew members.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We pay attention to the content, duration, the actors’ performance, sound, music, editing, set design, and make up.

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

I think that a film entering to a film festival is an amazing opportunity to connect with the audience and increase the followers who can help you later to either sell the movie traditionally or through VOD. So rather than looking to see if fair or not, the filmmaker should be ready to understand on what they will like to achieve

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Living in New York City for over six years, has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. After attending several Latino events, I realized that many U.S born Latinos (first and second generation) transition themselves into Latinos as a result of their parents passing down their beautiful culture and traditions. The concept of Latino Film Market came from the idea of integrating my expertise in the process of filmmaking and my interest to find ways to preserve and promote the Latin American culture through the showcase of films that would be recognized at a national and international level creating economic development in the United States and Latin American countries.

My team realized that there is no Film Market focused on Latino films in the United States, and we decided to create one to help the up-and-coming filmmakers learn more about the process of filmmaking and distribution.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The FilmFreeway submission process was amazing. Its website is very easy to be used and when I had a question I looked it up on Google and I was able to proceed quickly. In addition, the website of FilmFreeway is well organized and it is friendly in terms of watching and selecting the films.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

My team and I envision the festival by 2020 as the leading destination for Latino filmmakers who are eager to network, and acquire the latest knowledge and tools to promote, distribute and sell their short and feature films, documentaries and web series, where the Latino community is included as the main topic. The funds paid by distributors can be used for their future film projects.

We aim to be able to create more opportunities for international sales and distribution of Latino films and we hope to be able to widen the choice of Latino films shown to audiences and provide affordable workshops and educational panels to up-and-coming Latino filmmakers.

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

V for Vendetta, Y tu mamá también, New York Stories, The Notebook, La Guagua Aérea, Amelie, Rocky, and Babel are the films I have seen the most times in my life, I really enjoy how their stories are well developed and the way these movies are shot.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A well developed story makes a great film.

How is the film scene in your city?

In New York City, there are film festivals everywhere and the filmmaking industry is almost in every corner.
 

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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 Karen Ndumia (The Cump Film Festival)

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CUMP is an upcoming independent documentary and film festival drawn from Colleges and Universities that offer Film and Electronic Media studies in East Africa, and the only independent film festival in Nairobi. CUMP shall screen in Nairobi -Kenya and other East African cities and shall premiere local and international films and documentaries.

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

Karen Ndumia: My film festival’s focus is on budding film makers who are currently in university and college learning and practicing the art. The core purpose of the festival is to be a home where story tellers gather and engage in a creative space to have fun and also a networking hub.

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

When people attend this festival they will experience purpose. Purpose of them creating stories, telling those stories and understanding their stories and those of others.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Being the first edition we haven’t put limited access to the entries however we accepted all shorts and features that have never been screened in any international film festival. Also the films had to be student works.

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

Yes. Because they are limited to the do’s and dont’s of single event which doesn’t necessarily make them bad films.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are motivated by the fact that there’s a sense of command in telling my stories. The power of telling your own stories your own way brings out the most authentic version of yourself and there’s no much fulfillment than that in life.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It was easy, accessible, efficient and linked me to people with fantastic stories who I couldn’t physically meet.I simply loved it.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

My vision which I feel strongly is to transcend social barriers. I seek to not only have virtual access to those stories and the story tellers but also meet this beautiful film makers come here in Nairobi – Kenya and create more stories with us and take us through their story telling journey.

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

Growing up that should be baby’s day out. But now I can’t stop myself from watching The Last Song directed by Julie Anne Robinson over and over again.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

An authentic story well told.

How is the film scene in your city?

My city which happens to be Kenya’s capital is called Nairobi derived from a Massai word meaning A PLACE OF COOL WATERS. It is the most dynamic city in the sense that it is culturally diverse hosting multi-ethnic groups, has an ancient touch hence a cultural center & tourist attraction, a recreational center, diplomatic center, residential center with apartments, guest houses and lodges , shopping center with high end malls, an educational center with both local and international school systems, its a well fitted modern hub boasting all manners of modern technologies and a commercial hub that host international business and organizations hence being East Africa’s larger center of business and trade.

From the Festival Director:

My name is Karen. W. Ndumia born and bred in the most beautiful and dynamic country called Kenya. In my entire growing from the age of 6 I have strongly pursued art and especially engaged my oral skills, hence participated in all forms of oral art in church and school until now. I have now grown to find my niche and after completing my high school three years ago I decided I’ll pursue Bachelor’s in Film and Theater arts at the Kenyatta University where I currently study.

With time, I have learnt the need to be relevant in the society by telling the right stories about our truest selves and how we view it through our creative eyes.

I then began to have a constant gut feeling to gather people and tell stories in a creative space. Through this time, trying to figure out how I can get to gather people in a room and have them watch diverse stories told by young people concerning societal norms that we loved and some that we needed to change,that was the birth of the CUMP FILM FESTIVAL.

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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 Film Festival Director Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe (British Urban Film Festival)

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BUFF wants to change the face of British film. They want it to reflect all of us, not just some of us. They have made great strides in the right direction for over a decade. There’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue for a decade more. Across the film & TV industry, Britain’s filmmakers are much less diverse than Britain itself. And that can sometimes mean it’s much more of an effort to make films and TV programmes diverse, because they have to make an effort. This, in turn, is understandable.

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

Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe: In the last few years, over 20 filmmakers have won an award through having their work showcased by the festival. Also, since 2012, over 20 festival films have been acquired for broadcast on Channel 4, BBC i-player, Community Channel and London Live.

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

We’re only as good as our last festival and so for this year we have really pushed the boat out for filmmakers and audiences in general. For the first time ever, BUFF will be in attendance at Cannes to announce details about this year’s film festival and awards. Once again, the festival will run for a whole week in Central London in September. In terms of what to expect experience wise – we are planning the most audacious and memorable experience yet.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We don’t have specific qualifications for the films which get selected for the festival. When i’m asked what an urban film is, my response remains the same: it’s whatever you perceive the word ‘urban’ to be. It’s important that writers and directors retain the one power that they have over all of us – telling us a story that we’ll give a damn about – and not the other way round.

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

It depends on what you mean by fair shake. For a film festival like BUFF, the main work starts after the premiere as we believe in extending the commercial and PR shelf life for a film for as long as possible. It’s the primary reason why we established the BUFF Awards to provide further incentive for filmmakers to enter their films into our festival.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

For as long as I can remember, I have always cared about how I am represented. This is moreso in an industry which is rapidly having to deal with such an existential issue as diversity. Films are the lifeblood for any festival and with each passing year, me and my team, along with our esteemed patrons are able to see firsthand just how passionate other people are about diversity and representation. We have a duty to serve these filmmakers and audiences in general.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We offer great value for money therefore we’re not surprised by the phenomenal response from filmmakers and scriptwriters since submissions opened last November, moreso than ever before. We have also seen a greater number of countries enter submissions to our festival. It is heartening to know that our brand of diversity is universally acknowledged in places like Canada, Germany, Russia, Australia, Israel and Taiwan.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

As the leading film festival for diversity in the world, we would like to take our brand of diversity to other countries. From a national perspective, there’s work to be done across the UK also and this will become one of our key objectives by the time we host what would be our 15th annual festival and 5th annual awards.

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

I could give you 10 as it’s a close run thing. Men In Black.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Attention to detail, on-screen chemistry, psychologically tortured characters.

How is the film scene in your city?

I am passionate about my city as a home for creative talent to firmly establish themselves. London is home to the UK’s biggest film and TV companies and there’s a wide variety of film festivals for audiences to attend. Its’ iconic locations are the envy of the world and continues to attract film studios and production companies from far and wide.
 

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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 Len Gibson (Peachtree Village International Film Festival)

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PVIFF is hosted by Gipp. Museums, Inc. PVIFF attracts 3,000+ people each year from around the world. PVIFF was created in 2006 under the previous name (Sweet Auburn International Film Festival) and have served as the launching pad for many successful filmmakers and other artists alike in the film & entertainment industry. This dynamic international film festival showcases feature length films, shorts, music videos, documentaries, and screenplays from around the globe. PVIFF also feature celebrity attractions, innovative workshops, panels, parties, and much more. PVIFF is one of the most celebrated film events through dynamic programming and a dedication to helping filmmakers excel in their careers. PVIFF’s brand is entrenched in the old saying “It Takes A Village.”

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

    Len Gibson: We succeed at connecting filmmakers with the resources they need to advance their careers. Over the years we have garnered numerous international relationships to include financiers, distributors, executives and more. We succeed at pairing our filmmakers with these relationships in a non threatening manner.

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

    You can expect to meet some really cool exciting people that are doing great things in film, television and technology. You can also expect to experience some great films, panels and workshops.

    What are the qualifications for the selected films?

    The films just have to speak to our audience. Our audience is multi-cultural with diverse backgrounds. We attempt to select quality films with great themes that speak to a broad audience.

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

    In some cases I do. In some cases you can see the talent in a young filmmaker that may not be there yet but they have all the tools to be successful. We try to give young filmmakers an opportunity to share their work if we feel that they are the tools to become a solid filmmaker. Not all festivals do this and I can understand why but we try to because you never know who is going to blossom into a great filmmaker.

    What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

    Helping young artists succeed.

    How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

    Our process with Film Freeway has been great.

    Where do you see the festival by 2020?

    By 2020 we expect to be about 3 times the size we are now. We are focused on infusing more music and more technology into what we offer at our festival.

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

    Probably Shawshank Redemption.

    In one sentence, what makes a great film?

    A great story that makes a broad impact on the viewers that see it told with believable acting and solid cinematic value.

    How is the film scene in your city?

    The film scene is great is Atlanta. This city has truly become the place to shoot film and television. Atlanta has the look of many places around the U.S. and the weather is good here so shooting in this city is great.

     

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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
    FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed