film festival reviews

Interview with Festival Director Anthony Michael Hobbs (Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Festival)

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 Imagination Lunchbox is a film production company based in Baltimore, Maryland. After screening films at numerous festivals across the country, they realized that there was a need for kid focused films in the Baltimore, Maryland and general area. It seemed only appropriate that a company well-known for kid centered films would be the perfect organization to help fill this need.

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

Anthony Michael Hobbs: The Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Festival is succeeding at giving a special opportunity for kid filmmakers who don’t get the chance to show their films, by having three categories: FOR kids, BY kids, and STARRING Kids; everything is about the kids!

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

When people come to the film festival this year, they will experience a lot of effort and excitement as we show films by kid filmmakers, but also for ways to make the film festival better. I want everyone to come out and see what we have to offer, and then tell us what they like and what they would want to see next year. I hope that other kid filmmakers hear about us so they know they now have a place that will focus on their films.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We are actually still screening, but our selection qualifications are how much we think other kids will enjoy them, and which films will bring a variety to the festival. We want a variety of people, experiences, and even cultures. I’m looking forward to kids in Baltimore enjoying films by kids in Europe, Australia, Brazil, or where ever they come from!

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

Yes, I think some films don’t get a fair shake at film festivals because films that are by kids are not really taken seriously, and people think they are a joke or that the kids did not put a lot of effort into it, so it doesn’t get into the film festivals. Even some film festivals called children’s film festivals don’t really show films by kids.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I am motivated to do this festival because I have gone to many film festivals before, and I have noticed that there are really no many festivals for kids; and the festivals that do exist don’t really do much for kids. When festivals do have kids categories they don’t show many films and don’t do much for the films because the focus is adults and their films. I have been to a few festivals that do better with this, but the kid films still only get a day or a small block of time. I am having this festival where the focus is the kids to give kid filmmakers a place and a festival where they will be the focus. I am starting small with a one day festival, but hopefully it will grow into more.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

My FilmFreeway experience has been great! There are some days where we won’t get submissions and that gives us a chance to review films and catch up on the many that we have received. As soon as we catch up we get more submissions, but that is great. We always think we’ve been the best films, and then other people submit and you think that THOSE films are awesome too. Sometimes one person will submit multiple films, so that is interesting to see all the different ideas that one person has.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

By the year 2020, I see the festival being a successful festival with over 300 submissions a year, and having so many people attend the festival we need a huge venue!

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

The film that I have seen the most times in my life is Pokémon movies. I actually watch a lot of movies a lot of times. I’ve watch Disney’s Aladdin a few times, as well as Disney’s The Lion King. When I really think about, I remember watching The SpongeBob Movie a lot of times. I also really like the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. That’s a favorite of mines too.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film has action, comedy, adventure, good script, good actors, and good music.

How is the film scene in your city?

In Baltimore, it seems like the film scene is off and on. Baltimore was really popular years ago, and then the film scene kind of went away. I think there is only two film festivals here, and neither have a youth or kid category. Sometimes Baltimore is the location for a few scenes of a film or television show, but not a lot happens anymore. I think that is because we don’t have tax credits like other cities.

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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 Emi Onishi (UPTOGOOD Impact Film Festival)

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Combining a traditional student film festival with a powerful online platform built for video-driven social impact campaigns, UPTOGOOD Impact Film Festival asks students to produce and share videos / short films that can catalyze positive social change by highlighting social issues and solutions in their communities—and to use our film festival to amplify that impact.

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

Emi Onishi: Our film festival succeeds at helping students promote and celebrate the art of impact storytelling, producing, and campaigning for social impact. With our online platform, built in community, and incredible media sponsors we are able to amplify the winning films and help bring more attention to the causes the filmmakers are addressing in their films and campaigns. Submission deadline is 4/5/17 and festival passes are now available at UPTOGOOD Impact Film Festival

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

UPTOGOOD Impact Film Festival is a day-long event with film screenings, panel discussions and networking events that allow students, filmmakers, activists, nonprofits and practitioners to gather at the intersection of storytelling and social impact.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Eligible Applicants are U.S. high school students, college and film school students with a <10-minute video detailing a social issue that matters to them, and the steps one can take to make that issue disappear, submitted via online platform, UPTOGOOD.org

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

There is a lot of competition out there. Films are easier to make these days. The equipment and resources are readily available to most people. In many ways, you have to really submit your best work to film festivals in order to heighten your chances of being accepted into one.

With our festival, we focus primarily on social impact cinema. We live in an increasingly digital world with tools to mobilize a crowd. Millennials are the most cause-centric generation yet. It’s very exciting to see so many documentaries and social impact films being submitted. We do our very best with our staff and judges to make sure each film is watched and judged properly.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

There is a growing need to champion GOOD in today’s challenging world. We all care about what’s going on in the world and want do something good and make it a better place. A chance for meaning. We are inspired by the work of amazing storytellers and their ability to move people. We wanted to create a festival and platform where young storytellers can raise awareness on social issues and influence people’s perspectives to encourage debate and inspire actions on social issues. We believe impact and change can happen in numbers. it’s not always one person taking monumental action. It can actually be as simple as lots of people taking a little bit of action too. That is momentum, that is how things move, that is how we make an impact and arrive at a world that is UPTOGOOD. We’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible getting UPTOGOOD with us even outside of the festival through UPTOGOOD.org.

The film festival offers a unique and timely intersection of social impact campaigning and video storytelling, while providing attendees with the chance to hear from speakers or professional organizations that are pioneers in the field.

Statistically, millennials are not only the largest, most educated and most diverse population in the United States, but they are also the most politically active and socially aware. A 2014 study by the White House Council of Economic Advisers has found that Millennials are the largest generation in the United States. Yet another study by the PwC Council of Economic Advisers has found that Millennials are the most diverse and educated in American history. On average, they also value the opportunity for positive social impact for their children, communities and society as a whole.

In short, millennials want to save the world — one person at a time. Our film festival is a gateway for them to voice their opinions and initiate real change.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been very helpful in getting our film festival the attention it needed. This is our inaugural year so we were really focused on our submission call. Having our film festival listed on FilmFreeway allowed us to receive many great films and campaigns from around the U.S.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We hope to be reaching more people and creating large movements that can meaningfully affect communities and the world through the festival.

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

Any and all social impact films #StoriesThatMatter. We are strong believers in the power of storytelling and its ability to move people to foster new ideas, dialogue, empathy and reflection for social impact together.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is memorable and has a story that had to be told through the medium of film.

How is the film scene in your city?

Bustling and busy! The UPTOGOOD Impact Film Festival runs out of Los Angeles which is the movie-making capital of the world. In addition to having Hollywood in our backyard, we are closely connected to an incredibly large community of social impact storytellers and documentarians.

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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 Ivan Wiener (Albuquerque Film & Music Experience)

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AFME brings award-winning filmmakers, screenwriters, musicians, artists, distributors, industry experts, producers, casting directors and visionaries together from around the world to celebrate the art of storytelling and collaborate into the future.

Their Mission:
The AFME Foundation brings together world-renowned and local filmmakers and musicians with high school and college students to provide educational and cultural opportunities. We support Albuquerque becoming an epicenter for film, music and the arts.
 
http://www.abqfilmx.com/

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

Ivan Wiener: Providing a platform to share their work with a vast audience including distributors, other filmmakers and industry members. Introducing filmmakers to other attendees where future collaboration, either personally or professionally, goes from a possibility to a reality.

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

Attendees will experience an amazing blend of movies, music and the arts throughout the week where celebrity and industry professionals are just a smile and a handshake away. The cool thing about AFME is the access everyone has to one another. Attendees also experience some of the top hospitality of any film festival in the world. Our staff treats everyone like family throughout AFME.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Out of hundreds of films submitted to our festival, the selected films have to stand out with production value and story line and leave the audience wanting more. We take pride in screening the best films that come our way through the submission process and supporting the filmmaker’s desire to screen their project in front of an intelligent, hip and appreciative audience.

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

I think there are many festivals that are known to hand pick movies that they know will draw distributors immediately. Our screening team takes great pride in watching every movie submitted and having open discussions about the quality of movies. With 45-50 films selected for our program, we take great care in selecting movies with the top production value.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are motivated by our non-profit’s mission and vision of bringing together world renowned and local filmmakers and musicians with high school and college students to provide educational and cultural opportunities. The more success we have at the festival, the more scholarships we offer to students of film, music and the arts. We are always happy to have celebrities who believe in our mission come along for the ride each June. This year, T Bone Burnett, Jeff Bridges and many others will be in attendance.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been a wonderful submission platform. Easy to use, with tools that give great exposure to our event.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We see AFME expanding to more areas of the city and offering a summer institute for talented high school and college students of film, music and the arts.

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

Jaws. Every time it is on television, I can’t help but watch it.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a unique and engaging story that evokes emotion from beginning to end.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Albuquerque is one of the best in the world. Being one of the top production destinations due to the State incentive, there are weekly events throughout the city that focus on film. Local and international filmmakers love Albuquerque because of its unique vibe and focus on film.

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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 Miguel Sevilla (CINEMATOGRAFO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

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The CINEMATOGRAFO Originals Contest gives voices to emerging Filipino filmmakers from around the world. It is an annual competition that provides seed grants worth up to $100,000 for full-length features, either documentary or narrative.

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

Miguel Sevilla: Our festival centers in on a new generation of Filipino-American filmmakers who offer a different perspective owing to their different upbringing and experiences. Our festival aims to showcase this new generation and put them on the world stage, along with the best of the world.

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

Attendees can expect to experience new visions, new perspectives and new stories from a generation of storytellers that are part of the Filipino diaspora. Filipinos are one of the most migrant populations in the world and can be found in all corners of the world where they thrive in any industry.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

As mentioned, we are looking for stories from the Filipino diaspora. The themes and genre may vary but what is important is that the filmmaker is part of the migrant Filipino generation, growing up and experiencing a different kind of life abroad from other Filipinos.

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

Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of niche film festivals launch alongside the major festivals. While the big ones showcase the elite art house content, that’s not to say that there is no market for films with a unifying theme or specialized content. The reality is that you can only program so much into a festival, and every film can’t be in Cannes or Sundance. But it’s a big world, a diverse world – and so are the stories in it. And as long as there is interest, there will be an audience. And festivals offer that platform where the audience can find those movies.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Until now, there has been no institution that has given production grants solely to Filipino-American filmmakers. Our team’s passion is fueled by the Filipino’s passion for storytelling, wherever they may be in the world. And it’s about time we put that passion front and center.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Overwhelming. We received four times the number of submissions we expected and thus, are truly grateful for everyone who showed their support for the festival

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Aside from being the premier Filipino-American film festival, I see the festival branching off into educational, training and technical support for all Filipino filmmakers outside the Philippines. I see the festival as a resource for all storytellers, unifying them into a vibrant community.

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

Chinatown by Roman Polanski

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

More than escapism, any film that makes you consider a point of view that you never had before and conveys empathy for a character that is truly opposite from who you are is most likely a great film.

How is the film scene in your city?

Incredibly diverse. The Bay Area is a melting pot for different cultures and the interests of moviegoers vary to a great degree.

 

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Interviewee Miguel Sevilla. Screenwriter, novelist and filmmaker, born and raised in the Philippines. Now based in California. Made directorial debut in 2008 with Cul de Sac. Nominated for FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) in 2010.

 

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
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Interview with Festival Director William Vela (Miami Short Film Festival)

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Miami short Film Festival is a film festival based in Miami, Florida that features short films of 20-minutes or less each. A growing movement to exhibit and expand the art form of short film making providing a venue to build community around the arts. Philosophy: Short films, past and present, are true works of art, and deserve a venue dedicated to their exhibition. Their mission is to present quality films from around the world as well as support, recognize and honor filmmakers creating a films under 20 minutes.

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

William Vela: Miami short Film Festival is succeeding because we continue to promote the short film genre and supporting local and international filmmakers providing an ideal platform in a popular city such Miami Florida. The MsFF is international in scope and as a result, the festival has showcased over 1,000 high-quality films from around the world representing over 70 countries and has given the filmmaker a gateway for exposure and to short film an identity differentiating it from the classical feature lent films.

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

MsFF will offer our audience a one of a kind selection of the best short films across all genres from all over the world. From original scripts to different perspectives, to new cinematography and film techniques, each piece is the result of true emotion andexpression. Today’s short film cinema is beyond doubt, the nurturing ground of tomorrow’s world-renowned filmmakers.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

When selecting the films, our goal is to find films that are
distinctive and with a powerful team. We look for a storyline that can transform audiences, living them with a powerful message.

Technical Requirements:
-Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2015
-All non-English films must have English sub-titles.
-Films must be submitted electronically
-We will only consider works with a maximum running time of 20 minutes or less. There is no minimum running time.
-Works-in-progress will be considered, provided they will be completed prior to the Festival.
-We do not allow multiple category entries.
-Though not a requirement, we prefer that films NOT have previously screened in a public theatrical setting in Dade or Broward County FL prior to their screening at MiamisFF.

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

No comment.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The love of filmmaking and desire to contribute to the cultural scene of our community. Also the responsibility of having create a dependable film festival that filmmakers and our audience wait for every year.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Film Freeway has been very helpful offering filmmakers and Film
Festival organizers a friendly tool to process all the materials. It has also provided a reachable staff that you can contact any time. They are way better than any other exiting platforms.

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

The film that I have seen the most times in my life is The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Great films most have a good storyline, interesting characters and good performance.

How is the film scene in your city?

Miami’s independent film scene is flourishing, even as hundreds of arthouse cinemas close around the country. The city is home to seven independent cinemas, most of which have opened in the last four years, and its increasing number of film festivals and notable filmmakers is propelling South Florida into a passionate film mecca with more than 10 festivals and an entire month dedicated to showcasing film such as the Miami short Film Festival.

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Interviewee BIO: For the past thirteen years Mr. Vela has been the Executive Director of the MsFF organization, overseeing every single aspect of this exiting international film festival. With more than 20 years of experience working as a professional actor, producer and director, he has work in over 250 TV commercial for the locals, nationals and international market. A creative and dynamic leader in the entertainment field industry, with continued success in event planning and media productions. Mr. Vela has been focus on expanding local, national and international independent short film productions while integrating influential and diverse partnership and sponsors to this campaign

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.

Interview with Festival Director Shira Dubrovner (Mammoth Lakes Film Festival)

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Awarded in 2016 by MovieMaker Magazine as a top 50 film festival worth the entry fee. In 2017, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival will screen over 60 features and shorts in the spectacular setting of Mammoth Lakes—California’s premier mountain resort, high in the Eastern Sierra. It will take place on the Wednesday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

http://www.mammothlakesfilmfestival.com/

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

Shira Dubrovner: We combine our commitment to cutting-edge programming with our efforts to create a friendly, nurturing, fun atmosphere, giving our filmmakers a unique experience to be a part of what’s new and exciting in the independent film world and to make personal and professional connections in a truly unique setting. We believe films can change the world, but we also believe in art for art’s sake. Our slogan is “Movies Unfiltered,” and we make a point of showcasing work that digs deep, gets personal, and gets real and raw and confrontational when necessary. We put our filmmakers first, and make every effort to bring them to the festival and give them an unforgettable experience. We are truly a filmmaker friendly film festival. We offer all our filmmakers travel stipends and housing. We take over a student housing facility and house all the filmmakers under one roof, which creates a great synergy and a “Filmmaker-First Festival”.

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

We create an intimate atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to connect: filmmaker to filmmaker, filmmaker to audience, and filmmaker to industry professionals (from our Jury) and sponsors. Whether you are a filmmaker or cinephile you will be inspired and challenged with the lineup of films that we carefully procure for our audiences. We also have both guided and spontaneous outings to visit the amazing natural surroundings.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

For this year, 2017, they must have been completed after January 1, 2016. They also must not have had a theatrical release.

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

I think the bigger festivals rely on reaching out to established filmmakers and organizations for their programming, and submitted films can become an afterthought. We make a point of carefully evaluating all submitted films and drawing a large percentage of our program from blind submissions.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our commitment to find films with a specific and original vision. We love discovering the filmmakers of the future. Our director of programming Paul Sbrizzi discovered Lena Dunham and Ben Zeitlen before their careers took off. We love discovering and nurturing young filmmakers’ careers and watching them grow. We also love to showcase fresh and stimulating work by established filmmakers.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Very smooth. We find the platform very easy to use and easy to keep all the submissions organized and we are able to communicate with all the programmers well through the platform.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Our goal is to be a destination festival that is known for showcasing a selection of the best new work from around the world as well as finding up-and-coming talent. We are well on our way and intend on achieving that by 2020.

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

The Wizard of Oz because it comes on T.V. every year and it brings out the kid in me.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A naturally gifted filmmaker who is unafraid of expressing a personal, inspired vision with style and sensitivity.

How is the film scene in your city?

Mammoth Lakes is a ski resort where many second-home-owners are industry professionals with a passion for filmmaking and a great interest in new talent. A lot of the year-round locals have a taste for art and culture; they welcome the festival and the filmmakers with open arms.

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Matt Croyle (Oil Valley Film Festival)

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At the Oil Valley Film Festival, their mission is to bring the voices and films of new and established filmmakers to the heart of Venango County, an area underrepresented in the world of film. Located in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, attending the Oil Valley Film Festival will grant you the experience of watching engaging cinema within an intimate community with a rich history.

http://oilvalleyfilmfestival.weebly.com/
 
Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

A: Well, we’re only a year in. This year is year two, but I think we’re heading down such a great future track as far as what we’re capable of providing for filmmakers. The “in competition” selections not only get the notoriety of being selected as just that, but each selection is in competition in every award category. Every screenwriting entrant receives an updated copy of the Hollywood Screenwriting Directory, and that’s just for submitting. We’re partnered with the Writers Store for the second year, and the directory is the premiere resource for screenwriters everywhere. It includes industry contacts, writing tips and advice, and is just a priceless addition to a career as a screenwriter.

Outside of those immediate benefits, filmmakers from all over the globe are able to get their films in front of a rural audience. I think it’s imperative that rural audiences get to connect with filmmakers they may not know, filmmakers outside of what flicks are being shown in their local multiplex. We offer that opportunity not only for a rural audience, but the filmmakers too.

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

A: Attending the Oil Valley Film Festival this year will, again, be an intimate gathering of filmmakers, audience members, and the festival staff. We’re in the process of adding panel events this year, which can give audience members an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of creating and marketing movies, but it gives filmmakers and writers the chance to network, and talk about their projects and experiences in doing so. If you want to get away from the city, spend a few days in the beauty of rural Pennsylvania, and enjoy quality cinema from around the globe, then our festival is for you.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

A: The films selected to screen at our festival go through a vetting process which includes our festival judiciary committee, which consists of filmmakers, producers, and cinema enthusiasts. It’s a select group, and they know their stuff. Each committee member is assigned with specific categories, with the final decision coming down to myself as director of the festival. We’re looking for amazing storytelling and production value, even if you don’t have the budget for the latter. Effort is imperative. Our selected films, while varying in many aspects, all find a distinct way to connect to our audiences on a personal level – as I feel quality cinema should. All selected films must not have been released theatrically or online. Premiere status isn’t a factor.

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

A: I do think some films don’t get a fair shake. A lot of the established festivals, while they are amazing events and great opportunities for filmmakers, seem extremely selective anymore in order to ensure audiences show up, in order to sell tickets / passes. While some unknown filmmaker – with an amazing first feature – may be on the fence, pitted against a name filmmaker with a so-so flick, an established festival may go the route of the latter for the fact that they know more people will attend the established filmmaker’s screening, even if that film isn’t as good. But, then again, “good” is subjective. We have to remember that movies, like anything else, are a business, and that’s especially true on the festival end of the industry.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

A: I think the thing that motivates us more than anything is our love of movies. It’s really that simple. Growing up I always got excited when I saw a new film that spoke to me, and I couldn’t wait to run and tell my friends about it, set them down and watch it with them, watch their reactions. This festival is almost an extension of that same excitement. But now, as an adult, I have a larger venue in which to share that excitement with more people than just my friends. It’s finding a way to connect a lot of people with movies that mean something.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

A: I cannot say enough great things about FilmFreeway. Their service is absolutely integral to our submission process. It’s organizationally comprehensive, yet simple enough for your entire team to use. Their online marketing options are worth the time, and they’re fairly priced. We’ve already received half of our total submissions from last year by this year’s early bird deadline.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A: Well, 2020 will be our fifth year. By then I would love for us to be an Academy-Award qualifying event for short films. That seems quite doable at this juncture, by the way we’re steadily growing. It’s not out of reach. And, by our fifth year, I hope that we can establish ourselves as a premiere event in Pennsylvania. There’s a lot of love for the process of filmmaking here, and a great reception for quality cinema from the people in the area.

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

A: Wow. That’s a tough question. I’m not exactly sure which film I’ve seen the most, but I will say that I can probably recite every line from both Peter Jackson’s ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and Kevin Smith’s ‘Clerks II.’

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A: How about one word? “Connection.” Everyone has a favorite film. If you connect to it, it’s “great” to you.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

A: Oil City, Pennsylvania isn’t the hub of film in the area, but we’re looking to make our mark with what we do at the Oil Valley Film Festival. It’s nice for film lovers here for the fact that we’re about halfway between Pittsburgh and Erie, and we’re looking to bridge that gap not only with the film festival, but by making our own films here – promoting the area for other productions is another thing we’re striving to do. We’re a Rust Belt city, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a love and need for culture and art here. We’re adding to that need, helping it to grow.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every 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.

Interview with Festival Director Xavi Herrero (IBIZACINEFEST)

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IBIZACINEFEST is facing its second edition in 2017 with the organization of UTOPIKFILMS and the collaboration of the Ibiza Town Council, Gobern Balear and the Film Commission of Balearic Islands. Among those selected will be nominated FINALISTS that will participate in the Festival and will be screened in our Auditorium and will opt for the IBIZACINEFEST grand prize.

http://www.ibizacinefest.com/

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

A: I’m surprised at the success of IBIZACINEFEST in its first year.
This success began when many registrations came to us and above all of great quality.

The name of Ibiza is a good brand and a place known worldwide, this has helped us.

I am also a filmmaker, in 2016 I have directed 2 short films that I personally distribute and I am about to release my first feature film in April.

I believe that being in the two sides I have been able to create a festival to taste mainly of the Director.

Our format is not typical at festivals. We make a first selection of shortfilms and have their space on our website, with their poster and corresponding links. This helps to access the Festival to many works and to promote them. Of these pre-selected, we chose 44 shorts for the projections.

Another novelty is to communicate in less than 30 days if your shortfilm has been selected. This speed is very much liked by the Director of a short film. It has also been definitive the support of the Ibiza Town Hall to cede to IBIZACINEFEST the Auditorium of Can Ventosa. It has capacity for 400 people and a great quality of projection.

We invited the Festival to 5 Directors and a Director of Photography and they loved the Auditorium.

Our budget allowed us to pay for the trip and a 4 star Hotel thanks to the collaboration of the Department of Culture and the Film CommissioN of the Balearic Islands.

We also have a multicultural space, bar and restaurant for the attention to the press, some projections and conferences.

All this and with the full support of the media and press of Ibiza, we have achieved that the Festival is a cultural event of reference in Ibiza.

But most of all, the filmmaker, Lionel Auguste, actor and French director, who won with his short film “El Mecenas”, asked me during the festival to be part of the Jury, is the best prize for me and
the Festival.

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

Our second edition will have much more budget, thanks to the support of the Balearic government. We will have another projection room for parallel activities. We plan to screen 50 shortfilms in competition and the Festival will last 6 days. We will have a section on feautures and shorts or created in Ibiza, activities for children, conferences, etc …

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We have a jury that covers all the cinematographic aspects.

I come from the direction of photography and I look a lot in this aspect, but in the Jury there are two actors, producers, screenwriters and directors of film and experimental cinema.

We also value the originality of the work and shortfilms made with little budget but high quality.

I believe that the three winners of our first edition represent very clearly the spirit of IBIZACINEFEST.

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

There are many Festivals in the world. I would recommend to the Directors that they distrust the on-line Festivals without projections and without the assistance of at least the winners to the event.

If the Festival charges fees it is obliged to give cash prizes.
The collaboration of public institutions also gives confidence to the Festival.

Personally I came across a Festival that rewarded a shortfilm of mine …. but you had to buy the trophy that was worth 70 eu ….. I do not think it serious.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The Festival is my initiative. From time to time I was thinking about this possibility.

In 2015 I left my professional activity as director of photography in Barcelona and I settled to live in Ibiza. In Ibiza I produced 2 shortfilms and seeing the good reception of the island, I thought about organizing an International Short Film Festival.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Filmfreeway is my favorite platform for several reasons, it is very complete at the editing level and offers many possibilities to promote a Festival, in a clear and semzilla way. It was the platform that gave us more inscriptions, I can only be grateful to Filmfreeway, all are facilities and no problem.

I can tell an anecdote with them. We can all make mistakes, we are human, but even one mistake with us was good and fun. They put us as an Oscar-nominated Festival for a week, participants told me if this was true and I telephoned filmfreeway and fixed the misunderstanding.

We laughed a few minutes with this.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Simply,celebrating the 4th edition with the same illusion as the first.

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

My first movie, I’m finishing now … jajjja.

Seriously, maybe Mulholland Drive by David Lynch or Europe by Lars V.Trier.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A good script well photographed.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Ibiza is a small island well known for its party, beaches and discos. It really is a place where tourism affects a lot and alters the lives of its inhabitants.

During the winter months, Ibiza is another island, a quiet place where many artists and culture-related people still live. It is a few months where it is easy to see 2 or 3 sessions of films and independent and interesting short films every week.

There is a lot of activity and many projects are supported by institutions.

I invite you to visit Ibiza in winter.

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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.

Interview with Festival Founder Matt Beurois (Paris Art and Movie Awards Film Festival)

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The Paris Art and Movie Awards is the leading independent film festival in Paris. The « PAMA » has been ranked, as soon as its second year, the second festival not to miss in Paris, by The Culture Trip Magazine. Their goal is to help independent filmmakers screening their films, awarding them, show their films to high level industry talents and public figures.

http://parisartandmovieawards.com/

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

A: The best feedback proof we have is filmmakers coming back to the PAMA and submit again when they have a new film. They tell us our festival is a real opportunity to network. We had directors finding actresses, we had filmmaker matching with a producer, scriptwriters connecting with directors. And of course with the audience. We’re going to try and continue this so the Paris Art and Movie Awards stay human and films connected.

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

A: As we move to a new movie theatre every year, audience and filmmakers will have the films screen in a new location in 2017 again. Every year we get bigger in attendance, so in seats capacity.

Also the Judges : we usually have about 5 international judges. We had Mark Dacascos, and French legendary actor Alain Doutey. This year, we already announced 10 judges, and I can tell you two more are coming, minimum.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

A: We’re looking for quality of course, but we’re not ashamed to say we’re expecting ambition. The PAMA is the leading independent film festival in Paris, and we want to screen and promote filmmakers who want to reach out, to jump out of the box, to achieve something. Out selection process rewards the ambition you have, and how you manage to make a movie, to fully complete it, which is no easy task.

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

A: It is less and less true. Because there are more and more film festivals, and that’s, in some ways, good for filmmakers : they can target the events that fit them, where their films will be a match. What I personally think, is that there is a huge gap between the A-Class worldwide film festivals, and the indy festivals. This is why the Paris Art and Movie Award was created ; to stand there, remain accessible, but clearly offering high quality screenings, events, networking.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

A: The people. The filmmakers, and the lovers of cinema. During the 2016 opening speech of the festival, I said we care about the people who make the films, and I mean it. When you se all the artists and filmmakers that stayed in touch after the different editions of the festival, that is truly rewarding to us. That feeling makes me want to go on and on for that.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

A: We just opened submissions, and that’s amazing : that’s the biggests start we had since the creation of the festival. It’s like people were somehow expecting us to accept entries and… Here we are !

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A: I would love the festival to reach a large venue, and even several venue to host the many screenings and events. 2020, I’d also say we’ll have secured partnerships with USA and the festival being included in an international network connecting Paris, Los Angeles, Vancouver and London…

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

A: The Frighteners, by Peter Jackson. The perfect, most ignored and under-estimated feature by Jackson, which is the perfect balance between comedy and genre. And Terminator 2 by James Cameron. One of the film that founded my love for cinema.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A: Not a sentence, a word: script.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

A: The festival scene is booming, but I wonder how many festivals will still be around in two to three years. As for the movie business in Paris, the films in the middle -between 1 and 4M€ budget- are disappearing and that’s a dramatic loss for independent filmmakers. The influence of Luc Besson did some real good, for tax rebate and obviously to give something the new generation of artists can build from. Regarding the independent short films scene, it is hard to tell as it’s mostly in the dark. I will tell you that when we’ll have the 2017 selection at the PAMA.

 

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Janet Rose (EQUUS International Film Festival)

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 From the heart of the American West, in the cradle of the Northern Rockies, the EQUUS INTERNATIONAL Film Festival fills a niche in international film and media programming with an exclusive focus on the world of EQUUS, and all things equine. It was the first all-equine film event, launching in 2011 with a global view of the equine arena. An outreach project of an equine rescue and adoption organization, our mission is to enhance the equine/human bond and improve the welfare of the horse and other equines through excellence in film, television and other media.

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

A: It is our greatest hope that the EQUUS INTERNATIONAL Film Festival is giving a voice and a platform to filmmakers for whom equine issues is their focus. For many years, there have been magnificent and important films made about equine topics and issues but there hasn’t been a platform in which to share these incredible stories. Through EIFF, we now hope there is.

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

A: Attending the festival this year is an opportunity to both tell your story in a receptive environment, in a place where film and horses go hand in hand because Missoula is becoming a very significant place for film, filmmakers and film festivals. It’s also a breathtaking environment. So we expect great networking opportunities, great exposure for the films and a magnificent place to experience.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

A: As it should be with all films, excellent story-telling, great cinematography, an inspiring, interesting or significant subject. But the centerpiece of selected films is that they tell a great story on an equine issue or subject.

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

A: Absolutely yes. Sometimes the judging criteria are skewed. Sometimes there are just too many good films entered into a festival for all of them to get the best judgment on their entry into the festival. In, other words, sometimes there is simply so much competition, such as with film festivals that have hundreds or thousands of entries, it’s almost impossible to pick out all of the good ones.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

A: That’s a really easy question — a passion for the subject matter (equine) and a realization and knowledge that a film festival and the films are incredible tools for raising awareness and promoting an understanding of issues. This is a venue where we can engage, inspire, educate and at the same time provide a platform for filmmakers to share the essence and the “heart” of what they do. That certainly is our goal.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

A: It’s been great – it’s a very easy, affordable way to both receive and review film entries. I think the more we can promote FilmFreeway as a means for filmmakers to get their films entered, it will be a wonderful outlet for film entries. We also love the simplicity and ease of use.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A: We hope that the EQUUS INTERNATIONAL Film Festival will continue to grow and become a louder and a stronger voice for films on equine issues. We hope to elevate and enhance its impact as a place for filmmakers whose genre is pretty subject specific to network with a wide range of others in the equine arena with a shared interest. We expect and hope to see an expansion of its impact and its outreach and certainly to build the audience that becomes a more global, international as well as national one. This is currently the premier venue for equine film but we would still like to expand our awards recognition, the festival’s benefits to filmmakers and the global reach of EIFF for the sake of filmmakers, equine advocates and many others concerned with or passionate about equine welfare.

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

A: Oh, that’s a tough one since I don’t generally like to see a film many times over but because it’s a holiday tradition in our home, probably Gremlins. LOL, no horses in that one but it’s still in my mind, about animal welfare. J

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A: It’s a film that rocks your world, touches you to the core, moves you, inspires you, makes you come away just saying “wow.”

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

A: The film scene in Missoula, Montana is thriving — part of it is probably the incredible setting of the Northern Rockies, some of it is simply that a number of major film festivals had their birth in Missoula, and it’s a creative environment with great subject matter so Missoula is definitely a film capital of the west – casual sophistication mixed with incredible creative inspiration and a backdrop like few others.

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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.