Born in the creative brains of four Film, TV and Production and Marketing professionals, the originally US based Views of the World Film & Music Festival’s primary goal is to present films, scripts & film scores which have the power to raise awareness about vital social issues and inspiring audiences to take positive action. This year (2016), and for at least 2 more years, the beautiful city of Montréal will be the home of the Views of the World Film and Music Festival. This year, it will be from September 22 to 25.

http://www.viewsoftheworldfestival.com/

Interview with Michel Zgarka:

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

Michel Zgarka: As our name and mission statement indicates clearly, we open the eyes of the attendees, participants and supporters on the rich existence of many cultures around the world, some ignored by the public, some too weak to spread their own message and some having no easy access to the modern Media

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?

MZ: Solidity of the script
Quality of production
Being closed to our mission statement
Originality and creativity

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

MZ: As there are thousands of film festivals on our planet, good films can be seen in many places. What is missing is the right context that makes the festival goer better understand and at times discover these new films popping up around the globe. Most festivals are more geared to media attention due to major talent attendance rather than the inherent quality of the properties (film, script and/or music), our main goal is to show talent through a complete work.

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

MZ: Discovering little “gems” and sharing these discoveries with all of the Festival attendees.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

MZ: Little by little we become more attuned to the needs of producers and filmmakers from outside of the main media centers and our festival develops better tools to serve everyone

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

MZ: Among the 10 best Festivals on Earth

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

MZ: LA Confidential, Night Porter,

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

MZ: The story (its script)

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

MZ: Blooming!

_____
Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go towww.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.