festival director

Interview with Festival Director Kyia Clayton (The Tasmanian eco Film Festival)

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The Tasmanian eco Film Festival  – TeFF was created and founded in 2015 by Kyia Clayton, in Hobart Tasmania. Kyia noticed that most environmental film festivals and film screenings had a deeply “Green” political slant. Having family members that voted Liberal but cared deeply about the natural world she decided it was essential to have a festival that encouraged connection and care of the natural world and was apolitical. TeFF launched in November of 2015 and had 735 attendees that were super excited about this format. In 2016 the festival hosted 1450 festival guests that were even more excited. TeFF has evolved in 2017 to a festival that will run more frequent and smaller events to keep the good ‘eco’ messaging flowing.

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1) What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers? 

Offering a platform for screening innovative and entertaining films about care for the environment and love of nature. And supporting professional development with regular master classes in a variety of film fields.

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

We expect our festival guests to have a really great time and come away thinking a little more about care and connection to the natural world and their part in that without feeling guilty about not having done more to help.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films? 

That they are apolitically presented (we are an apolitical, inclusive film festival), entertaining or thought provoking and well made.

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

Yes. I think that a lot of film festivals follow what’s being screened at other film festivals and don’t take a risk on more innovative and less popular films.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival? 

Wanting to be a part of protecting the planet and care take it for future generations. This can be done without politics, with humor and definitely with a cocktail in one’s hand.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been? 

Great.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2020? 

With an international reputation as one of the coolest eco film festivals to attend and take part in.

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

Harold and Maude (circa 1971)

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film? 

A good idea (story), good acting (interviews), creative filming and an amazing editor.

10) How is the film scene in your city? 

Alive and well and thriving!

 

The Tasmanian eco Film Festival-1.jpg

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

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Interview with Festival Director Christopher Rohde (Mirror Mountain Film Festival)

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Mirror Mountain Film Festival brings the best in independent and alternative cinema to Canada’s capital. Mirror Mountain is an inclusive festival that welcomes all types of films and all types of people to share in the collective cinema experience. In addition to film screenings, our festival features live performances, parties, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more.

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

Christopher Rohde: I started Mirror Mountain with a philosophy of doing it from a filmmaker’s perspective, including things I think most filmmakers would like to see when they submit to festivals. We keep filmmakers informed of the status of their submission. We refund your submission fee if your work is selected. We play your film in the correct aspect ratio and in high resolution on a big screen with quality projection. We promote the films and filmmakers as much as we can on social media. Even if your film isn’t selected, you still get a complimentary festival pass as a thank you for your hard work as an artist.

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

Some of the most original films from unique creative minds around the world, plus spectacular live performances and great parties. It’s also an opportunity to meet cool like-minded people and talk with the artists about their work.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We look for films to screen at Mirror Mountain that come from a distinct voice. A big part of what makes the festival special is that the audience can experience different points of view, and see something they wouldn’t get at home on Netflix or from a Hollywood movie.

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

As an independent filmmaker who also submits to festivals regularly, I can relate to this dilemma. I think filmmakers want to know that when they send their project in, the people there look at your work carefully and that the festival is run professionally.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our team is made up of filmmakers, actors, musicians, writers, arts administrators and technicians. But what unites us all is our mutual love for the artistry and creativity of filmmaking, and getting the opportunity to share some amazing films with captivated audiences.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

I still remember sending short films to festivals on VHS tapes through the postal service, so we’re grateful for the convenience to both filmmakers and festivals that online submission platforms give us. They also provide a greater global reach and connect us with filmmakers in many more distant parts of the world.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Hopefully still providing an enjoyable experience for our community!

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

Probably the last short film I directed! It spent several years in post-production and I feel like I saw it a thousand times during colour correction and sound mixing.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Passion, ingenuity, emotion, originality, fun.

How is the film scene in your city?

The Ottawa filmmaking scene is filled with collaboration and a sense of generosity. It’s a community where people support one another, and we’re always proud to feature many locally-produced films each year.
 

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Christopher Rohde (b. 1983) is an award-winning filmmaker from Ottawa, Ontario. His video The Pink Ghosts (2006) was screened across Canada and was one of the first four films selected for the inaugural edition of EnRoute, Air Canada’s in-flight film festival. Odd One Out (2014) was screened internationally and won awards for Best Film by an Emerging Filmmaker at the Jasper Short Film and Media Arts Festival and Best Director (Experimental) at the 2015 Ottawa Independent Video Awards. He received his M.A. in Film Studies from Carleton University in 2007. He was a member of Available Light Screening Collective from 2006 to 2013 and curated several programmes for the group including Stellar Regions: Jazz & Avant-Garde Film and Raw Power: Rock & Avant-Garde Film. From 2010 to 2014, he was the Programmer at SAW Video Media Art Centre, a dynamic artist-run-centre in the nation’s capital, where he curated dozens of screenings, installations, exhibitions, performances and other projects with many of Canada’s top media artists.

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 Jef Gray (The International Peace & Film Festival (IPFF))

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The International Peace & Film Festival (IPFF) combines the excitement of independent film with the goodwill of cultural exchange. The impact of blending a peace and film festival brings numerous benefits to audiences through the diversity of talent in cinematic art, fashion, performance and diplomatic representation. IPFF is held annually in Orlando, Florida and features screenings of selected films, an expo of local vendors, fashion show of national costumes and awards for top filmmakers.

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

Jef Gray: We’re very devoted to the filmmaker experience in the festival, we use modern facilities, attract cultural and business crowds and give as much flexibility as possible to filmmakers to accommodate their schedules and travel constraints. We also host a large awards ceremony to recognize the cinematic achievements of both film and content.

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

Our festival occurs in January 2018, and will be in an IMAX level theater, complete with lounge, bar, and enhanced dining menu’s. We are hoping to make it free to the public to draw larger crowds and incorporate vendor booths and a national costume fashion show, Called ‘Izuminka’, during the awards ceremony.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We are a peace festival at heart, so films with a base in culture, ecology, quality of life or the human journey are ideal. We only accept digital submissions through FilmFreeway.com as that platform is easier to manage. We have the typical genres of narrative, documentary, shorts, students and video. We’ve had fantastic stories from humor to intense drama screened, but we draw the line on themes that are too political, special interest, or violent.

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

Absolutely, Yes! The idea of independent film should focus on the undiscovered or up and coming filmmakers, in my opinion. Yet there are studio backed indy films with multi-million dollar budgets competing with entry level filmmakers? That creates a tremendous divide where the beginner cannot get their craft in front of audiences, while a studio ‘uses’ the festivals to build market share. I feel it violates the idea of the beginner artist trying to make his or her mark.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Simply, the love of film and culture. An international film festival is like a crash course in diplomacy, awareness of world issues and amazing talent without borders. Each event creates amazing friendships that last long after the crowds go home.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Awesome, they make it so easy for us. I looked around when I first began trying to set up the submission platform, and their system is the best.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Ideally, running for a week, rather than 3-4 days, more sponsors to support longer knowledge sharing sessions and a venue where international cuisine can be incorporated. I’d also like to add more international performing and visual arts in the program. Definitely have the Festival Channel in full throttle on Roku/Amazon.

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

The Fifth Element, it’s a family favorite that is quoted way too much at home 🙂

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a journey that leaves you inspired in such a way that you have a new perspective at the end.

How is the film scene in your city?

Dismal, we are changing that 😉

Links: http://peacefestival.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalpeacefestival/
Video: https://youtu.be/VHgL5De_9Oc

Director Bio:
Jef Gray is the founder and director of the International Peace & Film Festival. Gray is an accomplished publisher, technologist and public speaker with a background in philanthropic work on children’s charities and the Russian Speaking Community in the USA. He holds two associate of science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from the University of the State of New York.

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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 Hermoine Macura (WORLD OF WOMEN FILM FAIR MIDDLE EAST)

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The World of Women’s Cinema – WOW Film Fair Middle East is the first women’s short film fair that promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers in the film industry internationally. It is an event that offers emerging and established filmmakers the opportunity to screen short works giving a thematic perspective of … “seeing the world through the eyes of women”.

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

Hermoine Macura: We are the first and only women’s film festival across the Middle East’s 22 Arab countries.

We offer a platform to recognize women of excellence in film as well as offer a platform for new and upcoming women film makers as well as men who direct films with a strong female narrative. We source, promote, educate and support women filmmakers in our region most of all.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

We have 2 full days of screenings, workshops and panel discussions as well as a gala dinner to recognize our winners as well as other leading women in our community. There is something for everyone. We are community event.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

You can find out more about submissions here:
http://wowmiddleeast.com/submissions

We select the finalists based on a variety of facets including style, script, content and creativity. We also like to support young people with an award especially for up and coming directors.

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

Yes – it’s tough out there and there are so many entries so sometimes you can be
overlooked. It’s even worse if you’re a woman – just look at the statistics.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

As a woman in leadership, I believe it is a divine responsibly to give back and due to my success in the media I felt this was the best way to do so. When I reached the top in my career, I realized there was hardly any women there which is why I felt a deep need to launch our project. Also the greatest breakthroughs in society happen first in media and arts and in the expression of those who dare to dream.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

Amazing – as a non-profit project. They make things so much easier and are so
professional.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A major part of Expo 2020 – to be held in Dubai. A leading festival globally. A platform for local talent.

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

All the mafia ones – they inspire me and anything Pacino or directed by a woman.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The script and story-telling style as well as unique direction etc.

How is the film scene in your city?

It’s developing and growing year on year. It’s really exciting to watch the new
generation open up and express themselves as well as share it with the world! We
have a wonderful ruler here – His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, the Vice President and ruler of Dubai – who is a major supporter of the
youth and women. There has never been a better time than now to be in our part of the Middle East.

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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 Mark Lyminster (RAINBOW UMBRELLA FILM FESTIVAL)

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Following the success of UNRESTRICTED VIEW FILM FESTIVAL and UNRESTRICTED VIEW HORROR FILM FESTIVAL, we are delighted to announce our first LGBT Film Festival, RAINBOW UMBRELLA, which will take place at THE HEN & CHICKENS THEATRE on 12th – 14th January 2018. The programme will be announced in December 2017 and tickets will go on sale at unrestrictedview.co.uk

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

Mark Lyminster: The Rainbow umbrella film festival is I believe succeeding in giving a voice to independent LGBT film makers, a chance for their work to be seen and aired as well as meeting like minded film makers once the festival is up and running.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this​
year (2017)?
​
I think you would expect to experience a warm and welcoming environment filled with positive film makers actors crew and audience, the feeling of belonging and a chance to share ideas and experiences of life and of film making.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The qualifications for the films are that they are made with a elements of truth, a journey for the characters and stories we can all connect and relate too.

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

Our aim is be open minded and as fair as we can be to give all films a chance to be seen and shared with a wider audience.

There are so many elements that go into making films and I think sometimes films are not given a chance if they are not firing on all cylinders so to speak.

​
What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are motivated by the passion people have to tell stories and to share these experiences, we have a good range of selectors for the festival all of whom bring their own energy and passion to the process.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The submissions have been very interesting, from the very slick and polished to the more rough and ready,it has been good too see a wide range of topics and from all around the world.

​
Where do you see the festival by 2020?

 
It would be amazing for the festival to extend to a week, a real celebration of wonderful LGBT film making, a must see event in peoples diaries would be great and playing in a lovely modern cinema complex, maybe even in several cinemas simultaneously.

​

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

The film I have seen the most times is Clue staring Tim Curry, a fab cast a three different endings to a wonderful colourful and camp who-dun-it

​
In one sentence, what makes a great film?

  Peoples stories

How is the film scene in your city?

 
We are very very lucky with the film scene here in London,so much going on and catering for everyone.

 

The Rainbow umbrella film festival -1

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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 President Sabine Mondestin (OPEN WORLD TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL)

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At OWTFF we welcome filmmakers and artists from all walks of life. We also welcome productions from any countries and years. The Open World Toronto Film Festival is a 3 days Glamorous event with Red Carpets, Winners Award Acceptance Speech, Networking and Masterpiece Screenings.

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Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
​
Sabine Mondestin: Open World Toronto Film Festival(OWTFF) is succeeding at giving exposure to new talent and unknown talent. We give a special attention to every submission. We know how hard it is to create a project that you are proud of so we treat it with respect. We try to share the promotional materials of most of our submissions in our social medias. We watch all submissions with a sense of respect and admiration toward the filmmakers, because we really love what we do. ​

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

This year is all about glitz and glamour. We have at least 10 photographers per
night to capture the event. We also will have Rain Cosmetic and Hollywood Eye
Magic to do some makeup touch up before having your pictures on the Red
Carpet…But before everything you will have the chance to discover some amazing
talented filmmakers from Toronto and all over the world.
​
What are the qualifications for the selected films?

OWTFF provides an equal chance of winning for all entrants, regardless of size
and budget. Entries are judged on quality of craft and creativity. Our main goal
is to help artists gain publicity, media exposure, and momentum, as well as pay
tribute to their ingenuity.

At OWTFF we welcome filmmakers and artists from all walks of life. We also
welcome productions from any countries and years.

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

It really depends on the Festival…I feel that some of them are too focus on who’s in the projects and who did the project. It’s hard for new talents to get
recognition in those conditions. ​
​
What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are film lovers are we really respect and admire new filmmakers. We pride ourselves on being good marketers and good event planners. We knew we will be able to give the exposure the news filmmakers deserve.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been amazing year we received lots of submissions from all over the world
and the choice was so hard due to the abundance of marvelous projects.​
​
Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We still going to follow our mission to introduce new talents from Toronto and
from all over the world and we will keep screening films from new talent even if
it’s a student film.

We are working hard to collaborate with new partners to bring the light on some
of the most remarkable talents and yet unknow filmmakers. We also want to
introduce new technology to the OWTFF. ​
​

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

I personally love films with an underlying message, like Equilibrium from Kurt
Wimmer with Christian Bale, Revolver from Guy Ritchie, The Nines from John
August with Ryan Reynold …But I also love most of the film of Quentin Tarantino
and Ava Duvernay. I think the one I watched most is Equilibrium and V for
Vendetta.​
​
In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film needs to make you feel something …If you don’t care about the story or
the characters in my mind it’s not a great film.​

How is the film scene in your city?

Toronto is great! We create some local show that are commercially viable
worldwide, “Orphan Black” for example.

The talents are very diverse and the scene is open minded. It is exhilarating
and inspiring. For sure we always hope for more funding but if you are ready to
work there is help for filmmakers if you are willing to do the work to find it.

OPEN WORLD TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL-1.jpg

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

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Interview with Festival Director Vanna Nauk (Fresno’s State Asian Pacific Film Festival)

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The Asian Pacific Islander Programs and Services will be hosting the 1ST EVER Asian Pacific Islander Film Fest at Fresno State! They will be hosting this event along with CineCulture! It’s a two day event beginning on Friday, October 20, 2017 to Saturday, October 21, 2107.

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What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

We are providing them a space to display their work in Fresno, which is the fifth largest city in California, so we were definitely due for an Asian Pacific Islander Film Festival of our own.

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

I hope that I see a sense of solidarity amongst the Asian Pacific Islander groups here in the Central Valley, and I hope that this can be an opportunity for others outside of our group to see that Asian Pacific Islanders are actually very talented in film. Overall, I hope to feel a sense of pride amongst my peers.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Sense it is an Asian Pacific Islander Film Festival, the films have to have some sort of Asian Pacific Islander element in there or involved in the making.

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

I do, I think that some ethnic groups are overlooked, which is why we are trying to promote Southeast Asian films as much as possible because their visibility tend to go silent.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

You do not see very many Asians on screen, so we decided to create a space for ourselves.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been extremely helpful and the submissions are pouring in quite rapidly.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I hope that the festival becomes an annual event that will connect the university with the community. I see a lot of potential in our greater Asian Pacific Islander community here in the Central Valley, and I hope that this Festival will grow into something that they can take pride.

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

Hercules [laugh out loud]
In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The theme/plot!

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in our city is most renowned for the Reel Pride Film Festival, which is one of the largest, if not the largest, LGBTQ Film Festival in the west coast. We also have Filmworks and Cineculture, which are great film organization here in Fresno. However, there are definitely room for the film scene to grow here.

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

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Interview with Festival Directors Betsy Uhler Colombo & Alexa Roman (LA Dance Film Festival)

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The LA Dance Film Festival aims to provide a supportive and enriching environment for both emerging and established dance filmmakers. The festival is open to filmmakers from around the world. LADFF accepts films from a variety of genres as long as dance is the main storytelling component.

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What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Our film festival has been successful at fulfilling our mission, which is twofold: 1) to create opportunities and exposure for dance films from around the world, and 2) to unite the Los Angeles dance and film communities.

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

Attendees to our festival in January 2018 should expect to see a wide variety of short dance films from around the world. We have some fantastic submissions coming in across all styles and genres of dance, and are looking forward to sharing a selection of them with our local community of dance film lovers.

 What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Qualifying films are under 30 minutes in length, and incorporate dance as a core narrative component. We have two categories: fiction and nonfiction.

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

It’s hard for us to speak to other festivals but we take a lot of steps to ensure we are as objective as possible in how we assess films. We have a submissions team comprised of dancers, filmmakers and dance filmmakers. Our team watches every film and scores it against a multi-point rubric. We use the scores to determine the final selections for the festival. Separately, we have both a Jury Award and an Audience Award. Those awards are determined by people who are independent from the festival staff.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are motivated by our desire to provide opportunities and exposure for dance films from around the world as well as unite the dance and film communities here in Los Angeles. Dance film offers something different than traditional films and it’s not a commonly known genre. We wanted to make Los Angeles a place where dance filmmaking and dance film viewership thrive.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Great! We love FilmFreeway. We also use WithoutaBox and we offer an extended deadline on WithoutaBox.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We’d love to be able to expand to a bigger venue and offer multiple days of programming so we can reach a wider audience and offer screening opportunities to a greater number films.

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

Beverly Hills Cop. Maybe Beverly Hills Cop III.

If we’re talking dance films, I’ve seen Confrontation (dir. Shannon Janet Smith and Steven Butler) the most as it has played at three festivals I’ve attended, was part of a StandardVision Showcase and we screened it at our festival. Thomas Freundlich’s film Cold Storageis a close second. [Alexa]

 In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great dance film uses the art of dance to tell a compelling story in a unique and entertaining way. It leaves the audience asking questions, entertaining new thoughts or discovering untapped emotions.

  How is the film scene in your city?

Los Angeles is the film capitol of the world, so… pretty good!

 

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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 Georges Chamchoum (Asian World Film Festival)

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The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) brings the best of a broad selection of Asian World cinema to Los Angeles in order to draw greater recognition to the region’s wealth of filmmakers, strengthening ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. Uniting through cross-cultural collaboration, our festival champions films from  over 50 countries across Asia spanning from Turkey to Japan and Russia to India. All films that participate in the Festival will have a unique chance to be guided through the challenging awards season, showcasing their foreign films to the Academy, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and all Guilds for enhanced exposure, media attention and awards consideration.*

The Social Links are:

https://twitter.com/asianworldff

https://www.facebook.com/AsianWorldFilmFest

https://www.instagram.com/asianworldff/

http://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/

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

We pride ourselves on being at the service of the film and the filmmakers. We feel that we are their gateway to the Oscars and Golden Globes during the award season. We give them PR opportunities, which saves the filmmakers a lot of money during their marketing period.

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

We like to think of the Asian World Film Festival as being the window to dreams. Besides screening the Oscar and Golden Globes submitted movies, we also have a Signature Screening Series. 

Our opening night film is Ayla: The Daughter of War, which is Turkeys official Oscar entry.

We screen movies from unchartered territories, little known countries like the Republic of Sakha, Buryatia, and this year a movie called Salt from North Korea.

This is the first time Salt is being screened in the U.S.  The film is directed by the controversial South Korean filmmaker Sheen Sang-ok during his period of filmmaking in North Korea, so we are excited to have it in our schedule.

We also screen Asian American movies. This year we have the 25th anniversary screening of The Joy Luck Club, which was a ground-breaking movie. Several of the cast members will be in attendance for the Q & A.  Our closing night film is George Takei’s Allegiance. We will be honoring George with our Lifetime Achievement Award.

  • What are the qualifications for the selected films?

First and foremost, any movie submitted to the Oscars and Golden Globes for Foreign Language selection from Asian Countries is automatically selected. Then we choose films from countries that often get overlooked but we feel would be interesting to an audience.

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

It’s a matter of perspective and taste, which of course depends upon the individual.  Each movie is perceived in differently.  The Jury sees a film in a certain way, probably different from how the press sees it, and the audience tastes differs most of the time from the Jury or the Press. So, it boils down to one thing: not everyone sees a movie with same outlook.

  • What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The love and passion for the Asian Cinema.  When we say Asia, we mean from the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean to Japan, from Russia by way of Turkey to India and China. Fifty plus strong countries with a wealth of talent.

We want the Asian Cinema to find its rightful place in Hollywood, a place in the sun. After seventy-one years and only six Oscars, that’s what motivates us.

  • How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We do not have a submission process. After the Oscar and Golden Globe submissions, we have a selection team throughout Asia that makes recommendations, based upon our criteria. Our Los Angeles programming team makes the final selections.

  • Where do you see the festival by 2020?

On the level of the Cannes, Venice and Berlin Film Festivals. We aspire to being a major festival, that will keep the spirit of the art of cinema and not focus on the business side.  It’s the films and filmmakers who are our key focus.

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

Andrei Tarkovski’s ANDREI RUBLEV; Francis Ford Coppola’s THE GODFATHER TRILOGY; Clint Eastwood’s THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES and Sergio Leone’s ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The Screenplay. The Screenplay. The Screenplay!

How is the film scene in your city?

How can you describe the film scene in the cinema capital of the world, and for that matter Culver City, the heart of screenland and home of the Asian World Film Festival.

In Los Angeles, Hollywood, Culver City we breath cinema, we eat cinema, we dream cinema – we are surrounded by everything that suggests cinema!

Look left, right, front and center and you see films that defines my City: Sunset Boulevard, Rebel Without a Cause, Chinatown, They Shoot Horses Don’t They, Alice’s Restaurant, The Day of the Locust, LA Story, The Player, Boyz ‘n the Hood, La La Land and I could go on….

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GEORGES N. CHAMCHOUM, EXECUTIVE & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Georges Chamchoum is an Emmy and multiple award-winning Film Director and Producer, born in Niger West Africa of Lebanese origin. He was educated in France, Germany and Wales and entered the film industry in 1968 after graduating from the Conservatoire du Cinema Francais in Paris.

Georges has directed and produced over 35 features in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Canada and the USA, with many screened at various International Film Festivals and Universities.

He has also organized numerous film festivals since 1982, most notably as Jury Delegate for the Festival du Film Fantastique et de Science Fiction de Paris (France) and as the Executive and Program Director of the Monaco Charity Film Festival.

Georges is currently the International Director of the Yakutsk International Film Festival (Yakutia, Sakha Republic) and International Relations Executive for Notre Dame University International Film Festival (Lebanon). In addition, he is Co-founder of Film Festivals Cinergy, a union of film festivals around the world to promote and champion talent in filmmaking.

Georges has lived in Los Angeles for the past 28 years. Most recently, in 2017, he was named one of the 100 most influential Lebanese in the world and has been   honored in a special commemorative publication to mark the occasion.

 

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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 Alessandro Cassa (FICMAN/INSFF)

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What is FICMAN/INSFF in a few words ? 12 months. 12 finalists. 1 great winner! Filmmakers, get noticed! FICMAN / INSFF is an international film festival and LIVE screening for Short film. Be part of this one of a kind festival for shorts lovers, and give your film and your talent a chance to be shown and noticed by the right people from all over the world.  FICMAN / INSFF is produced by Productions du 3 juin, a company from Québec (Canada) recognized internationally. Since 2007,Productions du 3 juin has focused on production (videos, short films and promotional documentaries) for various renowned clients. This creative company is recognized internationally and followed by people from 47 countries on its WEBTV (P3J.TV) and VIMÉO PRODUCTIONS DU 3 JUIN channel. To celebrate its 15 years in 2017, it has founded the FICMAN International Short Film Festival, in which it excels, and WEBTV by P3J.TV which offers an immersion in emotion, its production line.

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What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers? 

All filmmakers work hard to realise and produce their Short… and FICMAN/INSFF wants to give author’s film a chance to be seen and to be discovered all around the world. This is why FICMAN/INSFF is a monthly international competition that offers the opportunity to be selected for a live screening in Québec (Canada) at the end of the year: a great night of short to present and choose the best of the best. But all year round it is also a moment to be discovered by an international jury from the industry, and most of all, to have its trailer (for monthly winners) relayed on P3J.TV, a cultural WebTV followed by people from 47 countries. And because we all need recognitions in this industry, our Festival will give official Laurels, review on a professional cinema blog (LE PETIT SEPTIÈME) and much more to winners. Prizes of more than $ 15,000 in visibility and recognition will be awarded.

We create this one of a kind festival for short films lovers, to give to filmmakers a chance to be shown and noticed by the right people from all over the world. So, each month, for a year, a winner will be chosen in a monthly competition from the submissions received during the past month, what means we will have more than 12 Films Finalists. The trailer of this Finalist Short Winner will be shown on P3J.TV with a bio of the Director, the poster of the Film and a description of the Short. FICMAN/INSFF offers international visibility, recognitions, and a chance to be discovered!

What are the qualifications for the selected films? 

FICMAN/INSFF is really a simple and friendly user Short Film Festival for author’s film. Shorts submitted must have a trailer that will be shown on the international cultural WebTV called P3J.TV. Short must have been made for 5 years or less, and our festival is also open to first films and student films. Of course, the film will not be shown online, but on the yearly live screening. The following categories of fiction films are eligible: author’s film, narrative film, silent film, art film, animated film, experimental film, student film, first work, documentary fiction, video clip, web series. Short films must be under 15 minutes and all Submissions must be subtitled in English (for non-French speaking films). Silent films are also accepted. All the details are on our website (www.ficman-insff.com) and FILMREEWAY.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival? 

The FICMAN/INSFF team simply loved Short film! Our motivation is simple, we want to help promote inspiring, honest short films that focus on the director’s vision and reflect their personality. Whether the films are poetic, intimate, touching, funny or political, we want to put the spotlight on high-quality works that reflect the personality of the director who wrote and created them from a single idea, a vision of the story they wanted to tell, the universe they wanted to share. As a festival and platform for discovery, FICMAN-INSFF, also wants to help highlight short films in the current cinematographic landscape that were written and directed by the same person. Works that present their own universe. And we simply want to celebrate the many independent shorts from all over.

In one sentence, what makes a great film? 

We believe that all great film begins with a great idea, a flash of genius, and the desire to bring a personal universe to life.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been? 

From the beginning of the process, and from the beginning of the adventure, the FilmFreeway Team has been there to help us with all the steps for creating our Festival page’s. And we must say that the submission processes each month, of our monthly competition, is easy and friendly user. For us, to manage, and for the Jury. All this offers an great opening and a great opportunity to connect with Filmmakers from all the world, and must of all, with FilmFreeway, we are able to do it the right way.

Where do you see the festival by 2020? 

Our vision is to be, in 2020, one the recognized international Festival, dedicated to narratives Shorts. And we wish that through the years, we will give a chance to Filmmakers to get noticed… to encourage them to continue and to create more shorts. As a Director myself, I know that first of all, we have to believe in us, and to believe in the potential of our film. Our festival is there, simply for that: to help creators to believed in their ideas, by getting visibility and recognitions with FICMAN. And we wish for FICMAN, to be recognized that way in 2020. We have three years do to so!

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

I must confess to be honest, that one of the first movie I saw, and the one I am always trilled to see again and again, is Signing in the rain with Gene Kelly. For a lot of reasons (quality of actors, music, script, dance numbers of course…) but for one reason in particular. It was the first time I saw, behind the scene. And that day I knew for sure, what I was going to do in my life: filmmaking !

SHORT BIO OF THE DIRECTOR

Vice-President of Productions du 3 juin and Festival Director, Alessandro Cassa is a versatile creator whose works have been selected at various festivals in recent years, recognizing his creativity and sensitive approach. He is an author, chronicler and director and passionate about image and creation.  In 2006 and 2007 he represented Quebec at the Cannes Festival Short Film Corner, with two short films. He was decorated in 2013 with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for all his achievements in culture, literature and film. His most recent short film that was inspired by his youth series has been screened in 10 countries around the world where he has won several awards: ACARUS DUMDELL OU LA THÉORIE DE LA FICTION is in official selections at 21 international festivals: India, Great Britain, United States, France, Belgium, Italy, Romania and Spain. He hopes that the FICMAN/INSFF will offer the opportunity to highlight and showcase various auteur cinema productions throughout the world.

BANDE ANNONCE ANGLAIS : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh3epbkPo08

SITE FILMFREEWAY : https://filmfreeway.com/festival/FICMAN-INSFF

SITE FICMAN : www.ficman-insff.com

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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