festival reviews

Interview with Festival Director Rafael Jovine (Frame by Sound Festival)

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Breaking away from traditional norms, Frame by Sound presented by Vents Magazine offer patrons a unique and groundbreaking experience of its own kind. By taking it online, FxS reaches audiences around the world in an effort to bring a personal film and music festival in the comfort of their own home. Various ways to experience are via computer, mobile, ROKU/APPLE TV.

Interview with Rafael Jovine

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

Rafael Jovine: Helping them reach out more people. As a online fest, we aren’t limited to any city or country in the world -well, except those that aren’t too internet friendly-, as a filmmaker myself I know how painful is to look for the perfect festival around the world, and our mission is basically to be a one-stop for them. We are also bringing a great group of talented filmmakers and crew members that would be doing this very educative and in some cases, practical, workshops and panels that aims to teach them some tips and how to be better on their particular field.

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

RJ: Comfort. Fun and definitely for all filmmakers and film enthusiasts this would be an exciting learning experience. We are doing our best to have some creative and talented group of speakers from pretty much each department in a film, from the usual suspects like directors, producers, writers to the not common such as Editors, Directors of Photography, Art Directors, Custom, designers, etc.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films? 

RJ: Creativity at the time of writing and producing a film, some sort of uniqueness on the way the story is told, engagement and so many things more I am sure those who attend the festival would see.

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

RJ: Totally! Through history we have seen all these great and iconic filmmakers who have been rejected at the early stage of their careers like Wes Anderson. And I think it’s both a matter of time as many festivals are very limited by time and in some case scenarios, elitism.

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

RJ: Well, personally I can’t afford to go to any of this big festivals like Sundance, SXSW, etc. and those who are luckier, they have to spend thousands in cash. So we are also thinking on those who attend this festival, we are aiming to bring an equally exciting festival at a cheaper price and without they having to travel to another city or country.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception? 

RJ: This would be our second year, so not too much haha. The format has definitely change, we are totally focusing on the online format instead of the physical as we did last year, we are also adding the musical element, the workshops and we are extending our panels by including other departments of a film production.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020? 

RJ: Ruling the world! Hahaha. But seriously, though the online format isn’t as new as I thought it was, we are definitely more ambitious and hopefully by then everything goes as plan and this would become the new way of enjoying festivals.

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

RJ: I would say Pirates of the Caribbean and Inception.

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

RJ: Creativity, hands down.

MT: How is the film scene in your city? 

RJ: It’s definitely growing. We started focusing more on it like 6 years ago, before it there wasn’t too much of an industry and we barely get one or two movies produced by year, now we get like 20 or so films produced. What we definitely need is a signature, we are currently lost in the sea of mimmicks.

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Gisella Calabrese (Visioni Corte Film Festival)

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Visioni Corte Film Festival was born in 2012 and realized in the Baronial Castle of Minturno (Lazio, centre of Italy) since its beginning. It has 6 categories: Corto Fiction Italy, Corto Fiction International, CortoDoc (for documentaries), CortoMusic and CortoAnimation. They’ve got also another particular category, SocialVisions, dedicated to short movies realized by therapeutic communities or social cooperatives, to compare with another reality and spread new type of relationships and communication between people with different disabilities.

http://www.visionicorte.it

Interview with Gisella Calabrese:

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

Gisella Calabrese: Filmmakers are always welcome in Minturno. It’s a honor for us, especially who comes from abroad, because we’re trying to get tourism close to culture. It’s a heat, but we’re really convinced that it’s possible, if you love your town and, of course, cinema. They’ll find out that in our festival, the short movies and their creators are the real protagonists. Visioni Corte isn’t just a runway for celebrities as others do, we give importance to our films with no reserve.

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

GS: This year we’ve made some changes, beginning from the period. We used to play in October, while we’ve decided do realize it in summer. We’re sure that filmmakers will appreciate this decision. We’ve got a beautiful sea, why don’t take advantage? We’re going to do this fifth edition outdoor with a big screen. Some guests belonging to the world of cinema, cultural events, music, traditional good food of our region… we’re preparing a lot of surprises.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films? 

GS: Well, during selections we’re very strict. Only the best film will pass. They must have a good screenplay, intense performance, great filming, excellent photography and if possible an original story. In the previous editions we had international premiere, and also very particular (and beautiful) movies that you can’t see in Italy so easily. We don’t make obvious choices.

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

GS: It depends on festivals. Some of them are just a showcase for famous and sometimes the selections of the movies isn’t so accurate, while other ones focus on the quality and are able to advertise them better than other. Of course, if you have been selected by the TIFF or Cannes, it’s another story, at all. We’re proud to say that many films which have been selected in our festival during these years, afterwards have been selected also in prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Tiff, Venice, Goya, New York, Los Angeles. It shows that we make a really good selection. It’s the better acknowledgment for us.

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

GS: We live in a beautiful place, we’ve sea and mountains, romans ruins and a temperate weather but Minturno (Lazio, centre of Italy) hasn’t a cinema, a theatre or an auditorium. You must go to nearby towns for this. Visioni Corte is born to spread the idea that making cultural tourism is possible, if you strongly believe in it. Before us people here had no idea what a short movie was. Instead, now we’ve got regular fans that attend every year, it’s a close audience who follow us with love, and some surrounding cities are trying to make something similar to our festival. We’re on trend, perhaps 😉

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception? 

GS: Our festival has improved a lot. The passion is the same but the screen is bigger and we’ve more volunteers to realize it now. Our Techical Jury has become more prestigious and Visioni Corte is becoming famous in the short film industry. We receive so many films abroad! Also the programm is changed. We make more events, retrospectives, presentation of books regarding cinema and also workshops and cine lab.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020? 

GS: I hope that in 2020 we’ll have more support from the local institutions to realize a really big festival of cinema, especially for the economical burden. It’s our dream but also our target. We’ve made everything by ourselves and our sponsors and we’ll go on this way. We’re not tied, we’re free to make our own choices. If this support comes, we’ll be very happy, otherwise we’ll carry on making the festival with the same enthusiasm and passion… searching for other sponsors! We’d like to create a sort of Visioni Corte Village, with many stands, masterclasses, cinema and photo exhibitions, workshops, music… a long party for the short movie and its lovers.

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

GS: This is a very difficult question. There are so many films I’ve seen so many times! I love Blade Runner, for example, or Point Break, but also Star Wars saga, Gone with the wind, Vittorio Gasmann’s movies… But there’s a movie that moved me and made me cry like anything else: The Wrestler, of Darren Aronofsky. Really, it’s an incredible movie, shooted as an european indipendent film. I can’t see it as often as I would like because it hurts me, but I mean it as the true essence of the cinema, at all.

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

GS: Well, a great film must hit you, leaving you something you can’t explain but you feel it so strong that it will never leave you.

MT: How is the film scene in your city? 

GS: The film city in Minturno is very low, but we feel that people are hungry of culture, in all its way. That’s why we’re making Visioni Corte. It makes you dream, laugh, cry, think, move but especially, it enriches all of us in spirit. Thank you so much for the interview. I’m honored.

visioni_corte

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Amanda Perry (Cutting Edge Film Festival)

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The Cutting Edge Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization which endeavors to promote the best filmmakers and their films to an ever-growing worldwide audience as a powerful medium that inspires creativity, encourages introspection, and compels the exploration of the senses, and expands the imagination.

The festival uses the monies raised from film submission fees to promote and expand the world of Independent Filmmaking as an ever increasing endeavor.

www.cuttingedgefilmfest.com

Interview with Amanda Perry:

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

We feel that in the two years since we established our Festival that we have offered hundreds of Filmmakers from around the world a lot of additional exposure for their work to countless lovers of Independent Film the world over. As I’m sure that you know, for an Independent Filmmaker, exposure of their films is everything.

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

First, our festival is produced strictly through a virtual film screening platform, and there really isn’t a physical event to attend. However, what a Filmmaker who is screening at the CEIFF could expect is not only a great deal of exposure for their film, but additionally they should expect the potential for their film to come to the attention of Distributors, and a Filmmaker should most certainly expect that the audiences for their film will be of the warmest kind. What a virtual attendee of our festival should expect should be films of all genres that are among the highest caliber in the world.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Like most Festivals in the world, ours makes it’s film selections based on the quality of Directing, cinematography, story line, script plot, writing, acting, production values, and lighting along with many other elements of the film. Most importantly though, we think that a film overall should be entertaining and should capture the viewer’s attention from start to finish.

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

I think that most Festival, ours included, try their best to offer every Filmmaker who submits their film an equal opportunity to be selected and screened. However, I also think that there are a few Festivals out there that seem to focus more on the big budget films which have celebrities attached to them, and less on the smaller budget films with no celebrity involvement. Though this is not the case with the majority of Festivals, there are a few with this focus, and I feel that it is unfortunate because there are countless films that are produced with little or nearly no budget that would rival those larger budget films.

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

Very simply, a love of film, a great respect for the Independent Filmmaker, and our passion for the art of Filmmaking.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

The Fest hasn’t really changed, though we have learned quite a bit and have refined many of our systems and processes as to allow for what we feel is a better overall experience for the Filmmaker from the submission process all the way through to the end of the Festival.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Hopefully still producing Festivals that are much better, and much more well attended each year.

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

That is really hard to answer because I have seen so very many, both Independent and “Hollywood” films.

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

As I said above, what I think makes a great film is for the film to have the ability to capture the viewer’s attention from start to finish, drawing the viewer into a new reality created by the Filmmaker to the point that the viewer forgets that it’s a movie.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

As with many cities around this Country, I think the the demand for Independent Film has grown, and will continue to do so over the coming years.

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Pavel Pankov (World International Film Festival)

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The World International Film Festival is a global industry event held around the year in the world’s biggest cities:  New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Amsterdam, Reykjavík, and more to come – an around-the-world film festival tour bringing together filmmakers and film fans, auteurs and cineastes, great new independent movies and a global audience.

The around-the-world film festival tour option showcases some of the very best independent films on the scene today, in a truly international event bringing new cinema to audiences on a global scale.  

See more at: http://worldinternationalfilmfestival.com/about

Interview with Pavel Pankov:

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

Pavel Pankov: The very international aspect of WIFF is immediately evident from the great number of “foreign” films we’ve selected — “foreign” if you’re from the U.S.A., not so foreign if you live elsewhere in the world. We’ll be screening exciting work from filmmakers from all over the map.

Of course, we do have a few American movies too, including one picture with real breakout potential, “Near Myth: The Oskar Knight Story,” an award-winning Hollywood biopic about the “legendary” director Oskar Knight, played by Lenny Von Dohlen. It’s a very funny mockumentary, and ultimately, quite touching.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

PP: Our festival jury is a wide-ranging team of industry veterans from about 20 countries. We have a big internal world forum online where we exchange opinions and make decisions on the films.

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

PP: I can’t speak for the decision process at other festivals. But I’ll say, in terms of getting a response when your film actually screens at a festival, because 99.9% of filmmakers don’t have any publicity budget and don’t do a Q&A, that really diminishes your chances of drawing a big crowd. But WIFF itself is promoting its events more and more, and we strongly encourage and assist filmmakers in setting up Q&A’s.

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

PP: I can tell you, it’s actually not money.

In the festival business, unless you are Cannes or Sundance or the like, you are just trying to maintain, so you can achieve your goal: discovering and spotlighting great new works of cinema. And helping them find their audience.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

PP: We are changing every day… A year ago we started with one festival. This year we’ll be hosting as many as 25 festivals in 20 different countries.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

PP: In most of the biggest cities and cinema capitals on this lovely cinema planet of ours.

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

PP: “Once Upon a Time in America.”

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

PP: Great buzz…? Or so it seems.

But more seriously: There are many “Great things” which it takes to make a great film: Great idea, great script, great shooting, great producer, great director, great actors, great voice, great cutting, great marketing.

All these great things make one big great cake. If any “great” is missing
— that cake isn’t going to rise.

Even when a film has all these ingredients, just like a cake it needs time to rise. Hopefully, the films we’re getting behind will rise to the attention they deserve this year.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

PP: I’m really never in one city longer then a month, these days, as I need to manage and host up to 25 locations as you know.

But the World International Film Festival has five basic centers now: Los Angeles, Toronto, Brisbane, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and we’ll be showing many films in all of those great cities.

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Stanley Cobos (Action Packed Film Festival)

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Action Packed Film Festival, is an event that is solely dedicated to films that are covered under that genre of action. Any project that has stunts, well coordinated fighting scenes and can be easily categorized as an action film can finally find a dedicated home at this film festival.All films that we receive will be viewed by industry professionals, and only a few of the best that we received will be officially selected to screen at the festival.

http://actionpackedfilmfest.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/actionpackedfilmfestival

Interview with Stanley Cobos:

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

Stanley Cobos: We’re setting up for a community of filmmakers that love to make films, more focused on action genre. We’re not opposed to other genres, but this festival in particularly focuses on the action genre. Action packed films are usually the tentpole films of the industry. Blockbuster films, that generate followings and an automatic hit (for the most part) in the box office. Most award ceremonies and film festivals appeal to the comedy,lighthearted and drama films. Regardless of the box office success of the action packed film. The action packed film is pure entertainment. What we intend to do and what is makes it succeeding for our filmmakers, is to focus on them now and push them further in their career. Our festival will showcase two seminars, networking events, and a special award ceremony where we intend to award three individuals (that are not in the festival) that are professionals working and mainly focused in the action film genre as stunt performers.

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

SC: I would hope that it will be a complete success and entertaining, but most important, that our filmmakers have an amazing and memorable experience. It’s important that they continue in their path towards this at time difficult journey as a filmmaker. We want to acknowledge them.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

SC: A well executed film that has action and well coordinated stunts. It took a great deal of time and dedication to make these films, especially if they had little to no budget. When we see a project and we like it, and found it truly entertaining, it makes the cut. It wasn’t easy. Our judges viewed hundreds of film. We had to decline a handful of amazing and just plain beautifully shot films that looked so beyond professional, it was hard to say no; but they did not fit our genre – action. So the films have to be considered an action type film. Regardless if it’s action-thriller, or any other type of film; as long as it falls in the action classification (chases, stunts, fighting sequences, etc.) that’s what we’re looking for. As well as the obvious, good story telling.

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

SC: I really do. It’s a lot of based on who you know and if you have the right amount of funding backing your project. There are amazing films that exist, but don’t get the full amount of recognition because there wasn’t enough money to place it in-front of enough eyes. That’s why web content is starting to gain momentum. Also, it’s difficult to succeed without a name talent. It’s not easy to have someone watch a film if there is no “attachment” to it. It’s unfortunate because there are a lot of great actors out there that will act and do a stellar performance without the need of hassling through the red tape of managers and agents and payment that at times is more than the films project, especially if it’s independently made.

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

SC: We’re filmmakers ourselves and know that feeling of making it. Even if it’s just for one day. We want to spread that. Spread the hope and allow for a great networking opportunity, it’s key in this industry.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

SC: Well, this is our first year and so far, it’s been doing great. We focused on a good genre and have been able to watch some great films and are looking forward to showcasing it for all to see! August 20-21, 2016!

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

SC: It will be a milestone, and we hope to see the growth of it and the expansion of it become something that filmmakers will look forward to seeing and being a part of. We hope that generate a good community and be able to assist in funding other projects.

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

SC: The Fifth Element, it’s one of those films that I can’t ever get enough of. I also enjoy Total Recall, The Professional and V for Vandetta.

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

SC: Great story with an amazingly talented cast and crew.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

SC: Well we’re based in Los Angeles, so it’s a thriving scene, I’m just glad the tax incentive’s are starting to catch-up.

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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.

Interview with Festival Director Umberto Santacroce (The Gulf of Naples Film Festival)

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The aim of the Festival is to promote and circulate cinema and cutting-edge films, foster discussion between various branches of learning, and provide a space for the cinematic arts and other disciplines to engage with each other and grow.

Go to Website

Interview with Umberto Santacroce:

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

Umberto Santacroce: GoN IFF is a new festival, the result of the encounter of three filmmakers with different experiences in cinema, television and theatre. The difficulties we have experienced in distributing our works led us to create a new opportunity for all lo-to-no budget producers; thanks to this opportunity, all those who make low cost yet valuable films, like we do, have the chance to promote their artwork and exchange ideas and expertise.

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

US: This is the second edition of the GoN IFF. Thanks to the serious approach shown in the first edition, our Festival is getting more and more popular and prestigious day by day. There has been an increase in the number of films submitted and of media interested in our Festival. Accordingly, the better the quality of the Festival, the greater the attention given by media to the participants who will enjoy the opportunity to show their works to increasingly wider audiences. And, last but not least, films will be awarded based on their quality.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

US: Although we have decided to select indie films which are not promoted and distributed through the main channels, our Festival is actually open to everyone, but definitely, the films that benefit from a strong budget will not be evaluated from a technical point of view, but only for their concepts and scripts.

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

US: I believe that in the main festivals the awards usually go to the filmmakers who simply had the chance to spend more money on their production, so, they could hire popular actors, as well as skillful technicians and professionals. Moreover, for the support of their high investments, producers and distributors launch massive – at times even deceptive – campaigns, overrating the films and attracting huge audiences. While low budget films usually do not get the success they deserve.

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

US: The fact that different people from different countries with different cultures, sharing the love for this form of art, may gather and become a source of mutual inspiration, getting beyond all borders and potential prejudices.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

US: Now it is too early to talk about a proper change; anyway, since the first year, many more participants have joined our festival and public institutions have started giving us some attention. We are now considering implementing new sections, in order to enhance the cultural value of the festival.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

US: In Naples, of course. With key partners in the national and international institutions. People need quality and we want to continue what we started last year, growing year after year, promoting new awards and turning our festival into the true celebration of top quality films, involving a bigger audience. We also hope to extend the festival’s calendar from 3 days, which is the period set now, to 10 or 15 days. We are well aware that this is very challenging, but there are good conditions and encouraging signs for improvement!

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

US: Well, it happened many times. Every film expresses emotions and fortunately, every film is very different. I love many genres but I am particularly keen on those which are milestones in the story of this art, I mean, the films produced in the 50’s and the 60’s both in Italy and in the U.S.A. Each film represents a step forward in the growth of this sector. For example, just compare “Clash of the Titans” – the 1981 epic film by Desmond Davis, featuring an all-star cast, with well done animated scenes – with its 2010 remake. Even if I prefer the original film, its remake represents the natural evolution of filmmaking with special effects and animations which are light years ahead of the first production. And I could go on indefinitely…

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

US: The depiction of universal values, such as justice, equality, solidarity, and the ability to communicate emotions.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

US: There was a time when Naples was a sort of capital city of the film industry. The famous Galleria Umberto arcade and its lively cafés were the meeting area of people from different backgrounds and the birthplace of hundreds of new production companies. This happened in the years between the 19th and 20th century, a time of intense film production, and implementation of new techniques and art styles.

However, after Cinecittà was built, Rome attracted the whole world of film industry.

Nowadays, the new digital techniques have greatly reduced the costs of film making allowing everyone to easily record a video. The young generations are definitely showing a growing involvement in this art. Cinema schools and training courses are now becoming increasingly popular, and I believe that there are some talented artists among the emergent filmmakers, who will be successful in the next future. However, the national institutions still do not acknowledge and support cinema with adequate fundings.

gulfofnaples

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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 to http://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Janice Kurbjun (Breckenridge Film Festival)

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Since its opening event in 1981, the Breckenridge Film Festival has celebrated the art of filmmaking. Each year a unique and varied array of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs and retrospectives honoring featured guests takes place high in the Colorado Rockies. Currently celebrating its 36th year, the Festival has hosted such guests as Alan Arkin, James Earl Jones, Robert Loggia, Marsha Mason, Sydney Pollack, Mary Steenburgen, Donald Sutherland, Eva Marie Saint, Jon Voight, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jon Favreau, Michael York , Jo Beth Williams, Connie Nielsen, Irvin Kershner, Thomas Haden Church, AnnaSophia Robb and DB Sweeney. Educational outreach programs, children’s films, celebrity guests, independent filmmaker forums and other events celebrating the art of film, contribute to the Festival’s diverse program. The University of Colorado at Boulder has presented classic and foreign films with faculty members leading interrelated discussions.

breckfilmfestWebsite: http://www.breckfilmfest.com/

Interview with Janice Kurbjun

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

We host roughly 30 filmmakers at our festival each year. These are filmmakers who submit their films and are accepted through our review process. In attending the Breckenridge Film Festival, they are presented the opportunity to mix and mingle with each other as well as with distributors scouting talent, the Colorado Film Commission, staff of which regularly attends the festival, and with high-level industry talent attending the festival in support of our featured films. We pride ourselves on offering an excellent visit for filmmakers both in terms of quality of experience as well as quality of industry relations.

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

Filmmakers attending each festival can expect the excellent opportunity to take advantage of first-come, first-served complimentary lodging, which helps facilitate filmmakers’ ability to attend festivals to promote their films, interact with audiences and discover new and interesting partnerships, distribution ideas and other creative direction while enjoying the fabulous scenery of the Rocky Mountains. The festival provides support in promoting films, offering unique and interesting opportunities to mix with industry professionals and generally, to enjoy fall and all the wonderful activities offered in the mountains at that time.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Films must fall into one of eight categories: Drama, Short Drama, Comedy, Short Comedy, Documentary, Animation, Spiritual and Adventure. Films also must have been completed in March 2015 to May 2016 to be considered.

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

The Breckenridge Film Festival believes in allowing all filmmakers to submit films for consideration, making the playing field as level and fair as possible. We curate only a handful of films every year, and so we pride ourselves on our high acceptance rate of approximately 15%. Filmmakers take notice. We receive excellent films each year, showcasing that not only are there drastic striations in the industry, but that there are excellent films just waiting to be seen. Our audiences marvel at the variety of films we screen annually and leave the festival with a deeper understanding of the depth and breadth of the independent film community.

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

We believe in the power of film and media to inspire, educate and entertain. The best films for our festival will touch on issues in new and interesting ways that resonate with our audiences. The best films will leave audiences feeling inspired. And of course, the best films will entertain audiences as they accomplish the first two goals.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

In 1981, the Breckenridge Film Festival showcased Hollywood front runner films. As the industry has changed, so too has the Breckenridge Film Festival, as it has opted to focus on the broadening world of independent film and up and coming filmmakers. Today, we are primarily an independent film festival featuring unique talent from across the globe.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We intend to be a vibrant, interactive festival focused on the power of storytelling and featuring excellent pictures that resonate with our audiences. We intend to continue to be a place for filmmakers to mix and mingle with each other and find inspiration of their own.

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

Either Star Wars or Amelie. Might be a toss up…

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

To quote a great man, “the movies are like a machine that generates empathy. It lets you understand a little bit more about different hopes, aspirations, dreams and fears. It helps us to identify with the people who are sharing this journey with us.” – Roger Ebert.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Rich. Our residents are more in tune with art house films than they are with first-run Hollywood features. They seek and crave the inspirational, empathetic experience art house films can provide.

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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 to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Celia Xavier (Tribal Film Festival)

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Tribal Film Festival seeks Indigenous films from around the world. TFF plays an important part in pushing for the accessibility of Indigenous films with inspiring and uplifting stories that change people’s lives.

Website: http://tribalfilmfestival.com/

Interview with Celia Xavier:

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

We showcase films highlighting international indigenous content as well as projects produced by Oklahoma Native filmmakers.

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

The excitement of seeing films that you can’t see anywhere else, certainly not in theaters in Oklahoma. We create events centered on blocks of programming – such as our children’s films with ice cream donated by our local Ice Cream Social – turning those events into celebrations. This year Native American Straight dancers will be on hand to celebrate a local film on ceremonial dancing . Opening night features our Silent Auction Red Carpet event and a wine and cheese tasting, which always attracts a large crowd.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Indigenous content or features Indigenous actors

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

Absolutely. Some festivals are political, which is an unfair advantage to most of us. But that is great because that is one of the reasons we started ours.

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

We are filmmakers ourselves. Personally, I have been to numerous of festivals. There are numerous great films that don’t get into the “Big Three,” and we have the option of screening those for our audience. Speaking of the “Big Three,” we dislike the caste system that has evolved in the festival world: the VIP ticket sales, the high ticket prices, the separation this creates amongst “the have and the have nots”. Our festival is free to anyone and everyone. We treat everyone like a VIP!

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Filmmakers can now choose whether to be distributed on our TribalTV digital platform after screening at our festival.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

In four years we hope to have expanded, holding screenings in the theater at our neighboring university NSU and showing children’s movies outdoors in the center square. These locations are all within walking distance from our current theater and are one of the reasons we picked this town for our festival. We’d also envision a famous band open our reception.

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

What a timely question. The only film I have seen more than once is “Purple Rain”.

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

The unexpected, authentic journey a film takes you on.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Not very much of a scene at all.

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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 to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Connie Spielberg (Creative Arts Film Festival)

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The Creative Arts Film Festival is an annual international film festival that is designed to showcase and promote short films and filmmakers. CAFF runs throughout the entire month of December and we offer worldwide exposure, free promotional listings, international audiences, and the prestigious “Perfect Spirit Film Awards”. And, yes, we do accept Music Videos in any of the genres.

December 1-31, 2016
http://www.creativeartsfilmfestival.com/

Interview with Connie Spielberg:

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

Getting them noticed in the industry, getting them fans, and getting them to believe in themselves.

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

Well, we’re online, so attendance is quite different. But, generally, as always, we expect excitement and rabid curiosity for the films and filmmakers.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Under 60 minutes and some kind of mind-blowing moment that isn’t a slick trick or a bourgeois attempt at being smarter than the audience. That’s it.

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

Of course. I want to say most, but I won’t, so…some film fests won’t even watch our film unless there’s something alluring attached, like a star, a celeb, a writer, etc. Something that says money or influence. To be quite honest, almost every star vehicle we’ve ever received, we’ve denied. They can get very boring, very fast, and everyone expects the star to carry the project. Most times, no. Not that it’s the star’s fault. Mostly it’s the producer or director’s fault for just bad filmmaking. RULE OF THUMB — Spend your money on making awesome moments happen, not on celebrities. Or mix it up somehow…think Slingblade. Or get a star that CAN act. What we really like is finding some diamond in the rough that has real story-telling power. Something that excites the viewer with fresh new ideas.

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

Discovering True Talent.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

It hasn’t. We were a pain in the ass when we started, and we still are. If the film is great, we can’t stop talking about it. If the film sucks, we can’t stop talking about it.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Exactly the same. Offering up really great new films by really great new filmmakers.

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

“Robocop” (Verhoeven). It’s SO much more than just a superhero movie and it told so many stories within it’s 90 minute frame.

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

In one sentence? …if it doesn’t suck? No, no…seriously, this is a tough one. I mean, why was “Kick-Ass” so awesome, and “Kick-Ass 2” so lame? Why did “Legends of the Fall” make me cry like a little child, and “The English Patient” make me want to blow my brains out from boredom? Plus, there’s esoteric, and there’s practical. Okay, I think I have it. Here it is…What makes a great film, esoterically? Everybody knowing, and doing, their job passionately. AND, what makes a great film, practically — tell the story honestly. Don’t be clever or slick. Just tell the story honestly. Actually, swap those two answers and I think that nails it.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene is always abuzz with everything from sucky to savvy. ut the movie scene is completely jaded and stale.
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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 to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Loren W. Lepre (Freedom Shorts Philadelphia)

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Welcome to FREEDOM SHORTS! The largest and most active short film fest in Philadelphia! This is the ONLY game in town when it comes to short films! This is the FORMER (A Night of Short Films) event. YES the name just changed same great event and the same fun that comes with it!! This event is really a great place to have your film shown and at this event all of our hard work pays off! This event has grown at a rapid rate. This event draws 200-400 people each time. Trailers are welcome! The event is followed up by an award show! YES WE LIKE TO GIVE OUT AWARDS! ALL awards and selections are picked by jury. These events are known for plenty of surprises. Filmmakers this is your night!

http://averagesuperstarfilms.com/

Interview with Loren W. Lepre

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

Loren W. Lepre: It gives the filmmakers from around the world a BIG stage to shine on. It’s a full size theatre with a full size screen, a $60,000 sound system, and seats 600 people.

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

LL: This is for somebody attending right? They would get to see a professional event on a major stage in one of the biggest cities in The US.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

LL: The films are selected by what is the best of the best submitted. We also like to channel surf when it comes to Freedom Shorts. if we had some dark thriller we like to bring it back up with a comedy afterward. We believe in balance

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

LL: And if so, why? YES! We believe that on this giving night that the filmmaker should shine. We also have a webseries where we talk with the filmmakers and show the world what our event is all about. These video help MARKET the films the way they should be.

Video link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH5oAX-ZF68

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

LL: Here in Philadelphia we had no spot for to screen short films actively. I had ties to The Trocadero and stepped up to the plate and here we are 4 years later.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

LL: At first we screened anything! Anything to stay alive I (Loren W. Lepre) did this event solo but as time went on help came a lot of help. Than the films started getting better and better. We really do our best to put together a solid show every time.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

LL: Being in the top 20 fests in the world. Yup we aim that high.

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

LL: Lost Boys still my favorite movie and Rumble Fish a close 2nd.

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

LL: A great story with great lighting, audio and to the point!

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

LL: Philadelphia I would like to praise but I can’t the indie filmmakers need a major kick in the ass. To much self praise with every baby step and NONE of them think with worldwide eyes. Films being made with to many short cuts are killing films. Directors NOT pushing their films to get them out of the Philly area. To many films being made for their mantle and not going the distance.

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Loren W. Lepre was born and raised in Carbondale Pennsylvania. Moved to Philadelphia in 1999 to work in the wrestling business. Loren has been training in martial arts since 1995. As time went on Loren was drawn away from wrestling and into MMA where he trained with Daddis Fight Camps. One day he was asked to be an extra as a zombie in a indie film called The Reunion. From that day forward Loren jumped into acting where he studied at Walnut Street Theater. Loren has been in over 75 projects since 2011. He is the owner of Average Superstar Films and runs the largest and most active short film fest in Philadelphia.
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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 to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.