festival reviews

Interview with David Aboussafy, Co-Founder and Co-Director Vancouver Badass Film Festival

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The VBASFF Celebrates new genre films from local and emerging filmmakers. The fest has horror (lots!!!) noir, superheroes, dark comedy, gore, naughtiness and so much more!

http://www.vbasff.com/

I recently sat down with David Aboussafy to talk more about the festival: 

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

David Aboussafy: The Badass Festival breaks down walls, and champions the best in new extreme cinema. Our festival provides emerging and extreme filmmakers a venue to screen their films and to connect with fans, other filmmakers, industry, media, funders and distributors, bringing attention and audiences to compelling original work in style and content. Badass 2015 was a completely sold out showcase of new extreme film with a focus on emerging filmmakers. One Badass 2015 short film El Gigante subsequently went on to win numerous awards around the world and, along with another Badass 2015 short, The Promise/ AlphaMem, are being developed into feature films. Another Badass 2015 film, Swingers Anonymous went on to Cannes and a fully funded feature film for the film’s director. Fans and investors who engaged with filmmakers at Badass 2015 and have helped fund filmmakers’ current projects. In addition, some currently active filmmaking teams met and formed at Badass 2015.

The Second Annual Vancouver Badass Film Festival (Badass 2016), continues to celebrates the new, the different, the shocking, the memorable and upsetting in style and content. Why extreme cinema? We champion unsettling films because they don’t pander to us – their style and subject matter challenge us. To embrace them is to engage something worth hanging onto. The different, the disturbing, can establish their own authority. While the audience for truly bold filmmaking might start small, the extreme may be what endures while the run of the mill are forgotten. Badass films also of course have a premium on straight up attention-grabbing fun and visceral excitement.

The Vancouver Badass Film Festival philosophy is one of breaking down barriers between fans and filmmakers, and between filmmakers, collaborators, funders and distributors. Badass 2016 will have a significantly expanded program including the premieres of select features and shorts programs split into local and international sections with juried awards and a gala. Badass 2016 will include Luchagore Productions new film Madre de Dios, Gautier Casaneuve’s House of VHS from France, Izzy Lee’s Innsmouth and Postpartum from the US. Evening feature premiere’s include Mexico’s Atroz from writer/director Lex Ortega, and Canada’s The Evil in Us from writer/director Jason William Lee and Sandcastle Productions.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival?

David: To paraphrase a tagline from one of our favorite Vancouver theatres, they would get a festival experience they can’t download, and one that is much more entertaining and interactive than the usual staid film festival. They will get exposure to a diverse range of great, compelling new films in a carnival-like atmosphere thick with enthusiastic fans, as well as accessible filmmakers and genre film performers. Badass 2016 is hosted by hugely entertaining and unique performers who themselves alone would be well worth the price of admission. Tristan Risk, Samantha Mack and Mister Nickel are the festival MCs, ringleading events such as a twisted Oscar-style awards gala, gonzo film discussions, red carpet photos, post screening Q & As, and some awesome surprises. Special guests speakers include Director Gigi Saul Guerrero and key cast and crew from The Evil in Us, as well as some high profile speakers were are not able to announce in advance. Badass 2016 home VIFF/Vancity Theatre is also fully licensed and you can bring alcoholic drinks with you to your seat.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

David: Badass films are new films produced or released in 2015 or later, that meet our definition of extreme or unsafe cinema (which can encompass the avant-garde as well as genres such as horror, noir, SF/fantasy, and wild action); in short, exciting films that are highly original in content and/or style (preferably both), from anywhere in the world. No boring-to-look-at, safe, sappy rom-coms or earnest predictable dramas, please.

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

David: Yes, certainly at both a funding and large festival level, the traditional funding agencies in Canada have long favoured a type of very safe, predictable film making (often from the same filmmakers). As a result, the big festivals they sponsor and fill with their films tend to be rather dull and uninspiring. This conservatism and caution also typifies most films funded and produced in the vertically integrated and risk-aversive studio system. Even the older independent film festivals have been trending toward safer and safer content, leaving more extreme new films out in the cold, and geniuses like the Soska sisters and Gigi Saul Guerrero on the outside looking in.

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

David: The Badass festival was formed to fill the gap left by the traditional festivals, and to meet the needs of new, original extreme filmmakers, which includes giving them and their fans a place to party their asses off together in a celebratory environment. We want to create a festival that supports, encourages and showcases the most exciting new films and filmmakers. In addition, we want to provide fans of such films and performers a truly exciting and engaging festival experience. In the crowdfunding era, fan engagement can be funder engagement, and we at Badass are also motivated to foster innovation and collaboration between filmmakers, producers, fans, funders and distributors.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

David: In our first year, the Vancouver Badass Film Festival was a short film festival. In this our second year, we have grown to include, feature film premieres, new sponsors and events, and have greatly expanded our short film program.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

David: We at Badass are big fans of the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, a multi-week genre film festival with a lively distribution and co-production market. We have set a very ambitious goal of eventually developing Badass into something like that. However, it’s still relatively early days for us; in the next four years we would like to continue to grow with respect to programming, sponsors, and fan and filmmaker engagement, with a longer and even more engaging festival. By 2020, if that sales and distribution method is still viable, we would like to host an international genre film and co-production market to coincide with the festival. Additionally, we would also like the Vancouver Badass Film Festival to be on the vanguard of new approaches as funding, production, distribution and sales models continue to rapidly change.

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

David: As a child, I saw Star Wars many, many times. This past year, I have seen Mad Max: Fury Road three times in the theatre, and I would see it again right now.

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

David: A great film is one you can’t look away from, shows you something new, and one that you can’t forget.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

David: Vancouver is home of the third largest television and film industry in North America, with a multitude of experienced professional crew and an abundance of acting talent. Vancouver is also the home of a very vibrant independent and genre film community, with many active gifted filmmakers, as well as supportive venues such as the Rio Theatre, and the VIFF/Vancity Theatre.

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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 Asher Segelken (Teen Faith Film Festival)

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Christian filmmakers from high schools across California come together through the celebration of filmmaking in a place of collaboration and exposure!

Go to the website for more information: http://teenfaithfilmfest.weebly.com/

I sat down with the Festival Director to talk about the festival.

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

Asher Segelken: The Teen Faith Film Festival is succeeding on three major fronts, the first is exposing stories of faith exploration through film. Our first year hosted very powerful narratives, documentaries and Art-House films that conveyed something deeply spiritual.

Secondly we are succeeding in the networking, for a second year event we have been able to network with Biola University, and other Christian Filmmaking Professionals to bring an event that is very active for networking and internships.

Thirdly we are succeeding in the quality of submissions attracting the best of faith based High School films from across the country.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival?

Asher: If I was at a festival I would expect to see people represented from a lot of places and perspectives I would expect to be blown away by the efforts of the student committee who put on and market the festival as well as expect to know the essential details of each film before I left the Nechita Center.

Matthew:  What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Asher: All films must be under ten minutes and made by a teenager.  That’s it. We assess the spirituality of different submissions looking for profound insights coupled with good filmmaking and then we send the films on to professionals judges that then score the films.

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

Asher: I think festivals want what would sell in that they want the publicity of being the festival where a deal was made because that is what festivals are after. I also think festivals want to see innovation in film and so if either extreme is not met a spiritual margin somehow disqualifies you. At teen faith we look for the best filmmaking and the best story. The only way a film is subjectively disqualified at teen faith after qualifying by being 10  minutes and made by a teen is if that film ignores spirituality which is frankly a difficult thing to ignore in while telling a story.

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

Asher: What motivates my team and I to do this festival is the idea of celebrating what our peers are doing through an art form we love to express faith of all kinds and to further story in a unique way as students.

Matthew:  How has the festival changed since its inception?

Asher: The Festival was originally supposed to be a closed festival to selected schools but then became a much more open and international event.

Matthew:  Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Asher: By 2020 I see the Teen Faith Film Festival being the place to see up and coming christian filmmakers celebrated and then going on to continue to innovate Christian filmmaking changing it for the better by going away from cheesier films that we are used to cringing at when they are in the box office to making films that create legitimate hype regardless of a person’s religious standings.

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

Asher: For me I can’t stop watching Birdman or the Dark Knight those films are so well done and speak so much to the complexities of societial and individual humanity.

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

Asher: A Great film is made when realism is balanced with reasonable suspense forcing the viewer to be present, while also being provocative in a way that changes ones perspective when they leave the theater.

Matthew:  How is the film scene in your city?

Asher: Orange County is better known for the amazing contract/freelance filmmakers in the area who make a good profit for providing film services. The Art-form itself is very beloved being in the greater Los Angeles area.

asher_segelken

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 Kevin McLaughlin, Founder Boardwalk Film Festival

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The First Annual Boardwalk Film Festival with be premiering in September
of 2016 in Asbury Park at the beautiful New Jersey Shore. The BFF promises to be one of the key events on the film festival circuit. They will kick off a long weekend of films and events that is sure to become a must-attend festival for filmmakers and film lovers far and wide.

Kevin smallerWriter/Director Kevin McLaughlin founded the Boardwalk Film Festival, an annual 4 day event taking place in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Go to http://www.boardwalkfilm.com/ and learn more about the festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What is the festival attempting to accomplish for filmmakers and the attendees? 

Kevin McLaughlin: We want to give filmmakers and film fans everything that any good festival does: First, we offer a great screening experience in a quality venue and the opportunity to see new and unknown works and meet the people behind them.  Secondly, we’re making sure that there are numerous opportunities for networking and making connections, both personal and professional. And most importantly, we want the festival to be a fun, welcoming event that people will want to put on their calendars year after year.

Matthew: There are a lot of film festivals out there. How will the Boardwalk Film Festival separate itself from the pack with its first annual festival?

Kevin: The BFF will be different from most festivals in several ways. First, we won’t be showing any films that glorify or

trivialize violence.  There are a lot of great films being made that don’t involve blowing people’s heads off, and we want to insure that they have a venue in which to be celebrated.  We’re also honoring storytelling, and the people who do it well.  Unfortunately, a lot of indie filmmakers will create a beautiful-looking film that just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.  We’re more interested in a well-told story that entertains and informs.  Finally, we intend to honor the filmmakers above all.  I think it’s important to remember that if it weren’t for the filmmakers, there would be no film festivals.

I also think it’s important for the festival to give a true picture of the community to which it belongs.  There are other festivals in the region that have a festival director and a programming staff, none of whom live in the state. How could they possibly represent the community?  We’ll do that much better because we are truly a part of this community, and most of us have been for all our lives.

Matthew: How did the festival get started? 

Kevin: As a veteran filmmaker, I’ve screened my films at a number of festivals, I’ve attended several major festivals, and I’ve worked at a couple of festivals as well, and I’ve always thought that I could do it better. Too often, festivals are run by bankers and businesspeople who just want to boost the economy of their town. I thought it was important to have a festival run by filmmakers who understand the needs of the indie filmmaker. So I gathered a number of people I’ve done productions with over the years, and started this festival from the ground up.  We’re adding more people to our team all the time, and as we gain sponsors and supporters, the team becomes more rounded and broad-based, but at the core is a group of people who understand and revere filmmaking and that will be reflected in this event.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival in 5 years? 

Kevin: I’d like to see our festival become an important date on the calendar of every filmmaker and film lover. I know we’re not going to be challenging Sundance for the top spot anytime soon, but I think that east-coast filmmakers and film lovers will come to know us as a must-see festival every September.

Matthew: How is the film scene in Asbury Park?

Kevin: The arts scene in general is booming in Asbury Park.  In a city that’s best-known for its music scene, artists of all stripes are a key component.  The city has numerous art galleries and there is a small community of filmmakers as well.  There’s another film festival in town – the Asbury Park Music in Film Festival, which only shows films about music (that’s why we DON’T show music films) and while they just launched last year, they’re off to a great start.  There’s no limit to what can happen here.  Travel & Leisure magazine recently named Asbury Park among the ten best places to travel to in the whole world!

Matthew: How many films do you anticipate showcasing at your 2016 Film Festival?

Kevin: We’re still working out the details of our screening schedule, but we will probably be showing about 30 feature-length films and around 70 to 80 short films.

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to expect for the 2016 Festival?

Kevin: FUN!  That will be the most-used word you’ll hear on the boardwalk that weekend.  We’ll have films, parties, the beach, and lots of great people coming together to celebrate their love of film. We have some great sponsors that will be hosting events in some of the city’s famous venues right alongside the Atlantic Ocean, and in mid-September, the crowds are gone but the weather is still beautiful.

Matthew: What do people living at the Jersey Shore think of that infamous reality show based on the area?

Kevin: I’m so glad you asked that. There is no doubt that the LEAST popular TV show in this area is MTV’s Jersey Shore.  A fact most TV fans are not aware of is that NONE of the people on that show were from New Jersey, and the image they present is not remotely what The Shore is about. Visitors to the Boardwalk Film Festival will see an environment that bears no resemblance. You’ll meet people who are educated and articulate, who go TO THE BEACH when they want to get a tan!

Matthew: What’s the best place to eat at the Jersey Shore?  

Kevin: Well, a lot of people don’t realize that the Jersey Shore is an area over 140 miles long, encompassing hundreds of little towns, each with its own personality and hot spots.  In Asbury Park, where the Boardwalk Film Festival takes place, you’ve got a small town with over 60 restaurants, clubs, and brew pubs.  That includes five-star spots like Moonstruck and Porta, along with more casual places like The Wonder Bar or Johnny Macs, where you get free pizza anytime you buy a drink! There’s even a food truck park where, in one spot, you can get Korean Tacos, Peruvian food, and New Jersey’s favorite guilty pleasure, Pork Roll and Cheese!  The festival shuttle bus will stop at a lot of these spots, so you can judge for yourself which one is the best.

Matthew: How are people in New Jersey reacting to your Governor, who is currently running for president?   

Kevin: I myself was never a fan, and I think since he’s been running for president, Chris Christie has lost many of the fans he did have here. His approval rating is down around 33 percent.  Don’t mention his name to any teachers here unless you want to hear a tirade of negative sentiment.  He’s no more popular among filmmakers, since he killed the tax credit program the state had for film production.

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

Kevin: That’s a tough one, since there are a number of old favorites that I’ll watch over and over again – The Wizard of OZ, The Graduate, The Jerk, Citizen Kane, The Grapes of Wrath, A Christmas Story, Rocky, Blade Runner… the list goes on and on. Any time Titanic pops up on my TV, I just can’t change the channel!

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is a multiple award winning short filmmaker. He is currently the CEO of the weekly WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival.

Interviewee Kevin McLaughlin graduated from Seton Hall University, earning a Master’s Degree in Television and Film from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

His credits include everything from elementary school science programs to America’s Most Wanted and The Uncle Floyd Show. He most recently served as Head Writer and Supervising Producer on Where Health Works, a 3-part series created for PBS TV.

THEIR MISSION 

The Boardwalk Film Festival was created to bring arts, culture, commerce, notoriety, and good public relations to the New Jersey Shore.  The annual festival will provide a platform for exhibition of a wide variety of films, some of which would not otherwise be available to the local population.  The BFF will have a special emphasis on well-told stories that don’t rely on violence for their dramatic energy.

Interview with Brandon Ruckdashel (Program Director) NewFilmmakers NY

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Brandon Ruckdashel has served as a film programmer for NewFilmmakers, YoungFilmmakers, and as a juror for the Asian American International Film Festival.

NewFilmmakers NY is a weekly screening series based at Anthology Film Archives on the Lower East Side. To learn more about the NewFilmmakers Festival and to submit your film, go to their website at http://www.newfilmmakers.com/

1) What is NewFilmmakers succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Unlike most festivals we run as a year round series. We program a minimum of 55 events a year and this brings our total films screened to between 750-1000 depending on if we receive extra dates.

With the flexibility our screening schedule gives us we are able to do more diverse and varied programs. We can screen films that many festivals would pass over simply because they do not “fit in.” We also make a special effort to program events that focus on groups traditionally marginalized by the mainstream Hollywood film industry. These groups include women filmmakers, our NewLatino series, and nights specifically for black filmmakers.

2) What are the qualifications for the selected films? Does the film need to be made by a first time filmmaker?

We do not have any specific qualifications. Needing to be a first time filmmaker is actually a very misunderstood representation of our name. We believe that all filmmakers who produce independent non-studio backed films fall into the NewFilmmaker category.

Many NewFilmmakers alumni return each year with their new film or films and we enjoy following their progress.

We are always looking for documentaries to fill into our programs and this coming June we are programming an entire month of LGBT themed films.

3) How many events to do you a year?

55 events per year. We also occasionally add in between 3-7 day festivals as our schedule allows.

4) Where is your cinema located in New York City? How is the area for the arts/film scene?

The Lower East side is the historic New York arts district. No other part of New York city can claim as many artists in residence.

We are located at Anthology Film Archives on 32 Second avenue (corner of 2nd street & 2nd avenue)

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival for the last 19 years? When did you come aboard?

We originally started NewFilmmakers as an opportunity for NYU film students, who had no access to a theater, for screening their student projects. NewFilmmakers continues to provide opportunities for filmmakers to screen films that might be passed over by traditional film festivals. Screening at Anthology Film Archives amongst the posters for films shot by Jonas Mekas, Jerome Hill, P. Adams Sitney, Peter Kubelka, and Stan Brakhage sharpens this motivation.

I joined as a volunteer six years ago handling technology and marketing. We launched an online distribution platform (NewFilmmakersOnline), a new scheduling interface for the website, and the NewFilmmakers Quarterly Magazine. I took over programming duties about three years ago and have enjoyed using my understanding of the filmmaking process to help promote filmmakers and give them screening opportunities.

6) How has the festival changed since its inception?

NewFilmmakers started out as a “no fees, no forms, no deadlines” event and has evolved into an established and well respected screening series. Although we still receive them on rare occasions we definitely screen a lot less VHS.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2020?

That is a tough question to answer. So much has already changed in the last year with the addition of DCP as a screening format and moving our nightly events to all digital delivery. Four years seems like a short period of time, but their are many technological advances expected within the film industry by then. Not least of these is the advent of HEVC replacing H264 which will see our goal of moving to “all digital” delivery become practical.

On the programming side I see more featurette programs putting two or three 30+ minute films together. Unfortunately filmmakers have decided to increase the length of their shorts instead of taking a risk and shooting a feature. This has begun to cause some real programming problems in the last two years.

8) What film have you seen the most times?

I think that’s a toss up between the original “Star Wars” trilogy and “Hook” with Robin Williams. Star Wars appeals to me the most because the technology to make it barely existed and the innovations they were forced to make come across distinctly and add a rough edge, which makes it feel real.

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

Succinct simple efficient pacing which illustrates a story while not trying to prove the intelligence of the filmmaker who directed it.

10) What would one expect when they attend your festival?

We have a photographer. We have a step-and-repeat. We have a party. We always encourage filmmakers to work with each other to bring beverages and snacks.

Every night is a different night. We program in a way that filmmakers with similar styles, genres, and interests are screening together. This creates an incubator type atmosphere where there are a number of filmmakers who can walk away from the night having made new friends or met people they’d like to work with on future projects.

When a filmmaker gets invited to a festival it is really up to them to take control of the atmosphere for the evening. Print a “step-and-repeat,” a few large format posters, and bring lots of information about your film. People love seeing films when they know it will be turned into an event and I can attest that the energy and money put into promoting is always returned by the energy of the audience that it attracts.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is a multiple award winning short filmmaker. He is currently the Festival Director for the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Screenplay Festival.

Interviewee Brandon Ruckdashel is a New York based actor and filmmaker who recently finished production on his debut feature “Grinder.” As an actor he starred in HBO/Cinemax’s hit series “Co-ed Confidential” and numerous made-for-TV movies directed by Roger Corman alumnus Fred Olen Ray and Jim Wynorski. Brandon’s production company Ruckus Film Works specializes in post production, extreme dialogue denoising, and other delivery services (including DCP authoring).

He can be contacted through facebook at facebook.com/b.ruckdashel

his website www.BrandonRuckdashel.com

or Brandon@NewFilmmakers.com

 

Interview with Denise Gossett, Festival Founder/Director for the Shriekfest Film Festival

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Heading into their 16th year, the Shriekfest Film Festival & Screenplay Competition is one of the top Horror Festivals in the world today. Founder Denise Gossett was voted number 5 out of 13 Most Influential Women In Horror History!

Go to the website and find out about the 2016 season.
http://www.shriekfest.com

I recently sat down with Denise Gossett to talk about her festival.

deniseMatthew Toffolo: Bottomline, what are you attempting to accomplish (and obviously succeeding at) with the Shriekfest Festival?

Denise Gossett: Well, my goal has always been to help get exposure for all of these talented filmmakers and writers that people may not know about. We are all about the indie filmmaker.

Matthew: Why do you think there is such large fan base for Horror Films? Why do so many people like being frightened and scared when watching something?

Denise: I think it’s the same reason people look at a car accident, we are curious, however, we like to experience it when it’s not a life or death situation..that’s where horror films come in. Being frightened is fun and exciting, it’s a visceral experience. Same reason people love roller coasters. The thrill of it all.

Matthew: What motivated you to start this festival?

Denise: I had starred in a horror film & realized that there weren’t any horror festivals in the U.S to help promote it, horror seems to be the ignored step child of the industry and I wanted to change that.

Matthew: What have you learned the most running a successful festival for over 16 years?

Denise: You have to be kind, you have to help people and you have to enjoy it and be passionate….these creatives are trusting me with their babies, whether it’s a script or a film, and I should treat that baby with the utmost care and love.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Denise: The main passion and caring has remained the same, of course, but, now we get submissions from every country out there, Shriekfest wins all kinds of awards, and we have regular fans that attend every year. Also, if you have a win at Shriekfest, it does seem to open doors for people.

Matthew: How many films do you anticipate showcasing at your 2016 Film Festival?

Denise: We will screen approximately 45 films!

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to expect for the 2016 Festival?

Denise: Hmmm, we are discussing that right now….ways to make our “Sweet 16th” birthday extra special. New trophies, bigger, better parties, some new categories.

Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Denise: Oh goodness….well, I may not be running it by then. I am an actor as well and my career is really taking off and it’s making it very difficult for me to do both. We’ll see. 🙂 As long as Shriekfest is around, I will be involved in some way. It’s my baby and like I said earlier, I want it treated well. So, in 5 years, it will be extremely hard to get tickets to any of the screenings. How’s that? LOL

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

Denise: Grease 🙂 I was obsessed with it when I was younger.

Matthew: Is there a country that consistently makes great horror films that you show at your festival year after year?

Denise: Spain really produces some amazing films.

Matthew: Has there ever been a case where a film that you watch that gets submitted to your festival is just too violent or just too gory?

Denise: Well, there are some, but I have an audience that loves that stuff, so, it doesn’t affect decisions.

Matthew: In one sentence, what makes a great horror film?

Denise: A great horror film has a great story with some new or unique ideas, great acting, great filming, great sound, great editing, basically, a complete package.

Thank you so much for the interview. I’m honored.

* * * *

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the festival director for the WILDsound Film & Writing Festival.

Movie Review of the short poetry film “Hammer”

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“Hammer” played at the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival, part of its October 2015 best of horror/thriller short films from around the word event. 

First off, watch the Poetry Film NOW:

Read Movie Review of HAMMER by Amanda Lomonaco:

While Hammer lacked a lot of the excitement and action that went along with the other films of the night, I still can’t deny how interesting the concept was. Like all experimental films, there will probably be a strong love/hate split between anyone who see sthis film, but I’ve always been a big proponent of experimental filmmaking.

Pushing the boundaries of any medium is incredibly important to highlighting and understanding its limitations, as well as helping us understand our own psyche. That might seem like a bit of a snobbish reason to justify experimental films, which can be pretty snobbish themselves sometimes, but its something many people don’t consider. Our reactions to new things can teach us a lot about ourselves, and about those around us, so it can be fun sometimes to give these films a try.

The poem that is narrated in Hammer is beautiful and original on its own; taking the perspective of a murder weapon as the narrator. The pictures that acompany the narration, superimposed, blurry, and dark, help emphasize the eeriness of the words. The closeups, forced perspective, and lack of clarity of the images also highlight the narrator’s perspective as an object, rather than a living thing. The merger between both mediums enhances both mediums equally, and puts you in an interesting space, both as an audience member, and as a listener, or reader.

Here is where I admit my massive bias; I am a Halloween freak. I love horror films, gore, SPFX make-up, dressing up, getting scared, gorging on candy, all of it. Naturally, I would always be more inclined to like this kind of film, regardless of the subject matter. Of course not ALL horror films pass the test, but the uniqueness of this one stood out to me. I wouldn’t recommend this film to everyone, but if you’re a fan of the gothic, Poe, melancholic style of horror, you’ll definitely appreciate this one.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK of HAMMER:

Movie Review of the short film “Boudoir”

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“Boudoir” played at the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival at the October 2015 best of horror/thriller short films. 

BOUDOIR, 9min, US, Horror/Mystery
Directed by Gina Lee Ronhovde

An agoraphobic photographer is psychologically tortured by a mysterious client during a routine boudoir photography session, escalating into a battle to stay alive.

Read the movie review of “Boudoir” by Amanda Lomonaco

No. Just no. I spent this entire film excited to hear what I was hoping would be hilariously negative comments about it during mediation, and was incredibly disappointed when I heard its praise. As if it wasn’t enough that the film itself had disappointed me.

Some of this is my own fault. I didn’t realize some of the bad acting in the film was actually intentional. Probably because I didn’t recognize the actress originally (apparently she’s famous – oops!). In any case, I was entirely too distracted by the poor acting to allow myself to actually enjoy the film. With the enlightenment of the comments raised during the mediation period, I could probably have appreciated this film a little more, but I still don’t think I would give it a thumbs up.

The concept itself is kind of cool. It even has a little bit of an air of Black Swan to it; some lesbian implications, a tortured artist with just a dash of schizophrenia, an apparent murder that turns out to be suicide… If you’ve seen Aronofsky’s film this will all sound familiar. Quite a few people in the audience really did seem to enjoy it, although I don’t know how much of that was driven by the supporting character’s celebrity.

Yes, I am being incredibly harsh and bias in this review, but reviews are supposed to be a matter of opinion, so I’m simply giving you my own. This was the weakest film in what would have otherwise been a flawless line up for October’s WILDSound Feedback Film Festival, but I suppose you just can’t please everybody all the time.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of BOUDOIR:

Movie Review of the short film “Redemption”

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“Redemption” is a thriller/prison drama that played at the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival, part of it’s best of horror/thriller short films event in October 2015. 

REDEMPTION, Australia, 7min, Thriller/Prison
Directed by Tom Vogel

A man in jail finds God and asks his son for forgiveness but is karma about to catch up with him before he can seek redemption.

Read the movie review of REDEMPTION by Amanda Lomonaco

One more point scored by the Aussies for proving that simple stage design, just a few characters, and not much equipment can still make for a good horror film. What’s more – they didn’t even pull out the fake blood! You could argue that the very fact that the cheapness of the production was noticeable makes it a bad film, but I guarantee you many a Blair Witch fan would disagree.

Most of the shots in this film were quite tight, and close-up.The wider two shots were mostly in dark spaces, where little to no background could be seen. This really drew a lot of focus on the acting, which definitely lived up to expectations. It’s a gamble to bank so much of your film on the actors themselves, but I would say Tom Vogel made some good casting calls in this case.

Vogel could have done just a tad better in the make-up department, though. Giving his main, most vicious character, what looked very obviously like a stamp-on temporary tattoo on the neck distracted a little from that character’s brutality. Everything else about the film compensates for this minor mishap, however. Particularly when that same character proceeds to kill someone in an incredibly aggressive and violent manner.

Once again the implication of violence proves more effective than the use of violence itself. It might have begun a little slowly, but Redemption‘s pace picked up quickly enough to not leave you bored or confused for too long. The finale was definitely a very satisfying climax for those of us who love vengeful justice (whether we admit to it or not). I would call this one a good film for cathartic viewing.

Movie Review of the short film “The Blood Of Love”

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“The Blood of Love” is a multiple award winning horror/romance short film. It won BEST FILM at the WILDsound October FEEDBACK Film Festival, part of their best of Horror Short Film event. 

THE BLOOD OF LOVE, 19min, USA, Horror/Thriller
Directed by Jeff Meyers

Unwilling to accept the death of her husband, a young widow, acquires a machine that can bring him back to her. But the machine exacts a terrible price: she must provide the blood it needs to revive her beloved. And it starts demanding more and more blood for less and less time.

Read movie review of THE BLOOD OF LOVE by Amanda Lomonaco

There are so many ways in which I loved this film, I’m afraid I won’t even be able to fit it in this review, or that I’ll even be able to describe them properly. So many elements of this film were equal parts clever, funny, creepy, & ironic. What’s best, Jeff Meyers seems to have found the all too elusive balance between telling too much or too little.

You can’t say much about The Blood of Love without revealing the whole plot line. It’s a pretty unique story in itself, but I can start by saying the best part is the end. Not the “official” end, but the end after the credits, when you think the story has finished, and then Meyers steps in with one final jab to wrap the story up a little better. In fact, both endings are funny, and I would have felt satisfied regardless of which one I had viewed, which is a rarity in and of itself.

The one pitfall of the film that I would have to point out is the lack of chemistry between the two characters. While their acting was great, and the scripting was all very natural, everytime I saw things get a little more sexually charged between them I wanted to cringe just a little. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t awful, I might just be nitpicky with this one, but I definitely got the sense that, despite their talent, those two people did NOT want to be kissing each other.

Somehow none of that ruined the film for me. I’m not sure if I should thank the editor for minimizing the instances of intimacy between the two main characters, or if that was simply a directorial choice from the get-go. Nevertheless I never felt at any point like the story was lacking. It was always fun, it was always entertaining, it kept me wanting to see more, and yet when it was over, I was sufficiently satisfied. I always say a good short film leaves you wanting more, but this is one of the few cases where I will say, at 20 minutes, The Blood of Love was about the perfect length.

Don’t expect too much from this one if you’re all about guts and glory, but if you’re a fan of clever plotlines with a healthy dose of irony, give this one a go. Even if you don’t enjoy your average, everyday horror film, I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of this one. Meyers definitely seems to have found a little bit of something to please all audiences.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of THE BLOOD OF LOVE:

Interview with Katha Cato, Festival Director Queens World Film Festival

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Get to know the Queens World Film Festival. March 15-20 2016

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queens-World-Film-Festival/131152030233616

@queensworldfilm

http://www.queensworldfilmfestival.com

Matthew Toffolo interview Festival Director Katha Cato:

What is the goal of your film festival?

First and foremost: The films are the stars. Every decision is driven by what will result in the best screening possible. We are always asking ourselves: What is best for the filmmaker?  What is best for the film? What is best for the screening?

 We work to build a sustainable community around independent films; between the film lovers and the filmmakers. The festival is curated into thematic blocks that are marketed to appropriate audiences. At Q5 (March 17 – 22 2015) we had 43 blocks with a range of themes, hosted by QWFF moderators who facilitated talk backs.

 We are proud of the support and attendance of the international filmmakers from over 30 nations including Syria, France, Korea, UK and Russia. We are honored to introduce the local and international filmmakers to local press and NY industry professionals.  Each year we feature a block of Queens Filmmakers ensuring that filmmakers who live here are networking and growing together.

 The festival also draws attention to our other programs including the Young Filmmakers Program that puts media programs in a local school, our free Encore Screenings that extend the life of many of the festival films and the Old Spice Screening Series that produces free lunch time screenings for Senior Centers.

 It would be a shame not to mention that our submissions are open through Dec. 7, 2015.Go to our website and hit submit. We love hearing from filmmakers from all over the world and we currently have just shy of 500 submissions from 15 nations including Germany, Croatia, Ireland and Iran and we find it thrilling to be part of the conversation.

 How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2016 festival?

We learned from the experiences of our earlier years, but we have not changed so much. We remain focused on the films and continue to prioritize creating the best possible experience for everyone. Our commitment to make sure that the films look and sound just the way the filmmaker intended has only deepened and continues to drive us

 Our aesthetic has not changed, we are still interested in films that take a unique stand and present a unique perspective. We are even more interested in stories and films that push some boundaries, use new media, twist themes or mount a new genre.

 And we still love the filmmakers.

 How many films do you anticipate showcasing at your 2016 Film Festival?

We are thinking that it should be around 80 hours, which could be between 110 – 120 films.

We are locked into the Museum of the Moving Image, Ps 69 and the Secret Theatre with a total of 4 screens, so we have lots of options for the 6 days and we are going to be throwing some outrageous images up there.

Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2016 Festival?

 March 15 – Opening night at Museum of the Moving Image, with VIP reception for 2016 Spirit of Queens Honoree Director Melvin Van Peebles, other special guests and a sampling of films that let people know what to expect at the festival.

 March 16 Wednesday

Opening night at Secret Theatre and PS 69 with special Dinner and a Movie screenings. At MoMI we will screen Mr. Van PeeblesSweet-Sweetbacks-Baadasssss Song

 March 17, 18

Screens running at MoMI, PS 69 and Secret Theatre

 March 19

Closing night at MoMI with a special screening of Susan Seidelman’s Smithereens as part of our tribute to her and IndieCollect, followed by our 6th Annual Awards.

 March 20

Winner’s Circle screening of the Best of the Fest award winners at MoMI.

 Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2016 festival?

The themes that are emerging in reviewing this year’s submissions center on a concern felt around the world for the weakest among us, the disenfranchised, the marginalized. We have some films that represent some incredibly risky artistic choices. Admirable, really.

 The screening committee is reporting that we have risky films, some very lush films, some stark and jarring pieces and some very wonderful features from all over the world.

 Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Permanently housed within a complex that provides office and screening spaces alongside classrooms, production labs and low cost equipment rental services. Our ancillary programs serving youth, seniors and struggling filmmakers will be thriving and the annual Film Festival continuing to present films, lovingly paired and curated into events that are sure to engage our audiences.

 What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

It’s NYC and every borough in this city has a film culture, so it is very dynamic. There are big trucks and big shoots in every boroughs, there are gorilla filmmakers in every boroughs. …There are film schools, film clubs, film festivals, art houses, chains and everything in between. There are screenings somewhere every night.

 Now, remember, in Queens, we also have 2 huge film studios and 2 airports so our film community in this borough is thriving,

 Our screening events are well attended and we are grateful, because it is a noisy city and it is exciting to know that we are carving out a niche with a loyal fan base.

 What film have you seen the most in your life?

Paper Moon or Idiocracy