film festival

Filmmaker Julian Robles (IGUANA LIKE THE SUN)

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IGUANA LIKE THE SUN, 100min., USA (March Festival)
Directed by Julian Robles
In a humble coastal compound of southern Mexico, amidst a total eclipse of the sun, an unexpected guest arouses the broken dreams of a family that has lost its guardian figure, overshadowed by the cosmic loneliness where they were left to their faith.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21741112/
https://www.twitter.com/todoloiguana
https://www.facebook.com/Estoytodoloiguanaquesepuede/
https://www.instagram.com/estoytodoloiguanaquesepuede/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

When I was very young, I worked with Mexican playwright Carlos
Olmos. Although I was unable to see the original play “The eclipse”,
nor have I ever seen it staged, I was dazzled by it from the moment I
read it and thought it may be a great movie. The idea of becoming a
film director hadn’t even crossed my mind yet.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Olmos wrote a previous script that was optioned a couple of times
but never came to fruition. Years after his death, I took up the idea
once again, made my own version, and decided that I would direct it
myself. Almost a decade passed between the first draft and the moment
I stepped on set.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Cosmic loneliness

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Recreating the light of a total solar eclipse was perhaps the most
complex challenge. Beyond the solar corona, which can be recreated in
VFX, the entire celestial vault is altered from the previous moments,
a very peculiar light impossible to generate by CGI. For this reason,
we filmed all the magic hours, in a hurry because they only last 20
minutes, and thus have enough shots for this long sequence.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was surprised by the way they had connected with the story and
also understood what lies behind the plot, even though these
characters seem quite far from them.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I am the grandson of a projectionist who learned the trade when
cinema was silent and projectors were hand-cranked. I was destiny to
do films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Gone with the Wind. And if you don’t like it, frankly…

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I did not attend the fest. I cannot say nothing about it.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Food is like movies, books, or love: our tastes are always changing.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Fruta verde (Unripe Fruit), an adaptation of the famous novel by
Enrique Serna.

Filmmaker Leo Rojas (APHASIC DREAM)

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APHASIC DREAM, 24min,. Bolivia
Directed by Leo Rojas
Fernando, a guy with a messy life, starts having strange dreams of a kid in an abandoned warehouse.

http://leorojas.me/
https://www.instagram.com/steverojas00/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

– My main motivation is to make Bolivian films to be recognized worldwide, I want to show the quality of stories we can tell.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

– Approximately 4 months.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

– Opportunity and proud.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

– The money, we had no much money and that limited us to many things that we wanted to do. But I think we managed to deliver a very good job with the little budget we had.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

– I was very proud and happy to see that other people enjoyed my short film, I think that’s the most beautiful thing about filmmaking.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

– Since I was 11 years old, I knew I wanted to dedicate my whole life to make films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

– The Lord of the Rings trilogy

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

– Maybe record the reaction of the audience while they are watching the short films.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

– It is a very comfortable and easy to understand platform, quite intuitive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

– Lasagna

11. What is next for you? A new film?

– I will continue to make a few more short films, until I get the opportunity to make my first feature film, after that, I will not stop.

Filmmaker Suniva Maya Miller (ROOM OF MEMORIES)

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ROOM OF MEMORIES, 2min., Australia
Directed by Suniva Maya Miller
The story of heartbreak told from the memory center of the brain.

https://instagram.com/caffeinated_dream_dream

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was my first ever animated film that I developed during my first year of university. For some reason I had this feeling that I had to make something so emotional and deep. At the time I had just been through a pretty rough breakup with someone who I had been friends with for much longer. So I wanted to write and make something that would reflect the complicated emotions I had surrounding this person and our relationship.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The idea initially formed itself in March 2023 and finally had a developed script by around June. After that I created storyboards and a production schedule for when I started the animation in September and completed everything in November 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Love and heartbreak.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Initially this film was supposed to be a minute long, however I found that the story really required to be longer in order to be as impactful

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I thought that a lot of it was quite on track and I’m glad that despite being quite short the message of the film came across. I noticed that despite the implications of the girls having shared a romantic relationship however I understand that might not have come off as strongly as I would have hoped. Either way, however people interpret their relationship, the story still fits.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was twelve I realised how much love I had for telling stories and exploring all these different ideas and emotions. I especially had a love for drawing and making comics, so then I decided that I wanted to go into film making and animation.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

This would probably be a tie between so many films, but I would say that either Back to the Future or Coraline. I have studied these movies endlessly.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Honestly this has been such a great experience as one of the first festivals I have ever submitted to and been accepted. I don’t have much experience with festivals so I’m not sure how to improve them.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I really love using FilmFreeway, it’s such a great tool for exploring all sorts of festivals at the touch of a button.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Gnocchi al ragù d’anatra (gnocchi with duck ragu).

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I have already started developing a new film for my second year of animation at university.

Filmmaker Fernando Alberto Broce (OJUE)

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OJUE, 13min,. USA
Directed by Fernando Alberto Broce
A panamanian fashion designer living in the US, who is embarrassed about her culture, is forced to bring her dad with dementia (who is convinced that he is still in Panama) to her most important exhibition.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Since I moved to Los Angeles two years ago, I have felt a great nostalgia for my country, Panama. I wanted to tell a story whose characters would reflect this. I wanted to tell a story that would serve as a collage of the things I miss most about my country.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took about three months writing it, four months of pre-production, 7 days of filming, and four months of post-production. In total, almost a year.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Panama, identity.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The last two minutes of the short film were definitely the most challenging. Replicate a festival like the “Thousand Skirts”, with more than thirty women arranged with the Panamanian skirt, shooting inside the lock in the Panama Canal, shooting with a band of more than seventy members. Undoubtedly, that final montage was challenging but the best thing that could happen to the short film.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was very happy that even though this is a story with Panama in the middle, the feeling was effectively transmitted to the audience of this festival, despite the fact that they were from other parts of the world.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was little I watched an astronaut movie and spent a month wanting to be an astronaut. Then I saw one about writers and I wanted to be a writer. Then about lawyers, about doctors, etc. at the age of 13 I realized, that what I wanted was to make movies.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Her, The Swiss Army Man, Interstellar.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

To have the recording of the audience reacting was more than enough. The more spaces we have to see and talk about the reactions of our work, the better.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Very easy and smooth!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Octopus ceviche.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Currently writing my first feature film as writter and director. Also working daily as an editor and production designer

Filmmaker Andre Joseph (DISMISSAL TIME)

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DISMISSAL TIME, 29min,. USA
Directed by Andre Joseph
When a black high school student in a reputable prep school becomes the victim of a vicious form of cyberbullying, his history teacher makes it her mission to bring those responsible to task when the administration fails to act. Inspired by true events.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I experienced racially-motivated bullying as a high school freshman where I was one of the few black students in my class. For years, I tried to suppress the trauma privately even though there were times I was uncomfortable in my skin. When the murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a national reckoning on race relations in America, I felt motivated to speak about my experience through film and I began to write Dismissal Time that summer inspired by my history.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It was roughly one year of rewrites plus fundraising through the non-profit organization Fractured Atlas. Once it was cast and the crew was assembled, we shot 4 days in October 2021 in locations around Philadelphia and South Jersey. Then it was 6 months of post-production work.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Social responsibility.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Filming during the pandemic. It created some limitations as far as the amount of student extras we could have on set among other factors. Luckily, everyone played it safe by taking precautions and following COVID protocols in all locations.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

For the most part, I felt the audience members who spoke gave a fair assessment of the film. The most important part of their feedback was how they could relate to the situation at hand and saw the importance of taking a stand when an injustice gets swept under the rug.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Probably at 10 years old when I used to play with my cousins at our grandmother’s Brooklyn apartment and begged our late uncle to use his video camera. It motivated me to write a wish list of ideas I wanted to make as movies until I finally owned a camera at age 14.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Great question! There are so many to choose from! If I had to choose at least one, it might be the original RoboCop. The effects and the story themes still hold up today.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

More networking opportunities and helping filmmakers find ways to raise funds as well as educating us on successful distribution outlets.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It’s generally good from the standpoint of keeping all submission materials streamlined and reviews help to separate legit festivals from bad ones. Though FilmFreeway could do better on weeding out illegitimate festivals that aim to rip off the filmmakers financially.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A nice grilled sirloin steak with extra veggies.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m in post-production on my next feature THE LAST VENDETTA which is the third and final entry of my trilogy that began with DISHONORABLE VENDETTA and VENDETTA GAMES which you can find on Amazon as well as Tubi. Additionally, I’m reworking a Western idea I have into a web series and a few other scripts I’m currently preparing.

Interview with the Festival Team of Picentia Short Film Festival

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“Picentia Short Film Festival is one of the main international shortfilm festival in Campania (province of Salerno, Italy), born in 2017, produced by the Association of Independent Cinematographic Production ACT Production, a young production formed by filmmakers between 19 and 28 years old which have reached in the last two years the finals and the official selections of some main international shortfilm festival. PSFF has got in these years among the patronages and partnerships Campania Film Commission, World Film Fair (New York), JIFF – Jaipur International Film Festival (India), ToHorror FilmFest (Turin).

The festival – edition 2019 – will take place at the end of the next summer in the little city of Montecorvino Rovella, in the heart of Monti Picentini Regional Park, in province of Salerno.”

Short Bio of the Artistic Direction: “PSFF Artistic Direction is composed by Antonio Palo (M. Rovella, 25 y.o., founder and artistic director), Luca Capacchione (M. Rovella, 19 y.o., deputy artistic director) and Erica De Lisio (Salerno, 23 y.o., deputy artistic director), all of them part of ACT Production’s team.

 

Contact

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

Picentia Short Film Festival Team: Picentia Short Film Festival’s goal is to award the talented filmmakers giving them an apposite ‘place’ where they could valorize their works, meeting also the main cinematographic productors and artistic directors of the region. Through our parterships the winners have been part of some international events (as World Film Fair) and mentions: it’s a starting point both for emerging filmmakers and also for successfull ones.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your upcoming festival?

I would expecting a relaxing contest where to show your abilities, experiences, stories: in a few words, a piece of your life. Picentia Short Film Festival is made by yuong filmmakers for filmmakers: we’d love to share each other and widespread all of the visions of cinema with the people that still believes in it or could be attracted by this form of communication.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

There are 6 categories/genres: “Horror & Thriller”, “Drama & Social”, “Comedy & Comic”, “Past & Future”, “Docs”, “Music Video”. The qualifications is for short films with a maximum duration of 20 minutes; documentaries with a maximum duration of 52 minutes; music videos with a maximum duration of 4 minutes. There will be two juries (technical and public) who will assign each day of the event – from 11th to 15th September, 2019 – the festival prizes (total combined value of about $3.000,00).

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

I think it’s partially true, that’s why some film festivals have become – with the passing of time – a sort of limited circle for some kind of ideas, artists managements, distributions or for the ‘great possibilities’ of their single filmmakers. I personally – as all of the rest of the artistic direction – believe in pluralism and impartiality. So, being Picentia Short Film Festival neutral in terms of judgement, there’s no distintion among tipologies of budgets, distributions or curricula. Here low budget short films can compete with higher budget and distributed short films: the only evaluetion criterion is the quality.

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

My team and me are very motivated doing Picentia Short Film Festival: it represents the making of the job we love to do and the proof that some young boys could build an international company where skills and professionalism could valorize people and places. We want to be an example for the youngest generations to believe in their dreams.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The FilmFreeway process has been great. It’s a really great platform to view films and super user friendly. We’re proud to be there.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

Very hard question… (That’s the first time I’m thinking about!). I wish 2023 festival greater than the previous years, with the same friends and the same values which keep us together. But the first step is now, in 2019!

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

I haven’t a favourite or most-seen film, but I can’t remember how many times have seen Eddie Murphy’s and Ben Stiller’s comedies, Leslie Nielsen’s “The Naked Gun” serie, Steve Carell’s “Angie Tribeca”, Monthy Python’s sketches, and fanta-epic series (as “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings”). Really great movies…

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

The ability to leave into you something deep inside.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

The film and artistic scene is almost, completely absent: a further incentive to reach our festival’s goals.

picentia 2

Interview with Festival Director Bill Hass (FORT WORTH INDIE FILM SHOWCASE)

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The Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase (FWIFS) is going into it’s sixth year. It started as a small “boutique” showcase, designed to service local and regional filmmakers. The festival quickly grew in popularity and is now an international festival servicing filmmakers around the globe. The first year, it screened about 40 films, and they struggled to find those. In 2018, they screened around 120 films over the course of three days. They are a multi-genre fest. They screen features and shorts on a variety of topics. In their fourth year, they relocated to Sundance Square, in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. They typically present the festival in the third week of July. The dates for 2019 are July 18-20, and we are currently open for submissions.

Contact

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

Bill Hass: What we do successfully is provide a platform to grow. We are going into our sixth year and we have some filmmakers that have participated with us from the beginning. It is encouraging to see the quality of films improve over time. We take a family approach to our event. Once you participate, you’re one of us. With that we do all we can to help filmmakers grow their networks. We make them aware of other festivals, we make introductions to other filmmakers in attendance, and we set up panels and discussions to speak on specific areas of the craft.

2) What will attendees experience when they attend your upcoming festival?

We do everything we can to put a spotlight on the filmmaker. FWIFS is about each individual artist. Of course, we will show the films. Beyond that we are looking to expand the experience by offering a full day of panels on various topics. For the screenwriters, we are also looking at an opportunity to have local actors read portions of their scripts before an audience.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We look for films that tell an interesting story, films that leave you thinking and spark discussions. As a multi-genre fest, we look for and accept a wide variety of projects. We like to present a strong cross-section of films, everything from horror to comedy, and romance to faith based. The element that all of our projects have in common is a tight story, told with interesting characters.

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

The really nice thing about the independent film festival, is that all films are equal. A film that was produced with a zero budget will be considered alongside a film with a six figure budget. Each film is judged on its own merits. At FWIFS, we take every submission seriously. Every other festival I’ve dealt with does the same. That being said, as filmmakers we need to make sure we’re submitting according to the festival rules. In other words, don’t submit a feature drama to a festival that specializes in short comedies. As long as films are submitted within the guidelines of the festival I believe they are fairly considered. I think that is true for all festivals. I know that is true for us.

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

The filmmaker and the audience. Festivals like this are important to new and independent filmmakers because we provide an outlet for them to show their films. For those who attend, they also have an opportunity to engage the audience and receive valuable feedback. It’s great to see filmmakers interacting with the audience and their peers. It’s also very nice to watch and audience enjoy a film that they may not have seen or known about, except for our festival. It’s a really good feeling to know what we had something to do with making that happen. That motivates us to do it the next time.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has made our submission process really easy. The receipt, review, and acceptance process is really simple. It’s easy for the judges. Of all the platforms we’ve tried so far, FilmFreeway has brought us the most success. Anytime I’ve had a question or a problem, I’ve been able to get help right away. They also consistently improve the platform and add features that increase the value. I am very glad we discovered FilmFreeway.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

In addition to what we’re already doing, by 2023 I’d like to see us offering more workshops and panels. I’d also like to see more blocks that cater to writers and story development. Over the next five years I also want to continue fostering our relationships with schools and student filmmakers. Ideally, we’ll see a level of growth that will enable us to add another day or possibly another venue in addition to our current location.

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

The Matrix. I really enjoy the way that story unfolds.

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

Well developed characters in a well written story.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

It’s getting better. We have a new film commission that is working to bring filmmaking to Ft. Worth. There are a lot of great locations to shoot, and the Commission is really focused on building a reputation as a Film-Friendly city. Aside from ourselves, there are several other festivals that go up throughout the year, so there is a decent opportunity to catch indie films. I’m looking forward to seeing what develops here over the next few years.
 

About the Festival Director:

Bill Hass is the programming director and one of the founders of FWIFS. Bill is himself an award winning filmmaker, so he and the team present the festival from a filmmakers perspective. Bill’s journey to programming this festival was about thirty years in the making. He started as a stage actor. From there he learned to write, which led to making films. Filmmaking evolved to programming a festival. He’s been programming the festival since it’s inception, and he works to present a strong cross-section of films each year. The focus is on presenting strong character driven stories in all genres. He also looks for opportunities to mentor young filmmakers whenever possible.

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Interview with Festival Director Otessa Ghadar (DC Web Fest)

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The DC Web and Digital Media Festival highlights the best of the web. The festival goes beyond web series to include various forms of digital media, such as Short Films, Screenwriting, and Game/App development. The MISSION of this festival is to Entertain, Educate, and Promote these new and innovative art forms.

Contact

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

Otessa Ghadar: The DC Web Fest is a great platform for independent digital media creators to showcase and promote their work. We have a total of six categories: web series, digital shorts/trailers, games, apps, AR/VR, and blogs/scripts. At the festival, shows have been picked up for distribution. Some of our web series have moved on to television and many of our games have moved on to major consoles like Xbox, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The DC Web Fest is also a place where industry players come in search of exceptional content.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend your upcoming festival?

I would expect to experience a wide range of digital content in addition to educational panels where I can learn from industry professionals, from writers, directors, and producers to digital marketing experts, podcasters, and IP law professionals. I would expect to meet many like minded creatives and form meaningful, productive relationships. Mostly, I would expect be uplifted, entertained, and educated with the best of indie digital content.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The main elements we look for are strong original story with conflict and character arc, production quality, and strong editing. There are specific criteria that can be found on our FilmFreeway page through https://dcwebfest.org/submit.

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

As a woman and minority owned organization, the DC Web Fest is devoted to inclusion and diversity. There is definitely division and underrepresentation, which need to be addressed. That’s why we are currently working on a side project (Analyzing Diversity in Media) that collects data to highlight the various issues with diversity in media. Please help us make a difference by taking just a few moments to complete our questionnaire! Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVdyT5Up16Mm-jed0CZKAiJ52iVQXkn3Z4KMANuAYEbopS8g/viewform

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

Indie creators need to know that there are platforms that freely welcome their ideas that are rejected by Hollywood. The indie community is like a family, and we need to all ban together to keep the indie spirit strong. DC is a vibrant city full of creatives. We want them to know that there is a place to call home. They don’t have to travel to the major markets (i.e. LA and NY) to tell their stories. They can tell their stories right here- in DC where many are hungry for authentic, creative digital content. Each year, our creatives have shown their gratitude and many continue to excel.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Our experience with FilmFreeway has been quite positive. It would be great if we could make the process more personalized. But since our inception (year 1), we’ve seen submissions increase by a multiple of 20.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

By 2023 we will be showing work that our minds haven’t yet conceived of…and that’s just how we like it. The future is in our blood over here.

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

We were film majors! Where shall we begin?! The Graduate (just to name one). We can send a spreadsheet of our favorite films if you would like.

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

A strong storyline with a clear, concise goal, conflict, and characters who progress throughout make a good film. sometimes the conflict or goal need not be so clearly defined. Sometimes, a strong story, with meaningful characters can hit a nerve and unite a viewership. It’s not so cut and dry. There is a structure, but there is also more than that. It’s all about knowing “the rules”, then knowing how and when to break them.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

DC is full of energetic, passionate filmmakers and storytellers. There are other festivals that also serve as platforms for local filmmakers to showcase and promote their work, such as the DC Black Film Festival. DC Web Fest founder, Otessa Ghadar, serves on the advisory board of the DC Black Film Festival. DC Shorts is another popular local film festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Rob Lobosco (MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL CINEMA EXTRAVAGANZA)

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The Melbourne International Cinema Extravaganza M.I.C.E. aims to be one of Melbourne’s leading cinema extravaganza, raising awareness and celebrating these wonderful totem animals- Mice.

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

Rob Lobosco: As a new film festival it is a great opportunity for filmmakers to submit and be part of something evolving, bringing together a collection of great films and celebrate their efforts.

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival 2019?

A collection of great work in honour of the millions of mice that are used in research to save lives.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Films will be judged and the best will be selected. Of course All film creations are the best in which case all films will get a mention.
We are most excited about looking for an amazing script.

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

I think all festivals do their best In judging and sharing their viewpoint about the films. It is a collective decision amongst the judges and sometimes it may be disappointing to filmmakers not to be selected. But there is a huge celebration for filmmakers to complete a title and that’s the main focus for filmmakers to embrace. We all see the amazing creation in your film and are honoured to watch it and ‘not selected’ should not dishearten you, it should propel you to keep going.

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

Creation, stories, characters, situations and how they all blend together to become a film. Film fascinates me in that there are limitless ways to tell a story and the filmmaker chose this particular way. It’s amazing to judge film with this in mind.
The motivation also is for the life saving totem animal of our festival – mice.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Film freeway is a great platform and fantastic place to submit films all around the globe.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

We see it as a hub for emerging new talent and with its creators actively writing, producing and judges for other film festivals, it will become something quite special for filmmakers. A festival to bring together film makers with their new creations, network, collaborate and ultimately create!

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

A few- Beaches, Titanic and Muriel’s Wedding!

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

Investigating a situation/story and truthfully following the character’s physical, emotional, esoteric and spiritual journey, makes an Oscar winning film.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

Melbourne is a multicultural hub for amazing artistic talent and wonderful films. It’s a great place to be to create.

Even though we are so far away ‘downunder,’ we are very well connected to filmmakers all over the globe because of the need to collaborate and connect and create!

Best of October 2018 Film Festival Interviews

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These are festivals to look out for. Read interviews with the Festival Directors and learn more about them.

Interview with Festival Director Daryl Bates (A SHORT NIGHT)
READ Interview

Interview with Festival Director Edward Payson (an Anti-Hero Production Genre Fest)
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Interview with Festival Director Dr. James Rowlins (Brighton Rocks Film Festival)
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Interview with Festival Director Cato ML Ekrene (The Norwegian International Seagull Short Film Festival)
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Interview with Festival Director Aleksander Sakowski (THE VISION FEAST)
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Interview with Festival Director Sally Bloom (LONGLEAF FILM FESTIVAL)
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Interview with Festival Director Pierre Cialdella (San Francisco LGBTQ Coming of Age Short Film Festival)
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Interview with Festival Director Avery Cohen (Macoproject Film Festival)
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Interview with Festival Director Gian Smith (The Black Film Festival of New Orleans)
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Interview with Festival Director Gia Frino (Wollongong Film Festival)
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Interview with Festival Director John LaBonney (DAM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL)
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