Film Festivals

Filmmaker Herve Marcotte (AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE)

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AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE, 52min., France
Directed by Herve Marcotte
In July 2022, I brought together two sixteen-year-olds, Jeanne and Romain, in a house by the sea. They didn’t know each other yet. I was determined to take them seriously, and make them live with all their uncertainties and reserves, an experience in the world of beauty.

http://verissimusfilms.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My first long documentary, “Encounter with Remarkable Souls,” focused on 25-year-olds, so it’s no surprise that “An Ordinary Experience” centers around two 16-year-olds. Initially, my intention was simply to gather two young individuals (not actors). The casting requirement was deeply rooted in my desire to reconnect with my youth. The art theme emerged later.

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

The shooting spanned four days, while the maturation process took a year. I stumbled upon books by chance and shared profound thoughts with trusted friends, as I do with all my films. Then, everything goes with the flow. The assistance of young Amédée Beriot, a student whom I supported during his studies at Lyon École des Beaux-Arts, was crucial in helping me realize my vision during the shooting.

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

A (fictionized) poem

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

Typically, I identify my characters from my family and friends network. However, for this casting, my initial choices for the male character lead fell through twice. Eventually, through a casual conversation about my cinema work with my chiropodist, who happened to be my former neighbor, her 16-year-old son, Romain, was enlisted. The girl, Jeanne, the daughter of my godson, ultimately agreed to participate. She later admitted that my enthusiasm was so infectious she couldn’t refuse.

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

The feedback video moved me to tears. It surpassed my expectations that one of my films, which is headed to an international festival for the first time, could evoke such emotional responses. Inspired by Saint Charles de Foucauld, my films revolve directly or indirectly around universal love, portrayed by young characters (not necessarily in age but in spirit) who make viewers see another perspectives. I am deeply honored that the testimonials confirm this.

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

My profession is Financial Manager, but I purchased my first camera in 2018, and filmmaking has become like a second life to me. I aim to convey insights about inner life to the world. I previously worked as a desert photographer, shooting diapositives together with musical cross-fade editing.

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

“Into the Wild” is a film I’ve revisited several times; it blends adventure with meaning of life.

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 greatly appreciate the feedback from the festival. It encourages me to continue pursuing my cinematic endeavors my way. Currently, I’m seeking a distributor for my films to reach a younger audience. While I’m unsure of the potential outcomes, winning the award for “Best Documentary” should significantly facilitate the relationship between Verissimus Films and art cinemas.

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

FilmFreeway.com is undoubtedly an excellent platform; everything is clear and reliable. In my opinion, it is the best international platform for festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Eggs and bacon

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

I am currently filming a threefold documentary exploring the intertwined themes of the invisible, silence, and light. There’s a clear progression in my subjects, focusing more on inner life. However, it seems I’ve found a style that resonates well with “An Ordinary Experience,” which makes no compromises in its poetic professional edit, music composition, and sound design. Next I dream of a spiritual festival in France where my films are shown!

My new feature films “Au fil de l’AUTRE” 1hr 22’ is now ready for cinema screening,

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival:

Filmmaker Javier Java Santiago (PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION)

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PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION, 12min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Javier Java Santiago
Juan, an oriental cook in a fast food restaurant in Puerto Rico, tries to make a gourmet dish, to convince his nebulous boss to release him and thus set up a fine restaurant, while Hiu Yan, his co-worker and arts expert supposedly tries to avoid it.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

What motivated me to make this film is the great admiration and respect I have for asian culture, and above all the intrigue and mystery that exists within the kitchen, the sounds and smells of these asian fast food restaurants.

They settle on the island of Puerto Rico or anywhere in the world, mixing their culinary skills with the cuisine, people and local culture, learning the language and becoming part of us, where everyone is equal, demonstrating that there is only one race, the human race.

They take a Puerto Rican food like Tostones con ajo, and include it in their menu and do it better than the Puerto Ricans themselves.

Every time I visit one of these interesting restaurants, there is so much to see, so much to imagine, so much to analyze and learn. It is inevitable to think or write a thousand stories on the subject.

That’s why I took on the task of interviewing Jimmy, (Hiu Yan in the Movie), a Chinese, actor and restaurant owner and friend of mine, who has been living in Puerto Rico for many years, to tell me a little about his story and that of many like him. And from there, I was able to complete the idea for my story. We can understand that in the story there are many elements that can be considered, based on real stories.

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

It took me 7 years to make this short film, from idea to final product.

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

Intriguing comedy

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

The biggest obstacle was getting the money and the location, until I met the actor Shuming (JUAN in the film). It turns out that I found an asian fast food restaurant out of service, with a phone number to call and rent it, I tell my producer Kathy (THE CASHIER GIRL in the movie) who calls Shuming, to see if he knows who owns that restaurant, since all of asian people are they know each other, and it turns out that it was his and there, we were able to get the location after so much searching.

My producer and I say that the universe conspired so that this short film could be made.

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

When I saw the reaction of the public speaking so highly of the project and even the direction, I felt a feeling of satisfaction that I had not felt for a long time, it was very emotional for me, it has been one of the best experiences in my life. That’s why I always say that festivals like this are what make filmmakers like me live their dreams.

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

Since I was a child I always wanted to make movies, but it wasn’t until I decided to take the reins, find a way to make it myself, and do it, that I realized I could make movies.

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

I think “Ghostbusters”

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

That they can expose our works more to industry professionals, such as representatives of film directors and investors. I have a colleague, a film director in Puerto Rico, who is now making films in Hollywood, because he submitted one of his feature film to festivals, and from there he managed to get a representative of film directors to recruit him and get him those new projects.

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

FilmFreeway is excellent. Thanks to them I have been able to submit my project to many festivals, seeking the growth opportunities that you offer.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Chinese food!

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

The next thing is to make the feature film of “Pepper Chicken and Tostones Combination”.

I’m already writing it because there are people interested. Meanwhile, I continue making music for films, which is my daily life, such as coordinating stunt rigging and looking for financing for another short film that I have written ready to film.

Filmmaker Nevin Boila (WAR COUPLES)

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WAR COUPLES, 3min,. USA
Directed by Nevin Boila
In a desert war land, the elite tactical team, only know as BRAVO, must be the eyes and ears for their comrades, ALPHA Team. With time on the essence, both teams need to be on alert for the capturing of the 6 mass villains of the land. A war of stealth, values, and friendship lay on the line as BRAVO Team must overcome their own internal struggles if they wish to accomplish the mission. The question is, will they?

http://www.nevinbolla.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The truth is the motivation was just to film. Any filmmaker’s goal- well the majority of filmmakers- is to bring some type of entertainment to everyone. For me, not only motivation to film was the reason ‘War Couples’ was made, but I also asked myself this question right before I began creating a film, “Is This Possible?” Location, time, money, the team, when making shorts you can have the greatest script in the world, but if you don’t have the proper resources then the story will never be true to what you see it. ‘War Couples’ passed these obstacles because it was not only simple to shoot, but had a great comedy aspect to the end of the film.

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

In total: 3 months. It took a month for me to finalize the screenplay, multiple drafts, and make sure “Is This Possible” to film. Another month to establish the team that we had, the location, time, etc. And a month of me editing it to ensure we got the best out of what we could film.

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

Heighten Stupidity

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

Location. In my opinion, location is by far one of the most challenging aspects for any filmmaker. The right location can immerse the audience in the world of the film better than any sound effects, lighting, or camera angle. One of the greatest opportunities we had while making ‘War Couples’ was the location where we were able to shoot. When we found that spot, we knew it was perfect for our shoot. Always value the shooting location; it can bring your story to life not only for filmmakers but also for actors and actresses who are part of the narrative

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

It was greatly appreciated that everyone gave their opinion on the film. One of the things I dislike most is not criticism itself, but rather not knowing. Many people watch the film, yet most keep their views to themselves. That’s why feedback is crucial for all of us, and I’m very grateful that a feedback video was provided.

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

When I was in third grade, our entire third-grade school put on a ‘play.’ Yes, it’s quite impressive. Each student had a speaking role, and overall, it was an informative play for parents about the rainforest, featuring different creatures—a piece that most of us have done around that age.

My speaking role managed to bring laughter to the audience, which no other student did. The next day, my teacher, Miss Wolley, awarded me the ‘Person of the Week’ in front of the class, specifically for my acting—a concept I didn’t even fully understand back then, let alone recognize as a potential career.

From that moment on, it set off a chain reaction leading me to become an actor, writing screenplays, and eventually, to filmmaking. You never know who will give you that initial push. For me, it was Miss Wolley, and I’ll always remember her for that.

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

The Lord of the Rings

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

A way to communicate with other filmmakers that submitted to the festival. It would be great if winners/finalists could reach out to them and let them know how much you enjoyed their work.

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

Very convenient. I love that the layout allows you to pick any festival that fits your needs. It brings organization to submitting to festivals easier than any third party.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pizza with a “Glass” bottle of Mexican Coke. This should be everyone’s last meal by law.

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

I’m acting in some drama films that I’m excited to share with everyone when it’s premiering. Additionally, I’m currently working on a couple of full feature screenplays and just finished a tv series comedy screenplay. You have to keep working – no sitting and waiting and hoping and praying.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: TORONTO Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival

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Over 50 FIVE Star Reviews!

EW OPTION: For limited time – Option to submit and garner an automatic acceptance of your film. Agenda is to create exposure for the filmmaker and their film!

With that acceptance, you will receive an audience feedback video. a written movie review on festivalreviews.org, and a blog interview.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of Documentary Short Films. We now will be showcasing a Documentary Film Festival every month in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Carlton Cinemas.

We have created a hybrid festival with 4 tiers to enhance your film and your festival experience. All accepted films receive all four tier options:

Tier #1 – Your film plays at a private festival event where the audience will record their comments/reactions to your film on their camera or phone, then we edit them and send you a promotional video. No matter what you will receive a promotional video of your film of people commenting on your film.

Tier #2 (optional) – We put up your film live on our FILM FESTIVAL APP for 24 hours and invite a select industry audience to watch it. With this system, some films have already received a distribution deal as many platforms are looking for solid feature and short documentaries. We can not guarantee anything of course but this has been very helpful to many in the past. (see testimonials below)

Then (Tier #3) we will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film. Then after that (Tier #4) we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we chat with you about the process of how the film was made.

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We also will be showcasing winning documentary treatments at our festival every single month.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIPS Festival

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This is a HYBRID film festival with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Submit your ROMANCE or RELATIONSHIP Film or Screenplay to the festival today.

Get your short or feature film showcased at the private festival with the sole purpose of getting the filmmaker an audience feedback promotional video.

– NEW OPTION: Submit for a guaranteed acceptance.

– 8 Film Festival events a year.

– Filmmaker also receives a chance to talk about their film on the Film Festival ITunes Podcast and also do a blog interview.

– All accepted films receive an audience reaction video of how they felt about your film.

Then you can use that video to promote your film to get into more festivals and obtain a distribution deal.

Romance Screenplay Festival happens monthly.

– Full feedback given on all submissions by industry professionals.

– Winners get their script performed by professional actors and made into a video for them.

– Winners also get to talk about their work and script on the Film Festival ITunes Podcast.

 Deadline Today: STYLE, EXPERIMENTAL, FASHION Film Festival (FREE Submissions)

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Two options to submit your film: 

1) Automatic submission and garner audience feedback video. 

2) Submit for Free and have your film played at the Virtual Film Festival streaming service, with awards after the festival. 

Submit via FilmFreeway: 

https://filmfreeway.com/stylefashionexperimental

So…….let’s put on a film festival that showcases films & talent that no other festival does. Alternative films. Fashion films. Music Videos, Dance Pieces. Films without a plot. Films that let the visuals and sounds tell the emotions and let the audience interpret their own feelings.

A monthly festival!

What makes this festival unique is 4 fold!

1) Each accepted film gets a private viewing from a new audience in Los Angeles. Then that audience comments on your film and we make an Audience Feedback Video for you. Many use this video for their trailer and/or promotional purposes.

2) Then the filmmaker and team gets to do a blog interview with the festival where they can talk about their film and filmmaking life & career.

3) After that, the filmmaker and team can go on the Daily Filmmaking ITunes Podcast for an exclusive interview.

4) And finally, the film (optional) gets to show their film on the Daily Film Festival Streaming Service. Great way to get your film out to the industry.

OR

Simply submit your film for FREE at the Virtual Film Festival with awards.

All film submissions are FREE. Opportunity to have your film showcased on the popular streaming service for 48 hours.

(Other opportunities to garner a distribution deal with the company and have your film showcased always on the streaming service.)

OR

Submit your screenplay and get it made into a best scene video.

Over 50 5 star reviews on FilmFreeway!

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: THRILLER/SUSPENSE Film Festival

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The monthly festival that showcases the best of Thriller/Suspense Genre Stories and Films from around the world.

THRILLER festivals occur 12 times a year in Toronto & Los Angeles. Go to the website for information on the next events.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

This is a HYBRID film festival with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

With THRILLER screenplays and films, there will always be a market. This is a genre that will always be popular. Agents and producers are always looking for the next great writer and the next great filmmakers who tell great THRILLER stories. So if that is you, we will showcase your script or short film and make sure the right people see your work.

All festival dates have been moved to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

Submit your film or story and get it showcased at the Festival.

Screenplay Festival occurs monthly.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: EXPERIMENTAL, DANCE, MUSIC Film Festival

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Festivals take place at various Cinemas in downtown Toronto, Canada, for the audience feedback video.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

NOTE: The festival has created a hybrid festival with 4 tiers to enhance your film and your festival experience. All accepted films receive all four tier options:

Tier #1 – Your film plays at either a public live event where we will record the audience reactions of your short or feature and then send you the feedback video. Or, it plays at a private festival event where the audience will record their comments/reactions to your film on their camera or phone, then we edit them and send you a promotional video. No matter what you will receive a promotional video of your film of people commenting on your film.

Tier #2 – We put up your film live on the Film Festival Streaming Service for 30 hours and invite a select industry audience to watch it. With this system, some films have already received a distribution deal as many platforms are looking for solid feature and short films. We can not guarantee anything of course but this has been very helpful to many in the past. (see testimonials below)

Then (Tier #3) we will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film. Then after that (Tier #4) we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we chat with you about the process of how the film was made.

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The goal of this festival is to showcase the best of new experimental short films and independent music videos from around the world. Films that don’t get a fair shake from other film festivals because programmers don’t know where to “categorize” these films. There isn’t a typical linear story occurring so most festivals can’t truly understand the talent and beauty around these films.

We want to showcase films that showcase true originality and talent from filmmakers from every corner of the globe. And also showcase new musicians who have made a music video and want it to be shown.

Watch Today’s Film Festival: GHOST MOVING FLOWERS feature film – DOC Festival

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Go to the Daily Film Festival Platform http://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 7 day trial to watch a new and original festival every single day.

Go to the festival page directly and watch dozens of films:
https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival/

Watch FILM: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/ghost-moving-flowers

DOC Festival – May 8/9 event

Documentary, Independent

GHOSTS MOVING FLOWING AND PHYSICAL MEDIUMSHIP, 60min., UK
Directed by Karl Fallon
This Ghostcircle film by Director Karl Fallon, is a thought provoking documentary about Physical Phenomena never captured before on film. The documentary is captures moments in time about modern day Physical Mediumship with Physical medium Patrick McNamara in which he explains that by providing the necessary conditions with people in a “Psychic Circle”, it will allow spirit entities the opportunity to move flowers in people’s hands. These Psychic or Physical Circles were demonstrated repeatedly and held in independent and reputedly haunted locations around the UK and Ireland. The film explores and captures the phenomena as he discusses the process around the demonstrations. All attendees were unknown to the medium and his team before turning up to see what they would get. The individual independent Psychic Circle sitters actually see and feel amazing phenomenon, and then give witness statements about that they experienced. See the strange and flower moving by the spirit entities with the sitters.

https://www.instagram.com/karl_fallon/

Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/ghosts-moving-audience-feedback

Filmmaker Allexxis Youngs (PLEASE CLICK 2)

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PLEASE CLICK 2, 4min., USA
Directed by Allexxis Youngs
Two friends fight to keep their sanity after encountering a
mysterious video online, there is no escape but to become a part of the video.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Lol, this film was for a screenwriting class. We had to come up with 3 to 5 ideas. Me being a Reddit user and into the deep web stuff. I saw a story that made me think about human interactions with tech/media. And it just clicked, the response I got from my professor and classmates made me keep pushing to make this film. Everyone wanted answers and loved how universal it is through the audience and media format-wise.

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

Around two years I think, I started writing in my junior year second semester but started filming the first part in my senior year first semester. The 2nd part was filmed in my second semester. But for the second part, the editing wasn’t finished until a couple of months after I graduated.

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

Interactive and creepy.

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

There were a lot of obstacles; time, money, equipment, etc. But I guess the biggest at least for me was time, that’s why there are two parts. Originally I’ve written a script for a 30 – 50 min short film with more backstory and lore. But since I was shooting during school, I had to play around with it, gearing it more towards young adults. Making it into a TikTok horror short/backrooms video. If I had more time there’d be a lot more build-up and tension.

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

Happiness and excitement, I knew everyone would love the ending sequence because of how clever it was. I love that the audience was still able to feel the suspense and get some sort of creepy factor from it. I was scared that it wasn’t going to be scary enough. But seeing that the audience was freaked out and even reacted to the jumpscare made me excited.

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

To be honest, I don’t know, ever since I was a little girl my nose has always been a book, I was a part of book clubs, I had three different library cards, and my favorite place has always been a bookstore. But as I got older my love for storytelling transitioned into media; TV, film, YouTube, etc. This continued until I started theatre in high school. So when it was time for me to choose a career path I knew it was going to be something in the storytelling medium. I chose films over books because when I was really little before I was adopted. My biological mom and I would watch scary movies together. Those were some of the happiest memories with her. So I guess to answer the question I knew since I was little that I would make my films.

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

This is a hard question, I kind of have favorite films for different reasons. But I’d say any Adam Sandler movies, lol. I grew up on his movies, watching every single one, every week during family movie nights. I’ll even watch them on my own, I don’t know, it’s a good time. Particularly ‘Grown Ups’. It makes me nostalgic, and happy, but also ready for the future. You can never go wrong with one of his films.

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 guess the promo aspect, as a new and young filmmaker my name hasn’t been pushed out yet. Pushing not just the film but the filmmaker helps a lot with getting the new filmmaker more connections, awareness, and more along the journey. It’s hard navigating this industry, so giving a platform on not just my film but also myself will help build my following and bring more visibility to myself and not just the single film that has been accepted/won.

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

It’s easy and manageable, it’s all on one page and accessible. I like it because all I have to do is upload my films and just submit them to as many festivals as I want. It’ll keep track of everything so I never have to worry if I do something wrong. It also gives you info on the festival so the filmmaker knows if this is the right festival for their film. Very new/young filmmaker-friendly

10. What is your favorite meal?

Probably sushi, if I could afford it I’d eat it every day.

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

Yes, I’m working on making Please Click into a 30 – 50 short film this year. While also pushing for funding on one of my feature scripts, ‘You’re Invited’. Hoping to get it made in the next 3 years. With all of this, I’m still working on other sets. I’ve also been trying to get back into acting, hoping to land an indie feature role.

Submit to the UNDER 5 MINUTE Film Festival: