Interview with Festival Director Janice Kurbjun (Breckenridge Film Festival)

May 4, 2016 festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, FilmFreeway Review, Interview, interviews, Uncategorized Breckenridge Film Festival, festival director, festival interview, festival reviews, film festival review, film reviews, Janice Kurbjun

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

Website: http://www.breckfilmfest.com/

Interview with Janice Kurbjun

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

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

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

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

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

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

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

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

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

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

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

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

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

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

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

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

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

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

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

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

_____
Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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

May 3, 2016May 3, 2016 festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, FilmFreeway Review, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Q&A with the Artistic Director, Uncategorized Connie Spielberg, Creative Arts Film Festival, festival director, festival interview, festival reviews, film festival review, film reviews

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

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

Interview with Connie Spielberg:

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

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

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

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

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

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

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

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

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

Discovering True Talent.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

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

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

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

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

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

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

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

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene is always abuzz with everything from sucky to savvy. ut the movie scene is completely jaded and stale.
_____
Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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

May 3, 2016 festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, matthew toffolo wildsound, Q&A with the Artistic Director, Uncategorized Average Superstars, festival director, festival interview, festival reviews, film reviews, Freedom Shorts, interview, Loren W. Lepre

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

http://averagesuperstarfilms.com/

Interview with Loren W. Lepre

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

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

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

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

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

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

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

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

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

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

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

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

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

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

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

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

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

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

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

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

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

___
Loren W. Lepre was born and raised in Carbondale Pennsylvania. Moved to Philadelphia in 1999 to work in the wrestling business. Loren has been training in martial arts since 1995. As time went on Loren was drawn away from wrestling and into MMA where he trained with Daddis Fight Camps. One day he was asked to be an extra as a zombie in a indie film called The Reunion. From that day forward Loren jumped into acting where he studied at Walnut Street Theater. Loren has been in over 75 projects since 2011. He is the owner of Average Superstar Films and runs the largest and most active short film fest in Philadelphia.
_____
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 Henry C.M. Wong (Toronto Youth Shorts Festival)

April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 festreviews festival deadlines, Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Uncategorized festival director, festival reviews, film festival, film festival review, film reviews, Henry C.M. Wong, interview, matthew toffolo wildsound, toronto festivals, Toronto Youth Shorts

Toronto Youth Shorts is a spotlight showcase of cinematic short form content created by young emerging artists in the Greater Toronto and Southern Ontario Area. Each year, the festival acts as a professional forum for these young artists to engage their peers and the industry whilegrowing their professional profiles through learning and networking opportunities. An industry jury hands out the annual festival awards that come with production prizes. Behind the scenes, Toronto Youth Shorts is run by a volunteer force of savvy young professionals with a combination of training in the arts, event management, marketing, and media.

Go to Website

Watch Video Testimonials of Festival

Interview with Henry C.M. Wong:

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

Henry C.M. Wong: Toronto Youth Shorts primarily serves the young filmmaking crowd of the Greater Toronto and Southern Ontario area. A lot of our participants are either students or young graduates getting their start in the industry and Toronto Youth Shorts act as a platform for them to see what the market is like. We invite established pros each year to give the filmmakers feedback on their work so the festival is also a great learning opportunity for them.

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

HW: As an emerging filmmaker showing your film at Toronto Youth Shorts, there will be many opportunities for you to engage your peers, the industry, and potentially win cash prizes and production services toward their next project. As an audience, you will see what the future of the industry looks like through the lens of a young person in the city. The content we show tends to be raw, provocative, whimsical, and emotionally engaging and I predict this year’s lineup to be the same.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

HW: For Toronto Youth Shorts, you have to be 30 years old or younger and your film must be 20 minutes or under. Any genre is accepted. Other than your typical drama, comedy, animation, and documentary pieces, we’ve screened video art, web series, news type pieces, experimental works, music videos, and PSAs. Content is becoming more and more of a blur that these distinctions don’t really matter anymore in a festival cinematic context.

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

HW: I don’t think that’s a fair statement to make. Just looking at Toronto as an example, there are hundreds of submissions-based events with different mandates and programming sensibilities. Even two festivals working within the same genre space will not be identical. Sure, there are some big events like TIFF and Hot Docs that are extremely competitive but overall, with the available platforms there are out there, a good film with audience appeal will likely find a home somewhere.

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

HW: I enjoy the engagement with these young artists. It’s great to see content that’s different from your standard wide-release made on almost nonexistent budgets with a local touch.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

HW: I was a student in my postgraduate program when I started this festival. My personal and professional growth since have certainly influenced the way the event is structured. I look at films from that demographic a lot differently than when I first started and my tastes have certainly evolved. But I have a wonderful dedicated team that ensures there is an array of viewpoints and perspectives involved when choosing the films.
Our program is bigger than before due to the accessibility of the artform. The work we show is more daring and bold than it has ever been. One thing I take pride in though is how we still manage to maintain that intimacy for young emerging filmmakers in such a setting. It can be extremely daunting to try and navigate a beast like Cannes or TIFF when you’re new to this world and I hope Toronto Youth Shorts can provide the adequate baby steps for these young filmmakers to climb towards the diving board, so to speak.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

HW: I hope Toronto Youth Shorts will become the official hub for young emerging filmmakers starting out in the industry. In a way, it already is as we have a lot of industry support and what we offer for young filmmakers is very unique even in the festival space. But it would be nice to see the same level of funding support come to us in the way that some of our peer festivals have.

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

HW: A great short film has a strong but concise story with compelling characters.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

HW: As an audience member, Toronto has a very vibrant film scene. Many big titles from all around the world play in Toronto on a regular movie screen. There are also many film festivals taking place in any given month, showcasing all kinds of content that could please any niche audience. Between blockbusters at the multiplex, the indie screening of a local artist at a community cinema, and critically acclaimed work playing at the local arthouse theatre, there is literally something for everyone.

Festival Director Bio: Henry founded Toronto Youth Shorts in 2009. His industry experience includes event management and marketing for the Banff World Media Festival, the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, the Canadian Film Festival, and the Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival. Henry was awarded a Legacy Award in 2016 and a Chinese Canadian Youth Achievement Award in 2011 for his contributions to the Toronto arts community.

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 the Festival Director of Cinema Camp

April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, Q&A with the Artistic Director, Uncategorized cinema camp, festival director, festival reviews, film festival review, film reviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, spain

Cinema Camp Film Festival is a festival connected to the Cinema Camp film course, in wich teenagers from 13 to 17 spend a week learning the process of filmmaking. The Film Festival has a double purpose, on one hand it seeks to give visibility to the short film as a whole, on the other it wants to serve the students of the film course as a formative tool that may be inspiring by its original ideas or unique techniques.

Interview with the Festival Director:

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

We’re a very special festival, because we’re part of a summer film academy called “Cinema Camp” (http://cinemacamp.es/), so we’re screening shortfilms to aspiring filmmakers. This way, Cinema Camp students can appreciate the works that filmmakers create from a full perspective, as well as obtain inspiration in order to create their own films. There’s a complete recognition to the filmmakers whose works are screened.

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

A great selection of works from all around the world, really, I’m quite surprised about how easy is to get a piece of almost any important cinematography in the world. Great stories that are told in an original way.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

They must be less than 15 minutes, and they should be in spanish or have subtitles in spanish or in english. We also appreciate that they’re not older than 2014.

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

Maybe. The problem I think, is that there are thousands of films outhere, so sometimes is hard for a film festival that has recieved hundreds of submissions to value properly each film. In Cinema Camp Film Festival, we’re doing pretty well with this, our selection comitee is working really hard and, don’t know why, we still haven’t recieved many submissions, (I think we’re around 50), so filmmakers, there’s a high probability of getting a selection if you send us your work!

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

Two things, creating new points of exhibition for fantastic pieces that otherwise would be difficult to watch, and give the Cinema Camp Students a great lesson about how many ways there are in order to create a story.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Not very much, we’re still a young festival, however there are little changes, this year for example, we’re becoming a competitive festival with a 100$ cash for the best film, and also special mentions.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We’d like to become bigger, givving more awards, having a bigger budget and inviting some filmmakers to present their works

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

Mmm, It’s difficult to answer that one, dont really know, there are lots of films, as diverse as The Godfather or Star Wars, that I’ve seen lots of times

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

A great story told from an original point of view.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Honestly not very good… But we’re working on that 😉

___

Interview with Artistic Director Kate Kaminski (Bluestocking Film Series)

April 30, 2016April 30, 2016 festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Q&A with the Artistic Director, Uncategorized festival director, festival interview, festival reviews, film festival, film festival review, film reviews, interview, Kate Kaminski, matthew toffolo wildsound

Bluestocking Film Series celebrates and amplifies women’s voices and stories on-screen and promotes talented, emerging and established filmmakers who take the creative risk of placing female characters front and center. Founded in 2010, Bluestocking focuses exclusively on female-driven films that pass the Bechdel-Wallace Test (a film with at least two female characters speaking to each other about something other than men). The only women in film event in Maine, Bluestocking was also the first U.S. film event to receive Sweden’s A-Rating (informing consumers that the festival passes the Bechdel-Wallace Test).

Interview with Kate Kaminski

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

Bluestocking Film Series is a dedicated space for celebrating films that center female characters. We have a vested interest in finding, promoting and nurturing those filmmakers we believe have the chops to succeed in the commercial marketplace, and to influence the future of female representation on-screen. Our relationships with filmmakers extend beyond the annual screenings and, after six years, we’ve connected to an incredibly diverse, global network of people committed to changing the ratio and making great movies.

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

This year is a total immersive experience of female-driven cinema in every genre. We’ve got wacko comedies, moving dramas, sharp satirical scifi and horror films, and road movies that radically reinterpret a narrative often exclusively male. And we’re also dubbing our 6th annual fest as The Year of The Bad Girls, so people can expect women behaving badly too.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We specifically seek out well-produced films that offer an alternative, more complicated view of what women and girls are capable of. We’re always interested in seeing stories that offer insight into the complex relationships we have with each other. With our focus exclusively on fiction films, good acting is probably the most important qualification for any selected film.

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

Considering that people pay for that consideration, film festivals, by definition, should be giving every filmmaker a fair shake. Does every programmer to an extent have their own taste that drives selection curation? Speaking for myself, yes. There are certain types of characters and situations that especially excite my interest, but I’m open to an extremely wide range of cinematic expression.

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

We’re driven by a desire to see (and nurture) films that provoke new thinking about the possibilities for female-driven stories. Bluestocking screenings are an exciting experience for the audience. We also feel like we’re part of the greater movement toward gender equality in the world of cinema and in general. Of course, we’re motivated by love of the art. Movies have the ability to transport audiences, move them emotionally, and even change them — which is the point of it all.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

We started as a biannual showcase and have evolved into an annual celebration of female protagonists. We’re also expanding to 3 days of programming in 2016, opening the festival with an all-star panel of women in film talking about the state of female representation on- and off-screen. We remain committed to the art of the short film, but we are also open to the possibilities of eventually screening features and running a screenwriting competition.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

That will be Bluestocking’s 10th anniversary! Hopefully, by then, Bluestocking is a destination for film lovers who are as fascinated by complex female protagonists as we are, and they’re making an annual trek to see what cinematic riches we have in store for them.

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

This is probably the hardest question of all! I’ve seen so many movies multiple times. If I’m pressed, I admit that I re-watch “Jaws” every year so it probably wins for most times. Plus, shark-driven films are perhaps my second favorite genre. But I’ve also watched (and taught) Barbara Loden’s film “Wanda” enough times that it’s a close second.

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

My notion of a great film might be somebody else’s trash, but I know it when I see it.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

I’ve been making films in Portland since the early 1990s when there were only a few of us, so I’ve seen the scene grow exponentially in the last 15-20 years. Now there’s a very active indie scene for sure. The beauty of being a low-budget, indie filmmaker in Portland (and Maine, in general) is that you really have your pick of locations. You can shoot urban or rural scenes, seaside or mountain, and do so with very little travel time. So that’s pretty sweet.

Kate Kaminski is an independent filmmaker whose films have screened all over the world. As Gitgo Productions, she and partner Betsy Carson have produced more than 30 films, including 4 feature films and numerous short fiction and non-fiction films. Gitgo’s 53-episode improvised Willard Beach was the first web series produced in Maine. In 2010, Kaminski founded the Bluestocking Film Series.

Happy Birthday: Kirsten Dunst

April 30, 2016 festreviews Happy Birthday, Uncategorized actor, actors, film reviews, Happy Birthday, Kirsten Dunst, mary jane spiderman actress, photos

Happy Birthday actor Kirsten Dunst

Born: Kirsten Caroline Dunst
April 30, 1982 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, USA

Read reviews of the best of the actor:

Interview with the Vampire
1994
dir. Neil Jordan
Starring
Brad Pitt
Tom Cruise

Wag the Dog
1997
dir. Bary Levinson
Starring
Anne Heche
Dustin Hoffman

The Virgin Suicides
1999
dir. Sofia Coppola
starring
James Woods
Josh Hartnett
Dunst

Spider-Man
2002
dir. Sam Raimi
starring
Tobey Maguire
Dunst
Willem DaFoe

Spider-Man 2
2004
dir. Sam Raimi
starring
Toby Maguire
Alfred Molini
James Franco

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2004
dir. by Michel Gondry
Starring
Jim Carrey
Kate Winslet
Tom Wilkinson

Wimbleton
2004
dir. Richard Loncraine
Cast
Kirsten Dunst
Paul Bettany

Spider-Man 3
2007
dir. Sam Raimi
starring
Toby Maguire
Thomas Haden Church
Topher Grace

MELANCHOLIA
dir. Lars von Trier
Stars:
Kirsten Dunst
Charlotte Gainsbourg

BACHELORETTE
2012
dir. Leslye Headland
Stars:
Kirsten Dunst
Isla Fisher

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
2008
dir. Robert B. Weide
Starring
Simon Pegg
Jeff Bridges

All Good Things
dir. Andrew Jarecki
Stars:
Ryan Gosling
Kirsten Dunst

UPSIDE DOWN
2013
dir. Juan Solanas
Stars:
Jim Sturgess
Kirsten Dunst

MARIE ANTOINETTE
2006
dir. Soifa Coppola
Stars:
Kristen Dunst
Jason Schwartzman

SPRING BREAKERS
2013
dir. Harmony Korine
Stars:
Vanessa Hudgens
Selena Gomez

Happy Birthday Director Phillip Noyce

April 29, 2016 festreviews Happy Birthday, Uncategorized director, film reviews, Happy Birthday, movie review, Phillip Noyce

Happy Birthday director Phillip Noyce

Born: April 29, 1950 in Griffith, New South Wales, Australia

Read review of the best of the director:

Salt
dir. Phillip Noyce
Stars
Angelina Jolie

Dead Calm
1989
dir. Noyce
starring
Kidman
Sam Neill

The Quiet American
2002
dir. Philip Noyce
Starring
Caine
Brendan Fraser

THE GIVER
2014
dir. Phillip Noyce
Stars:
Brenton Thwaites
Jeff Bridges

Newsfront
1978
dir. Phillip Noyce
Cast
Bill Hunter
Chris Haywood

PATRIOT GAMES
1992
dir. Phillip Noyce
Stars:
Harrison Ford
Anne Archer

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
1994
dir. Phillip Noyce
Stars:
Harrison Ford
Willem Dafoe

Interview with Festival Director Lana Westbrook (Boise Film Festival)

April 25, 2016 festreviews festival deadlines, Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, FilmFreeway Review, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Uncategorized Boise Film Festival, festival director, festival interview, festival reviews, film reviews, interview, Lana Westbrook, matthew toffolo wildsound

The Boise Film Festival supports and promotes film arts for the local community and for filmmakers and their audiences world-wide. Through the production of an annual film festival and year round events and educational activities, the Boise Film Festival engages the entire community in the appreciation of the film arts. Now in its 2nd year, the Boise Film Festival celebrates innovative and original filmmaking for the Treasure Valley Community.

Interview with Lana Westbrook:

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

Lana Westbrook: Boise Film Festival strives to not only provide a spotlight for local-to-Idaho films and filmmakers, but to redefine how film festivals interact with filmmakers. Ultimately, we hope to be a monetary resource for any films and filmmakers wanting to film within Idaho and continue to expand from there. Currently in our second year, we’re working towards our big goals by bringing filmmakers to and highlighting their work in an exciting and thriving film community here in Boise. Filmmakers – local, national or international – interacting with each other and discussing how we continue to make films and the film industry great: that’s what we seek to provide for filmmakers.

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

LW: A strong, intimate connection with all other Festival filmmakers, team members, volunteers, and audiences. The Boise community’s affinity for film is incredibly prevalent and exciting right now, but we want to direct that passion in a productive and balanced way. It’s a fascinating time to come and check out the film scene here. For more insight, check out this story from the team behind “How to Be Cute and Break Hearts” after they came to our inaugural Boise Film Festival last September: http://www.boisefilmfestival.org/blog/2016/3/23/htbcabh-filmmaker-perspective.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

LW: We’re excited by an local-to-Idaho submissions, but are also thrilled when we receive submissions from near and far places. We look for diverse stories filled with real storytelling talent that shines through any kind of technology.

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

LW: Sometimes. There are a lot of politics involved in creating a public event that is sponsored by various individuals/groups but highlights incredibly detailed, emotional, and/or personal content. BFF works hard to keep an independent and open mentality when watching our submissions.

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

LW: The love of film and our passion for shining the spotlight on Idaho as a production destination. We’ve all been filmmakers, writers, actors, etc. on a project before and that excitement for telling “Not the Same Old Stories” is what drives us to put on BFF. We want Boise and the rest of Idaho to be known not just for our potatoes, but also for how great those potatoes (and other amazing parts that make up our community) look on camera.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

LW: We’re constantly trying to extend our outreach through community fundraising events and even adding an additional arm to this year’s Festival through the Idaho Comedy Film Festival, scheduled for January 2017. Any collaboration we can do with local productions and performers is what we’re interested in and we tend to follow that wherever it takes us while still focusing on the ultimate goal of BFF.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

LW: BFF would love to be everyone’s BFF by 2020 – filmmakers, writers, actors, investors for film, etc. from all around the world. BFF2020 will be our fourth year and it would be amazing to see how far we’ve come in terms of size, where our submissions come from, and we hope to have a featured reel of films made through our newly set-up production fund.

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

LW: Lucky Number Slevin… Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu are a match made in James Bond Heaven and that extra spice is added by a perfect redemption plot twist with the help of Bruce Willis, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Morgan Freeman.

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

LW: A great film is one that makes you forget it’s a film at all.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

LW: Exponentially growing! There are multiple film festivals the community relishes throughout the year and we’re so excited to be one of them. Production and industry is also growing with the help of a few production companies and film initiatives led by various local groups who know how incredible Idaho is as a landscape and backdrop for our stories.