film reviews

Interview with Festival Director Johan Matton (Nordic International Film Festival)

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Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) is based in New York City at the renowned Scandinavia House on Park Avenue also known as the Nordic Center. NIFF celebrates Nordic and International films and they strive to showcase new and upcoming independent films as well as honour exceptional work from already established filmmakers. They screen the nominated films in the official selection at a grand theatre inside the Nordic Center for press, distribution, filmmakers and general admitted audience.

http://www.nordicfilmfest.org/

Interview with Festival Director Johan Matton:

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

Johan Matton: Filmmakers that come to NIFF have the opportunity to view and gain inspiration from new Nordic and international independent films. From our 22 screenings last year, 7 of them were world premiers, 13 had their North American premier and 16 of them had a representation present for post screening Q and A’s. NIFF is more than just a screening opportunity at a great venue in New York City. We encourage filmmakers in our program to make the trip to festival for their screening as we want do everything we can to help their film go farther than the screen. Besides providing them with the opportunity to engage with audience after their screening we also arrange a live streamed interview with each of them at the festival so they can get the word out there about their film. After our first year, we connected filmmakers in our Official Selection with American distribution companies and future screening opportunities and we will continue to do the same as NIFF grows. A film festival programmer recommending a film to a distributor or sales agent, carries more weight because the acquisition team there knows that we have viewed hundreds of films that year and sent them only these few selected films for them to review.

For NIFF 2016, we will also have panels from the Swedish Film Commission this year, enlightening people on how to facilitate and shoot independent films in Scandinavia. For our winners this year, we are acquiring extraordinary prizes with a possible opportunity to be able to travel to Scandinavia.

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

Johan: Expect to see premiere short and feature films and outstanding Nordic and International feature films that have not yet been released. Expect a warm welcome from our NIFF team and a fantastic opportunity to connect with other filmmakers and key industry people. We are thrilled to announce the addition of our panels where industry professionals will speak about films, distribution and how to film in Scandinavia.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Johan: This year we are inspired by female filmmakers and films with Nordic themes. If a film has not yet been screened or released outside the festival circuit and it holds the standard and quality and audience appeal that we are looking for then we will put it in our official selection.

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

Johan: Yes, NIFF focuses a lot on giving the filmmakers and their films as much recognition and press as possible. We work with the filmmakers, we do not just screen the film. This was one of the primary reasons we created NIFF, not just to create a Nordic hub in New York but also because we are filmmakers ourselves and have experienced poorly run festivals that charge a high submission fee only to screen our short film in a basement of a bar and while charging $20 entrance fee to see our film. We have also seen films get lost at large festivals. We are committed to every submission and every film is seen from beginning to end, with the majority of films seen by at least two programmers. Many film festivals don’t even review every submission, let alone watch them without fast forwarding. NIFF gives every film a chance for an honest review.

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

Johan: We wanted to do something new by connecting US filmmakers with Nordic Filmmakers with the hopes for them to inspire each other. We wanted to create a festival that give more to the filmmakers with our distribution connections and access to such a great venue as Scandinavia House. We then brainstormed with friends from Tribeca Film Festival and 30 under 30 and friends who worked with IFP and NYFF to create a positive and effective team. In return it is truly inspirational for us to see so much great film.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Johan: 2016 our 2nd year we are expanding to 3 evenings instead of 2 days. We are adding professional industry panels and seminars at the festival. We are expanding our team and crew to give a more sufficient service towards the attendees and the filmmakers.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Johan: I see us being a main portal and hub for Nordic Films in the US. I see NIFF being the to go to festival for World Premiers of Nordic Feature and Short films as well as some International world premiers. I see us have the option to expand the venue to more screenings and invitations to even more established filmmakers and directors giving panel speeches. I see our Jury being the top in the industry. I see us be able to fly in filmmakers from all Nordic countries to attend.

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

Johan: I’m an independent art house film lover and in my adult life as a screenwriter and also indie film producer have probably re-watched Blue Valentine by Derek Cianfrance more than 5 times.

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

Johan: A film that leaves you with a feeling or adds to conversation after you walk out from the cinema. (This usually happens when a good director has focused on the mood or tone of a film, you don’t know why you feel so much but you do).

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city? 

Johan: ​We couldn’t be luckier to be based in New York City with such a thriving independent and art house film community!

 

—–

Johan Matton – FESTIVAL DIRECTOR / FOUNDER / PRESIDENT

Multi award winning actor, screenwriter and producer and a graduated from 3 major theatre schools; the renowned Circle in the Square Theatre School on Broadway, New York Film Academy and Calle Flygare’s Theatre School of Sweden. Johan’s productions and films has been screened at more than 40 top festivals in the world. From award winning short films to critically acclaimed indie films in Sweden, Asia and the US. John has produced two feature films and a feature documentary. Johan is the founder and president of the indie production company Changing Film and have both produced and distributed feature films and handled two very successful festival runs where his films have won Best Pictures at several festivals. Johan’s hope to utilize his great network and connections in the industry to help the filmmakers in the official selection at NIFF to be introduced to distribution companies and press all over the world.

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 Fesival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go tohttp://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Movie Review: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (USA 2016) ***

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Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

whiskeytangofoxtrotbaWHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (USA 2016) ***
Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

Starring: Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina

Review by Gilber Seah

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT is the military communications term for WTF which stands for….what everyone is familiar with. The title sounds more appropriate than the lengthy title of the memoir called The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan written by Kim Baker about her own experiences as an overseas reporter.

The film charts Baker’s life story while reporting in various cities in Afghanistan. She leaves boyfriend Chris (Josh Charles) to fend for himself as she leaves for an initial 3 months. She befriend the only other female journalist on arrival, Tanya (Margot Robbie). As Baker learns the ropes and gets her reporting done, she learns much about the state of Afghanistan, though these tend to be feminine biased. She falls for a fellow reporter, Scotsman Iain (Martin Freeman). She learns a few painful life lessons as well. All this seriousness is however, conveyed through in a humorous manner.

The film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who did an ok job also with I LOVE YOU, PHILLIP MORRIS.

An outright flaw is the film’s preachiness on women’s issues. One can understand where this is coming from as the film is produced and performed by Tina Fey based on a female’s novel. But one would have expected the all male scriptwriter and directing trio to at least moderate some of the material. The romance overshadows what is going on to the point that the film almost turns out into another annoying Hollywood romantic comedy. The lady saves her lover at all costs with her ingenuity? It is really hard to take in as fact what she did in the film to save Iain. Also, the film praises many feminist issues like the right of afghan women to gossip and socialize at the well, their right to ensure foreigners cover their heads and not hold hands (two scenes has the Fey character admonished for those two ‘sins’) and the women’s roles are much strongly written than the males. The men exist to service the purpose of the female characters. There is the alpha male security of Baker, a hunky no-brain ready to have sex with her at her command. Her main love interest Iain is always there to beckon her ever wish and woos her to no end. And at the social gatherings, the men never have anything important to say. The chief male, General Hollanek is depicted as an egoistic goat who succumbs to Baker’s plans while the Afghan chief of the Interior Ali Massoud Sadiq (Alfred Molina) does more of the same.

The female audience may be delighted however at the Afghan war being looked at from a different perspective. Also, the war with all its horrors is depicted as just that, though doused with quite the bit of humour. One can always be reminded that this is an SNL film – if such a thing exists – produced by Lorne Michaels (SNL) and Fey.

In one segment of the film, Baker is asked the reason she went to Afghanistan. Her answer that she realized that day in and day out she has moved backwards in life as metaphorically observed in her stationary bike that moved backwards after constant use and that she should move forward, one can only wish that the directors’ reason for making this movie also could have achieved this same goal. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT could have been better, but as the title implies WTF, it leads nowhere. WTF?

Also, Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.
Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

Interview with Festival Director Sam Berliner (Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival)

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Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival is not only a groundbreaking film festival that provides the Pacific Northwest with a venue for films by, for, and about transgender people and the issues facing the transgender community, but one of only a few transgender film festivals in the world. The goal of the event is to place emphasis on visibility and positive representations.

https://filmfreeway.com/festival/translations

Interview with Sam Berliner:

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

Sam Berliner: Translations creates an opportunity for transgender and gender-non-conforming stories to be embraced and shared with the Seattle community. It is one of only a handful of transgender film festivals in the world and I am honored to have this platform to honor and celebrate our filmmakers and their work.

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

Sam: The 2016 edition of Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival is all about connecting audiences with stars and stories. This year we are excited to celebrate some of the champions who have led the way for transgender communities and highlight connections through an array of voices and perspectives. Here’s three early announcements:

BEING TRANSPARENT — Live event! Get the inside scoop with some of the remarkable talent from the hit series TRANSPARENT including pioneering star Alexandra Billings. Don’t miss this lively discussion on being transgender both in front of and behind the camera.

MAJOR! — Northwest Premiere! Miss Major Griffin-Gracy is a 73-year-old Black transgender woman who has fought for the rights of transwomen of color since Stonewall. MAJOR! shows one woman’s journey, a community’s history, and how caring for each other can be a revolutionary act.

SUITED — Northwest Premiere! A hit at Sundance, SUITED tells the story of Bindle & Keep, a Brooklyn tailoring company that makes custom suits for gender-nonconforming and transgender clients. An intimate documentary of living bravely in one’s own skin.

As always, there will be a number of free screenings, discussions, parties, community and fun!

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Sam: Translations is a film festival by, for and about the transgender communities and our allies so the films must have trans content or be created by a trans filmmaker. Beyond that, it really depends on the films! Of course with our festival only lasting four days (only two of which are full days) it means that we only have so much space and that makes it quite competitive, especially because we want to share the widest variety possible—narratives, documentaries, shorts, features, all genders, a wide range of ages, from as many countries and cultures as possible etc. Above all, we want to show films that will inspire, educate, and uplift our audiences.

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

Sam: As a filmmaker and festival programmer, I really understand how complicated film festival programming can be. There are only so many films that can be screened and the competition really depends on what else is coming out that year. (For example, if two films are similar in length and about the same subject it is likely that only one will be chosen and those are things that neither filmmakers nor festivals can really control.) Another issue is length. A short film is most programmable if it is 8-10 minutes or less. It can fit into a shorts program, it can screen before a feature, there are options. When shorts get long, into 20-30 minutes, is when they are much harder to program. So that is another aspect. As a filmmaker myself who has had plenty of festival rejections in addition to great festival success, I’ve learned that it doesn’t always have to do with the film itself and whether the screening committees like it or not. There are always many many factors in play.

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

Sam: There are only a handful of transgender film festivals in the entire world and Translations is one of the oldest! It is a very unique experience for transgender and gender-variant folks to be able to come together and celebrate our community through the power of cinema. Film is such a powerful medium. As gender-variant people, recognizing ourselves on-screen and being able to relate to the characters is unbelievably affirming. Translations offers a space to celebrate, honor, mourn, learn, grow, relate, cry, empathize, accept, laugh… It is a space that we can excitedly return to each year to keep tabs on this ever shifting and beautifully evolving community. It offers visibility, community building, and education, and it’s an opportunity to strengthen alliances among people of all genders. What’s more, it’s a very exciting time for transgender film as more and more films are being made, more stories are being told, and transgender stories are reaching even larger audiences.

Film is a powerful medium. Being immersed in trans stories strongly promotes empathy and film can act as a bridge of understanding between communities. When you strip it all down, we are all simply people who want to love and be loved. I really believe that film helps audiences remember that.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Sam: I have only been involved in Translations as Festival Director for the past three years. This year will be the 11th festival! The first two festivals were held as part of the Gender Odyssey Conference. Since the third year, Translations has been a stand-alone event run by Three Dollar Bill Cinema and it has continued to grow and evolve into the fabulous four day event it is today.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Sam: Oh wow, what an exciting question! In four years (omigoodness, 2020 is only four years away?!?!?) I would love to see Translations expanded to a longer festival, perhaps 5-6 days, and at multiple venues. I would also love to have a Master Class offered during the festival each year where an established transgender filmmaker can come teach others how to use the tools of cinema to tell their stories and explore the world. There is so much fantastic transgender content being made in 2016 that I can’t even imagine how amazing things will be then! I would hope that films will be firmly established in the Trans New Wave, where the filmmakers can assume that the audience has a basic Trans 101 in their back pockets already so that characters are free to embody their sexual orientations and gender identities without calling attention to it— therefore giving the film the freedom to focus on the story. It is revolutionary! Now THAT’s the future!

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

Sam: Hm, that’s a hard question! I love movies and am quite the creature of habit so I’ve seen MANY way more times than I could count… I’d have to say THE BIRDCAGE with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It is one of my family’s favorites and I know every single word, tone and gesture by heart.

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

Sam: A great film for me has a strong story that motivates a stylized aesthetic with relatable characters and humor.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

Sam: I actually don’t live in Seattle! I work remotely from Berkeley, CA and come up to town three times a year. But I will say that Three Dollar Bill Cinema, that runs Translations, also runs Twist: Seattle Queer Film Festival in October which is a huge event! Three Dollar Bill also does Outdoor Cinema: a campy outdoor film series in the park proudly presenting fun and free movies under the stars, every summer. There are some really great theaters in Seattle including the Northwest Film Forum that does a lot of independent exhibition and support for filmmakers, plus it’s where we hold Translations! There’s also the Cinerama where you can get delicious chocolate popcorn and watch a 3D movie on their gigantic screen and the historic SIFF Cinema Egyptian that frequently has midnight screenings of cult classics.

—

Sam Berliner is a Bay Area-based filmmaker and animator best known for his engaging and accessible films about gender non-conformity. His award-winning short films, DATING SUCKS: A GENDERQUEER MISADVENTURE, GENDERBUSTERS, PERCEPTION and FLOAT have screened at over 200 film festivals around the world. When not actively making films, Sam is the festival director of Translations: the Seattle Transgender Film Festival, run by Three Dollar Bill Cinema. He also leads workshops and gives presentations about gender at various organizations and schools. Sam graduated in 2005 from Smith College with a BA in Film & Theatre and earned an MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University in 2013.

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 Fesival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to http://www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Movie Review: ZOOTOPIA (USA 2016) Top 10 *****

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Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

zootopiaZOOTOPIA (USA 2016) Top 10 *****
Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush

Review by Gilbert Seah

ZOOTOPIA is the Utopia for animals, so called because the 10% predators (lions, wolves, foxes) can co-habit side by side with 90 % prey (rabbits and other smaller animals). The status quo is about to be altered when the usually calm predators start exhibiting unruly behaviour threatening the 90% population of the ‘prey’. It is up to the heroine of the story, a wannabe cop by the name of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) to solve the mystery, CHINATOWN-style and save the animal world.

The premise allows the film plenty of opportunity to reflect and criticize the real world of today – particularly America. If one reads between the lines of the script, there is much more pleasure to be derived, besides just enjoying a Disney movie.

And as for Disney movies go, ZOOTOPIA is the best there is, that I have seen for a long time. The film is clever, funny, superfluously animated with never a dull moment, even for the adults.

The film begins with Judy the bunny, leaving her comfortable home of carrot farming to achieve her dream of becoming a cop. After passing the course, with much effort, she is sent to Zootopia for her first assignment.

The animation is stunning. As the train arrives to Zootopia, the audience is given a birds-eye view of the gorgeous city, recalling the awe when on comes to a new fantasy land as in the movies JURASSIC WORLD and TOMORROWLAND.

The cop world is very similar to the American police system. The tough get the best assignments and Hopps, is given parking ticket duty. The problems she faces with this job are also very similar to the real world. The ticketed complain that they don’t deserve to be ticketed with the same reasons real people do. Judy is so dedicated that she gives herself a parking violation ticket as she forgotten the time on her meter. Though this might sound ridiculous, it should send a message to the police that they are not above the law and should also be bound by the same rules as the general public.

Racism is also examined with a sense of humour. Hopps takes offence of being called ‘cute’, the word bunnies take offence to.

The switch of lambs being the bad villains and the foxes and more ferocious animals being the victims is also a brilliant idea. The ultimate criminal in the film turns out to be the unsuspected meek Deputy Mayor Dawn Belweather (Jenny Slate). The mayor Lionheart (voiced by J.K. Simmons who is also heard in KUNG FU PANDA 3) is pulled away and arrested for the same crime most city mayors are also guilty for.

ZOOTOPIA plays more as a suspense thriller (think CHINATOWN) than action animation. The film also gives an obvious nod to THE GODFATHER films. The film’s funniest segment is the sloth segment (even if you have seen it once in the trailer) in which Hopps and her friend the fox, Nick (Jason Bateman) goes to get a run (see photo in-set) on a license plate. Again, the marvel of Disney animation is reinforced by the tearing on the perorated line of the ticket in slow motion, showing the details of the paper tear.

But it is the humour that makes the film really tick. It is a laugh out loud moment at least every minute. The writers and directors have a great sense of humour, clear from the film’s very start. There are a lot of rabbit jokes, the funniest ones poking at the rate they populate. Judy, has for example, 365 brothers and sisters and the population numbers on the town Bunnyborrow is constantly ticking upwards.

The film denounces power and all the evil power brings with it. Though a bit preachy with a voiceover at the end, ZOOTOPIA is near movie perfection – yes, the Utopia of animation. Even the ending song “Try Everything” sung by a gazelle that is supposed to be Shakira is nothing short of brilliant.

Also, Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.
Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

 

 

 

 

Movie Review: LONDON HAS FALLEN (2016)

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Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

london_has_fallenLONDON HAS FALLEN (USA 2015) **
Directed by Babak Najafi

Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman

Review by Gilbert Seah

Audiences are always awed when world famous landmarks are demolished on screen. But when these are done by CGI, it loses its effect and even more when too many, as in this film tumble to the ground. The single sight of a bus crashing at Piccadilly Circus in AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON one without CGI is so much more exciting than anything seen in LONDON HAS FALLEN.
For those who have forgotten the film OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, LONDON HAS FALLEN is a sequel to that 2013 film in which terrorists attacked the White House In LONDON, the terrorists are shifted from the Koreans to the Muslims. All the actors in the first film reprise their roles in the sequel. Aaron Eckhart plays the U.S. President, Benjamin Asher with the same lead character the super U.S. Secret service Agent, former Army Ranger, Mike Banning, again played by Gerard Butler. Angela Bassett, Morgan Freeman, Robert Forster Radha Mitchell and ours reprise their roles.

Swede director Babak Najafi takes over the directing reigns from Antoine Fuqua. Nahafi’s only credit is the sequel to EASY MONEY called EASY MONEY 2 that never got a release in North America.

The simple plot involves the British Prime Minister dying under questionable circumstances. When all the world’s most powerful leaders including President Benjamin Asher and Manning travel to London for the funeral, all the leaders including the Canadian P.M. are assassinated.

There can be little suspense less excitement in a film where the lead character like this super security bodyguard is invincible. No matter how low the odds on survival, no matter how much enemy firepower or enemy numbers there are, the audience knows he will get through with hardly a scratch. The script attempts to up the angst by having his wife (Mitchell) deliver a baby while he is on assignment in London, but with little effect.

There is little to praise in a script that follows the rules of an action flick without much imagination. It begins with the set up, the main staging of the falling of London and the saving of the U.S. President at all costs. And of course, the mastermind villain is taken down at the end. The dialogue is also run of the mill. President: “What if you don’t come back (for me)?” Butler: “Then you are f***ed. Don’t jinx me” President: “That was encouraging.” At least in the first OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, the First Lady (Ashley Judd) gets killed – a major surprise. No twists in the plot or surprises in this one.

Gerard Butler is too eager to be seen in blockbuster 5-star films. In these two weeks, he has been over-exposed in GODS OF EGYPT and LONDON HAS FALLEN. 5-star movies? Apparently London is not the only thing that has fallen.
Compared to OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, LONDON HAS FALLEN is more of the same. But mostly, recycled material that the audience has seen already once too often.

 

Also, Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.
Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

Watch World Premiere GHOSTBUSTERS Movie Trailer

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Why do people hate this movie trailer?  Perhaps they are right.

Take a look;

Here’s what people are saying about the trailer:

As much as I love the idea of the all girl Ghostbuster team.. I much prefer the idea of talented writers.

WTF IS WITH THE HATE. THIS LOOKS DOPE AF

the monsters looks like they are from the scooby doo movie. it sucks

This actually looks pretty good… And I just love Kate Mckinnon and Kristen Wiig, two of the funniest women around.

This is what I was afraid of. Too loud and in your face the original ghostbusters wasn’t like that

I love the original so much and I had doubts about this one but man I’m defiantly going to watch! I love the idea of an all girl ghostbuster team!

Hm… What if… Yes! We need remake of “Saving Private Ryan” where all cast would be females. Or! Even better, All Nazis must be played by male actors, because males are sexists. Yes. That would be Politically correct movie!

There’s nothing wrong with an all female leading cast.
What’s wrong is that it looks like shit and sounds like it was written by monkeys.

This movie looks horrible. And it has nothing to do with its cast.

Girls? Ruined the movie. Shame on you.

All in all, this is a trailer that doesn’t have the comedy snarkiness that made the original so good. And where is the romance? Where is the sexiness?

Interview with Leslie-Ann Coles (Founder & Executive Director Female Eye Film Festival)

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14th Annual Female Eye Film Festival – “Always Honest, Not Always Pretty“ June 14th – June 19th, 2016

The FEMALE EYE VOTED TOP FIFTY FILM FESTIVALS FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS (2013, 2014, 2015) by MovieMaker Magazine. 

Interview with Leslie-Ann Coles:

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

Leslie-Ann Coles: The Female Eye Film Festival celebrates its 14th annual edition June 14th – June 19th, 2016 (Toronto, Canada) in which we showcase independent films directed by women. We are known for our excellence in film programming, our professional development and industry sessions, and provide formal and informal networking opportunities to our filmmakers. *I think our most notable success is that we introduce films directed by women to the general public, industry members and stakeholders, and by doing this we help to dispel the myth that women create films for a femme centric audience. In other words, we help break the stereotype that women make “chick flicks”. Also although we present films directed by women, our script development program is open to both men and women. Script must feature a female protagonist.

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

LAC: Attendees will see an eclectic selection of features and shorts in all genres directed by women from around the globe. Independent auteur films that they will not often find in mainstream cinema, or in blockbuster theatres.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

LAC: Films must be compelling and of high production value. Films must also be directed by women.

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

LAC: With the plethora of women’s film festivals being birthed around the world, I think there is a strong need to provide a forum in which to showcase films by women directors. Women are making films. Therefore, I do not feel women filmmakers are being represented adequately yet in the international film festival circuit outside of festivals dedicated to female filmmakers.

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

LAC: Passion. Dedication, and a strong compulsion to represent women filmmakers until there is gender equity in the industry at large.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

LAC: In the early years we received under 200 submissions per year. Now, we receive over 400 submissions annually. Hence, the festival has grown from a four day event to a 6 day festival to accommodate more films. Our industry programs have also evolved and we have been recognized in the “Top Fifty Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” for four consecutive years by Movie Maker magazine!

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

LAC: I hope to see the festival expand to ten days.

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

LAC: I tend not to watch the same movie over and over again but if there was a movie that I’ve watched multiple times, it would be The Godfather.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film? Feel free to use any of these…sorry can’t keep this to one sentence 🙂

LAC: A great films starts with a great story and it manifests in character, picture, and sound. It is an immersive experience where everything comes together, frame by frame.

A great film is defined by the audience. The audience make a film great. Filmmakers know when their experiencing a great film when their minds don’t wander off into directions of their own filmmaking, ha. And the audience know when they’re experiencing a great film when they are subsumed by the experience and the outer world disappears.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

LAC: Toronto, Ontario, Canada boasts the most film festivals per capita in the world now. Toronto is rich with film festivals, there’a every week of the year. I believe this is reflective of our innate appreciation for multiculturalism coupled with a deep appreciation for cinema.

 

 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Fesival 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 Ruben Kazantsev (IPhone Film Festival)

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The iPhone Film Festival was started by a filmmaker for other filmmakers. There are thousands of talented artist that don’t have the resources that major film companies have to create a film. The website was designed to give artist an avenue to show off their gifts to the world by simply using their talents, creativity, and their iPhone.

http://www.iphoneff.com/

Interview with Ruben Kazantsev:

1) What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

A: Providing a outlet to showcase their work to the world

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

A: Amazing films created by talented film makers from across the globe.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

A: Shot on an iPhone

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

A: For the most part I believe in the process of all festivals and hope they are doing their job to give a fair chance to all films submitted. I know we do

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

A: Knowing that films are created because of us.

6) How has the festival changed since its inception?

A: Quality of the film get better year after year

7) Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A: We will be as big as the Oscars

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

A: iPhone film would have to be Departure https://vimeo.com/127691315 because I created the project 🙂

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

A: Creativity, team work and the drive to complete it

10) How is the film scene in your city?

A: My city started the film scene, so it is fun to be here

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Fesival 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 Creative Director Josh Hope (Twister Alley Film Festival)

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Twitter: @TwisterAlleyFF
Interview with Josh Hope, Creative Director

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

Josh Hope: We give filmmakers an opportunity to screen on the big screen in front of our enthusiastic audience at the beautiful and historic Woodward Arts Theater, and provide several opportunities to network with hundreds of other filmmakers/actors at our kick-off bbq block party and after parties. We also provide complimentary hotel rooms, airport shuttle, meals & adult beverages in our VIP filmmaker lounge all festival long for all visiting filmmakers/actors.

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

JH: An amazing slate of films of all genres, the most welcoming & supportive audiences anywhere in the world, an opportunity to network with filmmakers/actors from all over the globe in one of the coolest screening venues in the country.

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

JH: We have no real qualifications. If it’s good…we want to screen it.

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

JH: Film Festival slates all depend on those programing them. Some festivals may be afraid to play certain types of genres of films depending on their programmers tastes and preferences. We’re happy to say will play films of all genres.

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

JH: We’re indie filmmakers ourselves, so we provide a festival that would make us happy and proud to be a part of if we we’re visiting as filmmakers.

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

JH: 2016 will be our 2nd year, so we’re still looking to grow and get better every chance we get.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

JH: We want to continue to grow within the community, and hopefully will add more days of screenings in the future. We’re also adding a live music element this year that we hope to continue to grow in the future.

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

JH: Personally…Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is my favorite movie and I’ve seen it a lot. It gets better with each viewing.

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

JH: I only need two words…great story

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

JH: Twister Alley Film Festival takes place in the heart of Northwest Oklahoma where I grew up. The film scene is non-existent other than our festival. We’re looking to change that.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Fesival 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 Patrick Vella (Malta Horror Film Festival)

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The Malta Horror Film Festival is somehow different from many other festivals, because it is always moving from one spooky venue to another every year! The festival attracts about 3000 horror adrenaline enthusiasts who also come to experience our yearly 30 minute Horror House Experience! The films are constantly running from 7pm till 2am for 3 days! The feeling is spectacular and the atmosphere is somehow atmospheric! This year 2016 we are including the Feature film sections and including new genres, such as Horror Comedy and Horror Cartoons!

Website: http://www.maltahorrorfest.com/ 

Interview with Patrick Vella:

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

Patrick Vella: Well, besides more exposures in other countries, we do offer the best filmmakers an opportunity to film with us in Malta. Malta has been quite a target to many film Makers and Producers including Spielberg, Pitt, and lately Bay. Malta has lots to offer and is a great location for many various genres of films!

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

PV: As in the Past, our festival is a moving festival from one site to the other, We have to admit that our ScareThrough is much more famous than the film festival however thanks to the Horror House, the Festival is gaining every year more success!!! The festival is pretty vivid, and live, as you can experience (before or after) the Scarethrough! This is our 6th extended Edition!

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

PV: Shorts, Feature, Animation, and Comedy Horror.
Shorts not longer than 20 minutes, Feature we leave it open . Any language is considered as long as it is english subtitled.

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

PV: It is a tricky question! We always receive tons of films! Hundreds of Films! Some are great, some are mediocre, some are “WTF”…. however we have always issues with judges who have always different opinions!!! 🙂 The problem lies in different opinions, rarely you find unison in understanding!

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

PV: The love and passion in arts combined with media and filming making. We are artists, we wanted to create something for Malta. This is not our only project, but surely it is one that we keep it on top!

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

PV: To be honest, not much, as we love the formula! What we are working on, is better promotion for the film festival per se… as we believe it could do better! We are not ashamed to say that the festival needs more visitors as much as it gets the live scare through and the parties! However we are working on it by really choosing carefully our selections.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

PV: A fixed Place perhaps, however as I said previously we do love the change of sites, as it helps the audience to come the year after, as they love the idea of having a themed festival, in various places, being a dungeon, an abandoned Mansion or a Haunted Cinema!!!! Yet, there will have to come a day where the festival has a fixed Place ( of course it will be used for various projects)

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

PV: I must admit, without sounding Cliche … I keep watching The Exorcist ( original movie) and though the effects are not relevant for todays technology, few films, beat that story! Story is essential, plot and the sense of point of no return are essential in such genres!

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

PV: STORY – PLOT – SCRIPT – GOOD ACTORS – GOOD FILMING – GOOD PRODUCTION – GOOD POST ( as in order)

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

PV: Film scene in Malta, internationally speaking is superb. Indigenous Film making still needs a lot of advancement…

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