film reviews

Film Review: THE NUT JOB 2: NUTTY NY NATURE (USA 2017) ***

festreviews 2017 movies, movie, Movie Review, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

the_nut_job_2.jpgFollowing the events of the first film, Surly and his friends must stop Oakton City’s mayor from destroying their home to make way for a dysfunctional amusement park.

Director: Cal Brunker
Writers: Bob Barlen, Cal Brunker
Stars: Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph

Review by Gilbert Seah 

The sequel to THE NUT JOB delivers much more of the same with the coloured squirrels and other rodent park animals, led by Sury and his rat sidekick Buddy, voiced by mostly the same actors.

Surly (Will Arnett) and the park animals must band together to prevent Oakton City’s crooked mayor (Bobby Moynihan) from bulldozing Liberty Park and replacing it with a dangerous amusement park. Surly even gets help from the territorial street mouse gang leader Mr. Feng (Jackie Chan) into thwarting the mayor’s plot.
The sequel introduces three new and welcome characters that provide most of the film’s freshness and humour. These are Bobby Moynihan as the Mayor of Oakton City, Isabela Moner as Heather, the mayor’s spoiled daughter and Jackie Chan as Mr. Feng. Credit should also definitely go to the animators of these three creatures.

When Mr. Feng, the white mouse first appears in the film, speaking with a strong Chinese impression, the immediate thought that will come to mind is racism. Society has progressed a far way since Mickey Rooney could get away doing really awful and unacceptable Japanese impressions with fake teeth in Blake Edwards’ BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S. But the credits list Jackie Chan as the voice behind Mr. Feng, and Chan does speak that way with a strong Hong Kong accent. The animators are also smart enough to make sure all he mice characters including Mr. Feng have really round and no slanted eyes.

THE NUT JOB films are the lower breed of animated films after films like SHREK, MADAGASCAR, HAPPY FEET, KUNG FU PANDA, HOW TO SAVE YOUR DRAGON, MEATBALLS. The NUT JOB films are have nothing really new to offer. Despite a few relatively new ideas (such as the mice and Mr. Fend who refuse to be cute – a sort of direct attack at cutest animated characters), parents will find the whole enterprise a chore to watch while children will undoubtedly be entertained.
Though the film is listed as an American production, there is a lot of Asian input (especially in the animation) as mentioned in the closing credits. Not only that but two asian companies are credited as with producing credits at the start of the film.

THE NUTJOB films are modest productions. The first cost only $42 million to make and went on to gross $120 million thus green lighting a sequel. The original director, a Canadian Peter Lepeniotis who based the first film on characters he created in his short was supposed to co-write the sequel but his name is missing from the list. Number 2 is co-written by Cal Brunker
Bob Barlen andScott Bindley.

The closing credits in the first THE NUT JOB film featuring an animated version of South Korean rapper Psi performing “Gangam Style” dancing with the park rodents were so irresistible that almost the entire audience stayed to the end. This was indeed a difficult act to follow and the rap sequence the closing credits of NUT JOB 2 unfortunately emptied the theatre in no time, thus allowing almost everyone to miss a last sequence of animation that appears once the closing credits rolled over.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lpw2gJt9Us

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

Film Review: AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (USA 2017) ***

festreviews 2017 movies, movie, Movie Review , , , , , , ,

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL TRUTH TO POWER.jpgA decade after An Inconvenient Truth (2006) brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution.

Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Stars: Al Gore, George W. Bush, John Kerry

Review by Gilbert Seah
 

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER is the sequel to the 2006 Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH starring Al Gore where the former Vice-President of the United States championed the fight on global warming. In that film, the effects of global warming were convincingly portrayed on screen, rallying uncountable numbers of followers to fight against global warming. After more than 10 years, many of that film’s predictions (the best example used being the flooding of the World Trade Centre grounds), laughed upon by skeptics have come to pass. This sequel is timely and premiered at Sundance early this year.

The film follows the efforts made to tackle climate change and Al Gore’s attempts to persuade governmental leaders to invest in renewable energy, culminating in the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016.

The film begins lightly with references to the 2006 film and with Al Gore in lighter mode shown joking and laughing. His joke about a lady (not recognizing him) telling him that if dyed his hair black, he would look like Al Gore is funny enough, enabling the film to transition slowly to a more serious nature. Gore is also shown, in the film’s best moments giving his climate speeches, while getting fully worked up in the process.

Gore is undoubtedly presented in the film as the conquering hero, besides a champion for the climate change movement. Well, better a hero for a crucial course that no hero at all.

While the film traces Gore’s attendance at the Paris talks in 2016, it narrows the events to his victory at convincing India to cooperate. At the same time, the film shows how each country contributes to the reduction of global warming and where the problems lie. The film’s high is the revelation of how much Chile has done in the construction of solar powered plants. Another high is how Geogetown, Texas through its comical mayor has also championed itself towards 100% renewal energy. He emphasizes the saying that we should leave the world a better place in terms of renewal energy.

The ultimate question asked is whether AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL is better than the original INCONVENIENT TRUTH. The truth is that it is difficult for anyone who has seen the 2006 film to remember, especially after 11 years have passed. A fellow critic colleague mentioned that SEQUEL is the better film, being more focused, also claiming that he has just re-watched the original for comparison. For myself, I remember being more moved by the first film, and understandably so, for the more disturbing images of the effects of global warming shown. In SEQUEL, though many images are still shown, most of these are the catastrophes like the flooding and drought scenes, but the melting ice and the depletion of ice created the greater impact.

Still in SEQUEL, directors Cohen and Shenk have re-edited the film following President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, to expand Trump’s role as antagonist before the film hits theatres. All the better to incite the workers for climate change to have a common enemy, and an easy target at that.
The film ends, predictably though necessarily, with how everyone can contribute to the cause, with the website they can log on to.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huX1bmfdkyA
 

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

Film Review: LANDLINE (USA 2017) ***

festreviews 2017 movies, movie, Movie Review, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

landline.jpgIn 1995, a teenager living with her sister and parents in Manhattan discovers that her father is having an affair.

Director: Gillian Robespierre
Writers: Elisabeth Holm (story by), Gillian Robespierre (story by)
Stars: Jenny Slate, Jay Duplass, Abby Quinn

Review by Gilbert Seah

 
Director Gillian Robespierre and actress Jenny Slate team up once again after their mildly successful film, OBVIOUS CHILD. Their new film LANDLINE opens to a couple having sex in the woods. There is no full nudity, just trousers and skirts down or up as the case may be. It is a comical scene as the orgasm is interrupted by what she calls a woodchuck’s peter pater. Most people can relate to this scene, as most people would have had sex in the outdoors at least once in their lifetime and the scene would be a familiar if not an amusing one.

LANDLINE is a female point of view relationship romantic comedy/drama involving three females of the Jacobs family – the mother Pat (Edie Falco), and the two daughters, Dana (Jenny Slate) and the younger, Ali (Abby Quinn). The main plot involves the sisters finding out, by accident that their father, Alan (John Turturro) is having an affair. They decide to find out who his mistress is but they debate on whether they should inform their mother.

A simple premise of a father’s secret infidelity in a slightly dysfunctional household is not enough material to keep an audience interested throughout an entire movie. So, the scriptwriters (the majority of whom are female, as is obvious from the film) have inserted other subplots or distractions. Two are the relationships of the two daughters. Another is the use of drugs, heroin by the youngest daughter. And another involves the film’s setting in the 1990’s. The setting means no use of cell phones as they were not invented yet, hence the film title of LANDLINE. Robespierre also has the excuse to put in plenty of 90’s period music which include lots of really popular songs like “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood and My favourite song “Two of Hearts” by Stacey Q.

The film tries too hard at times making it look too smart for its own good.

Many of these involve Dana and her boyfriend, Ben (Jay Duplass). The bath tub scene looks too manipulative and false, only there to create an artificial ‘cool’ segment. Their corny dialogue in the scene does not help either. Working better is the relationship between the younger sister Ali and her drug using boyfriend. Their banter and relationship appear more natural and comes across as not only more spontaneous but credible.

Of all the performances, Edie Falco (the mother) is the most winning. John Turturro does well as the hapless asshole who cheats and then expects to be forgiven for his errors by his smart talk. This confrontation between Alan and Pat forms the film’ s best part with the audience clearly on the side of the female’s.

Despite the film’s flaws, it succeeds on the performances of its cast. The humour is slight but the drama is real. The sibling interactions work. The feeling is that the dysfunctional family onscreen could be yours.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llmki0lioMs

 

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

Film Review: THE TRIP TO SPAIN (UK 2017) ***

festreviews 2017 movies, movie, Movie Review , , , , , ,

THE TRIP TO SPAIN.jpgSteve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on a six-part episodic road trip through Spain, sampling the restaurants, eateries, and sights along the way.

Director: Michael Winterbottom
Stars: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Marta Barrio

Review by Gilbert Seah
 

More of the same. The third entry of the food critics trips after THE TRIP TO ITALY and THE TRIP (that one set in the U.K.) provides fans of the trilogy what is expected from director Michael Winterbottom and actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Besides delicious mouth-watering gourmet delights with landscapes and stunning scenery on display, audiences will be treated with the usual comedic banter between the two actors complete with their impressions that they are famous for. Winterbottom (his best works being JUDE and COCK AND BULL STORY) takes it easy for the light comedy. Coogan looks much fitter and slimmer than his first THE TRIP film, his working out and jogging clearly noticeable.
Coogan and Brydon play themselves in the three TRIP movies.

One difference is that the two travel by luxury ferry to Spain. Steve gets sea-sick on the trip while Rob always ends up doing better.

As food food on display in this film, there is much less emphasis on food compared to the other two films. As for impressions, their famous Michael Caine and James Bond impressions are again present for good cheer, to make sure fans are not disappointed. There is a bonus of them doing Mick Jagger doing Bond impressions.

Something new in this trip is the first rendering of a song by Coogan with a bit of commentary from Brydon. The Oscar Winning song “The Windmills of Your Mind” is crooned by Coogan followed by the trivia question asked of the original singer of the song. (Answer is Noel Harrison, son of Rex Harrison).

After the culinary trip to Italy has ended, director Winterbottom turns on his serious tone, as he did in his other two films. Rob returns to his family of wife and two children, playing around with them like a godfather does. Steve on the other hand, discovers the girlfriend that he has suddenly fallen in love with, pregnant with baby from someone else. The seriousness is totally out of sync with the rest of the film. Steve landing stranded in the desert with an even odd development after is even weirder. The film would have been better enign with the ending of their trip to Spain.

THE TRIP TO SPAIN is interesting enough to keep those who liked the first two films satisfied. New converts would be difficult.

What next? The most obvious is a TRIP TO FRANCE. But fans may grow tired by then. Too much more of the same.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTvy8ab1NSo

 

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

Film Review: DETROIT (USA 2017) ****

festreviews 2017 movies, movie, Movie Review, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

detroit.jpgAmidst the chaos of the Detroit Rebellion, with the city under curfew and as the Michigan National Guard patrolled the streets, three young African American men were murdered at the Algiers Motel.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Writer: Mark Boal
Stars: John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith

Kathryn Bigelow also known as that rare female action director has never failed to impress. Her breakout movie NEAR DARK was a genre bending vampire western only because she could not get funds to make a western which was the reason vampires were brought in. She beat her ex-husband James Cameron for the Oscar for Best Picture THE HURT LOCKER over AVATAR and many of her box-office flops (BLUE STEEL, STRANGE DAYS) have been hailed as minor classics. Now, audiences will see Bigelow, a white female make an angry pro- black riot movie.

DETROIT is a period police crime drama based on the Algiers Motel incident during Detroit’s 1967 12th Street Riot. The film was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event. The film begins with a brief history of riots as depicted by drawings before settling on the raiding of an after hours booze can, where the Blacks were arrested and hustled into police vans in the open. Director Bigelow convinces that these angry incidents are sufficient to incite the riots that lasted quite the few days including the incident at the Algiers Motel.

The film benefits from very strong performances, the best of these from 24-year old white British actor Will Poulter. Poulter who has proven his acting mettle in films like SON OF RAMBOW, THE REVENANT and THE MAZE RUNNER is outstanding as the racist angry cop that is guaranteed to anger audiences. John Boyega as the security guard is equally effective and Anthony Mackie is convincing as the soldier caught in the crossfire.

The end credits are quick to inform that the incidents depicted in the film are concocted and are of course, not fully true. But what an angry story writer Mark Boal has given his audiences. And masterfully executed by Bigelow, as if an African American directed the entire project.

Though good a movie as DETROIT is, some African Americans will complain that this film was made by a white or that the two lead actors John Boyega and Will Poulter are British. The same went with the straight rendering of the gay story PHILADELPHIA with a straight director and straight actors. Audiences should be just glad that these stories that need be told are told, no matter who tells them. But Smith’s character of Larry who refuses to sing in his group, believing that he should provide music for white folk to dance is not totally convincing. One flaw that does stand out is the cardboard (both black and white characters), either all bad or all good.

Still , Bigelow achieves her aim in creating one angry and absorbing movie, out of incidents based on true events. She must be commended for eliciting great performances from all her cast including the relative unknowns (particularly the two white girls beaten up at the Motel) s well as the effective creation of the60’s era complete with music by James Newton Howard.

DETROIT is the third successful collaboration between Bigelow and Mark Boal who also wrote and produced the film, after THE HURT LOCKER and ZERO DARK THIRTY. More to come from these two, hopefully.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCk0YVm3ao

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 Directors Maria Kryvoshchokova & Anna Demianenko (Marhanets International Short Film Festival)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, Uncategorized , , , , , ,

Marhanets International Short Film Festival is the very first film festival created in a small mining city Marhanets which aims to bring film culture to the city and inspire and motivate filmmaking in the region. The festival was founded by daughter and mother Anna Demianenko and Maria Kryvoshchokova, with the aim of helping smaller cities of Ukraine to develop film in their region.

Website: marhanetsfilmfest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marhanetsfilmfest/

email:  marhanetsfilmfest@gmail.com

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

Maria Kryvoshchokova: Marhanets Film Festival is created to promote Ukrainian and International short films, filmmakers and actors. Our festivals gives opportunity to attract as many cinephiles as possible and lets directors to screen their films to much more viewers getting important feedback.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Anna Demianenko: The 2017 edition of Marhanets Film Festival which was held on 6-7 of May was very successful. Therefore we have started getting ready for 2018 edition just after the Award ceremony finished! Every person who will attend our festival will be welcomed by wonderful competition short films from all over the world that inspire, motivate, show new opportunities and solutions. Filmmakers will also be able to take part in workshops and meet young Ukrainian directors.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: We are looking for new and original films showing a unique director’s vision, camera work, acting, sound design. We opt for a strong and genuine story that will capture viewer’s attention from the very beginning and will never let go. We want to see the films that motivate and give people a chance to develop and make themselves better. This year we have decided to expand our maximum running time to 30 minutes as we have discovered that there are many good stories which surpass the time limit we had for submissions last year.

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

Anna Demianenko: I do believe it is true, as there so many films are send to the festivals each year and this great quantity makes it impossible for some selectioners to watch all the films. That is what really important for our festival, no matter how many submissions are sent, we are watching every single one of them, as sometimes the treasures are hidden and only if you are willing to search, that is when you will be rewarded. For example, 2017 Best Short Film Apparition by Denis Dobrovoda (France) was one of the last ones to be watched during the selection process.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: I would say the passion for a good film and opportunity to discover which topics excite, thrill or worry the directors from all over the world. The filmmakers are given a chance to communicate with the audience through their films and the viewers can discuss the films and speak their mind as well. The second and most important motivation is a team work. Our festival team is undeniably helpful and very friendly, people keep joining our team realizing what a wonderful mission our festival entails. We are grateful to every person who was supporting us on our way to creating an incredible event.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Anna Demianenko: We are happy that this year we have much more filmmakers interested in our festival! As it is the second edition we are hoping to receive as many submissions as possible, so that we can show to the festival guests the most quality content. We have a thorough selection process, first the selection committee chooses the best films from submitted, then an expert committee which consists of famous Ukrainian film critics, filmmakers, actors chooses the one that will take part in competition. Members of the expert committee have very different opinions and viewpoints, therefore various films are accepted to the competition.

We are welcome every filmmaker to submit his/her short film following this link! https://filmfreeway.com/festival/MarhanetsFilmFestival
Be the one to be chosen into Marhanets Film Festival Competition!

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: We hope to enlarge the festival by making more competition programs and conducting more workshops. One of our aims is to make screenings not only of best Ukrainian short films of the year, but films of other countries as well. We are searching for cooperation with other festivals so that we can exchange experiences and screen the films in out-of-competition programs. By all means, we are expecting for more visitors from all over the world and more viewers to come and experience our remarkable event.

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

Anna Demianenko: I personally watch films every single day of different countries and year of production. I guess my favourite features are directed by Paolo Sorrentino, I found his films Youth and The Great Beauty as a great contemplation and admiration of life in its true existence. Those films aspire me to search for greatness in every moment of our life. Regarding short films, I watch them every day, I am currently a Programmer for two Dutch film festivals Shift Film Festival and Euregion Film Festival, and it gives me opportunity to watch completely different films. My favourite short film by far is Everything Will Be Ok by Patrick Vollrath. I hope to see more of such films at our festival.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Maria Kryvoshchokova: The one that makes you talk about it and leaves nobody cold.

How is the film scene in your city?

Anna Demianenko: Marhanets Film Festival is actually a huge and incredible event for our small city. Sadly, Ukrainian film business is mostly focused in big cities, and inhabitants of small ones are usually left out. That was our initial aim: to bring cinema back to small cities, make it real and in demand. We do believe that with this festival we can bring big films to small cities no matter where it is a short or a feature. So we welcome everyone to submit their films and to visit our festival in May 2018! Be the one to develop film in small regions!

marhaets2.jpg

******

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed

Interview with Festival Directors Roger and Shelley Gillespie (COPA SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, matthew toffolo wildsound, Uncategorized , , , , ,

COPA SHORTS FILM FEST, INC. launched its first film festival in February 2017.  It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that focuses on creating a great learning and entertainment experience for filmmakers, screenwriters and film lovers locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide. The festival takes places at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle in Maricopa, Arizona about 35 miles from downtown Phoenix.

Contact

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

Roger and Shelley Gillespie: Copa Shorts Film Fest, now starting its second year of programming, has succeeded in highlighting talented filmmakers of short films and screenplays. In a state-of-the-art digital venue, we showed 56 short films in our first festival this February. The films were from around the world and the U.S.

In addition to showcasing films, we provided four screenwriters the opportunity to have table reads of their short screenplays. Each of the four finalists, from four different states, could see their name on the screen and their words voiced by actors.

We also are succeeding at offering workshops to provide hands-on learning experiences for new and upcoming filmmakers for free.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Our 2017 festival was held in February of this year. For 2018, attendees can expect more experiences to learn and enjoy film and screenplays. We’re doubling the festival workshops so attendees can have an opportunity to learn from professionals about above and below the line skills. Attendees can also relax in our fabulous location, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, to see the films and experience the screenplay table reads.

We’re in our submission period through October 13, so we don’t know all of the films and screenplays that could be featured in February.

However, we have added a category for military veteran films and we’re seeing some excellent early entries. We’ve also added a separate category for high school filmmakers, as well as college filmmakers.

At our VIP and Wrap Award parties, we’ll be showcasing award-winning Native American musical performers, Native Spirit and Arvel Bird. The parties will be a chance for film attendees, filmmakers, and screenwriters to network.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

CSFF accepts films that are from two to twenty minutes (including credits) in the following categories: Native American, high school student, college student, military veteran and in genres of animation, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, and sci-fi.

The selected films are reviewed by Arizona State University film students and film professionals. We examine story, technical, acting, and overall impact of the film.
For screenplays, we expect screenplays to be no longer than 15 pages and also examine dialogue as one of the major criteria.v

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

Potentially, some film reviewers may not have expertise in reviewing films. This could lead to personal bias.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our team offers this festival because we love films and we want to provide opportunities for talent to be encouraged and showcased. We offer educational workshops to help filmmakers improve their skills. And, in our growing city, we like the idea of providing a major cultural artistic event to attract people.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We have had an extremely positive experience working exclusively with FilmFreeway. Their staff has been responsive when we had questions (We were a first-time festival this year) and everything worked smoothly.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

By 2020, we expect that the festival will be at least a day longer to provide more workshops, more submissions, more attendees, and really strong repeat business.

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

I’m a romantic. I’ve probably seen Pretty Woman tied with Dirty Dancing the most times in my life.

Roger has seen High Plains Drifter the most.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one that makes you think, has a memorable premise, characters, and technical aspects that all work together to create something you want to see repeatedly and talk about with others.

How is the film scene in your city?

Maricopa is a new city that has grown exponentially in the last 14 years. Our festival location, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center, was built almost five years ago. Films shown tend to favor blockbusters. We typically have to travel out of town to see art films, indie films and shorts programs.

In our community, there is an avid following for films from school students through senior citizens. Maricopa is home to several current and former filmmakers, screenwriters, Hollywood film professionals and actors. Several worthy locally-made films were shown in our festival.
*****

BIOS:

Roger and Shelley Gillespie are co-founders of Copa Shorts Film Fest, which began as a desire to create an event focused around film for our community of Maricopa, Arizona.

Roger Gillespie is a screenwriter, producer, film critic and host of the monthly “3-Hour Movie Critic” event at UltraStar, who has been involved in film, broadcasting and journalism since high school.

He has independently written and co-written over 10 screenplays including quarter-finalist for his full-length feature, Saving Liberty, in Francis Ford Coppola’s annual, internationally-renowned American Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest.

An alumni member of Ball State University’s Film and Broadcasting School, and Hal Croasmun’s Screenwriting U, Roger is the first to tell anyone that he can teach you how to format a screenplay in a few minutes, but “it’s the story that matters, and that takes a little more time.”

Shelley Gillespie multi-faceted background includes years as an award-winning journalist (The Communicator, Arizona Republic, Times Publications), an educator and adjunct professor (CAC, NAU), writing coach, marketing consultant and author. (Hiking for the Couch Potato: A Guide for the Exercise-Challenged.) Shelley also shares writing credit for Saving Liberty with Roger.

She has raised millions for not-for-profits, managed training programs and events, and created marketing programs for a shopping mall and corporations.

Shelley holds a BA in English from Vassar College and an MS in Educational Administration from State University of NY at Albany.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed

Interview with Festival Director Sina Dolati (TORONTO NEW WAVE)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews , , , , ,

The Labyrinth Pictures was founded in 2016 by Sina Dolati, Emmanuel McBride and Shaq Hosein as a multi-purpose production company, producing independent film (fiction and commercial), as well as hosting events and other services under The Labyrinth umbrella with the aim of cultivating the Toronto filmmaking scene. Our summer Events Coordinator Farah Mannan has also had a large role in helping this event come to life, as well as Rangga Luksatrio who has helped us in reaching out to Toronto musicians.

The 2017 rendition of the Toronto New Wave showcase is the first public event hosted by the company, screening a multitude of short films from independent Toronto filmmakers, as well as including performances from Toronto indie bands. The event takes place at 7 PM, Saturday August 5th, at Cinecycle.

Contact

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

Sina Dolati: We’ll have to see! This is the first public event our production company (The Labyrinth) is hosting since getting founded in 2016 and we’re very excited to see how it goes. Our goal is to provide an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers and allow them to comfortably network with one another in an intimate space.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Definitely some great films from up and coming filmmakers of Toronto, as well some fantastic performances by Toronto indie bands. This rendition of the event is more of a ‘showcase’ than a festival, and it will be a jam-packed night for all attendees.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Since our screening time is rather short this time around, we’re prioritizing films from Toronto. We’d like to keep it as diverse as possible and include films from filmmakers that we see potential in.

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

I think it can go both ways. Some films do really well commercially but so not much in festivals, and vice versa. It really depends on the niche target audience. In our case, the goal is to include films from as many Toronto filmmakers as possible.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We founded The Labyrinth umbrella as a way for us to continue making films under The Labyrinth Pictures, all while establishing a network for Toronto artists through a variety of events and services. With Toronto New Wave, we’re excited to illustrate that vision and see it all come together at a physical event for the first time. There is no fee to submit a film and tickets to attend the full event are sold at a very affordable price (~ $6).

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

t has definitely sped up the process. We kept it open to international submissions in order to get an understanding of interest in this sort of event. In the short 11 day submission
period, we’ve received just about 1000 submissions, 100 of which were from Canada. We did not expect to receive this many. At all. We’ve learned a lot (in terms of statistics), which we’ll keep in mind for future renditions of the event. For the August 2017 event, we’ll only be showing films from Toronto in order to create a strong base within our audience network.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Believe it or not, the process that was most challenging for our team in organizing this event was coming up with a name! We finally selected Toronto New Wave, since it was close to our vision of providing an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers (as well as musicians for this event) that continue to enrich the Toronto art scene with innovation. We strive to continue pursuing this vision, and think that the festival will be much larger by 2020, including innovative segments targeted at niche audiences (e.g. Virtual Reality films, Animation, etc.)

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

I have no idea. Maybe Jurassic Park. Loved dinosaurs as a kid.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

I don’t think most filmmakers intend to make a film that is ‘not great’, it just comes down to knowing your audience and being able to execute your vision masterfully enough in order to communicate it with them.

How is the film scene in your city?

Toronto is the third largest screen-based production centre in all of North America, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. However, I think the film industry here is still rather scattered compared to what we see in the US. There is a large gap to fill, which is where companies like ours come into play to provide direct production and screening based networking and resources. Some non-profit organizations such as the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) and Raindance Toronto succeed greatly at doing just that.
 

newwave-1.jpg

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed

Interview with Festival Director Conor Armstrong Sanfey (ELEVATION INDIE FILM AWARDS)

festreviews film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, Uncategorized , , , , , ,

The Elevation Indie Film Awards has been set up by Indie Film makers for Indie Film makers. We understand the difficulties of gaining recognition for your work and want to shine a light on the vast talent of Independent filmmakers from around the world.

Contact

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

Conor Armstrong Sanfey: At elevation, we endeavour to give filmmakers feedback on all submissions, weather they are accepted or not to screen. We ensure that all films are watched, and filmmakers go away with constructive feedback. We specifically support indie filmmakers, by providing them a platform for showcasing their work.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

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

No we feel a lot of the major festivals do not give enough attention to independent films. With some not even watching entries at times.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our motivation comes from our experience as indie filmmakers ourselves. We want to provide a support system for independent filmmakers, and provide them with constructive feedback and a platform to showcase their fantastic work.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We have been getting films from all around the world. The standard has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to see for.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We hope to continue expanding the festival, and hopefully hold more live screenings.

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

. Shawshank Redemption.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film that transports you into another world, and most importantly entertains.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Dublin it thriving, especially in the independent film scene.

elevation-1

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed

Interview with Gustavo Coletti (ROSARITO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

The first Rosarito International Film Festival, produced by LOGCINEMA.COM, will be carry out in October this year, a website dedicated to classic and collectible films, which is expanding into independent cinema, providing filmmakers with the opportunity to exhibit their productions online.

Contact

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

Gustavo Coletti: Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, just 150 miles from Hollywood, it is the fastest growing movie business on the planet. It is the headquarters of Fox Studios Baja California, the most important branch of Fox, where they filmed blockbusters like “Titanic”, “Master and Commander”, “Quantum of Solace” (James Bond), “Babel”, “Pearl Harbor” “007, Tomorrow never dies”, and so many others impossible to list. 20 minutes from Rosarito is Tijuana with different academic centers for film study, including the renowned Film School of the UDCI (“University of Las Californias International” by its acronyms in Spanish).

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

As spectators watch movies from all over the world. In the Rosarito area live more than 70,000 Americans who regularly have no opportunity in his country to see foreign films, and what you could watch in Mexico do not have subtitles in English but in Spanish. As a filmmaker, to exhibit my productions in the arthouse of greater growth in the world market.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We are looking for in the selected films, greater respect for the artistic aspect of cinema and not of cinema as entertainment industry.

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

I think that the festivals are afraid to show films of low budget and with technical limitations. I don’t think that they too take into account the conceptual part of the film.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are interested in meeting people of cinema’s future generations for future projects and achieve an expansion of interest in the local market towards another type of productions that represent other cultures and other idiosyncrasies.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The entire process with filmfreeway went flawless so far.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I have no doubt that by 2020 the Rosarito International Film Festival already will be entrenched and established as an invaluable event for the community of independent filmmakers. The response that we have taken a few days after initiating the call, exceeded all of our expectations.

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

I have seen countless times the cinema of Federico Fellini, especially “8 and 1-2” and “La Dolce Vita”, as well as the films of the great masters of Italian cinema. I’ve seen much Tarkovsky and the French nouvelle vogue.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one which brings a renewal in the cinematic language, that can dispense with in its elaboration of the commercial intention and has an aesthetic and a history that excites us.

How is the film scene in your city?

Well, I don’t live in Rosarito, live in Los Angeles, which is the most vibrant city in the world in film, but Rosarito is a place where we are always working on new projects and that is exciting.

 

rosarito-2

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed