interview

Interview with Festival Director Michael Wearing (The Rob Knox Film Festival)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, FilmFreeway Review, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Q&A with the Artistic Director, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

The Rob Knox Film Festival is held annually in Bexley, London. in memory of the actor who played Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Go to the Film Freeway submission page to submit your film: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/RobKnoxFilmFestival

I sat down with the Festival Director to learn more about this unique festival.

rob_knoxMatthew Toffolo: What is the Rob Knox Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Michael Wearing: The Rob Knox Film Festival has been extremely successful at identifying talented individuals at an early stage in their career and given them recognition, and a renewed motivation to move on to better things. Perhaps the best example of this is Stephen Fingleton who won his first ever award at the festival. (Best director for the his film Driver). This year he was nominated for a BAFTA award for outstanding debut feature by a British writer, Director or Producer. Another good example is Gareth Fient who won his first award at the festival aged just 15, and now aged 21 is getting regular work as a director and editor from producers in New York, LA and London.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival?

Michael: The festival exhibits films from around the world, but is proud to ensure that locally made films are screened as well. There’s a real sense of community. Alongside the main awards night we lay on 8days of film related activity, this will include screenings at community venues and workshops. The festival ends with an awards evening and a free networking event.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Michael: We are very keen to experience films of all genres and lengths. The festival is named after and held in memory of Rob Knox who played Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince and was murdered a week after filming his scenes aged just 18. His parents are active in the organisation of the festival, so we are mindful of their sensitivities and wishes.

Matthew: What makes a great independent film?

Michael: It’s a difficult question, I’m often surprised by the decision of the judges…. But from my point of view a great independent film will tell a story in no more time than is required to tell the story. We will allow slight imperfections in the visuals but the sound should be of a high quality.

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

Michael: My principle motivation is to honour the memory of Rob, and I think that is so with the whole team. A side effect of the festival is the increased networking opportunities it has provided to me and the others involved. I’m also keen to raise the positive profile of young people and so we get them involved in all aspects of the festival…

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Michael: The main change is that from being a totally free festival. we have introduced a charge to filmmakers for most categories. This was done to reduce the quantity of entries we receive. The festival is run by volunteers and we were aware that the amount of entries we were receiving would eventually overwhelm the judges. Another change was accepting entries via film freeway instead of requiring DVDs…

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Michael: It would be good to get some increased sponsorship, and more volunteers, so that we can increase the offer.. The general format We see as remaining as it is, but we are always open to suggestions on ways to improve.

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

Michael: I’ve seen many films more than once, a few I would put as having seen 100s of time but there is one film that I have seen thousands of times. And that is Tootsie starring Dustin Hofmann. An incredible piece of writing, I just love the way there are so many sub stories weaved together impeccably.

Matthew: What country (or countries) seem to make the bests short films year after year?

Michael: We get great films from all over the world. I don’t think country comes into it. Our audience is predominately British, but we have had films from Russia, USA, Greece, France, Belguim, Spain, Ireland and Brazil all win awards. We are happy to show films with subtitles..

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

Michael: The Rob Knox Film Festival takes place in Bexleyheath in South East London, and part of the reason we started it was because there was nothing going on in this particular area… However across London there is always film related activity going on.

_____

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 Oscar Piloto (Miami Indie Artist Film Festival)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, FilmFreeway Review, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

The MIA Film Festival (#MiaFF) is an underground festival based out of Miami, Florida that features films and screenplays of all length and genres worldwide. #MiaFF is unique from the rest because it’s an underground festival that expands the capability of networking with other filmmakers and showcasing films in one location for 9 days in December.

I was fortunate enough to interview Festival Director Oscar Piloto:

oscarMatthew Toffolo: What is the Miami Indie Artist Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Oscar Piloto: What makes us successful is that it’s a new festival and it continues to grow. There are people who believe in the festival and are working with us to achieve our goals. Our goals of giving filmmakers hope for a greater brighter future by helping them create relationships that will last a lifetime. We want to introduce like minded people and guiding them in working together. We want to create a real community that truly allows the growth for individual achievement.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival?

Oscar: We are big in creating a positive atmosphere with lots of fun in the process but most importantly making sure artists leave the festival with more knowledge of this wonderful industry that we love.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Oscar: We understand many films are done by striving artists and in many cases even students. However, we would love to see flashes of greatness in all the different facets of filmmaking.

Matthew: As per your festival statement, do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

Oscar: I absolutely feel that many films do not get a fair shake. I believe some festivals become too big but aren’t relevant or influential, because they accept quantity instead of quality, like a “first come first serve” basis. I’ve seen films win other festivals that didn’t even get accepted in other big festivals. I’ve also known filmmakers ask for their materials from a festival back and they got their films returned and sealed exactly as they were mailed originally.

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

Oscar: As a filmmaker that had struggled getting a break, I want to help discover new talent and making a difference in the film industry. We want to help create those connections that are desperately needed to succeed.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Oscar: We are only going on our second year but the big changes are having more sponsors. In our first year, the amount of submissions was outstanding. More than I could have hoped for. Now, with the sponsors I hope it will bring opportunity for bigger and better prizes to our filmmakers.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Oscar: There is a big difference between big festivals and relevant festivals. I see the MIA FILM FESTIVAL as the most relevant film festival in South Florida, where deals get made and talents get discovered!

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

Oscar: I’ve personally seen “Greese” the most when I was around 12 years old. Not only was I a big fan of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John but I was also a big fan of the music.

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

Oscar: A great film occurs when all the little pieces come together, in particular the attention to detail.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

Oscar: I think it is great! There’s great diversity here in Miami from all ethnic backgrounds. In addition, Miami is a beautiful city where everyone wants to come, and the more people the city attracts, the film scene will continue to grow.

_____

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 Roger Sampson (Focus International Film Festival)

festreviews Festival Interview, film festival, film festival reviews, Interview, interviews, matthew toffolo wildsound, Uncategorized , , , , , ,
Roger’s creative journey started late in life. He didn’t realize his passion for the theater arts until his 30th birthday.  In 2003, Roger moved from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA to pursue his dream. Since then, Roger has enjoyed acting, screenwriting, and directing success through the years.
Roger started the Focus International Film Festival in the fall of 2015.  His mission was to celebrate and honor the best in independent cinema through a festival which lets the working professional community judge the material presented.

Interview with Roger Sampson: 

Matthew Toffolo: What is the Focus International Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Roger Sampson: The Focus International Film Festival provides film makers a platform to showcase their skills and talents using the opinions of the working professionals that film makers hope to work with and impress as the baseline to providing them a level of credibility many festivals lack. Its more meaningful to the films and the film makers.

Matthew: What would you expect to experience when you attend the festival?

Roger: The festival is actually online only at this time. We hope to grow into a live festival with screenings, but we’re just starting out with this format and need time for it to grow legs before we venture into a live event.

Matthew: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Roger: The grading system used to select the films looks at three primary areas of focus, which are production quality, performance and story. Many films excel in one area or another, but great films excel in 2 or more areas. We seek out the most well rounded material. Story well told with excellent production quality given in excellent performances. As film makers ourselves, we are all students of the craft and all have areas to improve on. But we seek to honor those film makers advanced in their craft enough to produce quality material but have yet to be recognized on a larger scale by the entertainment community.

Matthew: Why would a filmmaker be motivated to submit to your festival?

Roger: Since the event is online only at this time, we are able to keep our submission fees low, which is an aid to all film makers. Add in the credibility of our celebrity jury and if a film maker can spend a small amount and be able to promote their film as having been voted the best by working entertainment industry professionals, that is something as a film maker I would do without hesitation.

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

Roger: Our primary motivation relates to our own festival experiences. Festival choices are always subjective, and determined by the education and experience level of the decision makers. So we figured if those decisions should be made in terms of cinematic excellence at the independent level, who better to judge that than the working professionals the film makers are striving to be and work with.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception?

Roger: We’ve actually had only 1 event so far, in the winter of 2015. The jury voting period expires January 31. The Spring 2016 event is the first with the celebrity jury panel. In the summer we’re planning expansion efforts to include longer trailers, longer shorts and feature films in addition to other changes.

Matthew: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Roger: Its hard to tell at the moment if this format will find a sustainable market, but we’re confident that the celebrity jury format will take hold and by 2020 we will host a live event once or twice a year and with any luck feature appearances by the jury itself. For this article though, lets call that a wish list.

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

Roger: The film I’ve seen the most times would have to be The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

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

Roger: A great film is an amazing story well told with excellent production quality and committed performances which provides the audience a meaningful emotional experience.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city?

Roger: The film scene in Dallas and North Texas as a whole is vibrant and active. Film makers are hungry for quality story telling and take steps toward mastery of the craft every day.

_____

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 Katha Cato, Festival Director Queens World Film Festival

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

Get to know the Queens World Film Festival. March 15-20 2016

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queens-World-Film-Festival/131152030233616

@queensworldfilm

http://www.queensworldfilmfestival.com

Matthew Toffolo interview Festival Director Katha Cato:

What is the goal of your film festival?

First and foremost: The films are the stars. Every decision is driven by what will result in the best screening possible. We are always asking ourselves: What is best for the filmmaker?  What is best for the film? What is best for the screening?

 We work to build a sustainable community around independent films; between the film lovers and the filmmakers. The festival is curated into thematic blocks that are marketed to appropriate audiences. At Q5 (March 17 – 22 2015) we had 43 blocks with a range of themes, hosted by QWFF moderators who facilitated talk backs.

 We are proud of the support and attendance of the international filmmakers from over 30 nations including Syria, France, Korea, UK and Russia. We are honored to introduce the local and international filmmakers to local press and NY industry professionals.  Each year we feature a block of Queens Filmmakers ensuring that filmmakers who live here are networking and growing together.

 The festival also draws attention to our other programs including the Young Filmmakers Program that puts media programs in a local school, our free Encore Screenings that extend the life of many of the festival films and the Old Spice Screening Series that produces free lunch time screenings for Senior Centers.

 It would be a shame not to mention that our submissions are open through Dec. 7, 2015.Go to our website and hit submit. We love hearing from filmmakers from all over the world and we currently have just shy of 500 submissions from 15 nations including Germany, Croatia, Ireland and Iran and we find it thrilling to be part of the conversation.

 How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2016 festival?

We learned from the experiences of our earlier years, but we have not changed so much. We remain focused on the films and continue to prioritize creating the best possible experience for everyone. Our commitment to make sure that the films look and sound just the way the filmmaker intended has only deepened and continues to drive us

 Our aesthetic has not changed, we are still interested in films that take a unique stand and present a unique perspective. We are even more interested in stories and films that push some boundaries, use new media, twist themes or mount a new genre.

 And we still love the filmmakers.

 How many films do you anticipate showcasing at your 2016 Film Festival?

We are thinking that it should be around 80 hours, which could be between 110 – 120 films.

We are locked into the Museum of the Moving Image, Ps 69 and the Secret Theatre with a total of 4 screens, so we have lots of options for the 6 days and we are going to be throwing some outrageous images up there.

Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2016 Festival?

 March 15 – Opening night at Museum of the Moving Image, with VIP reception for 2016 Spirit of Queens Honoree Director Melvin Van Peebles, other special guests and a sampling of films that let people know what to expect at the festival.

 March 16 Wednesday

Opening night at Secret Theatre and PS 69 with special Dinner and a Movie screenings. At MoMI we will screen Mr. Van PeeblesSweet-Sweetbacks-Baadasssss Song

 March 17, 18

Screens running at MoMI, PS 69 and Secret Theatre

 March 19

Closing night at MoMI with a special screening of Susan Seidelman’s Smithereens as part of our tribute to her and IndieCollect, followed by our 6th Annual Awards.

 March 20

Winner’s Circle screening of the Best of the Fest award winners at MoMI.

 Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2016 festival?

The themes that are emerging in reviewing this year’s submissions center on a concern felt around the world for the weakest among us, the disenfranchised, the marginalized. We have some films that represent some incredibly risky artistic choices. Admirable, really.

 The screening committee is reporting that we have risky films, some very lush films, some stark and jarring pieces and some very wonderful features from all over the world.

 Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Permanently housed within a complex that provides office and screening spaces alongside classrooms, production labs and low cost equipment rental services. Our ancillary programs serving youth, seniors and struggling filmmakers will be thriving and the annual Film Festival continuing to present films, lovingly paired and curated into events that are sure to engage our audiences.

 What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

It’s NYC and every borough in this city has a film culture, so it is very dynamic. There are big trucks and big shoots in every boroughs, there are gorilla filmmakers in every boroughs. …There are film schools, film clubs, film festivals, art houses, chains and everything in between. There are screenings somewhere every night.

 Now, remember, in Queens, we also have 2 huge film studios and 2 airports so our film community in this borough is thriving,

 Our screening events are well attended and we are grateful, because it is a noisy city and it is exciting to know that we are carving out a niche with a loyal fan base.

 What film have you seen the most in your life?

Paper Moon or Idiocracy 

Interview with Christian Pouligo, director of AVIFF Cannes Art Film Festival

festreviews AVIFF Cannes Art Film Festival, Festival Interview, film festival reviews, Interview , , , ,

The AVIFF 2015 programme: http://art-film-festival.com/programme-2015/

Designed in 2008 as a contemporary art fair or all Art-galleries were only obliged to submit the works of Artists in visual art, “Art show Cannes” becomes the “AVIFF-Art Film Festival” in 2010 with an initial selection of movies authors assigned to Camillo Racana, “curator” for a “carte blanche” in Marrakech in 2010, during the 10th edition of the film festival in December and in 2011 in Cannes during the 64 edition of the film festival in May.

The “AVIFF-Art Film Festival” Cannes has since become one of the preferred places of promoting contemporary art in the field of video art film associated with a changing art market and a legendary film festival: the “Cannes Films Festival”

Artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Motomichi Nakamura, Rouzbeh Rashidi, Pacôme Thiellement & Thomas Bertay, André Senra, the Villemin brothers, Osorio Suarez, David Kagan, Majid Ma’soomi Rad, Shahar Marcus, Pascale Lafay, Lerato Shadi, Christy Walsh and recently Cayetana Vidal, David Law, Juan Carlos Zaldivar, Mahmood Nouraie , Simon Poole Andersson, Ines von Bonhorst, Hiresh Kheirabadi, Thomas Dorman § Ronnie Belcher………..have presented their art-video films in the AVIFF official selection at Cannes since 2011.

Matthew Toffolo interviews Christian Pouligo:

1) What is the goal of your film festival?

The AVIFF is promoting promoting video art internationally and around the world

The official selection of the AVIFF made in Cannes travel the world and is presented in contemporary arts centers, partner festivals and cultural institutions abroad (South Africa, China, Vietnam)
Every year new partners are envisaged (Lebanon, USA)

In 2014 the AVIFF has invited off official selection the Chinese artist Yang Zhenzhong videographer who came from Shanghai to present 7 video art works from his filmography and has received the “Special Jury Prize” for his career

This reinforces and legitimate the AVIFF in its international dimension

2) How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

The AVIFF became more specific over time more focused on the art cinema as the film.

The jury this year’s is composed of academics, researchers, writers and artists. The selection was this severe year with 27 films chosen from over 1800 films submitted

Also the AVIFF in partnership with the master office “Wepler Drouot” in Paris organizes each year an auction in Paris ( France ) of some films from the previous official selection of Cannes

From the promotion is now added the estimate of the works of authors and their estimation validated by an
auction

3) How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

We have 27 films in competition and 22 films in a program “jury”

In fact the jury this year 2015 has decided to do more, taking the risky initiative to propose himself fifteen films, out of competition, showing for some of the milestones of what would fall from his point of view of another cinema. (Raymond Bellour)

Time will tell if the message has been received.

4) Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2015 Festival?

For this very selective year will be awarded 3 Prize AVIFF Cannes 2015 and a special “jury prize” awarded unanimously. The trophies are original creations and are given to the authors at the festival closing on May 20 at 15.00. The Prize “special jury” which, without revealing it, tells the story of a well-known group of women activists, will be the date of our festival in 2015

5) Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

NO

6) Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

We received the official support of the city of Cannes this year and those of the University of Paris Sorbonne, CNRS and the Institut ACT. Our AVIFF festival has become a festival for Research and creativity ..

We expect to open the next call to artists with specific categories. One of which will have a category of student trained in schools and universities ensuring high levels of video art training in France and abroad.
Then our festival shall evolve according to new partners which will joining us this year in the field of Culture & Art

We passed the five first year and we now begin an easier time, cause we are known and exposed, but meantime very difficult for the same reasons.

7) What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Cannes is primarily a city of festivals and professional meetings. Over 17 per year

Cannes is also the place where takes place the most legendary film festival: the “Cannes Film Festival”
Maybe Cannes will become in 10 years as the privileged place of Video Art in France. We are working on this dream with the people of the City of Cannes and their representatives

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

I love the cinema of Lynch, Wenders, Jarmusch ..

So as I look over 2,000 video art films by year I have to admit my love for this kind ..lucky me!

    * * * * *

Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO

Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes, Matthew Toffolo is the current CEO of the WILDsound Film and Writing Festival. He had worked for the organization since its inception in 2007 serving as the Short Film Festival’s moderator during the Audience Feedback sessions.

Go to http://www.wildsound.ca and submit your film, script, or story to the festival.

Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com and watch recent and past winning writing festival readings.

Interview with Marco Rosson, Voghera Film Festival

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

The Voghera Film Festival wants to promote the knowledge and the spread of indipendent cinema, in all its shapes of art and entertainment, creating a new meeting point in the international filmmaking landscape.

http://www.vogherafilmfestival.com/

Matthew Toffolo interviews Artistic Director Marco Rosson:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Marco: Our goal is to create a new meeting spot for international independent cinema. Voghera is a small town, and we love the idea of creating an event which could involve everyone, from the young people to the adults.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Marco: In respect to the first two editions, we’ve added a new prize, dedicated to animation movies, because we were interested in this genre, and we would like to give prominence to it.

This year, we received almost the 30% more of submissions. Moreover, we have big late-breaking news: the Voghera Film Festival will take place at the multiplex The Space (one of the main trademarks in Italy), which counts 160 seats. It would be great if they weren’t enough!

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Marco: That depends, from time to time, on how may works we receive. We don’t have a fixed number of films that have to be chosen. The selection is perhaps the most difficult part of the whole process, but also the most interesting and exciting. We really like to show to our audience films that are diffcult to be seen otherwise.

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2015 Festival?

Marco: I won’t say anything more than that we have high expectations of the animation section: we selected very interesting works we’ll sure the audience will enjoy.

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Marco: There won’t be an overall theme, as there wasn’t in the past editions. We want both the authors to feel free to tell us whatever story is in their mood, and the public to be prepared to see an unpredictable variety of films.

Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Marco: I really hope that Voghera Film Festival will turn out be one of the most important Indie festivals in Italy, with more than 3000 submissions per year. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can tell that we’re working hard to achieve this aim. So, fingers crossed! 😉

Matthew: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Marco: Not one of the best you could find, actually. There is no such big flow to the cinemas, especially in the last years, and many of the historical ones we used to have are closing.

We believe in cinema as an art, that has to be respected and carried on. This is what we try to do with our film festival, that we consider a way to give visibility and space to new ideas.

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

Marco: My favourite movie is Once upon a time in America by Sergio Leone. I’ve seen it a thousand times!

    * * * * *

Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO

Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes, Matthew Toffolo is the current CEO of the WILDsound Film and Writing Festival. He had worked for the organization since its inception in 2007 serving as the Short Film Festival’s moderator during the Audience Feedback sessions.

Go to http://www.wildsound.ca and submit your film, script, or story to the festival.

Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com and watch recent and past winning writing festival readings.

Interview with Jo Southwell, Henley Fringe & Film Festival

festreviews Festival Interview, Interview , , ,

Bringing Theatre and Film to you. Drama. Comedy. Stand-Up. Music. New Writing. Film

http://www.henleyfringe.org/

Matthew Toffolo interviews Festival Director Jo Southwell:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

JO: TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING TO AUDIENCES. GIVING THE FILMMAKER A PLATFORM.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

JO: YES IN 2015 WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON SHORT FILMS AS WE FOUND THAT FEATURE FILMS WERE MORE DIFFICULT TO JUDGE AND SCREEN

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

JO: WE SHOWCASE 10 HOURS WORTH OF FILMS

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what to except for the 2015 Festival?

JO: ALREADY WE HAVE HAD SOME AWARD WINNING SUBMISSIONS, FILMS SCREENED AT CANNES AND SOME INTERESTING DYNAMIC DRAMAS

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

JO: THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT FOR OUR FESTIVAL IS THE STORY. WE EQUALLY SCORE TECHNICAL QUALITY, ACTING, CASTING AND ARTISTIC VISION BUT WE ARE INTERESTED IN A COMPELLING STORY IN ALL GENRES.

Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

JO: WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE ANIMATION, COMEDY AND THE ABILITY TO NOT ONLY SCREEN FILMS BUT WORK WITH INDUSTRY TO CREATE LINKS FOR THE FILM MAKERS

Matthew: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

JO: THERE ARE A LOT OF RESIDENT FILM MAKERS. ONE CINEMA BUT NOT A BIG FILM FEEL TO THE TOWN

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

JO: TOO MANY TO ANSWER – PROBABLY THE ORIGINAL STAR WARS TRILOGY AS I WROTE ABOUT MYTHOLOGY AND SCI FI FILM FOR MY DISSERTATION.

    * * * * *

Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO

Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes, Matthew Toffolo is the current CEO of the WILDsound Film and Writing Festival. He had worked for the organization since its inception in 2007 serving as the Short Film Festival’s moderator during the Audience Feedback sessions.

Go to http://www.wildsound.ca and submit your film, script, or story to the festival.

Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com and watch recent and past winning writing festival readings.

Interview with Leanna Bonamici, Creator/Executive Producer Shorts Showcase

festreviews Interview, shorts showcase , , , ,


Shorts Showcase features short films from around the world and provides exposure for filmmakers in 5.7 million homes via our PBS television show throughout Southern California; it reaches a global audience via our Online festival – and our Shorts Showcase Mobile App – which viewers may also VOTE for their favorites and share with friends.

When a short film goes through Festival, then what? That is where we come in. We always encourage filmmakers to go through their festival circuit because so many festivals (most) do not want films that have aired on TV or even YouTube. But once they have gone thru festival – we bring new life to them. We put them online with an actual film festival, we put them on our mobile app – both with global reach – and many get into our TV show on PBS – which airs in the living rooms (or wherever) of the people who work in Hollywood – and that’s pretty cool! We provide the most comprehensive exposure for the filmmaker that we believe is available today!

http://shortsshowcase.com/

Matthew Toffolo interviews Creator Leanna Bonamici:

Matthew: How did the birth of Shorts Showcase happen?

Leanna: I had been a fan of short films for a while – and while I was actually producing a feature,in my production studio,(Casablanca Studios) I began organizing this show about short films – featuring as many as I could. I launched the show in Sept of 2009 on Time Warner Cable. In Nov 2011 – we began airing on PBS Station, KVCR, throughout Southern California – and still do today.

Matthew: What is the ultimate goal of Shorts Showcase?

Leanna: National and International distribution (which is in the works at this time) 🙂

Matthew: Where do you see the future of short films going? Is there a market on television, Netflix etc.. for them?

Leanna: As the pioneer of putting short films on television, yes I absolutely believe there is a market and a huge one. Not only on television but definitely mobile – and that is precisely why we created the Shorts Showcase mobile app – which we launched about 18 months ago – and it is FREE 🙂

Matthew: How do you see Shorts Showcase changing in the next 5 years?

Leanna: We will expand our tv offerings – to one hour of programming instead of a half hour. Our mobile app is being used in new mobile and digital devices for additional exposure to millions. We will change with technology in how to play short films and distribute short form content – and with the viewing audience as well. Most videos on YouTube

Matthew: Do you have a favorite short film?

Leanna: Too many to list…… 🙂 “Change For a Dollar” is one in particular, that really struck a cord with me. (which won our 2012 Festival) And “10,000 Hours” which just won in our 2014 festival.

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

Leanna: Wizard of Oz, Casablanca (my studio was named after this) and It’s a Wonderful Life

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peak of what’s to come in 2015 with Short Showcase?

Leanna: Nation Distribution of the show, many more short films for our app – and some really cool digital and mobile devices including our app in their devices…. Global awareness for filmmakers.

Matthew: What are the biggest obstacles you face when programming your short films?

Leanna: Fitting them in to the time frame we have for the TV show. There are only so many we can fit in. Plus we are on PBS so we need to be careful about subject matter. That is not necessarily an issue with our Online and Mobile festival – but it is with the TV show.

    * * * * *

Matthew Toffolo, Interviewer BIO

Filmmaker of over 20 short films and TV episodes, Matthew Toffolo is the current CEO of the WILDsound Film and Writing Festival. He had worked for the organization since its inception in 2007 serving as the Short Film Festival’s moderator during the Audience Feedback sessions.

Go to http://www.wildsound.ca and submit your film, script, or story to the festival.

Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com and watch recent and past winning writing festival readings.

Interview with Diane Adams, “On the Edge” Family Film Festival

festreviews Festival Interview , , , ,

The “On the Edge” Family Film Festival will stimulate the creative talent of aspiring and professional filmmakers and provide a venue to express their voice through the cinematic arts. We will inspire and challenge the local community by providing films that enlighten, entertain and educate.

http://ontheedgefilm.org/

Next festival is January 28, 2016

Matthew Toffolo interviews Director Diane Adams:

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your recent 2015 festival?

Diane: We have seen more submissions in the last year.

Matthew: How many films did you showcase at your Film Festival?

Diane: We showcased 11 films.

Matthew: In one word, how would you describe the success of your recent festival?

Diane: Growing

Matthew: Was there an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Diane: Family Entertainment

Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Diane: Hopefully still around with some local submissions

Matthew: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Diane: Almost non-existent

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

Diane: Much Ado about Nothing

Matthew: Are you ready for the 2016 film festival?

Diane: Yes

Interview with Michele Baker, Crossroads Film Festival

festreviews Festival Interview , , ,

The 16th Annual Crossroads Film Festival is happening April 9-12, 2015 at Malco Grandview Theater in Madison, Mississippi, with parties and receptions around the Jackson Metro area. The festival features cash prizes for filmmakers, workshops, evening receptions and live music.

Crossroads Film Society was born out of vision of a small group of Mississippi filmmakers and enthusiasts wanting to celebrate the art of filmmaking by providing a venue to enjoy selected films and by providing opportunities for aspiring and established filmmakers to learn more about the craft. Patrons enjoy Crossroads events throughout the year, but Crossroads Film Festival is the headliner of the Society’s calendar. Film awards are chosen through a juried process. Films are selected from submissions coming from Mississippians and from filmmakers around the country and even beyond.

The Crossroads mantra is “Everyone has a story” and it spends its time and energy promoting and exploring some of the best stories.

http://www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com

Matthew Toffolo interviews Crossroads Film Festival Coordinator Michele Baker:

Matthew: What is the goal of your film festival?

Michele: The goal of Crossroads Film Festival is simple: to promote and support Mississippi films and filmmakers, which includes bringing in films from throughout the country. Part of our mission is also to promote up and coming filmmakers, including female and minority filmmakers.

Matthew: How has the festival changed since its inception until your upcoming 2015 festival?

Michele: Crossroads Film Society began the annual film festival in 1999. In the beginning, the festival was a few film lovers coming together to see a couple of indie films. In the 16 years since then, it has grown to a four-day event showcasing hundreds of films from across the globe. Crossroads has grown and evolved to a marvelous mix of short films about politics, features about the Southern experience, wonderful animation including animated films by high-school-aged filmmakers, and much more. Each year we include a huge variety of films on every topic imaginable – from experimental silent films about kudzu, to making craft beer, to inspiring films about social justice, to stories about the LGBT community, to faith-based documentaries, and more. There are family-friendly and kid-friendly films, and we always show a widely distributed feature with a well-known cast.

Matthew: How many films are you showcasing at your Film Festival?

Michele: We received nearly 850 films this year (Thanks, FilmFreeway!) and are still selecting our films right now, but we anticipate showing about 75-85 films, including a Showcase of local music videos.

Matthew: Can you give us a sneak peek of what to except for the 2015 Festival?

Michele: Well, it’s still in the works, but there will be an exceptional lineup. We have several international films that will screen together, and some wonderful films made by a young filmmaker from our Gulf Coast.

Matthew: Is there going to be an overall theme for the 2015 festival?

Michele: Our theme this year is one we’ve embraced for several years now: “Everybody has a Story. What’s yours?” This year is also our 16th birthday.

Matthew: Where do you see your festival in 5 years?

Michele: Crossroads’ ultimate goal is to become more of a regional festival. Right now we’re well known in Mississippi and Louisiana, because we actively partner with festivals in those areas. But Crossroads has a venerable history which leads me to believe that expansion is the way to go.

Matthew: What’s the current status of the Film Scene in your city?

Michele: Jackson and nearby Canton, Mississippi are both becoming more popular with filmmakers. As you know, Mississippi Film Office is the liaison to filmmakers hoping to shoot their masterpieces in our beautiful state. I can proudly say that Mississippi has one of the best financial incentives packages around, which, when combined with our hardworking and talented cast and crew members and our varied and beautiful landscape (not to mention our history), makes Mississippi an ideal place to film.

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

Michele: Personally, I like stories of all types that make me think. I like action films, romantic comedies, documentaries, experimental films… I like it all. As long as it tells a story, and the characters compel me to feel something, I’m going to like it. In that way, Crossroads Film Festival Coordinator is a dream job – I get to watch movies all day!