Asians on Film is an 501 (C)3 non-profit devoted to arts & entertainment with a primary focus in providing recognition to the talent of Asian/Pacific Islanders who are minorities in the film industry either as actors, actresses, writers, directors, producers, editors and/or those who work in other aspects of filmmaking. They also provide screenings throughout the year with the best films from our festival including a special year-end “best of” screening at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
Interview with Scott Eriksson:
Matthew Toffololo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
Scott Eriksson: Our festival was created specifically to change how festivals are done. We are open for submissions all year and our fees are very low, $10, all year long so we can encourage as many submissions as possible. We want to find the best films and making submissions inexpensive is they best way to achieve that in a fair way (we grant no waivers). We try to eliminate politics and favors as much as possible, for instance, selected judges are told to keep that information confidential. In this way they experience no pressure and can rate films fairly. Also, as the programmer I am not a judge and my films are not eligible for submission.
We also have on-line quarterly awards, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Films received during each quarter are eligible for recognition by the judges. They submit their suggestions for awards in 18 categories and winners received on-line recognition for that quarter. The winners in each category in each quarter become the nominees for the year end festival award. This way we are able to recognize great films as they are submitted to give them exposure and support even before our festival.
MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2016)?
SE: For the festival itself we post online information and links about filmmakers, actors and films and provide the opportunity for others in the film industry to be included by showing their support with a minimum $10 donation (we are a 502(c)3 non-profit). Also, my staff and I spend most of our time meeting, greeting and introducing filmmakers and actors to each other to create connections, a sense of community and an festival experience that is more than just a screening. Further, we do camera interviews, and film our Q&A’s and our awards ceremony for filmmakers to use for promotion of their film and their talent after the festival. Finally, we select a “Best of Fest” list of films that we screen throughout the year at other venues we choose or through partnerships with other festivals. For instance, HollyShorts does a screening of “Best of Fest” films at Mann’s Chinese Theater each year. Programmers Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont have been one of our biggest supporters from day one.
MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?
SE: Simple. The films with the highest average scores from the judges get select from highest to lowest average until the festival screenings are full.
MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?
SE: Absolutely. Like the film business itself, connections, politics, and exposure have a bigger influence than talent or quality. I set up our festival to be as neutral as possible. That said, as I tell all filmmakers, programmers can run their festival however they want. It’s their festival. Know the festivals you are submitting to so you spend money on those that are more likely to screen your film.
MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?
SE: We want to change the whole dynamics of a festival in the era of social media and, since many short films are by new talent, find some of the best new talent both in front of and behind the camera.
MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?
SE: Our festival has not change much in four years except that we continue to improve what we do and find additional ways to highlight filmmakers and talent and increase the additional “best of Fest” screening venues throughout the year.
MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?
SE: Our goal is to have a reputation for finding the best new films, gain strong support beyond just the Asian American community, provide exposure and opportunities via connections and promotion, and change Hollywood’s perspective of Asian Americans in the film industry so they can be hired for their talent and not their looks and/or ethnicity only.
MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?
SE: Agustin Villarong’s IN A GLASS CAGE (Tras el cristal) from 1986. A controversial, dark, thriller with a brilliant premise and an amazing performance by actress Marisa Paredes. The music, cinematography and directing capture the very horror and darkness of the script.
MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?
SE: A great film is all about a great script because without that you can only add fluff and distractions such as special effects and action sequences.
MT: How is the film scene in your city?
SE: We are based in LA, it’s the heart of the film industry!
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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 Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.
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