What do you get out of a film festival?
I have heard from many different members of the industry what they think the purpose of a film festival is. Some say that it is a way to build buzz for a film, some say that it is a way to give a film access to an audience that they might not normally have, some consider festivals a place to discover new films, filmmakers, or trends, others think that they are a great way to meet people in the industry.
I am currently working a film festival, and I also happily attend as many as possible. For me a film festival is a way to see films that I might not normally be able to see and to have my eyes opened, and hopefully my mind blown, by a film.
Do you go to film festivals? What role do festivals play in your film viewing life? Why do you think festival are or aren't important in the film industry?
posted by cats, movies, ideas @ 8:10 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
This is a great post, and a really good question, especially considering the state of film distribution nowadays.
I've been going to film festivals for years, and I think over time the role festivals play in my film life has changed. I think when I first started going to festivals, it was to see films early and discover new filmmakers that I normally might never have known about. Over the years as distribution has become more difficult for independent film I think film festivals are essential for indie film fans. Festivals are often the only way to see films that will never get theatrical distribution. This can be true for first time filmmakers, extremely low-budget film, lots of documentaries and international film and even films by acknowledge master like Tsai Ming-Liang!
Of course, with my work for Chlotrudis a big reason I go to festivals is to network with film industry types, and find movies that Chlotrudis can get behind and give an early push to. Making contact with producers and directors can be especially rewarding for our programs such as the Sunday Eye-Opener.
Ivy has asked a great question! I would love to see more of your answers!
The big thing for me is the chance to see movies I probably wouldn't get to see on on the big screen otherwise, for a number of different reasons - indeed, my only source of disappointment with the most recent IFFB is that it seemed like almost everything I saw was projected digitally, with a few odd exceptions (Triangle, for instance - a subtitled print of that made it over from Hong Kong). If any of these films come out on Blu-ray, they'll look nearly as good in my living room.
Still, it's worth noting that as much as Michael mentions the state of independent film distribution, I still sometimes feel like I'm drinking from a fire hose. I grew up in a Portland, ME, suburb and went to school in Worcester, so options were limited, so what's available in Boston and on DVD can leave me paralyzed with indecision. There are times when the structure of a festival is good for me, forcing me to decide between films and get as much in as possible because I can act as if there's no tomorrow.
(You should see my annual Fantasia brochure, with titles circled, crossed out, written in for late announcements, arrows indicating, no, I should do THIS screening instead...)
Also: Short films. I love short stories, and have grown to love them even more as everything else has seemed to grow to multi-part serial epics, but with rare exceptions, you don't get to see them anywhere other than festivals.
I just wanted to take the opportunity to clarify as a staff member of IFFBoston (and proud Chlotrudis member) that we show film prints whenever possible. I am sorry that more of your presentations weren't on film, Jason. The sad truth is that many of the films selected don't have the budget for 35mm prints and that most smaller budget and documentary "films" are rarely shot on film at all these days. We do attempt to improve the quality of presentation for non 35mm during the fest by renting high end HD decks for all of our venues which are operated by qualified technicians. Presentation is very important to us as a festival and a good deal of energy is devoted to it.
To address the original post though:
I attend film festivals whenever possible. They provide an energy and excitement to film viewing that I couldn't possibly muster in my own home by myself. I enjoy the decadence of a steady diet of film for days on end without interruptions from my mundane reality. The luxury of viewing films on a big screen in a dark room still excites me. It is an opportunity to be completely enveloped and absorbed by the medium and to share a communal experience. Film represents an opportunity to observe different perspectives on humanity. I think that view is enhanced when actually experienced with other humans who are equally as engaged in the experience.
Each festival offers a unique programming style. Often it express the cultural atmosphere of their communities as well as the individuals that organize them which I find enlightening. And clear to all of us devoted to watching films-- in many situations, worthwhile films don't receive theatrical runs. Fests provide an opportunity for an audience to see them.
Film Festivals are a celebration of the film industry and cinematic legacy. They help promote it and accentuate to the merits of the medium... And for all of these reasons, I am compelled not only to attend but to be involved in one.
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