A Haven for Filmmakers
At first glance the annual Florida Film Festival, in balmy Orlando, seems to set itself apart from other North American independent film fests only in size and location. However, with a little closer inspection (or even better after a visit to the Enzian and "poolside" at the Langford Hotel), the fest begins to resemble a haven for indie filmmakers. In its sixth year, the FFF is also quickly becoming a must stop for the burgeoning
group of filmmakers and indiefilm industry executives. Why? The answer is found in the abc's of the industry: Audience, Business, and Community.
Films are made to be seen, and at the Enzian Theater, we not only have a rare dinner theater (beverage and food!) atmosphere but also an indie-receptive "regional" local audience. Festivals seem to be appearing in every hamlet across the nation, and yet few accomplish the difficult task of truly uniting the audience with the makers. The casual setting of the FFF
and attentiveness of the festival staffers encourages filmmakers to discuss their personal reasons for embarking on the often difficult task of seeing their projects through all stages of production and then ultimately on to the silver screen.
While the Sundance Film Festival is considered a must stop for the business-to-business transactions, it no longer has the filmmaker-friendly vibe of days gone by. Filmmakers and distributors used to flock to the snowy slopes to talk about the art and business of filmmaking, without neglecting to discuss the finer points of the craft. Today, however, Sundance has become a destination for Hollywood executives, foreign television executives, and lawyers and agents, all of whom often entertain
themselves in very private parties. The wheeling and dealing remains exclusive rather than inclusive. Those filmmakers who arrive at the fest for their first visit more than likely leave in a bewildered state and can frequently be heard complaining that they did not meet any of their colleagues. In contrast
to this bleak scenario, the FFF encourages the makers and executives to commingle, reminding many of the veterans that have attended of the "good old days." The business of film is the topic of the day in Orlando, not the business of banking.
By far the most refreshing aspect of the FFF is the strong sense of community between the filmmakers present. Unlike the hectic, and often depressing, mad "sell, sell, sell" atmosphere of other indie fests, FFF offers the makers a week to "commune" amongst themselves.
Many filmmakers have returned and gathered encouragement and ideas from their colleagues as well as seminal advice and insight from the execs, who are less guarded after a Martini or two. The Florida Sun seemingly also has a tongue-loosening effect as well.
-- Karol Martesko
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