"Festivals of Their Own" Response

I find it interesting that the festival experience in America mirrors the progression of Hollywood in the sense that festivals began as a way for experimental and independent films to gain rapport within the film community, but after the premiere of a major film, the festival personality moved more toward big name films with bigger budgets and crazy distribution schedules. I think this sucks. As much as I do love some of the bigger films that I have seen at film festivals, I think it sucks that even though these higher-budget, big-name films go to festivals and steal awards from other potential winners that wouldn't get recognition, or as much recognition, otherwise.

It's amazing how much of an impact film can make on any given person, town, or culture, so much so that Atlantic City hosts one even without having a single theater in the entire town. That's pretty cool to me.

Yet, with the festival circuit's obsession with making money and not really showcasing quality "small" filmmaking, I think that it's phenomenal how Visions sets ourselves apart by showcasing undergraduate work and scholarship.

UHMMMMM, I definitely will be taking a trip to NYC to experience the Monday Night Shorts @ Freight Film Salon and/or starting something similar!