[Frameworks] Current situation with Film Festivals

[Veronica Ibarra]

I'm finding this thread very interesting.

My experience with submitting to film festivals has been quite disappointing and 
I haven't bothered again in years. I probably didn't spend enough time doing my 
festival filtering research before-hand. 

I was told that my film, although narrative-based, was too long and 
"experimental" for most Spanish festivals. And it wasn't Spanish enough (no 
wonder about that! it was made in London!). No sentimental story about cute 
children during the Spanish civil war, no stupid jokes either. No even dramatic 
dialogue between resentful family members, no painful social issues, etc.

http://vimeo.com/veronicaibarra/the-uncertain-existence

Also the atmosphere at the festivals I got into and attended was awful. All 
about networking and self-promotion. Just awful. 

I will probably submit a film in the future though, I just need to be a lot more 
choosy. 

My experience with Vimeo and YouTube has been even worse. It must be me, I do 
not know how to promote my work (dodgy word "promote") so the right people 
(people who would be interested) know of its existence.
For me to have my film online is like having it stored in a cupboard.
It hasn't been shown yet.

Ok, so if I want an audience I need to spend time finding it...never mind.

I must say that a similar thing is happening to art exhibitions vs just putting 
your work up online on some website.

I like the idea of DIY "basement" film and art events. I have organized a few of 
those in the past and loved them Shame (or luck) that now I live away from the 
city in the not-so-accessible countryside of Granada, Spain. Lots of space for a 
giant projection screen in the middle of the beautiful wilderness , but maybe 
too difficult for people to come?
So I just project films outside on the terrace for family and the occasional 
visitor friends, ha!

For me it should not be about lots of people from all over the world seeing the 
film, as can happen online ... what good does a few stats numbers do for me or 
my work? nothing much, all the opposite: Sometimes I find myself checking stats 
in an obsessive way and getting kind of depressed for caring so much and wasting 
my time.

If I want people to see my work for a valid reason (one can always choose not to 
show it)then you have to really feel you are sharing it. The best way is to be 
present with the audience, isn't it?. To be part of their experience. 
This is why I want to show my Dual piece only as a double projection on 16mm. 
Sending a DVD to a far-away place is just not the same.

http://www.veronicaibarrafilms.com/index.php?/-untitled-dual-16mm/


It is not about numbers of people. Remember Fluxus and Dada events!

One good thing I get from Frameworks is that I get a glimpse of the create an 
alternative / reject the system (read film industry) attitude that is so 
refreshing and hopeful.

By the way, public recognition to gain self-esteem is not a valid reason for 
wanting to make or show art. It doesn't even work. JOY is.

Let's enjoy ourselves today by making some art and let's stop worrying about 
"the audience". I am talking to myself here... again.

Veronica

http://www.veronicaibarra.com

PS. If anyone wants to organise something in Las Alpujarras just get in touch :) 
Just don't expect more than 10 people!


      
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