ASSIGNMENT #2: Deeper Research into Festival Culture and Establishing a Festival – Post 3

My reflections on the process of establishing a festival highlight the complexity and dedication required to bring one to fruition. One crucial aspect that stands out to me is the importance of knowing our team members and fostering an environment where we feel comfortable collaborating and sharing ideas on fundamental aspects such as the festival’s mission, theme, and name. Once we conceptualized and agreed upon a name, the excitement for our festival soared. It was a spontaneous suggestion by one of our peers that instantly sparked my imagination and excitement for our festival, allowing me to envision the branding, design, and other important details with clarity. Giving our festival a name made it feel tangible and real.

Mia Falstein-Rush’s presentation on running a film festival was both enlightening and inspiring. Her firsthand insights into various aspects of festival organization, particularly securing sponsorships and in-kind donations, provided reassurance and valuable guidance. Mia’s emphasis on the importance of asking, without fear of rejection, resonated deeply.

Mia’s insights and with our festival’s name and identity established, the atmosphere in our class shifted. People began engaging in discussions within their respective roles and teams, exchanging ideas to enhance our festival. Mark Cousins’ manifesto (2014) further fueled our enthusiasm, encouraging us to embrace innovation and challenge convention. As we delved into planning the film festival, numerous aspects demanded consideration. One critical decision revolves around whether to implement an award system. If we opt for awards, sourcing reputable individuals to serve as jurors becomes essential. We also explored creative ideas for crafting prizes, such as handmade papier-mâché items or utilizing RMIT’s free 3D printer. Additionally, fundraising opportunities are on our radar to generate income. However, one topic that warrants further discussion is whether to charge an entrance fee. This decision carries both advantages and drawbacks. On one hand, ticket sales could provide revenue, even with a modest fee of $2-$5, especially if complemented with complimentary food and drinks. On the other hand, our lack of an established reputation may pose challenges in justifying an entrance fee. These details are crucial considerations, and I’m confident we’ll address them comprehensively in the near future.

Mia’s lecture and Cousins’ manifesto helped bolster my belief that our film festival could take shape in any manner we envisioned, as long as we approached it with creativity and a genuine appreciation for the artwork created by the studios’ and keep the enjoyment of our attendees in mind. This reaffirmed our commitment to creating a memorable and unique festival experience!

 

References

Cousins M (2014) ‘Film Festival Form: A Manifesto’, Scott MacKenzie (e.d.), Film Manifestos and Global Cinema Cultures: A Critical Anthology, University of California Press, Berkeley, p.559-562. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1525/9780520957411-160/pdf

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