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Dec 30, 2007 Perhaps the rise in film festivals has derived from the onslaught of multiplex theaters on the rise in the States and elsewhere. Studios seek the next blockbuster, whether it's a smaller film project out of a niche studio that catches on to a larger audience or a $200 million dollar production presumed to be the next blockbuster. One of the major problems with 'blockbuster' thinking is in terms of film as art, or film as profitable art. An art film, an avant-garde film, or an experimental film is not as likely to bring in the big bucks as a main stream commercial film written in a set format that the audience going public is used to seeing and that will thrill for 110 minutes or so. The dilemma is in the need for cash. So many people want the proverbial bigger car, a bigger house, blah, blah, blah. It gets in the way of being willing to even consider making a truly independent film. Commercialism and capitalism are fine but should not dominate or wipe out independent, art, niche and experimental films. I'm not alone in my way of thinking on this. But honestly, I would be more than willing to be a lone reed on this one. Artistic endeavors are simply too important to allow them to fall by the wayside. I want to watch quality films. Some big budget films are great, but large budgeted films cannot afford to be risk takers.They are not independent films. They are not art films. There is simply too much upfront money involved for the investors to be risk takers at that level. Too many paychecks on the line. Too many jobs at stake. Smaller films with smaller budgets have more opportunity for risk, hence artistic freedom, personal expression and the ability to tackle controversial issues. Film festivals have sprouted up at a rapid pace over the past several years. Perhaps there are a few different dynamics which are contributing to this phenomenon. With the closing of so many of the smaller film houses something had to replace the location in which art and independent films could be seen. Film festivals don't have to fill the seats night after night, year-round. Instead, these festivals seek to fill the seats for matter of days, generally somewhere between 2-11 days once a year. The film festivals have become a haven for film buffs as well as audiences seeking art and independent films. In the past several years films have become substantially cheaper to produce allowing from a much more even playing field for filmmakers of all backgrounds and incomes. Last August, while at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Sophie and I watched a film called, In Search of a Midnight Kiss. The film has since been picked up for distribution. It is a black and white, feature film made for $18,000 with a very short shooting schedule and a miniscule cast and crew. I think the crew consisted of something like three people. This could not have happened when films were made on film instead of video. Film is a much more costly medium which often only allows a select few to participate in it's creation. Video, on the other hand, is available to the masses. Literally, if you have a video camera you can make a movie. This phenomenon has changed the possibilities for filmmakers. What once used to be an exclusive playing field is now wide open. If a new or emerging filmmaker wants to make a movie the only things they really need are ambition, determination and follow-through. The rest is available. Of course, for the filmmaker to make a good film they will need a good script, decent acting, camera work, sound, lighting, etc. So now we live in a world of abundance instead of limitation when it comes to filmmaking. If you are so inspired you can create it, whereas before you could only dream it, less a few in an elite class. Times have changed and no-budget and low budget independent films are bountiful. These new and emerging filmmakers need a place to show their work. This coupled with the art and independent film audiences desire to find a place to watch their flavor has allowed for the proliferation of film festivals to manifest and flourish throughout the world. Studios have found film festivals to be an ideal way of finding an audience and marketing their product. Distributors attend film festivals and film markets to purchase films from independent film makers, or their sales reps. Film festivals have also found an audience which supports them. People are willing to travel to attend festivals in hopes of seeing new and intriguing films they might not otherwise have the opportunity to view. They can travel to gorgeous cities and watch fabulous films. The combination has created quite a boost to many local economies which now strategically promote and develop film festival events in hopes of luring this refined and often affluent audience to their town, their hotels, their cafes, their economy. While block buster movies have their place and an audience, the world of filmmaking and how people wish to view their films is changing. Film festivals have found a home in the public's heart and have allowed the independent and art films to re-emerge with a vengeance. Film festival tourism is on the rise, worldwide. It is becoming a wonderful way for towns, cities, states, provinces and countries to boost their economic growth in a positive and healthy manner for both the governmental institution as well as local businesses. Perhaps the world should consider having fewer wars and more film festivals. It might do us all some good. Thanks! | 
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