My first foray into the film community in Victoria was via the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival more than a decade ago. I volunteered for everything they would allow me to. I saw a slew of films and met a unique collection of Victorians.
Originally born from the CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers Co-operative, it is now its own animal and has been rebranded as the Victoria Film Festival.
The VFF holds little value in the festival circuit. There are no buyers or programmers shopping its program. A premiere here holds little cred. Any festivals are, however, always wonderful opportunities to win awards and press coverage, as well as gain audience for your cause of online presence. Personally, Victoria has become one of my favourite film events.
2013 was much less attended by the local community, yet still felt like a gathering of family that can only happen in our sweet island city. This industry here is supportive, collective, collaborative, and far from competitive. There's no doubt that I feel this place to be unlike any other due to the amount of time I have invested in it.
My last few projects have not fit into the VFF program, although they enjoyed sales and screenings at prominent festivals and on television around the world. This year I decided to make a film for Victoria.
With the deadline approaching in three days, I reflected back on the last film I had screened in Victoria.
Back far enough in time that we can remember how poor online compression quality was.
I took my dog for a walk, pondering the VFF program tastes. I have been so inspired by the way this animal friend of mine has adapted to old age. I watched her leaping with glee at the simple and immense pleasure she enjoys from chasing and destroying sticks, despite having suffered and recovered from several strokes that had almost completely immobilized her. She is a superhero. A very simple poem came to me finally.
That 1-minute creation turned into a Gold Pass to this year's festival. It saved hundreds of dollars, and got into any sold out film desired. I love this short format, it's so freeing.
Huge thanks to the VFF programmers for supporting creative works and showcasing local talent beyond the marketable products. I know several worthy films that were not included this year, and it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of some. We should remember that if there is more in store for those stories, they should be hoping for more than this kind of showcase.
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