Oscar, it seems like you guys have a lot of going on this year. Is there anything you wish you could do this year, but can’t just yet?
Later on down the line, I would like us to roll out some physical aspect that allows these young filmmakers to be celebrated properly. Almost like an award night for them. They work so hard on completing their films and may get an award from a number of festivals, but theres nothing like being celebrated by your peers. It’s those moments that you remember forever.
What motivates you and your team to do this festival?
I’ve always appreciated the craft. During my time at Red Bull, we valued the power of story telling. Even now at EnBev, we hire and work with some creative people to tell stories, whether it’s photo or commercials, around my companies products. This is our way of showing our appreciation to those storytellers.
What were some of the obstacles you faced, while founding iFilm?
The biggest obstacle is always building a community. Just because it’s an obstacle doesn’t mean it’s not fun. We enjoy the challenge of starting something fresh, engaging with people across the world, and watching how they view the world through their films. Every year the community gets larger and it isn’t about focusing on a number, it’s about the process of growing the community together. That’s what I love.
What makes a great film?
When I look at a film, I think, “did the filmmaker pull me into their universe”? Everything counts. The lighting, the sound, the cuts, the story. Some of the best films make you feel like you were right there with the character….that’s what I’m looking for.
What sort of film genres are you hoping to see submitted this year?
Maybe some good drama. Something with emotion and character, that has a narrative that I wouldn’t expect. I don’t want to know everything before it happens, but as it happens, I want to feel like I knew nothing. WOW that was good.
What is iFilm Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
We’re giving them a platform to showcase their work, for free. Many aspiring filmmakers across the world may live in conditions where they lack the capital to bring attention to their work, and may not have a community in their local area that supports filmmakers in general. iFilm Festival gives them a community of like minded and supportive people. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you come from, how much money you have, how big your budget was, or if you have any prominent actors. All we care about is your film and it’s story.
What creative opportunities are there for filmmakers with brands / companies ?
I encourage all people to follow their dreams, but to approach it like a business. How can you approach your dreams from a fresh angle & new perspective? How can you set yourself apart? You want to be a Director and Producer, but many of the skills that are required to accomplish these things are transferrable in business. For instance, you can walk down the street in your neighborhood and use your skills to help raise awareness for a local business (content creation, creative direction, project management, etc.) As your making your films, you’ll realize that many Businesses, Brands, etc. have problems that you can help fulfill. In my Business, I work with a talented group of people such as Producers, Directors, Cinematographers, etc. to fulfill my customers needs and you can too.
Do you have any advice for people thinking about getting into the industry?
As an Businessman, I look at the Industry a tad bit differently. (1) You should network and build up your connections. Support other filmmakers, help with projects, and build your connections. The industry isn’t a place or a certain person, it’s a collection of people and the second you act like your already in it and the people you meet have the same goals as you, then you will succeed in deepening your ties with core players. (2) Build your own industry. We always want to take over the world, but we’re unable to take over our block, neighborhood, city. Start there. If I can build and support a community of Filmmakers, what’s stopping you from doing the same where you are? Don’t go searching for Diamonds elsewhere, because you may find that you’ve been sitting on a Fortune all along.
What was one of your favorite movies when you were growing up?
I loved Back to the Future. Michael J. Fox was definitely one of my Heroes and I watch the movie countless times. I guess what I enjoyed most from it is knowing that what you do now, can change the outcome of your future. It is within your control. Make the right decisions, be kind to people, work hard, and you can have the future of your dreams….just be sure to enjoy the ‘PRESENT’ moment and all the twist and turns along the way.
What does the storytelling of independent film contribute to our lives?
When you verbally hear a story, you mentally imagine it completely different than the person telling it. What I love of films is that you’re able to show it, exactly how you see it. Like a painting, it will always have it’s own interpretation, but what you present is your motion, visual art. How does this contribute to our lives? As an independent filmmaker, you now have the ability to showcase your views, your imagination, your thoughts, your poetry to the world. It’s no longer being dictated to you, because you are dictating it. That’s powerful.
Why do you think film festivals are still necessary?
Film Festivals are like powerful moments. If your playing a sport, you practice for that big game and when that big game occurs, and you score that point, that moment is everything you lived for. Films Festivals are like that. It’s that moment of celebration and recognition of your hard work. It brings together people that share a similar passion as you and elevates everyone in celebration of their hard work. I love it.