So, Jen, it’s your second year producing iFilm Festival. Any changes, that we can expect this year?

– Well, this year we welcome not just short films and feature films, but also documentaries and music videos. People have been asking a lot about it, so we decided, why not? There are so many outstanding documentaries and music videos being produced every year, and we would love to have them as a part of our program.

I’ve noticed that you use a different platform for receiving submissions this year.

– This year we partnered up with FilmFreeway to make it easier for our filmmakers to apply. All you need to do is just click on the link through our website, and it will take you to submission page.

What are this year’s submission dates?

– We open submissions on February 1st, and you can apply till June 22nd. We will present official selections on July 1st, and the winner will be announced a month later, which is July 31st.

How much is the submission fee?

– We don’t charge a submission fee. It’s free. We understand that submitting to festivals can get very costly. Especially, if you’re a young filmmaker. You want to submit to one festival, then another one, and another one… because that’s what you should be doing. But it all eventually adds up. We want iFilm to be that supportive platform that always welcomes talented people, no matter what.

I know that your festival program has a special focus this year. What inspired it?

– This year’s special focus is the Women In Film Category. With everything that’s going on in the entertainment industry, it just came naturally. This category is a celebration of women that are involved in all levels of the filmmaking process. It’s our little way of showing support to every single woman in our industry by launching this special category…

How do you see iFilm Festival progressing?

– Well, our goal is to add a physical aspect to the film festival, and we’re projecting to get to that point in 2 or 3 years. Our submissions will always be free of charge, and we will always accept submissions from all around the world.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

– We don’t have any technical qualifications, such as runtime, or a time limit to when a movie was produced. Of course, everyone is looking for quality. But we also appreciate the ambition. A lot depends on a script, and what your movie stands for. The idea, the way of telling your story… it all matters.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

– The story. You can have it all together, a great crew, a big budget, A-list cast… but if don’t have a good story, you don’t have anything.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

– Blow. With Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz. The story is amazing. The cast is phenomenal. The subject matter is deep, and it’s way deeper than it seems at first. I love deep movies.

What are some of your favorite films?

– That’s a long list (laughing). I love classics. The Godfather, Wall Street with young Michael Douglas, Fight Club, Life is Beautiful, Back to the Future… everything that can be described as “timeless quality”.

What advice career-wise can you give to young filmmakers?

– Go out and film. There is no better way to level up your skills than practice. Don’t be afraid to fail. It will only make you better. Watch more movies, analyze why some work and others don’t. And never give up. No matter what. Follow your dream, work for it, and success will come.