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Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival Review
Article by Justin T. Bowler
Independent filmmakers mostly create work as art. There is not much money-making in independent filmmaking. Yes, it can be a means to an end. That end goal being to create movies in Hollywood, and no longer be independent. Or even better, the ultimate goal: make money for filmmaking! But mostly, moments where that goal is achieved are few and far between. So, we artists are left to enjoy our art as our greatest reward.
On occasion, independent filmmakers are treated to a glimpse of what big Hollywood feels like. Such is the case at
the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Award and Festival. It is meticulously run by Robin Bain (actress, writer, producer, and lover of independent film making).
“Movies are my passion and my escape. Exploring and viewing life through the camera lens whether it be my own or a fellow filmmaker inspires me.
The Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival is a celebration of truly independent filmmaking. It was my intention to create a venue in which indie filmmakers could share their work with like-minded artists and inspire each other through camaraderie.”
I included this festival in a previous year-long series about filmmaker friendliness. The series had very simple criteria. Would festivals answer three yes or no questions regarding submissions from a filmmaker? First, do they realistically accept a fifteen minute short film? Second, do they accept films with nudity? Third, do they accept my genre of film? The answers to these questions were not posted on informational pages. So, I emailed festivals asking them. If the festival did not respond, I would email twice more over the course of three months. If they never responded at all, the festival got a thumbs down. If they responded to my questions, they got a thumbs up. It was that simple. Yet, you would be surprised how many festivals never got back to me. As a filmmaker, my concern was, if you can’t take the time to answer three yes or no questions regarding submission, then I don’t believe you will actually even watch my film if I submit. Furthermore, I have never, ever received a refund from a festival because the answer to one of those questions was no. Festivals in general, are very happy to take the money of independent filmmakers. So, the point of my series was to find festivals that responded to filmmaker questions and gave a fair shot to filmmakers. I contacted over one hundred festivals. Many never got back to me. But that is how I came into contact and first discovered the Hollywood Independent Filmmakers Award and Festival. They got back to me, answered my questions, and I submitted, confident that they would actually watch my film. I was right.
When you submit to this festival, your projects are not lost, tossed by the wayside, or disregarded. Every single film is watched and judged according to the merits of the festival staff.
My work was deemed good enough to be included in the festival. The experience was phenomenal. Apart from the usual red carpet, and photographers, the screening was held on the Paramount back lot. Let me tell you, one cannot help but feel like they are a part of the great history of Hollywood when they screen there. That is precisely the reason why Robin has the festival at this location.
“I reasoned that the opportunity for participants to screen their work on the Paramount Studios lot would be a ‘taste of the dream’ and at the same time an opportunity that would be inspirational for both budding and experienced filmmakers.”
Every filmmaker loves to see their work on the big screen, but, to screen it in a place so rich with Hollywood history, means so much more. Filmmaker Victoria Gordon had this to say.
“This is a really special festival for a few reasons. For one, the venue was great–seriously, I have seen my film screened in some, um, unique venues. This was top-notch, and the ability to see the film in a high-quality theater is a huge plus. I also appreciated the dedication and effort the organizers put into making the day special for us. Prior to each film’s screening, Robin got up to share some of her thoughts on the film that was about to be shown and why she chose to include it. That was really kind of her, and just the kind of above and beyond gesture that makes any filmmaker feel like her effort was worth it.
I highly recommend this festival for filmmakers with shorts, and especially filmmakers who are looking for a fun festival experience. This is the kind of hands-on event that makes everyone feel like they’re part of the community, and that reminds us that, yes, filmmaking is an art and making something great is special and worthy of celebration! I so enjoyed being part of the experience.“
Overall, I cannot recommend this festival enough. I have been to well over a hundred screenings. Without a doubt, this was one of the most memorable, It truly offered a taste of the dream.
The Hollywood independent filmmaker awards and festival submission details can be found on www.FilmFreeway.com.
Submissions for the 2019 festival open February 11th.
