Contributed by Georgia Menides
When
we say, The Valley Film Festival, we mean THE WHOLE DARN VALLEY
For the past 17 years, The Valley
Film Festival has produced annual independent
Yes, Laemmle
NoHo 7 is in The
Valley. But the name, “The Valley Film Festival”
refers to a lot more than just our venue’s location. The name is reflective of
our targeted- to-Valley-folk programming. We primarily focus on films with
concrete production or cast ties to the (818). Or we program foreign films that
speak to the specific cultural needs of The Valley’s strongest international
demographics. In short, we are of, from,
and all about The Valley.
As traditional movie theatre
audiences continue to decline, more and more theatres are willing to take a
chance on a film festival in efforts to raise revenue. The result has been a
propagation of small festivals popping up all over The Valley and in the world
at large. So how can The Valley Film Festival continue to differentiate itself
from the herd when every day it seems like someone else in the (818) is
starting yet another festival?
I spoke to VFF’s new
co-producer, David Kraus to learn more about his efforts to expand the
presence, financials, and outreach for VFF, making sure that filmmakers,
distributors, and audiences know that we represent the whole valley.
David Krouse - “2017 has been a ground-breaking year for
the festival. We’ve grown in every direction; expanded programming, venue
additions, partnerships with online and broadcast tv stations, sponsors, staff,
and social media. We are also growing our distribution wing. Next year we will
be hosting a film market to help connect hundreds of local filmmakers with the
companies who acquire content.
My overarching vision
for VFF is to become THE Valley Film Festival – as the single most important
annual cultural event in the San Fernando
Valley, from the West Hills to Burbank. To achieve these visions, we needed to expand.”
The focus has been on
evolving our programming to now host year-round community screenings, parties,
events, and panels on every aspect on filmmaking. We are now able to offer
exhibition to a wider range of filmmakers, branching into episodic and VR
media. Additionally, now we have an opportunity to import more international
cinema into The Valley. Our international community deserve a chance to see
films on screen in their own language. The more we can provide, the better.
DK - “One of my first thoughts for a screening venue (far away from North
Hollywood) was the elegant but cozy 75 seat theatre and spacious reception area
at Columbia
College Hollywood in Tarzana. I approached the film school about
partnering with us and are so excited to have them in board. So far, it’s been
a perfect fit and we have already hosted 3 crowded, successful panels.”
The Valley Film Festival’s
first Community Screening will be on Saturday October 7th with a
“real talk” discussion about the highs and lows of mumblecore (microbudget filmmaking).
The Valley Film Festival is so
excited about this screening. We feel it will inspire artists and non-artists alike
to take a crack at this art form that, thanks to today’s technology, is no
longer just for the rich and connected.
I'll have more to say about our expansion as it continues to
unfold. But for now, just remember, when we say, "Valley Film
Festival," yes, we mean the whole darn Valley!!
Saturday,
October 7, 2:30pm
@ Columbia
College Hollywood (Tarzana)
18618 Oxnard
Street, Tarzana, CA 91356
The 17th Annual Valley Film Festival runs October 25-29, 2017 @ Laemmle NoHo7.
