From: Jims
Sent on: Monday, April 15, 2013, 11:07 PM
Hi everyone,
 
FILM FESTIVAL WRAP-UP
 
Film festival 37 is history and I am a bit sad.  Even though my cat and wife will (hopefully) be happier to see me, it was almost like being in high school where all you cared about was movies.  Back to the grown up world I guess. 
 
That said, here are my impressions:
 
1. EVERY year, I hear a number of people say that this year wasn't as good as past years.  Why do I always hear that?   Is it because our expectations ratchet up slightly just because we have seen so many great films over the years?  Or perhaps there are more film festivals and so the same number of movies are being spread across a larger number of festivals.  Or do we have selective memories (like High School) where we only remember the good things?   While I saw a number of very good films, this was the first year that I did not see one excellent film.
 
2. The film festival increased another 9% to 93,200 attendees.  Of the 8,000 additional attendees, 5,000 was due to the added day (now we are at 12 days) while 3,000 (5%) was organic growth.  Perhaps that is why our film festival is viewed as one of the 6 best after Sundance.  http://www.petergreenberg.com/2013/01/21/beyond-sundance-six-standout-us-film-festivals/
 
3. Marcie Goodman indicated that since the Festival moved from the Cedar Lee to downtown, attendance has crept almost 700% from a base of only 14,000 in 1991.  I am not aware of any other Festival that continues to grow.
 
4. Biggest film controversy was Blondie.  If you only read the write-up, it sounded like a quirky film, kind of a mix of Deborah Harry and Dagwood's wife.  In reality, it was a very dark movie and somewhat sad.  So without many dark and sad movie fans in the audience, many were very disappointed with the film.  Personally, I enjoyed the movie but then again, I like dark.
 
5. Cleveland Cinemas wisely published 5 Film Festival movies that will be shown at the Cedar Lee later this year.
UPCOMING EVENTS

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA: Cedar Lee, Tuesday April 16

You really don't need much information on this classic Marx Brother film.  Just show up and be prepared to laugh.

NO: Cedar Lee, Wednesday April 17

Yes, we are going to see this wonderful film about Chile's dictator Pinochet.  Please join us at the Cedar Lee.  The film has received critical acclaim.  If you can't make the movie, plan to meet us at 9:15 at Lemongrass to discuss films at the Festival. 

Your dues of $5.00 are very important in order for us to host directors or others coming into town and pay for the website.

www.meetup.com/clevelandfilm/dues

CALL FOR ORGANIZERS

At least once a week, I get a request to see a certain movie.  Well, the best way to do that is to organize your own movie.  You can pick most anything, even a "smart" mainstream film.  Regular organizers get to see movies for free.  It is not that difficult.  Your dues are also waived.

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