The weekend started with the Points North Forum, where there were 2 panels of speakers. The first were speakers from Film Funding companies such as LEF, PBS, and HBO. Over all there was  a good amount of information from them on what they like to see for funding. Basically all EXCEPT LEF want to see a long reel of the piece, implying that you might as well already have gotten half way through the project before approaching them.

The other panel was a few DIY film makers, such as the Director of King Corn. This was really the highlight of the evening, with valuable information on creative fund raising that was “out of the box”.

Later that evening I attended the showing of Snowblind. This was an entertaining documentary on a young woman doing the Iditarod, and doing so legally blind. I definitely recommend seeing the film.

The evening ended up at a local pub in Camden, where there was live music, and plenty of milling about. The first performance was from ANIMAL HOSPITAL, and  amazing one person act “textured, atmospheric soundscape”. The music was fantastic,  so I purchased the CD. What followed was a vanilla flavored DJ playing the cleche’ DJ sounds that would get everyone on the floor, dancing around in spasms. Obviously I was not impressed, so I decided to call it a night.

The next day there were many viewings of films, one by local Director Richard Kane. I was able to speak with him after the show, to put a face to the emails that we have be sending around before the the festival. Thanks Richard for suggesting that I attend the CIFF!

Later that evening I saw BECAUSE WE WERE BORN (Puisque Nous Sommes Nés,   which was opend by the Animal Hospital (above).  This film was very powerful, especially considering there was barely any speaking throughout the entire film.  Well done.  Following that film was THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS, which was an very entertaining film showing common life wisdom from 4+ janitors for major university campus’. The cinematography was well done, finely exposed. The Director even found a clip from one of Bill Clinton’s speeches, which really tied the movie together. Again, I highly recommend this film.

This evening finished up at a wine bar in Camden, the Brevetto. This space would be nice for an evening of dinning, or enjoying a glass of wine. Overall, again not my kind of environment, so I left early.

Finally on Saturday I watched Crude, a powerful film about the destruction that Texico left in Ecuador. A very powerful film, full imagery and humanitarian situations sure to raise strong emotions. This was also well crafted, and featured Sting and his wife. They both worked to raise awareness of the situation by many avenues. Although I do not think throwing a Concert really does much for making progressive change in any cause, I think it was a valuable part of getting this issue known ( in the context of the film).

That’s it… the first film festival down!

The tree’s were amazing on the ride home.