Father & Daughter Film Report

 

 

According to the Texas Film Commission, there are around 30 film festivals that run each year in Austin.  Having been to a few (as well as not having our press credentials honored at others, more on that some other time) - we have to say of all these in the capital of Texas, the Austin Revolution Film Festival is one of the BEST!

But don't just take our word for it, look at what other film makers are saying:

“Soon to be one of the best ‘true’ independent film festivals in the world.”– Jason Tostevin, TIL’ DEATH, HANDS OFF PRODUCTIONS


“…Is a breath of fresh air. A festival that focuses on the filmmakers as well as educating audiences to what a film festival is all about… Seeing great indie films…you can tell a lot of love went into this festival.”– KYLE ROBERTS, THE POST HUMAN PROJECT


“If you are seriously about making a mark on the indie scene you should definitely enter the Austin Revolution Film Fest.”– TOMMY FAIRCLOTH, DORCHESTER’S REVENGE


“One of the most satisfying screening and festival experiences of my career. Peers become colleagues become friends become family. I can not recommend submitting to this any higher.”– MIKE DONIS, “PETE WINNING & THE PIRATES”


“The mix of talented film makers, diverse films and stellar networking make it a rarity in a sea of sub-par film festivals.” – BRETT BENTMAN, ”ASH” 


Laughing it up with Film Festival Today's Amanda Perkins, Writer & Producer Louis Hunter, and Film-maker Festival Director James Christopher 

James Christopher became hooked on films after having the movie Jaws scare him.  He started making films 8 years ago.  When asked what gave him the idea to start his own festival, his answer echoed the sentiments of many film makers:

"We had played our films all over the country...all over the world in fact. But we never played at home. So after being on the circuit, seeing other great indie films that were being ignored for reasons other than story telling, we decided to start the fest.  It was slow, steady build that has put us on some very cool ground."

 

Very cool ground, indeed.  And not just the fact that it was built on one of the most happening places in the nation, but something else very cool happens when a festival is built with the heart and soul of a film maker who wants OTHER film-makers to have their work shown - it becomes a festival where the DEVELOPMENT of films happen.  This is very important, for deep down inside, this is the MAIN reason why screenwriters send in scripts, and why directors and producers send in their films.  Not only to have then seen, but to have them developed, that is, to go on to the next level.


And going to the next level is exactly what happens at the Austin Revolution, as some of the feature films in this year's festival were entered as shorts last year.  How did that happen?  In what can only be described as "Panels & Bar Chats", Director Christopher has engineered a very unique way that actually facilitates filmmakers to meet other filmmakers (& agents, & casting directors, and, and, and...) to create a festival where deals actually are done!


This facilitation was actually developed by maintaining the spirit of this festival being a real revolution, a revolution in how films are made: 


"The festival really is about making everyone happy, but also building a network. I don't want filmmakers to come once, I want them to come every year. So we have to build something that takes their needs in mind, while also staying true to the values and initiatives that started the festival in the first place."

 

 

What did Director Christopher learn about himself personally by creating & running this festival over the past four years?   "That I need more patience! But really, I learn a lot about myself as a filmmaker from running this festival. The most important thing...and this can't be understated:  I am not alone. That's a big deal."

 

Amanda and I agree. That IS a big deal, and we applaud a festival that promotes such a feeling. 


Where does the Austin Revolution Film Festival see the future of film making heading?  "Its going online and heading to TV.  This is a good thing.  Filmmakers more now than ever can really have a chance at a successful self distribution!"

Again, we agree, and to assist the ARFF in giving films a chance to be seen and open doors for distribution, we would like to give you a preview into some of the films we thought worthing checking out:

 

Sweethearts of the Gridiron

- Directed by Chip Hale  Documentary 

Certainly a part of Texas history.  Well, Texas football history, as Chip shows us how the Rangerettes provided the first football halftime show in the state of Texas on September 12, 1940.  Amanda didn't know what was more fun, watching the film, or having nearly every member from that squad march in and take over the theater...!

Check out the trailer:


 

That's Not Mine

by John Tuccillo     Short

Incredibly hilarious story of a child’s parents who find ‘his’ bag of weed, and a further equipped box of other illegal treasures that soon turn out to be his fathers. Very well done, the acting is excellent.

Check out the trailer:

 

 

The Age of Reason

- by Andrew Schrader & Jordan Harris

Very nice cinematography and story about a teenage boy trying to follow his dream with a new girl in town and a best friend who who gets into a lot of trouble. Terrific acting and one of the best stories out there, at least Amanda thinks so.

 

 

 

As a father, this was a special film festival for me,  for this was the first time that Amanda went out and covered a festival on her own (Dad had to stay home on this one).  Later, everyone told me she was a pleasure to have, and showed the highest standard of professionalism - taking notes on all the films, asking thought provoking questions in her interviews...

What could make a dad more proud than seeing his daughter go out and grab the industry she wishes to be involved in by the horns and do it well...?

Also as a dad, I want to personally thank Festival Director James Christopher for being so accommodating (or as parents might say, 'keeping an eye' on her) and making her feel she was really a part of the festival.  For she did...

Such consideration and care I think says a lot about the Austin Revolution Film Festival overall, for this is the energy any film maker or screenwriter would want when submitting their films, and the type of energy and atmosphere they would want their films shown.

From a loving father, 

THANK-YOU

Austin Revolution Film Festival

for taking such good care of my daughter.


 Amanda with Josh Hope, writer & director of  "The Life & Death of an Unhappily Married Man"