Submitting To Film Festivals

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by MattSh ~ Roads Less Traveled

Submitting To Film Festivals

I woke up bright and early this morning. “War Is A Bitch” has been accepted to the San Diego Black Film Festival and I‘m flying out there on Thursday for a few days. We’ve also been accepted to the Treasure Coast International Film Festival in Port St. Lucie, Florida. So there’s been some great news lately!

For the last few weeks, I have been working diligently promoting “War Is A Bitch.” It’s almost too much for one man to do alone. The other day, Vinnie paid me a visit asking for the money he loaned me to make the film. Of course, I asked for an extension on my extension. He made some joke about me wearing cement shoes but I know he’s just playing. At least I hope. My other alternative is to marry his daughter. Not sure about that. She’s a little, uh, aggressive. And if I decided to divorce her, I’m sure it would be the last

living thing I ever did. Anyway, Vinnie agreed to lower his 70% interest rate to 68.9%.

Unfortunately, I’ve been a little down about the state of independent film. I was talking with 360 (fellow filmmaker Dwayne) last night about how the industry is just too political with secret handshakes and agendas driving the way things happen. At first, I thought the market was just oversaturated, which is true, but now I realize that it’s not talent, but rather the sponsors that are dictating things. They seem to be more interested in promoting cultural agendas than fostering new talent.

I have seen too many good films passed over for subpar films that promote a certain political or social economic perspective. This is especially true with African American films. There is a real effort by groups of black people to dumb down, or to ghettoize, our existence through the

medium of film. Now, I’m not blaming the filmmakers; as far as I can tell, the majority of us are sincere and trying to produce great work. In fact, of the many indie films I’ve seen, I’m amazed at how good they truly are. However, they are being passed over for films that are technically lacking proficiency, proper story and character development for the sake of keeping your perspective limited and confined.

It is absolutely horrible and the most frightening part about it is that the practice is widespread. If you think I am joking then pick up a mini DV camera, go out there and shoot a film (don’t hire a professional crew or even write a script) and tailor the story around a gay or lesbian theme and BAM!!! Watch the fireworks. More than likely, you will get several awards! But, let’s go further. Make a film about a kid in the hood selling drugs and again, BAM! The

sky will be raining awards. Now, I’m exaggerating a bit, but I hope you understand my point. I mean, there’s a reason why films like “Precious” are getting so much praise. I won’t say any more on that subject.

In the end, I will continue to support real indie filmmakers who speak from the heart; those with a passion and love for the art of film and who don’t just wake up one morning and decide to be a filmmaker. With that said, I want to say to all those talented struggling filmmakers out there to not give up hope. You are like the Phoenix that will one day rise from the ashes and soar into the sky.

Now back to “War Is A Bitch.” My producer Tanya and I are very excited about going to San Diego for the festival. It’s going to be a great opportunity to connect with filmmakers and see their work. I’m sure over dinner we’ll all trade our personal war

stories. Well, I better get going. Lots of work to do. I have to pick my MacDaddy outfit to walk down the red carpet.

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