In the News - Santa Cruz Film Festival KSBW Channel mbayink Love Fest From a documentary on a man's enlightening 20,000-mile journey on foot and horse ("20,000 Miles on a Horse") to a coming-of-age romantic comedy set in a Santa Cruz sandwich shop ("Ten Inch Hero"), the Santa Cruz Film Festival lineup features a plethora of films to satisfy your cinematic and musical cravings. In town for 10 days, the festival features locally produced, never-before-screened gems that encompass the spirit of Santa Cruz itself as well as the experiences of filmmakers from around the globe. Jane Sullivan, executive director and founder, took a moment to talk with INK. "I'm not much into titles," Sullivan said, laughing, "but I prefer to call myself Humble Founder and Chief Bottle Washer." Set in Santa Cruz Sullivan is the embodiment of the laid-back, artsy and sophisticated uniqueness of the Santa Cruz Film Festival, now in its sixth year. In fact, content featuring the quirk-and-surf coolness of Santa Cruz is this year's highlight; Two locally shot, independent feature films open and close the festival. "The Tripper," a campy slasher flick by David Arquette ("Scream"), was shot among the famous Santa Cruz redwoods and opens the festival Thursday. Closing it is "Ten Inch Hero," a snapshot of the city's flavor, also shot in Santa Cruz and written by a 10-year resident. "Ten Inch Hero" promises to be a special experience for festivalgoers this year, as it attempts to capture the essence of the city of Santa Cruz. "It's a great crowd-pleaser," said David Mackay, the Los Angeles-based producer and director of the film. "We photographed the real Santa Cruz, with authentic wardrobe and locations." While "Hero" may be a bit more mainstream with big-name actors, the filmmakers are enthusiastic about it fitting in perfectly with the festival. "This film was made and financed independently," Mackay said. "And it definitely has an indie sensibility. We're very enthusiastic about it screening at the SCFF; we're treating it like our No. 1 screening." Though it now claims more than 100 films from 17 countries, 10 music events, filmmaking panels, contests, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and legendary after-parties, the festival has grown from humble beginnings. "We started 64 films over four days, and it was expensive," Sullivan recalls. And then she adds in an almost hushed voice, "I don't tell many people this, but I actually sold my New York apartment to Parker Posey (the actress) to help finance our first festival. I've never told her this or invited her, but I'd like to someday." Growing festival Since the festival was indirectly funded by an indie film queen (Posey), perhaps it was destined to be a success. But Sullivan explains that even though it has grown in prestige over the past six years, the festival definitely does not bask in self-importance or exclusivity. The festival is meant to encourage and inspire creativity among artists and filmmakers, especially those who are local. "We work through other organizations throughout the year to showcase artists and their work so it's not just the Santa Cruz Film Festival that gets the attention," Sullivan said. "It's the major component of our mission. We want to give the local fledgling film community a place to view and showcase their creativity." This year's festival includes films produced by current and former Santa Cruz residents, local high school students and students from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and California State University, Monterey Bay. While the festival encourages local submissions, it features a range of films so the programming doesn't become too environment-centric. Sound of movies This year's theme, "Stay Tuned," focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of sound and music in cinema. Many films were chosen for their quality soundtracks, sound design and musical content. "I feel that sound and/or music is 75 percent of film," Sullivan said. "You have crummy visuals and great sound, you have a great film. Bad audio and it usually equals a crappy film." The "Stay Tuned" theme also allows for many musical performances at the festival and at the after-parties. When asked how she sums up the festival, Sullivan answers with one word. "It's really about love," she said. "Art comes from people that are usually in love with humanity." Actually, the festival has been affectionately referred to as "The Love Fest" by previous attendees. "Most people's experiences from far and wide have been incredible experiences," Sullivan said. "They come to town and really enjoy Santa Cruz and its people. Filmmakers walk away thinking, I want to shoot my next film here.'" When asked if he'd ever shoot another film in Santa Cruz, Mackay, the director didn't hesitate. "Totally," he said. "In a heartbeat "Santa Cruz embodies so much of what California is," Mackay said. "It has the great weather and nature all around, college campuses and choices of locations. It's a great area for filmmaking. Everyone in L.A. is jaded and rolling their eyes when you want to make a film, but here in Santa Cruz, there was excitement and no hassle." And what about the legendary festival parties? "Classic," Sullivan said. "They're the hallmark of our festival. I have a lot of stories, but that's all I'll say. No comment. Just come and find out. "It's not just about the films," she said. "It's about the experience while watching the films with other people. And then having a hopefully intelligent discourse with a group of friends and like-minded folk, or maybe even the directors and filmmakers themselves." Sullivan pauses for a moment. "Whether that discourse is intelligent or not, is another question. But who cares about how smart someone is, anyway?" |