Reflections of SFF 2012 and Indie film makers

[Martin Anaya]

Hello friends,

Having some time to reflect on the recent Sacramento Film Festival we collected some thoughts we wish to share on the state of indie media today.

Before I do anything else however, I'd like to direct you to our CFF home page that contains pictures of our glorious Sacramento Film Awards party, held on board the Delta King April 29^th (www.CaliforniaFilm.net). Also, see our full list of winners at our newsletter page (http://www.californiafilm.net/page/newsletter-page)  If you were a participating filmmaker or just curious. we’re sure you will love it.

So, back to reflections…First off, we are truly humbled and gratified by the SFF 2012 experience. We sold out all but a hand full of shows and can honestly say that the appetite for indie cinema is growing in our region. We have seen an amazing growth and maturation in the audiences’ awareness and understanding of the value of indie cinema. For this we are truly grateful and feel it bodes well for creators who wish to do this for a living.

I have had some local filmmakers express a concern that more local filmmakers, actors etc. should attend, even if they do not have a film playing. Truth is that many filmmakers don’t have a full awareness of what a good film festival can mean to them, aside from being a place to bask in the adulation of their adoring fans (aka: Their parents). This I attribute mostly to the fact that many filmmakers on a local level are not what I call a “perpetual padawan” (read: http://www.californiafilm.net/profiles/blogs/the-purpetual-padawan). That is to say they are not truly students of cinema but rather playing at it.  Their work, by the way, reflects that. Still, they feel Hollywood should move to Sacramento and discover their awesome talent.

I for one do not really have the heart to dispel such delusions of grandeur from those who possess it as I’m quite certain life will do that for them. What I will say is that the cream always rises to the top. It is no coincidence that the filmmakers who do attend happen to be the ones picking up awards. The ones who take it as a serious learning opportunity are inevitably the ones who..well..learn.

That said, I feel our filmmaker participation was superb as was the audience attendance and appreciation. I can’t complain about any of it. For those who wish more of their filmmaker comrades would attend I can only say “encourage them to do so”. This train has left the station and is chugging down the track with a big head of steam. Those who see the value will jump on and those who do not, will not.

But you! You my friend are one of the few who get it. You understand that even a Steven Spielberg has mentors. This humility, this ‘padawan’ mentality is the hallmark of a true professional regardless of your station. You understand that making good cinema requires a lot of things to come together and one can not afford to miss opportunities to learn. That is why you are here, on this network. That is why, after our brief vacation, we will be back to giving you the best news and information, films and filmmakers that you need to better your craft. So please forgive us our brief hiatus as we prepare a new year of activities for you, the film professional.

Soon, we will be seeking to profile individuals who are doing amazing things. If you wish to be the subject of one of our profiles, please contact me. I’d love to hear what you are up to. Meanwhile, we encourage you to jump on the CFF blog section and start sharing. That is what this is all about, sharing ideas and information of support to others.

See you at the movies,

Martin Anaya

[Juan Sotelo]

I couldn't agree more about the need to constantly strive to better oneself as a filmmaker.  Knowledge transfer does not stop when your formal education ends.

Our team at Film Antics is made of 'Learners'.  As a screenwriter, I take one screenwriting class a year at UCLA Film & Television Extension department.  One partner just finished his Masters at the SF Art Institute (in his 30s).  Our Director, works with other teams and is mentored by a select few.  And we all use youtube, books and networking events (and social networks), to help better our understanding of film.  We also watch and analyze tons of films!  Most importantly, we shoot films and learn...mostly from our mistakes (which are many).