‘Mobile filmmaking’ or should we say ‘Digital filmmaking’ is getting quite popular these days. Many filmmakers are using their devices for making some brilliant stuff that can deliver on the quality level. For the past few years, We have seen enough short films shot from I phones, android smartphones, Tablets etc capturing eyeballs . To take this enthusiasm for the love of digital filmmaking further, An amazing team from Switzerland are going to launch the first “Mobile Motion Film Festival” that deals with the screenings of Films shot through Mobiles or Smartphones to be held this year in Switzerland. The Creative team behind this Initiative is a bunch of talented folks. We had a chat with the festival director Andrea Holle, who told us about this amazing Initiative and how this festival going to change the panel of digital filmmaking. Here is an exclusive interview :
Q1. What is Momo film fest/Mobile Film Festival actually about?
Andrea : With Mobile Motion we aim to create a film festival which provides a level playing field for filmmakers, where talent, creativity and hard work count more than budget and industry connections. We are going to showcase new talent using tools so simple and readily available that they are often overlooked: mobile phones, tablets, webcams or GoPro.
Q2. What inspired you to do this kind of festival?
Andrea : About three years ago I (Andrea Holle) stumbled upon a video of a young Swiss filmmaker. It was shot entirely on his smartphone and was selected for a side competition of the Locarno Film Festival. I immediately became enthusiastic about the idea that nowadays, if you have a strong concept and are backed by passion, you can take whatever you have and make a great film. Already today this kind of films can celebrate great successes: “Night Fishing” from Parking Chance
won the Golden Bear in the short film category of the Berlinale. The film was shot entirely on an iPhone 4. Or “Searching for Sugar Man” which won the Oscar for “Best Documentary” in 2013. A part of the film was shot on the iPhone 4 using the 8mm Vintage Camera App.
Q3. How many people are Involved in organizing this festival?
Andrea : At the moment there are three of us: Si Horrocks, writer and director of Third Contact and kosmos. He’s our advisor and producer. Then there is Mike Myshko, designer, coder and filmmaker. He has the creative lead and there is me, Andrea Holle, director of MoMo.
Q4. How has been the response to the festival in regards to the entries till now?
Andrea : The response has been great so far, considering that we’ve almost exclusively used twitter to promote our festival. We received quite a number of entries from India which makes us very happy.
Q5. Where is the festival taking place?
Andrea : The festival is going to take place on May 30 in Zurich, Switzerland. We also plan to set up a live stream as well as broadcasting the whole event to a venue in London.
Q6. Would you like to continue organizing this festival in future if it becomes a success?
If the first event is going to be a success, we plan to extend it over more than one day as well as adding additional masterclasses and opportunities for filmmakers to network. As we are just in the beginning of our journey, we are very flexible in terms of applying changes and enhancing the festival experience.
Q7. Mobile Digital filmmaking is getting popular indeed amongst people but what about Distribution? Do you think festivals like Momo film festival can help?
Andrea : Screenings at film festivals are an ideal place for distributors to see a film for the first time. But unfortunately distributors only attend a small number of festivals. So though you may not find distribution for your movie as a direct result of playing at MoMo, it will provide an opportunity to make those critical connections that may eventually sell your film. Moreover the screened films will receive awards and generate buzz online which will help you distribute your film online.
Q8. Lastly, what is your advice to the budding filmmakers all over the world and what kind of entries do you look forward to see in the festival.
Andrea : Just take whatever you have, make films and never stop, no matter what anyone says. I think tenacity is a very important – if not the most important – quality for a filmmaker to have. Also, go to film festivals and take the opportunity to meet people doing the kind of work you admire. Talk to them, ask questions, share your interests and develop relationships. We’re looking forward to seeing films that inspire us, amaze us and move us.
The festival is currently inviting submissions from all over the world till 31st January 2015. You can submit your film via this link or you can visit the website http://www.momofilmfest.com/submissions We wish this team all the best for this festival.