Kathryn Gould: Why did you decide to start a film festival, and what is it that's different about your festival that you believe will attract filmmakers?
TFFOC: We are members of a group of performing artists who are writing, producing and appearing in each other's films. We want and need to tell stories that have meaning and significance, that reflect who we are and where we are going. Our acting coach and TFFOC business partner, Brian McCulley, sums this need up most succinctly: The study of acting is the study of being a more complete human being.
As actors who have chosen to live in Colorado, we want to highlight the extraordinary talents of local writers, producers and filmmakers while, at the same time, attracting talented storytellers from all over the world. Independent filmmaking appears to be growing at an exponential rate: there are more than 200,000 filmmakers in 200 countries as well as over 3,000 festivals on 5 continents registered on Withoutabox! TFFOC provides an additional opportunity for filmmakers of all stripes to have their quality films seen and judged locally, primarily by their peers.
We also understand the value of networking and creating synergies in our field. In both formal and informal ways, it is our wish to provide an avenue for long-term relationships while enjoying and acknowledging quality films wherever they originate. It is our desire to engender a “festival” feel during our event, whereby both filmmakers and the film viewing public will connect, create synergies, and have a fabulous time!
KG: What are the awards that you’ll be giving out?
TFFOC: Although they are not yet set in concrete, here are some candidates:
• Visionary - Changing World (e.g., Relationships, Making a Living, Family Groupings, Gender Issues, Empowering People with Disabilities)
• Colorado Filmmaker
• Young Filmmaker
• Best Documentary
• Best Feature
• Best Short
• Best Animation
• Best Music Video
• Festival Director’s Award
• Festival Goers’ Award
• Yeah! - Most Celebratory
KG: Tell us a little about both of your backgrounds in the biz.
TFFOC:
Robert A. Webb, Director, TFFOC
As a stage actor since 2001 and a film actor since 2003, Bob is proud of his eclectic set of IMDB credits, which includes writer/producer of "Chainsaw Sofa Exorcist," an official selection of the 2009 Delray Beach Film Festival. An accomplished photographer, he enjoys shooting people in their native habitat whenever possible. Bob has also been involved with fundraisers for PHAMALY and Cleo Parker Robinson. He was Chairman of the first Mastiff Club of America National Specialty Dog Show to be held in Colorado. Prior to 2009, he spent ten years or so translating the writings of rocket scientists and electrical engineers into English. His educational background includes a degree in Economics at UCLA and a Masters-equivalent in Computer Science at the University of Colorado. Bob has lived in Colorado since 1974.
Helen M. Trencher, Associate Director, TFFOC
“A la carte” is the best way to describe Helen’s creatively professional life. Using her life-long interest in performing and Bachelors and Masters in education, she has carved out a path uniquely her own. As a performing artist, she is a television and film actor; performs live events for children and families (using rhythm, story, and song)—solo as “The Percussion Lady” and with her friend/performing partner Sondra Singer as “Alafia”; and currently has two completed versions of a one-woman show on the early years of Golda Meir… Putting her degrees to work, Helen also teaches as an adjunct instructor for Kaplan University online. Visit Helen's website by clicking on her name above, or visit her IMDB page here.
Helen and Bob met at a regular, on-going advanced acting workshop and over the past several years have formed a strong friendship and working bond. They felt that Helen being left-brained as a performing artist is quite unusual, and decided to put that inquisitive nature and forward thinking focus to good use by helping manage the Festival. Both Bob and Helen look forward to a synergistic and exciting event!
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