Call 2 Action: BIFF’s signature outreach program

By BRAD WEISMANN

Director of Digital Communication, Boulder International Film Festival

Can a movie really make a difference?

If so, can we translate its passion into action?

Films rouse us; they fascinate us. Whether they are documentaries, or dramas that raise our consciousness, they move us.

Veterans featured in the film "High Ground" applaud the audience after the screening of Michael Brown's documentary, which took both the Best Call 2 Action award and the People's Choice award at BIFF 2012. [Photo by Leah Mayotte]

And then we move on. Countless times, filmgoers have confronted a compelling issue in the dark cinema, then stepped out into the light or night and perhaps discussed it over coffee or dessert, and forgotten it completely by the time they got home.

In 2010, a constellation of groups and individuals in Boulder, Colorado – the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), Philanthropiece, the Twisted Foundation, Mothers Acting Up, and Sandy Younghans -- came up with an innovative new way to integrate audience and film. Call 2 Action is a program that offers concrete ways for filmgoers to translate the energy and passion that film evokes into action -- to utilize cinema to organize a community. A film is a springboard, a departure point that unleashes a torrent of thought, dialogue and energy – all of which can be purposed toward healing the world, one person and act at a time.

Since then, BIFF has devoted 25 to 30 percent of its programming each year to the Call 2 Action initiative, with remarkable success. BIFF’s volunteer Call 2 Action committee matches film topics with social change groups in the region, partnering with them on the presentation of the film and its focus, during which they present the “Five Ways” in which they feel the audience can take immediate and effective action. Call 2 Action films are a well-promoted highlight of the festival, drawing a dedicated coterie of fans throughout the event.

Call 2 Action films feature representatives that lead post-screening discussions, debates, interviews, and Q-and-A sessions, as well as providing resources for immediate engagement and involvement for motivated filmgoers. Entities associated with the causes championed in these films will be on hand in The Call 2 Action Tent (yes, a big tent) erected at 14^th and Pearl Streets, conveniently close to all our screening venues. Our festival program contains detailed information on all Call 2 Action topics, for continuing reference.

Past Call 2 Action films have consistently drawn sold-out crowds, and have offered insights into subjects such as the struggle of returning veterans (“High Ground”), the attractions of gang life (“Down for Life”), the not-so-incremental ebb of glaciers (“Chasing Ice”), and a triumph of developmentally disabled musicians (“For Once in My Life”).

Convinced of the effectiveness of the program, its originators are now crafting a Call 2 Action Toolkit, a blueprint available to all that outlines how to generate and grow a Call 2 Action program as well. We are very excited about this expanded opportunity to help people connect and make a difference!

"Patriocracy" in action -- director Brian Malone leads the talkback after his  documentary on political polarization airs at Boulder High School at BIFF 2012. [Photo by Bonnie Chaim]

You can find out more information about our Call 2 Action films on our Web site, at http://www.biff1.com/call-to-action.html. Plus, we’ll be discussing these movies in greater detail, and outlining the special activities and groups involved in the presentation of each, in future blog posts.

Shootout success: honors go to current, former Y.A.C. members

The Youth Advisory Committee's Shoot Out Boulder film team. (Photos in this post courtesy Ruth Wight)

Congratulations to the many members of the Boulder International Film Festival's Youth Advisory Committee, who participated, and won honors, in the ninth annual Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival Boulder!

The festival took place from Friday evening, Oct. 19 through Sunday afternoon, when the top 10 entries were screened and prizes were awarded at the beautiful new eTown Hall at 16th and Spruce Streets. Teams were tasked with creating a seven-minute film in only 24 hours, edited in-camera and including five of eleven items outlined in the opening "Brief." 

The awards for Best Performance and Best Film went to "Appearances," created by former Y.A.C. member, BIFF 2012 video editor, and Selection Committee member Ted Chalfen. Best Art Direction went to Y.A.C. member Carter Linsley for his "The Path." And our all-Y.A.C. effort, led by screenwriter/director Sabrina Caplis, received an honorable mention for their film, "Good Amid These." The other members fo the Y.A.C. filmmaking squad -- Derek Aiello, Danie Thomas, Dane Fogdall, Hunter Schoech, Tristan Santos, Clara Horst, and Anson Adams.

Other winners:

Best Linear Editing - Team #15 "ZOLO"

Best Screenplay - Team #24 "The Phone-y Bad Boy"

Best Comedy & Best Director - Team #31 "Ditchin'"

Best Sound Design & Best Cinematography - Team #26 "Autumn"

Best Original Score - Team #25 "Son of a Mitch"

Honorable Mention - Team #45 "Inhuman"

Silver Spur - Team #49 "The Voter"

What happens at BIFF doesn't stay at BIFF . . .

Attention, filmmakers! The late submission deadline for the Boulder International Film Festival is Oct. 1. Why is that important? Here's a partial list of the Oscar-nominated and -winning directors, producers, screenwriters, actors, and editors whose work has appeared at BIFF, and/or who have been our guests:

Jason Reitman
Eric Roberts
Don Hahn
Danny Boyle
Andrea Arnold
Daniel Junge
Bill Plympton
Alex Gibney
Helen Hunt
Alec Baldwin
Frederick Marx
Marshall Curry
Rick Goldsmith
Oliver Stone
Lawrence Kasdan
Andrew Bregman
Lasse Hallstrom
William H. Macy
James Franco

And here's some of the BIFF selections that went on to become Academy Award nominees or winners:

"Monsieur Lazhar," "Burma VJ," "Revanche," "Wasp," "Miracle Fish," "The Conscience of Nhem Eh,"  "Waste Land," "Incident in New Baghdad," "Raju," "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore," "West Bank Story," and "The Secret of Kells."

Don't you think your name would look good among these? Submit to BIFF -- we have very good taste! Details at www.biff1.com.

Women in Filmmaking: free panel tonight

Director Beeban Kidron (she won't be there tonight, but she's awesome!)

SPECIAL, FREE EVENT TONIGHT IN BOULDER! WOMEN IN FILMMAKING! We HIGHLY recommend this action -- we at BIFF are constantly looking to redress the imbalance concerning women's efforts in film. Female actors are tossed aside once they reach maturity . . . the women behind the camera often don't get the respect, recognition and support they need. Even Kathryn Bigelow.

Participating in events such as this is how to change it --

Join screenwriter Tod Davies, producer/cinematographer Meryem Ersoz, executive producer/head of production Sarah Liles, and producer/director MaryLee Herrmann as they discuss women's unique skills in all aspects of film production. This Salon takes place as a panel discussion, exploring why women often do not utilize their strengths or have their creative input pushed aside, and how that affects world cinema. You'll also have an opportunity to address the crowd if you have a project to showcase or crew positions you'd like to fill!

The Salon starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, with ample time to meet new people of all ages and creative disciplines, as well as enjoy great complimentary food and drinks! BDA's Digital Salons are a fun and unique hybrid of schmoozing and networking, art and technology, entertainment, and education. These FREE quarterly events bring together people from all different disciplines - filmmakers, photographers, web designers, mobile app developers and more! Partial funding for this program provided by a grant from the Boulder Arts Commission.

More info here: http://www.boulderdigitalarts.com/events/details.php?offering=400

Schmoozer alert: monthly BIFF get-togethers resume

This month's legendary BIFF Schmoozer will be on Wednesday, September 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. As always, we'll have great munchies, wine, and non-stop, wall-to-wall conversation. We're located at 1906 13th Street, Suite 301, on the NE corner of 13th and Walnut, just three doors south of Connor O'Neill's. Please RSVP tostaff@biff1.com. See you there! Here's a look at the last Schmoozer we had -- it got a bit out of hand . . .

A week to go for BIFF 2013 filmmakers

BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Boulder, Colorado - USA February 14 to 17, 2013 In the Spotlight this week is the 9th Annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), a four-day celebration of cinema that attracts over 20,000 film enthusiasts, media, and industry each year. With exciting networking events, A-list filmmaker and celebrity attendees, an inviting local community, and some of the best films and filmmakers working today, it's clear why BIFF was named one of Moviemaker Magazine's "25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" and "25 Coolest Film Festivals." BIFF offers independent filmmakers first-rate hospitality, numerous opportunities for exposure, and huge, enthusiastic audiences eager to embrace unique voices. Last year's BIFF celebration was a banner event; the festival honored veteran television and film star Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now, The West Wing), Oscar-nominee William H. Macy (Fargo, Boogie Nights), producer Anthony Bregman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), and writer-director Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill). Year after year, film fans descend on Boulder by the tens of thousands to rub elbows with the best in the business, and this year's festival promises to be no different. Whether you're a household name, an established filmmaker, an up-and-comer, or just a fan of outstanding storytelling, BIFF is ready and waiting to give you the star treatment. Visiting filmmakers enjoy complimentary accommodations just a few blocks from the festival's main venue - the historic, 900-seat Boulder Theater - and receive a VIP pass to galas, parties, and other great networking events. With all of this outstanding hospitality, it's no wonder why Chris Gore, founder of Film Threat, called BIFF "a festival that should be at the top of every filmmaker's list." For cineastes eager to mix and mingle with like-minded film lovers, BIFF is a must-visit destination event.     UPCOMING DEADLINE September 7, 2012 - Regular Deadline MISSION AND OBJECTIVE The Boulder International Film Festival is committed to bringing the best in international filmmaking to the heart of Colorado and to celebrating talented filmmakers of the past, present, and future. More than a film festival, it is a community that expands and intensifies with each passing year, creating opportunities for filmmakers to further strengthen their connections and their output. MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL BIFF has hosted some of the industry's most talented and celebrated artists including Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone; Academy-nominated actors James Franco, Alec Baldwin, and Eric Roberts; Emmy Award-winning actress Blythe Danner; legendary comedian Chevy Chase; and Golden Globe-nominated actress Maria Bello, along with many other independent filmmakers, directors, producers, and stars. Located at the foot of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Boulder is just 45 minutes from Denver International Airport and has been voted "#1 Most Creative City" by The Daily Beast, "Smartest Town in the U.S." by Forbes Magazine, "Place you Dream of Living" by Backpacker Magazine, "The Foodiest Town in America" by Bon Appetit, and "Best Place to Live" byMen's Journal. And with stellar ski slopes, restaurants, and attractions not far from the festival action, there will be plenty to see, do, and imbibe when you're not basking in the light of the big screen. Don't miss out...submit your film to the Boulder International Film Festival today!

Attention, filmmakers: deadline approaching!

Hey, kids! We know that 250,560 minutes seems like a long time, but it's not. That's how long we have until Opening Night of the Ninth Annual Boulder International Film Festival!

Another deadline to keep in mind is two weeks. That's how long you have, filmmakers, to submit your work for BIFF 2013. The time for submitting your film to BIFF is NOW.

BIFF is rapidly solidifying its reputation as one of the most innovative and influential young film festivals in the U.S., having recently been selected as one of MovieMaker Magazine's "25 Coolest Film Festivals” and one of the “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” 

Founded by a pair of filmmakers, BIFF knows the challenges of making your work and getting it seen by savvy and enthusiastic crowds. We have one criterion -- quality. Let us help you bring your best to the screen.

Quite simply, The Boulder International Film Festival offers filmmakers superb hospitality, excellent exposure opportunities and huge, enthusiastic audiences, all combining to create a unique festival experience, Boulder-style. Filmmakers enjoy luxurious accommodations just a few blocks from the Festival's main venue - the historic 900-seat Boulder Theater - and receive a VIP pass to the galas and legendary parties, where plenty of elbow-rubbing with producers, directors, and critics is the norm. Great food and drink, skiing just 45 minutes from Boulder, and fantastic parties every night all add up to one of the most welcoming, filmmaker-friendly festivals on the circuit.

BIFF attracts over 20,000 film enthusiasts, media, and industry each year, and has been proud to host and celebrate some of film's most talented artists, including award-winning actors Martin Sheen and William H. Macy at BIFF 2012, Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone and Oscar-nominated actor James Franco at BIFF 2011, Oscar-nominated actor Alec Baldwin at BIFF 2010, Emmy Award-winning actress Blythe Danner, legendary comedian Chevy Chase, along with many other independent filmmakers, directors, producers and stars including /writerdirector Lawrence Kasdan, producer Anthony Bregman,  Michael and Mark Polish, Golden Globe-nominated actress Maria Bello, writer John August, Academy-Award nominee Eric Roberts, Patrick Warburton [Seinfeld]), and writer/filmmaker Chris Gore (The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide and Film Threat).

Submit to BIFF today, you'll love it here.  Go to www.biff1.com for more information.  The next Boulder International Film Festival is Feb 14 – 17, 2013 in Boulder, Colorado.