The Snowdance Film Festival is ‘made by engaged film creatives for engaged film creatives’
Please tell us a little bit about the idea behind the Snowdance Independent Film Festival.
SNOWDANCE is the answer to conservative and well-behaving movies (and therefore) supported by public funds or major studios. We want to create a forum for all those filmmakers, who are filming authentic and with personal involvement, who believe that making movies is done with mind AND heart – who don’t believe that making movies’ first priority is marketing. Movies can be individual and distinctive, as any human being who dares to stand for its values and ideas.
Snowdance Premiere Audience
Can you tell us a little about exclusively showing feature-length films made with little or no state funding?
As Europe doesn’t have such huge major studios as the US, the (federal) states here support the movie industry. This is done by public funds, distributed by committees which were established by politics. The result is a sad one – every critical, different or too adventurous content usually fails being accepted at those committees. They don’t want to bite the hand that feeds them.
Supported by the fast technical evolution and the availability of affordable equipment, filmmakers can produce movies without those funds. We want to support these people and offer them a panel (of course, there are some managing getting public funds with a lot of pressure and persuasion – they are very welcome too).
Is the festival open to a specific region, or is there an international feel?
We are an international festival. We’re open to all fellows making heart-movies.
Is there something in particular that you look for in submissions? Or are there multiple factors?
Heart, heart, heart. No matter if it beats fast or slow. We want to “see” hearts. Of course, we also pay attention to professional craftsmanship, as we are not a festival for amateur filmmakers.
Snowdance Podium Discussion
Do you have an interesting story that has taken place during a past festival?
Oh yes! We managed to establish a very open, almost private atmosphere between filmmakers, actors and their audience. We don’t have red carpets nor VIP corners. Everyone comes and goes wherever they want. Everyone is talking to anyone and feels good and relaxed. This is what we successfully did on the last festival. A lot of visitors gave kudos to us. This is what we want to continue.
Where do you see or would like to see your Festival in 5 years?
Sundance, Raindance, Snowdance 🙂