A few months ago I was honored with my first award in filmmaking when the Treasure Coast International Film Festival honored Ije The Journey for Best Editing.
Once the excitement subsided I started to wonder the relevance of TCIFF within the realm of film festivals because it doesn’t have the name recognition of Sundance, Slamdance, SXSW, and Cannes.
After discussion with friends, colleagues, and mentors I came to realize that receiving the award is what’s most important, not where it comes from and I am truly grateful.
Not long ago Film Independent covered this very topic in their column Indie Film Q&A with Heidi Van Lier called “Who really cares about little local film festivals?” Heidi’s comments range from tongue-in-cheek (“home-cooking, remember that?”) to real business such as potential funding sources for your next project.
Ultimately the importance of these local festivals is this: building audiences and keeping our industry alive.
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