Universal Cinema Film & TV Journal’s Amir Ganjavie interviewed João Federici from the Mill Valley Film Festival. Their conversation touches on the film selection process and focusing on the work of filmmakers.
Amir Ganjavie, UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): How do you define a good movie?
João Federici (JF): This is a more complex question than you can imagine. Defining a good movie can be quite subjective because personal tastes differ. As a curator/programmer, my role is to not only create content that I personally enjoy but also consider the audience. I have to think differently for my audience in the United States and Brazil, as their preferences can be quite distinct.
In today’s world, I have a penchant for films that break the rules and push boundaries without creating new ones. I find myself looking for films that offer a sense of enjoyment and fun. Hope can be challenging to find in the current state of the world, so I appreciate movies that provide that element.
I actively seek out underrepresented filmmakers from various countries, as well as new voices in the industry. Discovering fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling is exhilarating. When I mention breaking the rules, it often refers to the desire to challenge conventions and create something unique. This is what our team at the festival strives for, and I have a dedicated group working alongside me.
(UM): And what’s the selection process like? Who makes the final decisions?
(JF): As the director of programming for the Mix Brazil Festival, I oversee the selection process there with the committee. For Mill Valley, we reach a consensus between the director of programming and our team.
We have teams for different genres, such as documentaries, world cinema, shorts, US+Indies, and education/ family-oriented films. However, we all try to watch most of them and the submissions to engage in discussions about them and have concise and strong programming. Many of the selected films are scouted on international festival markets, renowned festivals like Berlinale, Cannes, Sundance, Venice, etc. Additionally, we collaborate with various studios/distributors in the United States when they prepare their films for release.
(UM): Are there certain topics you won’t program? For example, if a filmmaker presents an anti-abortion film that’s well-made, would you accept it even if it goes against social norms and humanitarian values? Or are there certain basic ideas or rights that you consider before selecting a movie?
(JF): As a programmer responsible for selecting films, I believe in promoting inclusivity, social justice, and human rights. While I strive to maintain an open mind and encourage discussions on tough topics, I also recognize the importance of upholding certain ethical principles.
When it comes to selecting films, I consider the overall message and values they convey. If a well-made film presents an anti-abortion viewpoint, which goes against social norms and humanitarian values, I would carefully evaluate its content and potential implications.
I believe in respecting diverse perspectives, but I also prioritize the protection of individual rights and the well-being of marginalized communities. Therefore, I would take into account the potential impact of the film on the viewers and society as a whole.
Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude a film would depend on the specific circumstances, the ethical considerations involved, and the potential consequences it may have on promoting equality, justice, and the dignity of all individuals.
(UM): What opportunities do you offer to filmmakers? Do you invite them to your festival?
(JF): Thanks to the partnerships with studios/distributors, Mill Valley has the opportunity to work together and invite directors/talents. We also collaborate with Agent Sales worldwide, which allows us to invite filmmakers and talented individuals. Our festivals are known for being one the most important fall festival/awards sessions, which gives us the opportunity to have big nights with American and international filmmakers, engaging in meaningful conversations.
In Mix Brazil, we invite a broader range of filmmakers – Brazilians and International; in the past three years, we have been increasingly focused on inviting Brazilian filmmakers due to the cut of resources by the past government.
Both festivals serve as platforms to showcase films to a wider audience, including industry professionals, critics, and potential distributors.
(UM): How important is it for you to have a crowd-pleaser? Are you driven by ticket sales, or can you be more experimental?
(JF): As a non-profit organization, we need to sustain our programs, and ticket sales play a crucial role in achieving that. We always consider our audience’s preferences and aim to provide an enjoyable experience. However, we are not solely driven by ticket sales.
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