Is Woodstock Film Festival the New Sundance?
Is Woodstock Film Festival the New Sundance?
🎭 Pro Spotlight: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Film, Jane Applegate Shines a Spotlight on Hudson Valley's Haven for Film Lovers.
The Fall leaves were brilliant, reflecting the bright and positive vibe at the 25th Annual Woodstock Film Festival. Everyone I met, danced or spoke with commented on the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. Better yet, there was a stellar program of truly independent films at Woodstock, which is now an Oscar qualifying film festival.
Several people told me it felt like Woodstock was the “new Sundance” — but even better than Sundance because it was easy to get there from New York City and there were no blizzards or ice storms.
Co-founder and executive director and programmer, Meira Blaustein, and her team curated a spectacular line up of films for every taste, including Troll Storm, directed by Eunice Lau. The film depicts Tanya Hersh’s personal and legal battle against Andrew Anglin, founder of the Daily Stormer web site.
A virulent Neo-Nazi and white supremacist, Anglin and his hundreds of thousands of followers targeted Hersh, a Jewish real estate broker and soccer mom living in White Fish, Montana. Hersh said Anglin was upset over a real estate deal and launched a terrifying social media campaign to destroy her life. His scheme backfired when she and the Southern Poverty Law Center sued his hateful organization and won an $18 million judgment in Montana federal court.
“The second I decided to fight, I started to heal,” says Hersh in the film.
I spoke with Hersh while she was enjoying the sunshine while sitting outside a shop in downtown Woodstock. She said the FIrst Amendment protects a person’s right to hate or criticize individuals, but not launch an massive attack consisting of unending online harassment by thousands of random people.
The digital attacks forced Hersh to move into a new home to protect her family. Although she won the court case, it was no surprise that she probably won’t see a penny. Anglin fled the country after his website with more than 300,000 followers was shut down.
At the other end of the spectrum was director Yvonne Russo’s heartwarming and beautifully shot documentary about a retirement home for musicians founded by Italian composer Guiseppe Verdi. Russo and producer Christine LaMonte devoted about 10 years to produce VIVA VERDI!, which had its world premiere in Woodstock with two sold-out screenings. The lead director of photography, Jacek Laskus, attended the premiere and described how he focused on shooting close-ups of the faces of the residents as they shared their life stories.
Rather than seeking funding and distribution before producing the film, the producers raised money from private investors and a variety of grants. They plan to distribute the film themselves, working with impact producer Simone Pero to host screenings around the world as a way to recoup their investment and reach passionate fans of opera and the arts.
The feature narrative program offered something for every taste including Unstoppable, directed by William Goldenberg. The film tells the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, played by Jharret Jerome. Robles, who was born with one leg, overcame many challenges to earn a spot on the Arizona State wrestling team.
The festival also screened the New York premiere of Turning, directed by Marco Baratta. The film is a coming of age story, featuring Will Hochman, Helen Goldsby and Ian Duff. “Turning captures the moment when a young man reaches life’s first big turning point,” wrote reviewer Richie Yeager.
There was also an impressive line up of shorts by professionals and students.
Between films, there were lively gatherings, including a wild party co-sponsored by 1800 Tequila. All the filmmakers and guests were given a memorable ‘swag bag,” from Gotham and other pot vendors filled with an incredible assortment of marijuana in every form ranging from gummies to vapes to tiny joints. (I playfully suggested the festival change its name to Weedstock.)
A panel discussion, The Women in the Driver Seat, moderated by NYWIFT executive director Cynthia Lopez featured veteran producers and distributors including Nancy Abraham, executive vice president of documentary programming for HBO. The panelists offered endless encouragement and tips for succeeding in this chaotic industry.
Abraham discussed how HBO prides itself on taking risks with films and series. Other panelists strongly suggested every filmmaker find a mentor and create a slate of projects in different stages of development. Heidi Ewing, producer of Jesus Camp and I Carry You With Me, shared loads of advice on how women can succeed in what is still a male-dominated industry.
Ondi Timoner, who produced and directed Mapplethorpe and Last Flight Home, about her father’s decision to die, which premiered at Sundance and was shortlisted for the Oscars, urged attendees to seek mentors and be open to mentoring others.
I’ve attended most of the big U.S. festivals, including Sundance, Telluride, Toronto and the New York Film Festival. I honestly can say that the recent Woodstock experience was the most thrilling and wonderful festival of all. Kudos to Meira and her hard-working team.
