Ojai Film Fest Widens Global Focus
Hollywood Insider Workshops, Cinematographer's Salon, and 61 Films, November 4 - 7
Known for the allure of its majestic mountain vistas and outdoor recreation sites in close proximity to Hollywood, the city of Ojai heightens the international range of its renowned annual Ojai Film Festival. November 4 – 7, industry luminaries and other festival attendees will find a substantially expanded slate of artistically diverse films, insightful workshops and prominent awards.
Marking a second decade of Enriching the Human Spirit through Film with a new administrative team and vision, the Ojai Film Festival remains true to its spirit of community. An opening evening screening free to the public exemplifies the festival’s enduring charm.
The Ojai Film Festival this year honors Michael Chapman, ASC, one of America’s finest cinematographers (Jaws, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull) with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Chapman will also host a Cinematographer’s Salon for festival attendees.
Saturday, November 6 workshops, offering insider Hollywood access and insights, include:
• Screenwriting & Pitching: Steven de Souza, one of the few screenwriters whose films have grossed over two billion dollars worldwide (Die Hard, 48 Hours)
• Independent Film: Larry Turman, producer of The Graduate, current chair of the USC Peter Stark Program
• 3D Film Technology: Randall Dark, co-founder and creative visionary behind HD Vision Studios in Los Angeles; globally recognized expert in emerging technologies
• Acting & Auditioning: Actor Brett Cullen (The Replacements, Something to Talk About); Marc Durso, Acting Coach and assistant to Tony Award winners Anne Reinking and Charles Nelson Reilly; Paul Weber, current casting director (MGM Worldwide Television) and consultant, MGM Features.
Veteran Ojai Film Artistic Director Steve Grumette said, “For our second decade, we are welcoming and embracing the new global interest in our film festival, demonstrated by the hundreds of submissions from such diverse origins as Cambodia, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Poland, as well as the United States. We update our judging procedures to reach the final selection of 61 films.”
Newly appointed Executive Director, Jamie Fleming added, “Historically, Ojai has always been the gateway to a beautiful country valley and a destination to retreat and regenerate. Now that we’ve been discovered by the exploding population of independent filmmakers worldwide, we’ve expanded our programs and operations, while maintaining the approachability and neighborhood feel that are the signature of our community.”
Awards will be given in the following categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short; Best Animated Film; Best Student Film; Best Film Exemplifying the Festival Theme; The Audience Award.
The Ojai Film Festival will screen each of the 61 films twice in downtown Ojai venues. Panels with well known filmmakers, workshops with industry professionals and social events fill out the four day schedule. For more information.