Art in today's culture is hard to pin point. It is no longer viewed as pen to paper, paper to paint, paint to canvas. Art has expanded and grown into so many forms that can be soaked into our minds if we just let it happen. The Images Festival is one way to help broaden your art knowledge. The event is held in Toronto from April 2nd- 11th and consists art from visuals to on screen to music and movement. While attending some of the events I was blown away at the different artistic perspectives found in everyday life. Everyone participating found a way to be original, creative, bold and satisfying. I have never seen so many unique short films in my life. The whole team did a great job at pulling the different exhibits and events together, while pitching everything in a very exciting/ underground way. The vibes were so mellow and relaxed, yet I felt the excitement from the people attending. I had the opportunity to interview Scott Miller-Berry the director of the whole festival! Make sure to check out the website and possibly go to the festival next year, you'll definitely see me there. Here is his perspective:
1) What motivated you to take on the role of an Executive Director for the Images Festival?
As a filmmaker myself, I've always looked up to Images as a place where I've learned a lot about contemporary film and moving images and after volunteering 1 year, working part time here for 4 years, I decided I wanted to contribute to the future and growth of the festival by jumping into the drivers seat! I love experimental and artist film / video as well as music, installation art and all things "underground" so to speak, so this job has been a DREAM COME TRUE!
2) How long does it take to plan such a huge event?
3 of us work all year 'round here! We literally start planning as soon as this festival closes.
We've been working on a Conference for 2010 since January of 2008! We need to start earlier and earlier each year....
3) Has the festival changed at all over the years in terms of interested people?
Hmm...we're seeing younger audiences which is GREAT! More and more of our surveys are indicating that its attendees
FIRST year at Images, which is also encouraging....we do a lot of workshops with youth and I hope those are translating into younger fans of non-commercial films!
Hmm...we're seeing younger audiences which is GREAT! More and more of our surveys are indicating that its attendees
FIRST year at Images, which is also encouraging....we do a lot of workshops with youth and I hope those are translating into younger fans of non-commercial films!
4) Which crowds are most drawn to the festival?
Its all over the place: art lovers, film fans, music heads, anyone who is into art on the FRINGES, who is up for a new, unexpected and/or unique experience. This includes students, teachers, filmmakers, artists and regular film festival junkies. We're lucky in Toronto to have over 90 film festivals, so there's a huge diversity of films and genres to choose from!\
5) Which part of the program is your favourite and why?
We have 3 sections at Images: On Screen, Off Screen and Live Images.
-On Screen includes the screenings in the cinema;
-Off Screen includes installation art in galleries across the GTA'
and Live Images includes performances which mix music and/or performance with film.
I think my heart is with Off Screen, as that' s where I got my start @ Images/
6) If you had absolutely no budget would there be any ad ons to the festival?
Yes, we'd rent one of the vacant cinemas in Toronto and run a theatre all year long and provide an alternative space for cinema and contemporary art!
Its all over the place: art lovers, film fans, music heads, anyone who is into art on the FRINGES, who is up for a new, unexpected and/or unique experience. This includes students, teachers, filmmakers, artists and regular film festival junkies. We're lucky in Toronto to have over 90 film festivals, so there's a huge diversity of films and genres to choose from!\
5) Which part of the program is your favourite and why?
We have 3 sections at Images: On Screen, Off Screen and Live Images.
-On Screen includes the screenings in the cinema;
-Off Screen includes installation art in galleries across the GTA'
and Live Images includes performances which mix music and/or performance with film.
I think my heart is with Off Screen, as that' s where I got my start @ Images/
6) If you had absolutely no budget would there be any ad ons to the festival?
Yes, we'd rent one of the vacant cinemas in Toronto and run a theatre all year long and provide an alternative space for cinema and contemporary art!
7) Any new artists showcasing that we should look out for?
We have tonnes of new artists as always -- I would be on the lookout for:
Sung Hwan Kim, Hanne Mugaas + Cory Arcangel, Cloud Eye Control, Deanna Bowen and Althea Thauberger.
8) What are your biggest aspirations for the 2009 festival?
I hope that every screening & event has audiences who appreciate what they experience at Images and it takes them to new levels of film viewing!!
9) Image Arts Festival is: a mind blowing experience!
http://www.imagesfestival.com
We have tonnes of new artists as always -- I would be on the lookout for:
Sung Hwan Kim, Hanne Mugaas + Cory Arcangel, Cloud Eye Control, Deanna Bowen and Althea Thauberger.
8) What are your biggest aspirations for the 2009 festival?
I hope that every screening & event has audiences who appreciate what they experience at Images and it takes them to new levels of film viewing!!
9) Image Arts Festival is: a mind blowing experience!
http://www.imagesfestival.com
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