"The most honest form of filmmaking is to make a film for yourself." - Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson said it right. As a student I am often asked why I wanted to get into filmmaking. I really had no other choice. I would not be able to justify going to school for anything else, because film is what makes me happy. I would say that this feeling is something every filmmaker shares; they started making films because it made them happy. Silver Wave is an amazing opportunity to showcase the films that filmmakers from NB, Canada, and around the world have made and are proud of. Not only that but it is a way that others can enjoy the films that those filmmakers have made and show support for their hard work and talent.
There are many exciting aspects to the upcoming Silver Wave Film Festival, especially from a student's point of view. That is why I am thrilled to be a part of it this year.
I am personally very excited to see all of the films screened, but especially the Midnight Madness and Next Gen Shorts. I love the horror genre; it is by far my favorite (a photo finish ahead of documentary film). There seems to be a great line-up of short films listed for this years Midnight Madness including a few made by my classmates (Life Imitates Art, Good Me, and Gary). It is always nice to see a mix of works by those you know, as well as those you don't.
This is also why I am looking forward to the Next Gen Shorts, many of which were also made by my fellow classmates at UNB. I am pleased to say that my NBFC Co-Intern Victoria and I will be Venue Managers on this event selling tickets and doing cash, which is quite exciting as well.
A few other screenings I would like to mention are the Opening and Closing Gala's which will be Kung-Fu Elliot and The Divorce. These films seem as though they will be quite entertaining. It will be really interesting to see two feature's that are NB based made by NBers.
The great thing about Silver Wave is that if you don't share my love of horror, that's okay! There are so many different screening options that it would be nearly impossible not to be able to enjoy at least one.
I am sure you are all just as excited as I am for the festival and I can't wait to see you all there!
Intrepid NBFC Interns Victoria Douglass & Ashley Phinney
Paranoia, Mannequins & Insanity - Midnight Madness at SWFF
Friday Nov. 7th Tilley Hall, UNB Campus, 11:30PM
By Jim Lavoie, Bulldog Publicity
Where else but at the Midnight Madness Screening can liberal minded adults get their post-Halloween fix/kicks? Easily one of the fastest growing Silver Wave Film Festival screenings, Midnight Madness has taken a death (er life) of its own. Blood is a given, all bets are off as to what Pierre Huard, Host/MC (Master of Chaos) will enthrall this year's audience with. It is a highly interactive event with many people in attendance appearing in 'post-Halloween garb or perhaps their regular attire? Think: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Texas Chain Saw Massacre," and you will be in the right mindset for a fun night. Past Midnight Madness screenings have included, chain saws, live bands, nurses gone crazy...classic films dealing with earwigs, bloodshed in the shed have graced the screen and this years fare might just drive you crazy.
Jim: As the man with the plan, the "Master of Disaster," your job is to make things go bump in the night/other treats for an always enthusiastic crowd at The Silver Wave Film Festival Midnight Screening. On Friday Novemer 7th at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus, just what do you have in store for us?
Pierre: I don't want to give too much away but I guarantee that people will see me as they never have in the past. And of course prizes, pretty ladies, general mayhem and some great films from all over the world, That sounds like a party to me!
Jim: For those who have not yet attended one of your infamous nights at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus, do you have an interactive set-up which encourages crowd participation in some way? how much are tickets?
Pierre: Tickets are $3 at the door and there is no dress code it's a "come as you are event," and I encourage audience participation to a certain degree. When I was but a wee boy I remember going to the local movie theatre and cheering for my favourite hero and booing the bad guy. That interaction has been lost at the multi mega plex where you have to go in, spend a lot of money, sit down and keep your mouth shut, watch the movie, and get out. I want people who come to the screening to feel like they are part of the show and I want them to walk away feeling like they had a good time watching great films!
Jim: Tell us what kind of things (antics) have been seen at previous Midnight Madness shows?
Pierre: There will be door prizes, like every year we will give away multiple prizes from food and free video rentals to festival passes to vintage star wars toys and other freaky stuff. In the past we have had everything from chain saw wielding beauties to a live death metal band to a mad scientist and psychos! I guarantee surprises and a good time for all those who have the courage to show up.
Jim: Without listing them all, any films that really kick the crib so to speak?"
Pierre: All the films are unique in their own way. I am looking forward to seeing the memer's films as there are many of them in this line up this year which is terrific.
Jim: Lets be clear here, this is not for the kiddies but is strictly adult fare right? do
Pierre: I cannot stress enough that this is not a family screening. There are many "feel" good films at the festival to choose from, just not at the Midnight screening. This particular programme has always been geared toward a mature audience or should I say immature ha ha audience, and I want to encourage people to come looking any way they want (as long as they bring $3)...lol.
This venue was set up to be very casual (no movie snobs here) as well as to provide an alternative to the more mainstream programs that Silver Wave has to offer. Tilley hall is a great venue and we love it there. I look forward to seeing many students and I would like to see people at the show from off campus as well!