BEHIND THE CURTAIN Meet

Behind the Curtain

Making It Happen

Meet the team doing what’s needed behind the scenes to bring festival audiences new and amazing films. BY BERNARD BOO

THE MILL VA LLEY Film Festival the average run time for shorts is about Film Festival back in May, Federici, may just be the most easygo10 minutes, that amounts to 27,840 hours Elton and Fishkin were scoping out ing film festival on the planet. of viewing, minimum, spread across the films for programming consideration The tranquil beauty of Marin programming department. and came across one title (to remain certainly has a lot to do with it, as do the And that’s before taking into account unnamed for now) that they fell head respectful, socially conscious audiences the films that are viewed by more than over heels for. that fill the theaters each year. two programmers and the films that are “João started working on (securing the

But the true secret to MVFF’s laidconsidered for the festival but ultimately film) as soon as we got back home,” Elton back vibe is all the work done behind the aren’t featured. It’s a mind-boggling workrecalls. “The film’s representatives have scenes by the tireless festival staff. From load, to say the least, and it’s all headed up still not confirmed whether we can have the full-time employees in the California by director of programming Zoë Elton. it or not. Take a film like that, that we all Film Institute offices on Lootens Place in “One of the things I notice about 100 percent wanted to show at the festival San Rafael to the theater projectionists people who work with us is that they’re ... and now we’re two months into negotiaand employees to the festival consultants unusual people,” Elton says. “What (our tions for one film that we love so much that and volunteers, it’s hundreds of people staff members) manage to pull off in a we think that it’s worth the time. And they devoting time and energy that makes the short period of time with such incredible may never say yes.” festival run as smoothly as it does.

What most festivalgoers may not know “What most festivalgoers may not know is that it takes is that it takes an entire year to make the 10-day event happen. Each year, immean entire year to make the 10-day event happen.” diately after it’s over, the staff gathers for a wrap meeting, where they discuss focus ... these are not ordinary people. Negotiations like this are a huge part of what worked and didn’t work, mull over They’re extraordinary. They’re quite an MVFF programmer’s job, and there are analyses and numbers, and begin work on eccentric sometimes as well, but they are dozens of deals being struck in the lead-up improvements for the following year. extraordinary. They have an incredible to the festival. But the programmers aren’t

“You’re exhausted at that point,” says passion for what they do.” the only ones working. There’s also the fesMVFF executive director Mark Fishkin There are two major additions to the tival operations team, the marketing and of the post-festival meetings. “I can’t tell MVFF programming team this year: Mimi publicity team, theater operations, events you how many people have said to me, ‘Is Brody, who is now overseeing the U.S. indie planning, transportation, security, volunthat a full-time job?’ People really don’t program, and João Federici, heading up teers, and the list goes on. understand every element that goes into the world cinema team. Both have exten“When you go to Cannes, you see all of putting on the festival. It takes a village sive backgrounds in the industry, Brody these workers laying out the red carpet,” to do this. We’re very fortunate to have having served as programmer at the likes Fishkin says. “We’re essentially laying the very best people.” of the Tribeca Film Festival and the San out these red carpets all year round for

When you break down the festival Francisco International Film Festival and this event, and it just takes so many difby the numbers, it becomes evident how Federici as executive and artistic director at ferent people and so many different steps monstrous an endeavor it truly is to MixBrasil, a visionary LGBTQ film festival to do it. You really have to love this job.” organize such a sprawling, multifaceted that helped change the cultural conversaMVFF is a labor of love, but you’d operation. Last year’s festival presented tion in Latin America for the better. never know about the labor part as a fes108 feature films and 96 short films, for a Along with the rest of the festival’s tival attendee. Despite all the backstage grand total of 204 titles. In preparation for programmers, Brody and Federici scrambling, the long hours and the close the event, each film is viewed by at least have been putting in screening time in calls that happen in advance, the event two members of the programming team. advance, though watching films only itself always feels effortless, breezy and If we assume the average run time for scratches the surface of the programfull of life and laughter, and Elton gives full-length features is about two hours and mers’ responsibilities. At the Cannes great credit to the MVFF staff.

PROMOTION the DISH EAT, DRINK AND BE ENTERTAINED

A block away from the Rafael Theater, visit Vin Antico for a glass of wine and savory bites, and check out the new Loft Bar - our newly remodeled event space designed with style for intimate gatherings. Lunch: TuesdayFriday. Dinner: Monday-Saturday.

VIN ANTICO

881 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 415.721.0600 vinantico.com Consistently rated “Best of Marin,” Comforts offers fine city and home-style food. Our menus change regularly to reflect what is fresh, local and in season. We offer breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, in addition to take-out and catering services. Open 7 days a week.

COMFORTS

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.9840 comfortscafe.com

Cucina is open for lunch Tuesday- Saturday, dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Now with a full bar! Patio dining available, and semi private options for groups.

CUCINA SA

510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.2942 cucina-sa.com PLAYA’s beautiful outdoor patio overlooks downtown Mill Valley. Sitting under the giant umbrellas, enjoying our amazing Kill Bill Margaritas and authentic Mexican food while admiring Zio Ziegler’s grand mural encompasses the best outdoor experience you’ll find in town. Come early so you get the best spot and great sunshine. We are dog friendly on the patio.

PLAYA

41 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 415.384.8871

playamv.com

Craving local, fresh-caught seafood and stunning views of Angel Island, Tiburon and Mt. Tamalpais? Look no further than Sausalito’s very own Seafood Peddler! Call (415) 332-1492.

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

303 Johnson Street, Sausalito, CA 415.332.1492 seafoodpeddler.com