Festivals Previews

Mill Valley Film Fest, here I come!

by Morgen Schuler

I’m “headed” to the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), virtually of course, and I couldn’t be more excited about adding a new festival to our growing roster here at The Sunbreak. It actually starts tomorrow 10/7 and runs through 10/17, so I highly recommend you check out their site and nab a virtual viewing ticket while the getting is good. Read on for more info and what’s to come at the festival!

What the heck is the MVFF?

Run by the California Film Institute this fantastic fest has been around since 1977. It was a humbly small festival that spanned three days back then, but in its 44 year span has expanded to an eleven day event welcoming international attention. The element of this fest that’s really got my engines revving is the lack of competition. Accolades are incredible and help garner attention for the few that have received them, but remaining 70% of films that make it through the grueling application process of any festival tend to be ignored or at the very least set aside till later for distribution deals or purchase. This festival is intended to create community, artists supporting artists and exploration and celebration of film. In their own words:

Since founding the Mill Valley Film Festival in 1977, Mark Fishkin has shepherded this once small, three-day showcase into an eleven-day, internationally acclaimed cinema event presenting a wide variety of new films from around the world in an engaged, community setting.The festival has an impressive track record of launching new films and new filmmakers, and has earned a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival by celebrating the best in American independent and foreign films, along side high-profile and prestigious award contenders.Each year the festival welcomes more than 200 filmmakers, representing more than 50 countries. Screening sections include World Cinema; US Cinema; Valley of the Docs; Children’s FilmFest; a daily shorts program; and Active Cinema, MVFF’s activist films initiative. Festival guests also enjoy Tributes, Spotlights and Galas throughout.The relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere surrounding MVFF, gives filmmakers and audiences alike the opportunity to share their work and experiences in a collaborative and convivial setting.

Not only is their mission statement attractive but the films, categories and variety look to make it a really fantastic experience. I’ll keep you up to date with films I see as the week goes on, so check back for more coverage.

SunBreakers have actually already contributed a few reviews about films that are showing during this festival; we probably won’t be adding new reviews for these in this round, but encourage readers to check out our pre-existing coverage on: