I just got back from a wonderful weekend with the Orlando Film Festival is sunny Florida. We screened the third installment of Trah Shorts,
The Saga Continues, which was nominated in the festival for “Best Animation”.
What a great experience and wonderfully orchestrated festival. The Orlando Film Festival stands as a symbol of independent film in the state of Florida and Trah was proud to be apart of the event. The high caliber of films that screened, excellent venue, enthusiastic staff and all around great time is what made the Orlando Film Festival a celebration of cinema.
Daniel Springen, Executive Director of the Orlando Film Festival, is so full of energy that it radiated from him to the rest of the filmmakers and audience. I was really impressed how he knew every filmmakers name, face and film. You really got the feeling the festival cares about cinema. I got the chance to speak with a handful of local residents that came down to check out the festival. Hearing the excitement in their voices as they explained how they look forward to this event every year was really fulfilling.
Some of my favorite films from the weekend include
The Absence, Directed by Alex DeMille,
Wid Winner and the Slip Stream Directed by Alex Gaynor and
Magic in the Forrest Directed by Jon Menick. I saw many great films but these three struck me as pretty extraordinary. Another up and coming filmmaker I befriended was Nick DeRuve, who was there to screen his short film, Schenectady, New York. It was inspirational to see such great work and meet the people behind the camera.
I look forward to the 2011 Orlando Film Festival. Hopefully we will have the chance to screen
Trah Shorts Episode 4: When World’s Collide, which is currently in pre-production.
Thanks again Orlando Film Festival and see you next year.
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