For the majority of film-makers, for whom the goal of actually getting something made in some shape or form, a chance to showcase their wares will without question be in the form of an independent film festival somewhere around the world.
One of the most exciting outlets for individual cinematic voices – both in the UK and Internationally – is the London Independent Film Festival, which took place earlier this year at the Genesis Cinema in Mile End, East London. Current Festival director Natasha Marburger, herself an Freelance and Independent Producer, took time out from her busy schedule to talk to Film and TV Now about the Festival and some of the challenges that everyone faces.
Film And TV Now: Tell us about how the festival was first conceived and what was the original objective.
Natasha Marburger: The festival was set up to showcase the work of a group of film-makers and it has grown from there. LIFF now screens around 45 films each year, with around 6 features and the rest shorts. We accept all categories, giving special attention to films by first and second time directors, films shot with budgets under £100,000 ($150,000 US) and quality films that – for whatever reason – are unlikely to receive distribution through other channels.
ABOVE: Natasha Marburger (Centre) with two of the film-making talent at the 2019 London Independent Film Festival, for which she is Festival Director.
FTVN: This year’s festival took place at the Genesis Cinema. What is the appeal of the venue in your view?
NM: Genesis is a wonderful venue for independent cinema in the UK. It is consistently voted one of the best independent cinemas since current owner Tyrone Walker-Hebborn revived it. The films they show are brilliant, they run excellent events throughout the year, and the staff are fantastic people to work with and cater for everything we need as a film festival.
FTVN: What have been your favourite films of this year’s Festival?
NM: That’s a hard question as they were all excellent. It’s impossible for me to pick one
FTVN: Given the buzz around some films, has the London Independent Film Festival ever been a springboard for a particular title that has gone on to greater success around the world?
NM: At LIFF 2018 we screened “Winter Ridge” by Camelot Films which has since been released and the team have moved on to their second and thrid features. The same is true of a documentary titled “Children Of The Snow Land”, which has since won a number of awards and has also made a difference in terms of charitable work for the children in Nepal who were the subjects of the documentary. Although it’s very soon to tell what the LIFF 2019 films and film-makers will do moving forwards, a number of them are in the process of looking for distribution and the film-makers are moving forwards with their next projects. Some short films have also been districuted online by UK Film Channel wshich has been set up by one of our partners, UK Film Review.
FTVN: In terms of organising a Film Festival, there must be people out there who would love to know where you start and how much time and effort goes into the programming and organisation overall?
NM: A lot of time and effort goes into running a film festival but I love it so it’s no work for me at all! It’s a way to create something for the community of film-makers we have around London and my mission is to connect people and create opportinuties to benefit everyone. I am also an independent producer, so I have a lot of experience in the film industry. I know what is out there and who to connect with. I am able to provide that so I think LIFF is an excellent platform for new talent. The film industry is all about connecting with each other and helping each other, so if you work in film it’s not difficult to set up a film festival, as the resources and the connections are there so you just need to utilise them. If you have ever organised a screening it’s much like that on a larger scale. It does however require time and commitment. I talk to partners and sponsors all year round and spend a lot of time thinking about workshops, panels and masterclasses we can run, and I am constantly on the lookout for new partners who we can work with. I am committed to doing this for our film-makers so although it’s a lot of work it’s also easy for me and something I love to do. I also spend a lot of time coming up with ideas for the festival as well as marketing opportunities, which is another important element to film-making, whether it’s for the films and the festival itself or for our partners. As the saying goes, there’s no point in something existing if no-one knows it’s there.
FTVN: Independent cinema certainly seems to be the best way forward for new film-making talent, given that with the onset of streaming and independent distribution methods, it means more people can have access in a way they didn’t before. What would you say are the benefits of submitting your film to the LIFF?
NM: At LIFF we not only show films,we also provide opportunities for people to attend masterclasses, workshops, panels and networking events, so people can really benefit from attending. You are bound to learn something for your next project, and meet people who can really help you, maybe with your next project or by connecting you further. Also, we are a real community of film-makers, so it’s good to come and join in for fun and also for moving forwards too. I am particularly committed to sharing links from our film-makers, connecting people, and supporting people moving forwards. Screening at LIFF is a step towards bigger and better things, and being part of us means being supported for life too!
FTVN: Networking is such a crucial part of the film-making process, particularly when you get to the release process. How much networking would you say takes places in the context of the LIFF?
NM: Plenty! At LIFF we are all about networking. We open with an opening night party so everyone can come and meet and have fun and talk about potential collaborations. During the festival we are always around in the bar area, before and after the workshops, panels, masterclasses, and film screenings, so there is the opportunity to meet and chat there every day with those running the events, the film-makers themselves, or those attending. And of course we finish with our closing night awards ceremony where we announce our award-winning films, take lots of photos on the red carpet, and generally celebrate and have fun!
FTVN: You are a film-maker and producer yourself. How do you find the time to dovetail your own projects with running a Festival like the LIFF?
NM: As a freelancer I’m used to balancing multiple projects at a time. Running LIFF is like another project, but just more on-going. But as I said before, I love it, and you always find time for the things you love. Also I feel like it’s such such a great thing to do to support each other, so it’s something that’s easy to make time for.
FTVN: Finally, what are your ultimate goals and hopes for the LIFF?
NM: My mission is to really provide a springboard for film-makers who have made their first or second film, or made a film with very little money, to be able to take their next step, by connecting them with other collaborators, mentors, and opportunities that they might not know about that I can help to create with my experience in the industry. My long-term vision is to connect with other fectivals and organisations worldwide to be able to create global networks to help each other moving forwards, for all of us.
To learn more about the London Independent Film Festival regarding Submissions and Tickets etc, click on the link below:
To learn more about Natasha Marburger, click on the link below:
