Since 2001, Fresno Filmworks has blessed the Fresno area with films that would normally be unheard of in mainstream cinema. They are a nonprofit organization that is built on bringing a line of films to the Fresno area, in order to show the city the films they love, as well a spreading that love to others.
This passion moved forward in full steam in 2005 when the organization created the Fresno Film Festival. Held annually in the Tower Theatre, the festival is built on adding to the love and appreciation of film. Currently in 2013, in it’s ninth year running, it’s easy to say that the lovefest for movies is a cinematic success.
The process for bringing a film to the festival is somewhat easier than it seems, albeit still fairly difficult. Each board member is allowed to pick one film for nomination of entry. Then, each film selected is carefully taken into consideration, regarding the films’ genres, languages and length.
Finally, all the votes are tallied, and five feature films–and 16 short films–are selected for the main event. The short films of the event are also in competition every year, and Fresno Filmworks expects around 150 short film submissions each year.
This year, Filmworks selected a diverse group of films from all over the world. “Paris-Manhattan,” a love story about a woman that solves all of life’s problems through Woody Allen movies, and “On The Road,” which is based on the travels of writer Jack Kerouac and his friends across America.
Many people in the organization wanted to keep the feeling of diversity in the air, including Fresno Filmworks board member Jefferson Beavers.
“We take our responsibility very seriously to bring international [and multicultural] films to Fresno,” said Beavers. “I love seeing people come over. It’s a great diversity of people. People who are here to see good cinema and also to have a conversation about these films. I feel like that’s part of our mission to bring people together through film.”
As a board member, Beavers’ love for film has grown exponentially, as he is able to take part in the process and become a part of the cinema movement.
“I really love Fresno Filmworks for that,” said Beavers. “I loved it as a fan and now I love it as a board member.”
While this year’s festival is now at a close, Fresnans can expect many films to be showcased throughout the year by the organization, and the festival is almost certain to make a bigger impact when it returns for its 10th year in 2014.
If you would like to know more about Fresno Filmworks and their collaborators, visit fresnofilmworks.org.
