A Short Interview with Visions4 Keynote, Kiva Reardon

Q1. Your resume is quite outstanding, where do you attribute your love of film and writing?

My dad worked in film when I was growing up, so I was started on a steady diet of the classics at a young age. (I wasn't allowed to watch commercial TV when I was a kid, but things like Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia and The Birds were ok.) As for writing, I came to that a bit later during my undergrad. I was extremely lucky to discover (at the last minute) that I could major in Cultural Studies. McGill doesn't (and most likely never will!) have a film department and this major was the closest I could get to one. This lead me to really learning how to read film, both as an art form and as a political text. Two professors in particular, Alanna Thain and Ned Schantz, inspired me to continue writing. 

Q2. Who is your role model, and why?

I suppose I have a few. My mum, first of all, has always taught me to work, be independent and self-sufficient, while always remaining open-minded and generous to others. She has an amazing career and great interpersonal relationships, which is something I admire. On a different note, I take great inspiration from the work of Claire Denis, Nina Power's writing, and am very lucky to have a close friend who also acts as a mentor in many ways, Adam Nayman. 

Q3. Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career thus far.

Definitely cléo. Creating something from nothing with an incredible group of women has been an amazing experience. I hope it will continue to grow and attract new readers. We're working on grant applications now, which is the next big step for us. But one of the most significant moments in my career so far was actually quitting a very good, well-paid office job (with benefits!) to go back to school and get my Masters. It changed the direction of my work completely. 

Q4. When have you been most satisfied in your life?

That's hard to answer. I'm pretty bad at recognizing being satisfied with my work and always feel the drive to be moving to the next thing. 

Q5. You majored in cultural studies as an undergraduate, did you always have film/writing in mind for your future? Or was it something you discovered during your time at McGill University?

I suppose I already answered this, but to expand, it was at McGill. I always loved writing, but during this time I really started to love writing about film. In one course, Schantz structured his classes with weekly short writing assignments on films we've watched; looking back, I can see how similar this is to writing weekly reviews. 

Q6. If you could be doing anything 10 years from now, what would it be?

I would eventually like to be in a programming capacity at a film festival; not in film programming, but speaking series, community outreach and higher education. My favourite part about film is sharing, exhibiting and talking about them with a wide audience. I also always want to keep writing. 

Q7. At Visions4 we celebrate outstanding undergraduate work in the field film production of scholarly writing; what draws you to an event like this?

The period right after graduating was really scary for me, but it was also incredibly exciting. It felt like I had no idea what I was doing and thus I could try anything. Those on-the-cusp moments are amazing to be a part of; I'm going to try and relive it at Visions4!

Q8. What inspired you to create your own digital publication, cléo journal?

I was irked by the lack of female voices in film criticism, as well as the lack of female bylines in review sections, and I suspected that I couldn’t be alone in this point of view. I sent an email to a group of women, some friends, some who I knew professionally and some whom I met while doing my Masters, to gauge interest in working on starting a journal. The response from the group was overwhelming—and ultimately it is thanks to their excitement and productive criticism that the journal came to fruition.

Q9. To what do you owe your interest in feminist theory? and do you have a favorite author?

My mother always identified as a feminist, so I grew up with it in a way and it just seemed natural. I started studying it properly in undergrad; there, I remember a TA asking our seminar who thought of themselves as a feminist and only myself and another person raised their hand. It was a moment that crystallized feminism as being an active, political stance that people chose to identify with. As for favourite authors, Bell Hooks, I've been reading B. Ruby Rich lately, I keep Virginie Despentes' King Kong Theory on my desk and basically sleep with Nina Power's One Dimensional Woman under my pillow. One of my go-to texts is Interrogating Post-Feminism. 

Q10. What's your favorite film and why?

Oh, this honestly changes depending on my mood. I often default to saying Athina Rachel Tsangari's Attenberg, Claire Denis' S'en fout la mort, Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca and Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. 

Q11. Everyone has their guilty pleasure film, what's yours?

I don't believe in guilty pleasures, to be honest. My thinking is: like what you like, so long as you can intelligently articulate why!



Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org

VISIONS4 Event Badges On Sale Now!

The best way to experience Visions4 is by purchasing your personal Event BADGE!

Badges provide a number of great benefits and allow you to navigate the festival and conference a little easier. They will be on sale for $10 each (a $150.00 value) from February 13th until 11:59 PM on March 31st. Prices will increase to $15 per badge on April 1st-3rd*, so we encourage you to plan ahead and buy early!

To purchase your event badge, please see Visions4 Official Website's News tab, or visit the link below:

http://visionsfilm.org/badges.html

Visions4 Digital Arts Competition!

 
Chris Keefe

Director of Operations

          

        On Monday the 10th of February 2014, Visions Film Festival and Conference is beginning the first Visions Digital Arts Bumper Contest.  This contest is open only to University of North Carolina Wilmington students.

          

Visions4 is looking for exciting and creative 10-15 second bumpers to be displayed before film/conference blocks, as well as Q & A sessions for the festival and conference on April 4th, 2014 at UNCW. Check out the Visions 2012 Official Bumper below for an example. For information on the new 2014 color pallet, font style, and official Visions4 logo, please click the link: 

Visions4 Digital Arts Competition.zip

The top bumper creators will receive a free badge granting access to all event activities. Their work will be displayed in front of our featured filmmakers and scholars, along with members of the Wilmington and university community in attendance.

To submit your bumper, email your Youtube or Vimeo link to submissions@visionsfilm.org.  The submission deadline is March 15, 2014. All winners will be announced March 19, 2014.  

Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org

V4 Visionary Highlight.2 : Mr. Robert West -- By Jake Chamelin

West is most remembered as the co-founder of Working Films in Wilmington, North Carolina. Working Films is a nationally recognized non-profit organization which seeks to bring about social education and social activism through its nonfiction films. West tragically lost his battle with cancer last spring, but his legacy lives on through this organization, his passion for life and the arts, and most of all, those whom he influenced. It was West’s early life that would instill in him this passion for art, literature and film, and it was something that would change the direction of his life. West lost his father when he was only fourteen years old, and his family moved to Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University, and it was here that he cultivated his passion for the arts, and social activism.

His early career in publishing and bookselling landed him the position of film and video curator for the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. He held the position from 1985-1999, and it was here where West began to make a huge impact, not only in the film community, but in his local community as well. West founded the Charlotte Film and Video Festival, which grew into an international festival, attracting filmmakers from all around the globe. During this time he also founded Charlotte’s Gay and Lesbian Film series, created with the help of a team of friends. West’s heartfelt belief that the curation of a public convening around independent film was an art form itself, capable of uniting people and creating a change in the community. West is one of many to use film as a catalyst for change, tapping in and speaking to the hearts and minds of all people. West’s impact on the cultural scene in Charlotte is immeasurable, creating a climate for change not only in the community, but buoying local artists and filmmakers with confidence and recognition for their works.

Leaving Charlotte in 1999, West moved to Wilmington where he founded Working Films. The success he enjoyed in Charlotte, along with his passion for the arts also led to the success of Working Films. The world lost an incredible advocate for film and the arts last spring, and most importantly, a great human being. Robert West’s legacy is one of social change, and his belief in the power of film being capable of joining people together. This is what makes him one of the most deserving people to ever be heralded as a visionary. West’s own artistic mission is the embodiment of Visions’ purpose, and we could not be more honored to partner with Working Films once again in 2014.
 

Written by Jacob Smith Chamelin

Web Content Writer

Visions FIlm Festival & Conference

Wilmington, NC
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org

2006 interview with Robert West from New Day Films on Vimeo.

A Recap of V4's Annual Bake Sale -- By Dallis Covey

The 2014 V4 Bake Sale was a resounding success, so a “congratu-DYN-O-MITE-lations” is in order to all of those who volunteered their delicious baked goods (or their tasty time)!

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and a wonderful crisp breeze guided me swiftly across the campus to our stand in front of Randall Library. A group of slackers (not grunge kids, but slackline enthusiasts) were performing their harrowing acrobatic tricks several inches above the soft billowy grass. Groups of opportunistic students were scattered about the clock tower field recharging the solar cells on their stomachs or backs. An assorted mix of ‘80s and ‘90s music, coming from an unseen boom-box, danced along the wind creating a blanket of comfort and nostalgia for all those in attendance.

Our fabulous V4 Bake Sale was organized by our very crafty guru, Audra Blake. She spent weeks designing flyers, setting up volunteer shifts, and coordinating the collection of scrumptious foodstuffs. Her hard work, and the ever-so-tasty creations of our other VISIONS staff members, is directly reflected by the donations we received that put us over our projected goal.

A big “shout out” to the crafty confectioneers is due:

Audra Blake – Wily white-chocolate popcorn, Bodacious Brownies, and a smorgasbord of other delicacies

Ally Godsey – Reverent Red-Velvet Cupcakes

Kyle Randolph – Gandolfian Gluten-Free Cookies

Anna Roberts – Miraculous Mini-Cheesecakes

Shannon Silva – Nutritious Nut n’ Dairy-Free Treats (for our allergy n’ lactose-challenged friends)

Madeleine Tangney – Fortuitous Funfetti Cupcakes

...and everyone else who supplied the happiness and awesome-sauce that made our V4 Bake Sale a success.

During my shift, we had a great group of outgoing and creative types who helped rope in students and faculty alike with their rambunctious spirit and entertaining desperation: Nico Desreumaux, Channing Duke, Ben Dorton, Steven Gamble, Ally Godsey, Chris Keefe, Madeleine Tangney, Kyle Randolph (and other members of the VISIONS gang who stopped by to show their support when they could). From formal introductions, and fist-bumps to catcalling and musical performance, our VISIONeers went all out to promote the amazing FF&C we are working so hard to bring to UNCW (plus the offer of fantastic sugar rushes between classes didn’t hurt either).

We would like to especially thank the students and faculty whose donations made this year’s event one of the best in VISIONS’ history!

Check out our super-awesome info page to get your badge early (you don’t want to miss out on the early bird swag), so you can guarantee your place in this year’s 4th annual VISIONS Film Festival & Conference. We are also looking for motivated volunteers who want to help out with V4 this year, so keep an eye on our site for regular updates, blogs and upcoming events.

Sound off in the comments below, or on our Facebook page, if you would like Audra and her Motley Crew of Baking Bandits to bring their delectable confections back for a tasty encore.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org  

V4's First Visionary Highlight: Neil Blomkamp -- By Jake Chamelin

        When looking at the early careers of filmmakers, it’s always intriguing how the passion for film unites such different individuals. So many different modes and methods are brought together, and this diversity is what makes filmmaking an active art form, a living and breathing, ever evolving entity. The modern era of filmmaking is one of exceptional excitement, with filmmaking becoming more readily available to the masses, and film education rising to new heights. As Visions Film Festival & Conference begins its series looking at visionaries of film, we will honor filmmakers who have risen to prolific heights, and will examine their early works and how their paths first began.

      South African born Neill Blomkamp is a perfect example of a filmmaker who developed a signature style that is far advanced for an individual of such a young age. Blomkamp is the director of the stunning film District 9 (2009), and this newest is the sci-fi thriller Elysium (2013). Blomkamp was born in Johannesburg, and from an early age displayed a technical proficiency with graphics and animation. Blomkamp met friend and future collaborator Sharlto Copely while attending high school in Johannesburg. Copely made use of computers at his production company that allowed Blomkamp to create 3D works for pitches in his various projects. Blomkamp would later state that the apartheid government of South Africa proved an extreme influence on his later films, and the themes of oppression, injustice, and angst are pillars of his work. At age 18, Blomkamp’s family moved to British Columbia, and he attended Vancouver Film School, furthering his craft of animation and digital effects. Blomkamp created images for Popular Science magazine in 2003 and 2004, before moving on to Rainmaker Digital Effects. Later he signed with Toronto commercial creators, Spy Films.

So impressive were Blomkamp’s early works, (including the short Alive in Joburg, the basis for the hit District 9) that he was hired by 20th Century Fox to direct a feature length Halo film, an adaption of the insanely popular video game franchise. This was to be produced by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, who came to know of Blomkamp through his commercial work and short films, which were shot in his off time. Blomkamp developed a style of mixing incredibly detailed and advanced computer animation, and gritty lo-fi footage This blending creates a unique film environment that has depth and comes to life on the screen. While the Halo film eventually fell through, Blomkamp and Jackson maintained their relationship, and Jackson shifted his production to Blomkamp’s 2009 debut, District 9 (photo below).

    At only 34 years old, Blomkamp is just one example of how raw talent and determination can make a major splash in the filmmaking community. His style, highly political messages, and worlds that he brings to life and invaluable additions to the film community. It is for these reasons that we recognize Neill Blomkamp as a filmmaker, and a visionary in the truest sense.

 
Written by Jacob Smith Chamelin

Web Content Writer

Visions Film Festival & Conference

Wilmington, NC 
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org

B.Y.O.F.F.--- A Recap from Mr. Dallis Covey

       There is nothing more private and sacred to a young filmmaker than their first  film. Whether it is the single most important piece of cinematic history EVER to be discovered (according to your great aunt Ida), or it makes you change your identity and flee the country, we have all been there. VISIONS hosted a B.Y.O.F.F. party (Bring Your Own First Film) at the Goat & Compass to celebrate the first steps of the many future filmmakers in the UNCW and Wilmington community.

​Upon entering the establishment, a beautifully decorated raffle booth (curated by VISIONS own Audra Blake) drew the attention of all the patrons. Roses, candies, and assorted homemade popcorn treats were packaged in rustic brown paper cones. The building was filled with students, their friends, and alumni. After the initial frenzy of catching up, laughing, and other formal societal customs began to die down, the group was slowly herded out the door and to the back patio. Here, the VISIONS crew had decorated the fenced in area with lights and candles, with the focus shifted toward the giant projector screen in the back. The air was cold and crisp, but the giddy energy of the close-knit crowd maintained an aura of heat that blanketed all who attended (not to mention the industrial propane heater provided by Taylor Woodell). As everyone settled into their own particular areas of the patio, the awesome 90s music that had been elevating the spirits of all those attending was quickly switched off, and the announcement for the main event was greeted with hollering, laughter, and applause.

​The screenings were split into two viewing blocks with a small break, and a table read of a script (from our own Marketing Director, Steven Gamble) filled the time between. Deadly blind dates, corporate espionage, kitten reminiscing, and Siberian adventures involving the Hand-Crank-Flashlight Bandit were only a small portion of the highly entertaining evening. Each filmmaker who attended the party gave a brief intro before their respective films played. The energy throughout the evening reinforced the sense of brotherhood (and sisterhood, of course!!!) that filmmakers share. No matter where we are in our journey, we all share a sense of unity, as we all are taking the same path.

​Take a gander at our announcement page for upcoming events, so you can be a part of the incredible experiences the staff of VISIONS 4 want to bring to you.

We hope to see you soon.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org

Sedona Film Festival

      Independent Film has gained a stronghold out west. With quirky film festivals popping up all over the country, its important to acknowledge those that have been promoting and heralding independent filmmakers for years. February 22nd will mark the beginning of the 20th annual Sedona Film Festival. SFF has been committed to not only celebrating independent film and filmmakers, but placing an emphasis on educating and providing artistic and cultural  enrichment. This year, SFF will be screening over 145 films over the douse of nine days, drawing from independent films, documentaries, foreign films, and animations, and even providing an opportunity for student films to be screened in front of large audiences.

     This tradition of celebrating independent films of all kinds has contributed to the longevity of the festival. The quality of films selected for the festival also lends to the continually growing in reputation of SFF. The diversity of the films has no bounds. Just to name a few, in the documentary category, 1 is the work of American Paul Crowder and focuses on the golden era of Formula 1 racing. Examining the the glitz and glamour of F1 in the 1970s when motor racing had reached an pinnacle in worldwide popularity, it had also amassed a staggering body count. The film examines the incredible machines and men who braved this deadly era or motorsport. From the dangers of F1, another documentary feature Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a beautiful glimpse into the coldest place on Earth. Anthony Powell takes us into the frozen continent, showing what a year in Antarctica is like for those everyday people that man the various stations on the continent. Antarctica is a visually stunning work that will leave audiences amazed at the steadfast nature of the brave men and women who brave the frigid temperatures, and is a glimpse into an place on Earth that is as alien as any place in the universe.

     The narrative category is extensive, and it will feature an independent film from UNCW’s own Terry Linehan. Linehan’s Don’t Know Yet is an emotional journey into an aimless and heartbroken man who finds solace in giving hitchhikers lifts to wherever they want to go. Filmed in Wilmington and Asheville, North Carolina, Don’t Know Yet is a film that all of Wilmington can rally around, and be proud to see make an appearance in Sedona.

     While film festivals continue to grow and make their own reputations in different parts of the country, it is important to realize that this celebration and renaissance of independent is nothing new. Festivals like SFF have been at it for years, and hopefully many more years to come.

Written by Jacob Smith Chamelin

Web Content Writer

Visions Film Festival and Conference

Wilmington, NC 
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org 

   

Annual Bake Sale Rescheduled for Wednesday, February 19th

Due to the inclement weather forecasted this Wednesday the 12th in Wilmington, NC, Visions4 will now be holding it's annual bakesale on Wednesday the 19th. All details besides the date of the event still apply.


Now that you have another week's notice...there is really no excuse not to stop by the Randall Library Plaza (just beyond the front steps) on the 19th for a variety of cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, brownies, and donuts of course! All proceeds go toward Visions Film Festival and Conference, taking place on April 4th, 2014 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Steven Gamble
Marketing Director
Visions4
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org 

Be Part of a Visions4 Sunset Event: Bring Your Own First Film (B.Y.O.F.F.)

Press Contact Info: Steven Gamble

Phone: 704-242-4908

Email: pr@visionsfilm.org

Event: Visions4 Presents: Bring Your Own First Film

Date: February 13th, 2014

Location: Goat and Compass

https://www.facebook.com/pages

/Goat-Compass/113071338711817

Time: 6pm -- 10pm

Screenings Begin: 7 p.m.

     As to further honor the undergraduate and amatuer filmmaker, Visions4 will be holding its first annual sunset event, Bring Your Own First Film, on February 13th, 2014 at 6 p.m. The event will be hosted by Goat and Compass, located on North 4th Street in downtown Wilmington, NC. Visions invites all film fans, students, and filmmakers to attend; those who would like to further participate are invited to bring in one of their first films or videos for screening during the event in file format, whether on a flash drive/hard drive. Screenings will be accompanied by tasty snacks, a laid-back atmosphere, and of course the beautiful Wilmington sunset. This is an event dedicated to the very first projects that marked the beginning of a lifelong passion, a direct influence of the Visions4 mission. These films are the artistic creations influenced solely by pure passion, and Bring Your Own First Film will remind everyone the true meaning of amatuer--“lover of”--a quality that no filmmaker should ever misplace.  

In addition to the screenings, there will be a special Valentine’s Day raffle that will make your heart skip a beat.

So, come out to Goat and Compass on February 13th, kick-back, and recapture the spirit that shaped your love of film!

Press questions can be directed to:

Steven Gamble

Visions Marketing Director

Phone: 704-242-4908

Email: pr@visionsfilm.org

More details: www.visionsfilm.org

Visions4 Announces Keynote Speaker: Writer and Scholar Kiva Reardon

Press Contact Info: Steven T. Gamble

Phone: 704-242-4908

Email: pr@visionsfilm.org

     On behalf of the Fourth Annual Visions Film Festival and Conference, I am pleased to announce that our April 4th event will feature Canadian writer and film scholar Kiva Reardon as our keynote speaker! Reardon is a bilingual (English, French) arts, film and television professional with experience in arts administration, communications, writing, editing, production, and social media. She also serves as an active member of the Toronto Film Critics Association and Alliance of Women Film Journalists.

With an inextinguishable interest in critical theory, cinema, and feminism, Reardon first attended McGill University in Montreal as an undergraduate, earning her B.A. in Cultural Studies in 2009. In 2012, she received her M.A. in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto, where she also held a Teaching Assistant position throughout her graduate study (responsible for teaching a class of 40 students). Considering an obvious dedication to her extended education in cinema and cultural studies, one may assume that an equal, high-level of related work experience doubtful, at least until her formal study had been completed. Think so? You don’t know Kiva Reardon. So stop, take a few deep breaths, and prepare yourself for the highly effective film scholar and writer that is Ms. Reardon. I have not even begun to express the true ambitious fire that seems to have engulfed her life and aspirations--a fire fueled primarily by a passion for the cinema, writing, and feminist theory.

What is most impressive is Reardon’s creation of her very own film journal. She is founder and editor of Cleo Journal (April 2013 – Present), a quarterly digital journal of film and film culture informed by feminist perspectives. She also holds the position of Staff Film Writer for The Loop.ca at Bell Media (May 2012 – Present) and has worked as a freelance writer for the past five years (March 2009 – Present), serving as an on-going contributor to Cinema Scope and NOW Magazine, with work published in the National Post, Reverse Shot, Ms. Magazine, Torontoist, Cinephile Journal, AV Club Toronto, and Rue Morgue.

In regards to production experience, Reardon was the Business Affairs Coordinator for Shaftesbury Films Inc. (May 2008 – August 2008), and held the Publicity Coordinator position for Insight Production Company from August to November in 2009. Reardon also worked as a Production Assistant for John Greyson Film (Greyzone Production Co.) from February to April in 2012.  

Her work with the Toronto Irish Film Festival as Public Relations Manager (February 2011 – November 2011) was a very pleasant surprise not only for our staff, but myself especially, as I’m holding her identical position on the Visions4 staff. I may have to squeeze in a few more of my own questions, as I would be a fool not to pick her PR brain for my own benefit! Although, the fact that Reardon does have festival staff experience is amazing and that will be a huge benefit for both her and our staff regarding communication.

At Visions Film Festival and Conference, the same kind of emotion and ardor is present in our undergraduate filmmakers, scholars, and staff, along with professors and event guests. As keynote speaker of Visions4, Reardon will nurture these passions for film and writing inside of everyone--and perhaps create a few new ones as well. Established by her variety of experience, success, and sheer amount of work she has done this early in her sure to be long career, Reardon will have the ability to immediately invigorate the spirit of the undergraduate filmmakers and scholars in attendance, allowing their future aspirations to take form in reality, not from the point-of-view of starved dreams, but from a real-world perspective that has been rid of excuses and doubt. This of course accomplishes a primary responsibility of Visions: to help securely bridge the imposing transition between film school and film career.

Kiva Reardon is a true visionary with a well rounded range of experience in both the film and media industry, and she has extensive scholarly writing/editor knowledge as well, founding her own film publication. She is certainly a near-perfect rendering of the Visions4 mission as a whole, and her accomplishments and future aspirations are much more than intimidating--they are inspiring.

Press questions may be directed to:

Steven T. Gamble

Visions Marketing Director

Phone: 704-242-4908

Email: pr@visionsfilm.org

More details: www.visionsfilm.org