Indeed Life is a Movie!

It is always amazing to share different stories and information, specially when they come from the very mind that creates movements and manages their outcome. Here we have an amazing interview with Adam Madrid! Adam is the creative and event developer responsible for the success of the LOL Jax Film Festival in Jacksonville, Florida, and the 48 Hour Film Project Challenge in the same area. He does this with the help of his beautiful wife Monique Madrid. So without further ado, let’s dive in this interview!

PPC: Can you tell us about the process of organizing a film festival like LOL JAX Film Festival? How do you select the films that will be showcased?

AM: Organizing a film festival is a lot of work and commitment. People don’t truly know what goes into them until they put on one. If you are up for creating an event like a film fest, you will want to start planning a year in advance. Come up with a logo and a great name. Get out there to the community. Films have to go through a committee and go over which ones are selected. There are a lot of great films that don’t get selected but there are is so many spots to fill.

PPC: What are some of the challenges you face in organizing such a large-scale event, and how do you overcome them?

AM: Some challenges are securing a venue space to provide a true theater setting for film fests. You have to talk with the people who run the places and see what can work and what can’t. Be ready for something no to work and have a backup plan.

PPC: How do you foster collaboration and networking among filmmakers during the festival?

AM: Be genuine. People see through the bullshit. Go to film meetups. Talk about their projects.

PPC: What efforts do you make to support emerging filmmakers and provide them with opportunities?

PPC: I try to make them feel appreciated. Answer their questions. If you have knowledge, be open in helping someone out. There are many local film events where they can be highlighted. We’re always telling filmmakers that don’t get selected to keep working on their craft. Just because you didn’t get into our fest doesn’t mean you can’t take the same film and shine at another one. As a filmmaker, I’ve had many of my films not accepted. I just keep either submitting that film to other events or keep working on my craft. Feedback is so important and if you’re not willing to take it, you’re not ready to grow in this industry.

PPC: In what ways do you measure the impact and success of LOL JAX Film Festival, both within the film industry and the local community?

AM: People believe in what we’re putting out there. LOL JAX Film Festival was created to highlight local filmmakers, actors and actresses, stand-up comedians, bands and businesses. We chose comedy because there is so much hurt and drama in the world, we tell people it’s ok to smile and laugh. People take things way too seriously and forget to have a good time with one another. This event is about building one another. This is open to professionals, up and coming filmmakers, student filmmakers. It’s just a different feeling when it’s just about locals or people that are from Jacksonville.

PPC: What can filmmakers do to join this organization?

AM: Filmmakers can always support the LOL JAX Film Festival by coming out, submitting their films and getting the word out. Submissions begin April 1st (April Fools Day) and the deadline is June 30th. It’s the same date every year. We have the film fest every year on the first weekend of August. From year one, we never charged for submission fees. Local filmmakers deserve to have their films shown on the big screen and they don’t deserve to be charged a fee to enter their film.

We thank Adam for sharing these insightful pieces of information with us, LETS KEEP DARING TO INSPIRE!