TWIFF Calling for Entries

The World Indie Film Festival (TWIFF) [formerlyThird World Indie Film Festival] on its 4thyear is calling for Entries.

Early Deadline – Feb 15, 2014
Regular Deadline – March 2, 2014
Late Deadline – April 2, 2014
Extended Deadline – May 2, 2014

We offer discounted submission fee for students. Submit here:www.theworldindiefilmfest.com.

Aimed at being comprehensively educational, entertaining, truthful, playful and just — TWIFF's unique and revolutionary mission is to involve scores of compassionate, dedicated human beings in a bold attempt to build awareness for inequity, empowerment for the vulnerable, and representation for the underrepresented.

TWIFF is crucial, not only because it offers insights to break commonly held stereotypes of emerging countries,but because most of us in developed countries have suffered more due to the recent economic upheaval than those in less-developed nations. This discrepancy—even in itself—make simmensely critical the need to study the underpinnings of emerging countries and or continents socio-economics systems and way of life.

TWIFF will consist as an assemblage of films depicting stories of hardships and triumphs, getting at the heart of the matter for people in the emerging countries – and hence all humanity. The festival will keep us up to date on critical issues and events impacting not only affluent countries, but every country.

Filmmakers , celebrities, guest from different consular offices are expected to attend.

We encourage your partnership,sponsorship and support as we strive to improve the world; government entities, private corporations and individuals all are welcome. Volunteers, crew, donors,planners, writers, contributors of every sort are much needed. Please contact us for more information on specifics and how you can be a catalyst for change.

We look forward to hearing from you! For tickets, sponsorship and advertisement information please email info@twiff.org.

Submit your film here: http://www.theworldindiefilmfest.com or email: submission@twiff.org

Interview with filmmaker Mona Lisa Yuchengco

1. Can you give us a brief summary of your film? Where was it shot? Who are some of the actors?

This is a documentary entitles, “Marilou Diaz-Abaya: Filmmaker on a Voyage.” It is about the famous film director – her life and movies, the school she founded, and her battle with cancer. Some of the people I interviewed for the film were: National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, screenwriter Ricky Lee, social practitioner Randy David, actor Cesar Montano, former teacher Chinggay Lagdameo, directors Enrico Santos and Jeffrey Jeturian.


2. When did the entire process of filming, casting, screen writing, and production start? How long was the process?

It started in January 2011 and final edits completed in July 2013.


3. Is this the first film you have created? If not, what other films have you completed?
This is my second film. The first short documentary I made was entitled, “66 years, 2 months, 21 days…and still counting.”


4. What was the inspiration for you to create the film you submitted?
Marilou Diaz-Abaya was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January 2011. I thought it was important to document and chronicle her life as a filmmaker, teacher, mother and activist so that others can be inspired and empowered.


5. Why did you submit it to TWIFF?
Filipino Americans make up a big part of the Asian community in the bay Area, and I thought this would be a movie they would want to see since Director Abaya’s films won so many awards.


6. What message do you want the audience to take away from your documentary/film?
What is more important than receiving the awards is how your film has affected hearts and minds of the audience.


7. What upcoming projects are you working on?
It is all in the preliminary stages, so I am not comfortable talking about it yet.

***Interviewed by Alexandra Drechsler

Press Release: HEARTS IN THE HIMALAYAS

Directed by: DEBI LANG 

Category: Social Entrepreneur Short

      'Hearts In The Himalayas” is a documentary project two years in the making by award-winning humanitarian photojournalist, Debi Lang. The film profiles the work of Himalayan HealthCare (HHC), a driven and dedicated volunteer organization that provides medical care, education, and income generation opportunities to the people of rural Nepal. HHC volunteers, led by co-founder Anil Parajuli and his dedicated Nepalese staff, endure harsh conditions and treacherous terrain during a trek to bring much needed medical and dental care to people living in the remote Dhading region of the Himalayas.

      The film integrates footage shot during an Everest-size expedition fraught by challenges with a powerful narrative as Parajuli takes the viewer into the brutal conditions the villagers face everyday.

      We meet Pema, Phe Dorge and Bin Maya, the HHC trained health care providers who work around the clock to provide medical care to the people of their villages; Bahadur BK, who, with the help of HHC, has broken the barriers of his caste to become one of the most respected educators in the region; and the women who are determined to improve village life through the income generation and empowerment programs.

      Parajuli and HHC board president Dr. Robert McKersie, reveal the compelling story behind Megh Bahadur Parajuli Community Hospital which became the beacon of hope for the 300,000 people in the Ilam region during the fog of a deadly 10-year civil war. It is a humanitarian mission you soon won't forget.

     Don't forget to check this movie out during the film festival later this month. But first, here is the the trailer:
                                

Press Release: Nothing Like Chocolate

Directed by: Kum-Kum Bhavnani 

Category: Documentary Feature

     Deep in the rain forests of Grenada, anarchist chocolate-maker, Mott Green operates an unusual chocolate factory that makes delicious creations unknown to a world saturated with industrially produced cocoa, much of it harvested by exploited child labour in West Africa. Mott utilizes solar power, employee shareholding and small-scale antique equipment to make delicious, organic, and socially conscious chocolate. Each step in the production process, from cocoa pod to candy bar, involves ethical and sustainable methods aimed at empowering the community of farmers involved.

     This is an intimate story of the relentless and headstrong Mott Green, founder of the Grenada Chocolate Company, as he pursues his unique vision to create the best chocolate in the world, ethically and taste-wise. Alongside Mott’s story we enter the busy life of Nelice Stewart, an independent cocoa farmer, not part of Mott’s co-operative. We experience how she harvests cocoa, meet three of her seven children and her new husband on her farm-land, and are present at the government bean market where she sells her cocoa. We watch in awe as she builds her own house and does her church-work, and better understand the intricate relationships between cocoa farmers, their produce, and their lives. Why is Nelice not part of the co-operative? 

     NOTHING LIKE CHOCOLATE allows us to enter the world’s smallest chocolate factory, and we see how, by tackling the unsustainable and exploitative practices of the Goliaths of the industry, they are doing enormous things for cocoa communities, and the world’s sweet tooth.

     Be sure to catch this film at this year's festival!    Here's the trailer link for a short preview: Nothing Like Chocolate Trailer

Screening Schedule 2013

Sept 19-22 2013 Century Theatres @ Pacific Commons, Fremont CA 94538


TWIFF 2013-- San Jose/Silicon Valley (Sept 19-22, 2013), four days of filmscreenings and social events highlighting the creativity and vitality of globalfilmmakers. 


****Watch 6-8 compelling films that matter for only $20 (daypass)****
Get tickets: http://thirdworldindiefilmfest.com/purchasetickets.htmlor call 408 907 6925



Day 1--Sept 20 2013 FRIDAY LINE UP
WHERE: Century Theatres @ Pacific Commons 43917Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont, Ca 94538

10:00----11:00 Land of Tiger, Tide and Arabian Goddess- INDIA
11:00----11:18 Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution -- SYRIA
11:20----11:40 LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS -- UGANDA(Q & A 20min)
12:00----12:35 TWERO THE ROAD TO HEALTH -- UGANDA
12:40----2:06 Conscience of Cambodia -- CAMBODIA
2:10 ------3:10 Where should the Birds Fly ---PALESTINE
3:10------3:40 JOHNNY LOVES DOLORES ---USA/PHILIPPINES (Q & A 20mins)
4:00------5:30 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY --- PHILIPPINES
5:30------6:00 WALKER --- INDIA/FINLAND/NEPAL
6:00------7:30 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY ---PHILIPPINES(Sponsored)
7:30------8:00 JOHNNY LOVES DOLORES---USA/PHILIPPINES(Sponsored by: CTC)


Day 2 --Sept 21 2013 SATURDAY LINE UP
WHERE: CenturyTheatres @ Pacific Commons 43917 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont, Ca 94538

 
10:00---11:30 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY – PHILIPPINES
11:35---12:30 THE CARRINGTON EVENT ---USA
12:30---12:42 THE SWEATSHOP --- THAILAND
12:50--- 1:05 HARK --- USA (Q & A 15min)
1:20---- 2:50 Johnny Loves Dolores ---USA/PHILIPPINES (Sponsored by CTC --10min)
3:00---- 4:20 MARILOU DIAZ ABAYA–FILMMAKER ON A VOYAGE – PHILIPPINES ( Q & A 20 min)
4:40---- 5:05 GAWAH – INDIA ( Q & A 20 min)
5:25---- 6:35 Immigration Lawyer:Shattered Freedom –INDIA/USA (Sponsored by Sitarre TV)
6:40---- 6:50 AAB – Punjabi – INDIA
7:00---- 8:00 SURVIVING THE DEATH ROAD --- BOLIVIA ( Q & A 15min)
8:20----10:00 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY – PHILIPPINES (Sponsored by: Arte Boutique)

Day 3 --Sept 22 2013 SUNDAY LINE UP
WHERE: CenturyTheatres @ Pacific Commons 43917 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont, Ca 94538 

10:00---12:00 THE SHIFT *****---USA (Starring: Danny Glover/ Leonel Oliva/ Casey Fitzgerald) 

12:10--- 1:20 NOTHING LIKE CHOCOLATE --GRENADA
1:25---- 2:55 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY ---PHILIPPINES (Sponsored)
3:00---- 4:30 JOURNEY TO HOPE ----GUYANA ( Q & A 15 mins)
4:50---- 5:15 HEARTS IN THE HIMALAYAS ---NEPAL
5:15---- 5:45 JOHNNY LOVES DOLORES ---USA/PHILIPPINES
5:45---- 7:15 ALAGWA/BREAKAWAY --- PHILIPPINES (Sponsored)
7:15---- 8:15 DPRK The Land of Whispers--- VIETNAM, NORTH KOREA
8:20---10:00 THE SUSPECT *****---USA (Starring: Mekhi Phifer/William Sadler /Sterling K Brown)


Screening schedules are subject to change without prior notice.  

TWIFF 2013: OUR MISSION

TWIFF was created to help empower and foster a new generation of filmmakers. The festival seeks to serve the community by presenting unique programs that educate, inspire, engage and challenge a diverse audience through the art of film.

Now in its third year, TWIFF has received many film submissions from different genres covering various subjects. The overwhelming positive feedback TWIFF has received from its supporters has lead its organizers to take TWIFF in a new direction.


THE NEW DIRECTION:

TWIFF'S organizers are proud to announce that the Third World Independent Film Festival will become The World's Indie Film Festival. Since a great film comes in many differentsizes, shapes, and form, TWIFF has decided to shift the focus from "thirdworld" to "the world".

The new direction allows TWIFF to recognize filmmakers from all walks of life, while still remaining true to its mission to educate, inspire, and empower through the art of film.


SCHEDULE:

ThirdWorld Independent Film Festival
September 20-22, 2013
Century Theaters at Pacific Commons Plaza
43914 Pacific Commons Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538

September 19
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Red Carpet Event
Dave& Buster's
940 Great Mall Drive
Milpitas,CA 95035

September 20
10:00 am - 9:00 pm Filmscreening
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm After Party
SummitPointe Golf Club
1500 Country Club Drive
Milpitas,CA 95035

September 22
10:00 am - 9:30 pm Film screening

Septermber 23
10:00 am - 7:30 pm Film screening


Screening schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For a more comprehensive schedule, please refer to: www.thirdworldindiefilmfest.com/schedule.html or

http://www.twiffcommunity.blogspot.com/2013/08/twiff-2013-schedule-booklet.html

Interview with Director Ian Lorenos Film: Breakaway/Alagwa

*Interviewed by: Gracie Suzara 

GS : When did you first start getting into films? 

IL: Technically, I've been doing films since 2009. My first film was a short animation called "Worship the Will". I decided to make an animation as my personal filmmaking project and also a stepping stone since it was the most practical thing to do back then. I didn't knew anyone from the industry and I didn't have any experiences in filmmaking, and in effect it was virtually impossible to produce my films. With "Worship the Will" all I needed was my computer and a whole bunch of researching through the net.


GS: Your film Breakaway/Alagwa recently won some film festival awards.
Have you had any companies interested in distributing it?

IL: There are actually several ones but we haven't decided yet, we are very careful on choosing the best distribution company as possible, we don't want to get burned. But right now we are preparing for the nationwide release in the Philippines, it's pretty exciting.


GS: How did you get the idea to write the script for this film? The
dialogue between the characters is often intense, how long has it taken you to
perfect or "tune up" their speaking parts?

IL: The film is based from an infamous urban legend in Chinatown, Manila back in the 1990's. But the idea hit me when I was distressing from shooting my first feature film, I made a walk back in my hometown in Chinatown, Manila where I saw a photo of a missing boy on a grubby wall. When I got home, it didn't got away from my mind. And so I decided to make a film about it.

The actors are unbelievably astounding, especially the leading actors (Jericho Rosales and Bugoy Cariño) . When I finished the script, I didn't actually put up dialogues in it because I wanted to get that spontaneity from the actors, I wanted the film to have realistic interactions between the characters. But what i love about Jericho is that he's really a professional actor, he started bonding with Bugoy Cariño (BRIAN LIM) even before we started shooting. They see each other often on a variety show and Jericho started befriending Bugoy, so during shoot they seem to be very comfortable to each other. The speaking parts were basically impromptu.

GS: What other films and videos have you completed?

IL: I made my first feature film back in 2010 entitled "The Leaving" it was part of the Cinemalaya Independent film festival (Philippines' Sundance), I already mentioned "Worship the Will" my first short film/animation. I also did a short film called "The Keeper" when I was part of the AFA (Asian film academy) a program under the Busan International Film Festival. I also made countless video experiments when I was still learning filmmaking.


GS: Aside from directing, can you also act? Do you plan on acting in other
movies that are not your own?

IL: Besides from my mom, it's actually the first time I receive that question. :) Well I did some cameos for friends' films and on my film "The Leaving", I just do it whenever it is necessary. I'm actually very conscious on seeing myself even in videos, it's butt cringing to me. That's why I prefer to work behind the camera. But I don't want to close the idea of acting in films I might fell for it one day.


GS: Aside from this project, do you have any other future movies or videos
that you are working on?

IL: Yes, I have an upcoming feature film about a group of Chinese-Filipino friends having their quarter-life crisis. Another feature film I'm developing about an old women who gets pregnant, the project was selected at the Berlinale Talent project Market 2013 in Berlin, Germany. 

GS: Movie making can be a time consuming job what do you do for hobbies? Do
you have any peculiar interests?

IL: I'm a music buff and so i make sure i tune in to my favorite music every now and then, also to be inspired. I play guitar at one moment in life I dreamt of becoming a great guitarist but I stopped that dream when I fell in love with filmmaking. I always love to cook and to experiment on delicacy, cooking is meditative to me, a sort of release, I also love road tripping.


GS: Most actors and aspiring directors never achieve modest success. You
have had scenes in a movie with some established actors. You have had some success with your independent films. What do you say to young people out there
struggling to get into the film industry?

IL: As I always tell everyone especially the ones that are still starting out in the industry, that as long as your intention is good, as long as you believe you have something to say to contribute to society, never stop. The fruit of your labor is just around the corner.