The special Sundance issue of the Hollywood Reporter featured an article about the state of film festivals in the economic recession. The Ann Arbor Film Festival received "top billing" in the article, with the story of our Endangered Campaign and our creative response to financial crisis (stemming from politically-motivated censorship and funding cuts) in 2007. While we appreciate the high-profile coverage, we need to fill in a more complete picture.

Due to tremendous worldwide community support of the AAFF in 2007, our festival finds itself in a stable and much stronger position. The article's "tips for keeping a fest afloat" (below) were all included as part of the AAFF's recovery efforts in 2008, though in the article we were only cited for our "desperate measures" (which we preferred to call "Acts of Audacity"). The tips are as follows:
• Connect with people in the community.
• Diversify income sources beyond a small number of sponsors and offer mini-events on a regular basis.
• Seek grants. Government funding might have political strings, but private foundations also can be tapped.
• Develop memberships. A loyal audience provides good prospects, so offer them the chance
to belong to a club with special benefits.
•Consider spinoff products, like compilation DVDs, that can provide revenue all year.

Our efforts the past 2 years have clearly raised our profile, validated by this coverage from The Hollywood Reporter. But considering that our festival was founded as an alternative to the studio-driven film industry (1963), it seems they still don't fully understand us and the value of risk-taking, artist-crafted, independent and experimental cinema. At least the article got the quote right from festival Executive Director Donald Harrison: "Right now times are tough for a lot of people, and some companies and festivals will go under," Harrison says. "But those that survive are going to be the ones able to get really lean, focus on basics, identify what really matters and get stronger."

And that is exactly what the Ann Arbor Film Festival is doing, gearing up to deliver an incredible program that resonates deeply with our local, regional and worldwide communities. With our 47th edition less than 2 months away, we are optimistic that we can do more than just survive; we see an opportunity for the AAFF to thrive.

Labels: 47th festival, hollywood reporter, press coverage