Festival 2016 Impressions by Michelina Williamson

Rob Salem, Brian DeCubellis

Continuing our series of guest articles, here is how the festival looked for Michelina Williamson who takes a suitably creative approach by telling her story as a short film script:

4 out of 5 Stars: My experience at the 2016 Willson Oakville Film Festival

I love independent film and have attended many film festivals over the years. When a friend told me about the Willson Oakville Film Festival I had to check it out. This is what I discovered.

Like most customer experiences today, mine began online.

The festival website was informative and easy to navigate. I had no trouble finding the list of films, trailers and descriptions. There were many interesting articles to help me choose a film and candid interviews with participating filmmakers. This festival had it all, a convenient location, great ticket prices, and Q&A’s with the directors, writers and actors. I decided on two films and purchased my tickets. Now for the best part. Let me set-up the scenes for you:

It’s opening night for the 2016 Willson Oakville Film Festival at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The feature film is “Manhattan Nocturne” staring Adrien Brody, Yvonne Strahovski, and Jennifer Beals. Director, Brian DeCubellis, is in attendance and will participate in a Q&A after the screening.

FADE IN:

EXT. THEATRE – NIGHT
Long-time friends Michelina and Gill glide along the plush red carpet toward the theatre entrance. They pose for a picture and get lost in the fantasy of red carpet galas, fans and photo flashes.

INT. THEATRE LOBBY – NIGHT
The lobby is filled with film enthusiasts laughing and talking. Michelina and Gill scan the room. They stop. Turn to each other.

Michelina and Gill
(together)
Ooh a bar.

MICHELINA
Shall we have a glass of wine before the film?

GILL
Yes, lets.

MICHELINA
How chic, how elegant, how…

GILL
Yeah, this place rocks!

INT. THEATRE SCREENING ROOM – NIGHT
There’s an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation in the full theatre. The Festival Director opens the gala. The film is screened. The audience applauds loudly. There is a lively Q&A with the Film Director.

FADE OUT

The End

The experience was entertaining, insightful and thought provoking. I know what you’re thinking. If it was so good why did you only give it 4 stars? Let me explain.

As I mentioned earlier, I saw two films at the festival. While I had a great time at the opening gala, the 2nd film experience did not live up to my expectations. Frankly, I was disappointed by the quality of the film. The acting was not convincing and the dialogue unnatural to the point of distraction. Although I could see the film’s potential, I personally would not have chosen it to screen at the festival.

Would I attend the festival next year?

Absolutely.

Written by Michelina Williamson @mwcreativecomm
Michelina Williamson is a Communications Professional

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