Blog posting written by Yukino Kondo, Exploratory, ’14, FLEFF Intern, Tokyo, Japan.

We have three weeks to until the opening events of FLEFF!

Before spring break, I had the opportunity to interview a fellow FLEFF intern and friend, Justina Koffie.

Justina is a sophomore and a MLK scholar. She is a health sciences major. During our free time, I always see her attacking organic chemistry problems. Whenever I look at her, she inspires in me  the desire to work harder and be the best that I can be.

What have you done for FLEFF so far and what have you learned from it?

“One of the first assignments I was given at FLEFF was to help sell out the house for Albert Maysles' film Gimme Shelter.

I figured it would be difficult because the screening was the same day as SuperBowl Sunday. To complete this task I used a lot of the information in class to find the target audience. I invited friends who would be interested in the screening.

Turns out it was a huge success and we sold out the house!

What I didn't know about FLEFF was that the festival is HUGE in Asia and India. I also didn't know that while the festival is about the environment, the environment could be anything from  a social to any type of cultural environment.

Through FLEFF, I learned it takes a lot of marketing, creative thinking, and man-power. Behind the scenes we need a good amount of these three forces to have the festival running smoothly.”

Spring break is unfortunately not over and this means, FLEFF is coming up soon.

I hope all of you are excited. And I hope the excitement will overshadow the disappointing snowy weather of Ithaca.

What have you learned so far about FLEFF?

Blog posting written by Matthew Reis, Cinema and Photography, '13, FLEFF Intern

Hello FLEFF sponsors, participants and guests. My name is Matthew R. Reis. I want to welcome you to the “Intern Voices” blog.

So, a little bit about me:  I am a sophomore Cinema & Photography major with a minor in Art History. I write for “The Ithacan,” Ithaca College’s award winning newspaper. I specialize in reviewing films, art installations, and previewing upcoming plays. I also am involved with Ithaca College Television and the Art History Society here on campus. When I am not working with groups on campus, I enjoy promoting media literacy, following current events, reading, and playing video games on campus.

Getting off campus is even better.

There are some things I really enjoy doing in town. I love going to the movies. Ithaca has a large amount of movie theaters existing in a relatively small area. Cinemapolis the home of FLEFF, Cornell Cinema and Regal Cinemas are all great places to go and enjoy film.

Here are a few more things I like about Ithaca: its acceptance of alternative lifestyles, the wealth of community owned businesses, and an vibrant, engaging art scene.

So why did I want to work with FLEFF?
 
I find that all forms of media have the potential to be more than just commodities a person rents or buys. Media is transformative and can bring small issues to the forefront of today’s complex world.

So the simple answer is this: I became an intern to prove that media can change lives. Additionally, being a part of FLEFF is an exciting experience. So many people from all walks of life, in places all around the world, are effected by what takes place at FLEFF.

I am honored and proud to be a small part of this festival's continued growth and success.

When I applied to be a FLEFF intern, I had two goals: to learn more about the nuts-and-bolts of the film industry and to network.

I met both of these goals in just over a month--and discovered new goals to strive for. 

The vast array of networking opportunities available to interns is another substantial perk of FLEFF. So far, I have met and talked to a variety of artists, including documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles and emerging media artist/college professor Evan Meaney, a 2007 IC graduate. 

Plus: I enjoy collaborating with my fellow interns and working together towards a much better future.

Ithaca and the greater Central New York region are lucky to have a plethora of artists, activists, and hard working people contributing FLEFF. Without these people, FLEFF would have a decidedly weaker foundation. And, my college experience would be much less fulfilling.

Along with fellow interns, I have already helped with FLEFF’s ad campaign. On February 6, 2011, also known as Super Bowl Sunday, we held our first event. We managed to sell out a screening of Gimme Shelter. Mr. Maysles, one of the directors of the film, was on hand to answer any questions the audience had about his 41-year-old classic. Hopefully, this strong start will carry over into FLEFF week.

It only takes one person to go to a festival and come away with a variety of new ideas, opinions, and stories to share.

So why not come out to Ithaca, New York in April and experience FLEEF, a different environment for yourself?

Just be sure to dress warmly.