Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts ’13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, Maryland

Can we spray paint? No.

Can we chalk the sidewalks? No.

Can we put pamphlets out across campus? No.

Can we still get people’s attention? Yes.

We can form a group and walk into IC Square. We can talk to people. We can pass along information. That’s what is great about the flash mob.

FLEFF is only two months away. The kick-off event is only one month away!

So pay attention. If you see a FLEFF shirt, or a FLEFF sign, that could mean something exciting is about to happen. And, that you are about to learn something new about what’s happening at FLEFF this year.

Maybe you were in IC Square today just grabbing a bite to eat when we appeared en masse. That was our first flash mob! And if you weren’t there you can check it out right here!

So, if you have any questions for us, or simply want to get involved, let us know! Ask us right here about something you may have only gotten a hint at during the flash mob. 

Blog posting written by Kacey Deamer, Journalism and Environmental Studies '13, FLEFF Intern, Binghamton, NY

If you missed the official unveiling of the Microtopias art installation on the academic quad of Ithaca College yesterday, don't fret. The wind has died down and the art piece still stands, in all of its glory, on the quad until deconstruction this weekend.

As has been mentioned in pervious posts, the interns have been working for the past few weeks on this art project. A collection of recyclable/reusable materials molded into the word microtopias, the art installation is a visual representation of our consumerist society. Materials range from plastic water bottles, to wooden pallets and shipping crates, to old electronics.

Make sure you make the time to walk by the college's academic quad to see the installation, then come back here and tell us what you think.

Blog post written by Sarah Lockwood, Cinema & Photography '15, FLEFF Intern, Blairstown, NJ

As a FLEFF Intern for the 2012 season, I have had the pleasure of attending class weekly with two brilliant and inspiring internship coordinators - one of whom is Philip Wilde. Phil was kind enough to spend an extra ten minutes of his evening discussing his background in film, his involvement in FLEFF, and some advice for festival goers this year:

On His Journey to Video

Phil began his college career as a science major at Cornell University, here in Ithaca, NY. However, his true calling began in 1971, the year in which he first picked up a video camera, and "never looked back." Phil operates a production company with his wife - and fellow internship coordinator - Ann Michel. Together they create videos, mostly scientific in nature.

On His Involvement With FLEFF

Seven years ago Phil joined the FLEFF staff, due mostly to his good friend Dr. Patricia Zimmerman, co-director of the film festival. Also based in Ithaca, Dr. Zimmerman knew of Phil and his interest in all subjects technical theatre and video related, and asked him to join the process of running the festival.

Over the years, Phil noted that the most noticeable change in the festival is that it has become "more intellectual", a noticeable evaluation of film and the film environment.

On the Perks of FLEFF

To put it simply, the "excitement of possibilities", that "anything is possible". FLEFF is not limited by the academic world or the real world - it is a place to "make experiments", and revel in the results (in successes and mistakes).

Phil's Advice

"Go to everything you can possibly go to. Talk to everyone you can possibly talk to."

Plain and simple, a film festival is about involvement and communication. Equal interaction with all people present at a festival - interns, directors, guests, crew members, audience members - is crucial. 

And most importantly - "Don't talk too much, listen."