ESK is in. They are not AM.
I guess we were runners up, which is quite fine with me since Felix sent us quite the email explaining the whole situation. Looks like he tried to explain everything above, but maybe didnt quite do it the same as he explained it to us, so I will try to relay more of his message here...
Basically, IF3 is expanding and trying to attract a more broader audience. They want to be with more then what we would consider the "newschoolers" community. Thats why you see these movies that you have never heard of in it.
For instance, that documentary on Jackson would probably of never made it into IF3 in previous years; however, this year they are trying to mix things up and attract different audiences, which is why you see this film accepted. On top of that, I am sure its a great ski documentary. In the process they had the struggle with trying to accept only 5 films in a category that probably deserves more then 5 titles to be shown since its such a broad category. Lets face it, documentaries and "newschool" ski films are not necessarily meant to be in the same category of films at a film festival, but for sake of attracting a broader audience while still having the same time table it causes this to happen.
Im not calling them out or blaming them for anything. Its smart what they are doing. Broader audience = more viewers = more sponsorships = more money in the entire event. They just have to do it in steps, which is what everyone is seeing this year.
Judging by what they are doing, I could see an entire new category next year and a lot more films in the event as well as the whole IF3 experience being even longer.
They just cant do it all at once. It just really is not completely possible.
I hope everyone understands what they are trying to do at IF3, and I hope what I just explained was correct comprehension of the email Felix sent us.
Just because a film didnt get into IF3 does NOT mean its not a good film and it does NOT mean you should not buy it or see it.
Trust me there are lots of great movies out there this year like Toy Soldiers movie or ours, Collab.
Make sure to still check them out and to check out everyones websites for ordering information or premier dates.
Hope that clears things up.
