On July 23rd the first ever D.I.Y. Film Fest will be held in Long Beach. This event will be a drive-in theater film fest celebrating independent filmmakers, community, and spiritual creativity. The films submitted will be produced and directed by mentors, students and professionals. The D.I.Y. Film Fest will also feature live music, a creation station, and food and libations. The OC Art Blog had an opportunity to ask Jocelyn Fee of Jane Free Productions a few questions about the up-coming event. We hope to see you there.
This is the first ever D.I.Y. Film Fest. How did it come into being and will this be a regular event?
The D.I.Y. Film Fest was born out of the desire to quilt together unique creatives and their voices. As Jane Free Music concluded production of the debut short film ‘Kismet’, the concept arose to share the premier space (The Scottish Rite Event Center) with other independent filmmakers highlighting emotional freedom. We have witnessed through the hibernation that was covid, that the collective culture benefits from a platform for expression and relation. D.I.Y.F.F. will serve as an inclusive environment to gather for entertainment, community, and creative expression. Proceeds from the D.I.Y. Film Fest will be shared with One World Stage + Screen non-profit organization a program that enriches lives through the performing arts.
And YES, the request from the public and producers alike – is for this to be an annual event!
The DIY film fest is about celebrating creative and emotional expression, rites of passage, shared suffering, the human experience. Can you say more about these themes?
At the heart of it – we are a suicide awareness and emotional freedom campaign. After decades of consideration, the most illuminating way to move through the darkness of our inner world is to divulge it, to share it with community, to purge it and remove it from a shame cycle. Having a safe, inclusive + creative environment seems to be the pathway to emotional intelligence + ultimately a sense of liberation. Film is at the seat of our modern culture, the more film + music integrates these emotional freedom themes, the more we will be able to support the whole.
You are planning some other activities around the film fest. What can we expect when we attend?
It’s a full moon in the middle of summer… so you can’t really get more turned up than that! Expect live music + DJ’s during the opening reception from 6-8:30, along with collective art installations and sunset dancing. We will be hosting a mini skate park, mental health resource center, restorative plant sanctuary, a #vanstandoff (this is a bunch of van enthusiasts, loving life and parked in a row. ) Food and libations provided by The Bamboo club. All culminating in a two hour screening of the 2021 D.I.Y. Film Selections including the debut of ‘Kismet’ a short Music Film by Jane Free Productions.
I know the deadline is near but if someone wants to submit a film, or help out, what is the process?
We are always taking volunteers, (especially if you are a competent roller skater.) Seeking collaboration with live artists and more mental health resources!
Films can be submitted through June 30th, 2021.
There is a scholarship available for submission if requested. Check out the details and join us:
www.Diyfilmfest.life
Anything else we should know about?
FYI: You can pack 7 folx in a van // 5 in a car // or walk / skate in.
This year we are focused on raising funds for One World Stage + Screen, a non-profit organization that focuses on enriching youth through performing arts.
How do people find you??
@diy.filmfest // @panacea.holistic.institute // @KLBPfm // @janefreemusic
Email us : hello@janefree.life
