Nov: 3rd i Film Festival

UMM is fascinated with film festivals.  In my free time, I volunteer at 3rd i, San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival. 3rd i is a non-profit, national organization committed to promoting diverse images of South Asians through independent film.

I do not claim to be a film expert, nor do not watch many films, but I am a psychotherapist who loves watching the interactions between people during film festivals.  Over the years, I have been interested in what attracts people to film festivals.  UMM has observed the top four reasons why people attend film festivals:

Film festivals allow like-minded people to connect  - film lovers can connect with other like-minded people and filmmakers, exchanging ideas and stories during intermissions and in between the films.

Films transport people to another world, culture, life, fantasy and reality – I love attending the 3rd i Film Festival because it provides me an alternative perspective on South Asian culture.  I am South Asian, but attending the 3rd i Film Festival has taught me so much about being South Asian, the culture, and the South Asian Diaspora community!  Each film transports me into the world of the filmmaker and the characters.  I leave the film with mixed emotions, new ideas, and feeling proud to be South Asian.

There are some real gems to be found in watching small independent films at film festivals – seeing a small independent film is energizing.  It is wonderful to see the labor of love and hard work that goes into the film.  I love the 3rd i Film Festival because at the end of the film, I get to hear the filmmaker talk about their film at the Q&A session. 

The film festival buzz and the after parties – there is a real buzz that surrounds film festivals. There are two types of film festival attendees – those that are into the all the films, and others who want to be “seen” or feel they should attend because it is the event of the week.  The audience is excited, and everyone in the room claims to be a critic or expert.  The after parties allow the audience to meet other film lovers, the filmmakers, and actors.

This year, I cannot wait to attend the 3rd i Film Festival and watch the crowds that will to fill up the theatres! 

3rd i Film Festival, San Francisco, 3-7 Nov, http://www.thirdi.org/festival/film/index_film.htm

Ulash Dunlap is the Creator and Editor of UMM, Board Member and Community Liaison for the 3rd i San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival.