If I have to watch the Atlantic Film Festival staff pat themselves on the back one more time, I am going to puke (and not because of the one free drink ticket). Seriously, you guys can be as self-congratulatory as you like behind the scenes, but not in public (or with filmmakers and delegates). We want to see the fruits of your labors, not how happy you are for doing your job – which, in case you forgot, is to celebrate independent film and filmmakers (not yourselves)! My advice? Spend more money and time on the films (and the presentation of those films) and less on music and parties (and your wardrobe). It wouldn’t hurt to be as friendly and hospitable to us (the filmmakers – especially those who come from away) as you are to your co-workers and friends, either. This year, the only satisfaction of the entire event was watching the staff get increasingly drunk as the week progressed.
This article appears in Sep 18-24, 2008.