Independent film festival gains support and short films in time
for November start
As the weather lends itself to warmth, late spring activities are not the only thing bustling. Cadres of independent film lovers are gaining momentum with their fall plans for three fun-filled days of film and festivities in downtown Morgan Hill.
Interest in the first annual Poppy Jasper Film Fest, Nov. 12-14, is gaining financial support too. Sakata Seeds boosted the festival’s funds recently with a $1,000 check presented by Paul Bennett, Sakata’s president, and Gary Whiteaker, director of quality assurance and intellectual property.
Whiteaker’s involvement with the festival’s planning extends Sakata’s contributions well beyond the sponsorship check. He opened the doors of Sakata Seed’s corporate meeting room to the festival organizers at the very beginning stages of the event’s planning last November.
Poppy Jasper Film Fest –named for the reddish, burnished gemstone only found in Morgan Hill is a festival of short films – those that run 30 minutes or less. Film submissions are limited to California students and professionals.
The films will be judged in seven categories: Premier, if it’s the film’s debut; Independent, for films that haven’t been produced by a major studio; Documentary, Animation, Music Video and Student, for films made by youngsters through 12th grade.
There is also a special category for locals, themed Expressions of Morgan Hill.
Bill Leaman, the brainchild of the festival, said that the Expressions of Morgan Hill category can be a video that is unique to Morgan Hill. It can feature school life, the community, youth or anything that reflects life in Morgan Hill.
“This film festival is the latest addition to our expanding cultural arts community,” said Kim Bush, the festival chair.
This is an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers, especially girls, women and minorities who are underrepresented in the filmmaking industry to get exposure.
Local artist and festival hospitality chair, Rosemary Rideout, who researched women in film, said that before 1940, almost 50 percent of all Hollywood films were produced by women. Now, it is about 6 percent.
“Having more women to take part in the film festival – one way or another – would give them back the voice they’ve had in the past,” Rideout said.
The cable channel Oxygen will fund an excellence award for a female filmmaker and winners of each category will receive a prize. Although the prize has not yet been decided, it could be something crafted from the poppy jasper stone.
A gala event at the Community and Cultural Center will open the festival followed by filmmaker workshops, screening receptions, and other industry and networking events.
Pre-festival activities are under way throughout the spring, summer and right up until the event takes place.
In early July, a drive-in classic movie night is planned for downtown in the community center amphitheater. The 50’s theme will feature the movie “Grease.” Participants can wear retro 50’s clothes or just hang out, eat popcorn, check out classic cars and have fun.
Media Access Coalition of Central California is the organization that operates the Morgan Hill Access Channel.
Leaman, former president of MACCC, came up with the idea that independent films could make Morgan Hill’s local cable Channel 19 become a more efficient medium.
Working under the realm of MHAT, Poppy Jasper organizers hope to raise funds for visual arts in Morgan Hill and monies for high school students pursuing filmmaking careers. After the film festival, there are plans to air the independent films on the local cable channel.
“Again, fostering independent film, culture and giving the films additional exposure,” Bush said.
“We are looking to establish a film festival scholarship to provide quality programming through our local cable channel and establish a film education program at Gavilan College,” Bush said.
Keeping with the theme of bringing art and culture to Morgan Hill, an anticipated crowd of movie lovers is expected to populate the restaurants and sprinkle Morgan Hill’s nightlife with thriving artistic culture between screenings at the Granada Theater donated by new owner Manou Mobedshahi.
Poppy Jasper is focused on promoting emerging voices and an awareness of the film arts in the Californian community. This is a California based film festival promoting independent film.
“We want to make our presence known during our first year,” Bush said.
ABOUT PJFF
The Poppy Jasper Film Festival’s mission is to promote emerging voices and an awareness of the film arts in the California community. The inaugural festival will showcase short films of 30-minutes or less and take place Nov. 12-14. PJFF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Details: www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org
