Do you like movies? If the answer is “YES!” then you’re in good company.
Movies – or “films” – have influenced the landscape of our culture for more than 100 years. Regardless of age, going to the movies has been a universal pastime for generations. And for anyone curious about what goes on BEHIND the cameras in the making of a movie, we have just the ticket…so to speak.
Anyone attending a film festival for the first time probably feels a little “festival-challenged.” So to better acquaint you with the term, we’ve composed a comprehensive Guide that will tell you everything you wanted to know about film festivals but were afraid to ask. Our Guide will help you to be “in the know at the show,” and you’ll soon be attending film festivals like a pro.
Therefore, if you’re feeling a little unfamiliar with the concept of a film festival, we invite you to read on.
- So what, exactly, IS a film festival?
This is a happy marriage of sorts. Festivals benefit filmmakers by giving them an occasion to debut films to a receptive group of filmgoers. And film enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet artists who work in front of and behind the cameras, allowing an extraordinary glimpse into the world of film. This allows festival attendees to learn more about the art of filmmaking from many different perspectives. Some of the more famous film festivals include the Cannes , Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals.
- Cannes . Sundance. Telluride. Poppy Jasper. What’s the difference?
Like its world-famous cousins, the Poppy Jasper Film Festival (PJFF) celebrates and showcases the world of film by bringing together for a few days independent film artists and festival attendees so that a select group of films may be seen by people attending the festival. And film festivals are not limited to people in the movie industry – anyone who enjoys movies will benefit from the festival experience. Film festivals not only entertain, they educate, by presenting a variety of exciting and informational events to festival goers.
The PJFF differs from many of these festivals because it specifically offers Short Features – those made by emerging independent filmmakers from all over the world. As you’ll learn by reading on, other fun events are part of a film festival as well.
- What is a Short Feature?
Each Short Feature at the PJFF is a complete film that concludes in 30 minutes or less. The festival offers films in such diverse categories as drama, documentary, music, comedy and an open category for films that don’t conveniently fall into other categories.
- Who is Poppy Jasper – an actress? And why is the festival named after her?
Actually, Poppy Jasper is not a “who” – it’s a “what.” It is a semi-precious gemstone noted for its red and yellow circles or ‘orbs” on a field of white or black. Like the festival, Poppy Jasper is unique to Morgan Hill . The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. lists Morgan Hill as the “type locality” for this beautiful – and rare – gemstone. Beautiful samples of the Poppy Jasper gemstone are on display in various locations throughout the city.
- How many films can I see at the PJFF?
Although the PJFF receives hundreds of submissions each year, a panel of jurors views and selects what are considered to be the best films. The festival will offer up a variety of films this year – all hand picked from the many films submitted. The schedule is arranged so that festival goers may attend the screening of all films if they’d like.
- What is a Screening?
A screening is a group of three or more short films that totals about 90 minutes in length. This could be three 30-minute films for example. Or it might consist of two 30-minute films and two 15-minute films. A screening typically contains a mixture of types of films, i.e. a comedy, a music film and a documentary could be seen in the same screening. We suggest you check the web site in late October for film name, artist, time and venue. Programs listing the films in each screening will be available at the festival.
- What does it cost to attend the festival?
The cost for attending the different festival showcases, workshops and events will be posted as soon as they are finalized.
- How can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online through this website or in person at the event when tickets are available.
- What are the dates of this year’s festival?
The 2010 Poppy Jasper Film Festival takes place the weekend of November 12-14.
- What kind of “behind the scenes” events can I expect to see?
PJFF presents several different options for festival goers to learn more about the art of film making.
Throughout the weekend there are many different events such as Jurors Choicefilm viewing, a Filmmakers Reception – where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists who have traveled to the festival. The keynote speaker, workshops and panel discussions with veteran members of the film community are scheduled throughout the festival weekend. Watch the website for information about this year’s event schedule.
- What takes place at a panel discussion?
A panel discussion presents selected experts in a field, such as screenwriting, film editing, visual effects, or other topics of interest to independent filmmakers. Panel members speak to the audience about their personal experiences and journeys into successful filmmaking. A moderator guides the discussion and at the conclusion, members of the audience are invited to ask questions of the panel.
- Is there a festival event where I can talk to the filmmakers?
Absolutely – in fact, there are several opportunities. You’ll meet filmmakers at the Juror’s Choice selection of films event. The Filmmakers’ Reception is a fun occasion where the public is invited to mingle with the filmmakers and enjoy a party-like gathering with music, drinks and catered food selections from local gourmet providers.
Equally important are the moderator-led question and answer sessions that follow each screening at the festival – and is the essence of what the festival is all about. At these sessions, attendees get first hand knowledge from the filmmakers about each film, its creator, behind the camera stories and more. During the weekend attendees find opportunities to speak with filmmakers not only at PJFF sponsored events, but on the streets and in local restaurants as the festival progresses.
- How long has Morgan Hill had a film festival?
The first Poppy Jasper Film Festival was unveiled in 2004. The festival continues to build by presenting distinctive, quality films to festival goers.
- Can I become involved in organizing or helping at the film festival?
Exciting opportunities abound for those interested in volunteering for a variety of activities at the festival. You may become as involved as you like, spending many hours or just a couple or three – whatever fits into your schedule and interests. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit the website at www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org, e-mail organizers at
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or leave a message at (408) 782-8087.
- Are there awards for best films?
Yes. A panel of jurors presents awards for the best films from a number of different categories.
- Where do I see the films?
The PJFF will offer several different venues for film viewing– all of them within Morgan Hill. For specific screening locations, please check the website prior to the festival.
- Where do the films come from that I’ll be watching?
Prior to 2006, the films submitted were exclusively by California filmmakers. Continuing to expand its focus, this PJFF stepped onto the international stage in 2007 by screening films from throughout the United States and from all over the world. This traditions continues to date.
- Will these films ever find their way to a Blockbuster store or be nominated for an Academy Award®?
Anything is possible. Break out films from emerging filmmakers frequently come along and take the world by storm. Our 2006 Best Overall winner, Binta Y La Gran Idea (Binta and the Grand Idea) by Javier Fesser from Spain, was a 2007 Academy Award Nominee for Best Live Action Short!! In other years, the winners from the 2005 Poppy Jasper Film Festival went on to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival. And one of the films presented at the first Poppy Jasper Film Festival has been signed for distribution and will be available in stores nationwide the first week as of May 2006. The film’s title is Lowriding in Aztlan– watch for it!
- Can I bring my 87-year old grandmother to see these films? Or my 6-year old daughter?
If Grandma is open to a variety of different subjects, by all means bring her along. But please be advised that the PJFF entertains leading edge subjects in all genres, and these films have not been rated. Because the PJFF is an independent film festival, some films may be unsuitable for children.
- Is this how Steven Spielberg got his start?
When the PJFF procures Steven Spielberg as its keynote speaker, we’ll be sure to ask him!
© 2010 Poppy Jasper Film Festival. All Rights Reserved.