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    With fall in full swing, it’s officially time for IdeaFestival! This four-day-long gathering of bright thinkers celebrating the world’s newest ideas and innovations is certain to bring several opportunities to Louisville and its citizens.

    And one part of this year’s IdeaFestival that is especially exciting is IF Film, presented by the Louisville Film Society. Taking place October 1-4, this one-of-a-kind film festival will feature 13 films, some of which have been showcased at other major film festivals earlier this year, and others that have been created by Louisville natives.  

    To get the full inside scoop on IF Film 2015, we spoke with Soozie Eastman, filmmaker and executive director of the Louisville Film Society.

    Louisville.com: How were the films chosen for this year’s IF Film lineup?

    Soozie Eastman: “We go out to film festivals all over the country, like Tribeca and Sundance, and we look at the winners from these festivals so we can bring the best of the best to Louisville. We also take public submissions because we want to be an equal opportunity. So we curate the best of the best while allowing submissions to incorporate lesser known films and local films.”

    Louisville.com: Of the 13 films on this year’s lineup, which is your personal favorite?

    Soozie Eastman: “That’s so hard. You know, asking someone that is like asking to choose their favorite child. Every film has its own strengths or else it wouldn’t be in the program. Tying in the theme of IF, it would probably be the film, ‘Eadweard.’ It is a period piece about Eadweard Muybridge who is the grandfather of cinema as we know it. It’s really a beautifully shot film about the man who gave us motion pictures and how he discovered motion picture. And it’s not only showing us the man who made cinema, but it’s also a really good portrait of his life.”

    Louisville.com: Which genre of film would you like to see more of next year on the IF Film lineup? Is this the genre you believe appeals to Louisville’s audience the most?

    Soozie Eastman: “Louisville is a huge supporter of the arts in all different ways, from the orchestra to the ballet. In the world of both indie and studio films, dramas generally make the most money. Everyone loves a good comedy but I think indie dramas pull in the biggest audiences. And in all honesty, the Sundance and Tribeca markets are very reflective of our market. We are all the same audience, we all like very good quality films. If you were to narrow a festival to only dramas or only comedies, you’re really missing out on exposing your audience to films we’d otherwise not see on the big screen, and that’s what we really go after, not just the winners but the films that otherwise might not see the light of day. I went to Sundance and saw 23 films in five days. And of those, only a handful have distribution and the others will never be seen. And that’s what it’s about, exposing people to really meaningful cinema in all different genres.”

    Louisville.com: Other than hosting IdeaFestival, what makes Louisville an ideal location to showcase these films?

    Soozie Eastman: “People in Louisville crave trying new things, seeing new things and doing new things. That’s why we have great food and business growth here. Not only is our population good for pulling people to a film festival, but showing films that otherwise wouldn’t be shown offers people a new kind of experience. 25% of our films are done by local filmmakers and people want to come support these artists.”

    Louisville.com: What’s in store for the future of the Louisville Film Society? 

    Soozie Eastman: “We are a member-based org, really dedicated to being a community for local filmmakers and local film lovers, so what we try to do throughout the year is provide unique experiences. We enrich the community through innovative film and cinematic programming. Throughout the year we have Film screenings, and our “Oscar watch” party and IF Film, which are our two major events. Along with screenings, we provide education for local film makers and serve as a community for them, offering a place to screen and workshop their projects. We’re having a networking social coming up in the fall, and in general, we have a little something going on every month.

    To learn more about this year’s IF Film lineup and to purchase tickets to screenings, visit the Louisville Film Society’s website. For more information about Soozie Eastman and her current project, “Overload: America’s Toxic Love Story,” visit her website

    Photos courtesy of Soozie Eastman, The Courier Journal and IMDB

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    About Carly Garcia

    Lover of vegetarian cuisine, Stephen King, puppies, camping and wine...lots of wine.

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