The Game Changer won the best student documentary award at The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Presented by American Express at Cannes, France during the recent 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Thank you isn't enough to convey my gratitude to each of you who supported my journey so far and still want to be part of it.
May 12 - 27, 2015 Cannes, France
My month-long whirlwind adventure began on May 12, when I boarded the plane to Cannes, France. It was my first trip to Europe. May 13-27, the incredible two weeks experience in the beautiful French Rivière still feels like a dream.
In fact, it was merely a dream up until April 14, 2015 when my former company Malaysiakini’s CEO Premesh Chandran decided to fundraise for my Cannes trip. The article was published, fundraising started but it wasn’t enough to cover the total expenses. But, soon after that, the U.S. Embassy KL decided to come onboard and they covered most of the remaining funds needed. I was truly excited to represent my short documentary called The Game Changer, which was selected as one of 22 finalists of The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival as well as at the Festival's Short Film Corner.
The Experience
The overall experience was quite phenomenal. With the acceptance into the American Pavilion’s emerging student showcase as well as the participation in Cannes’ Short Film Corner, I was granted a maximum of two Festival de Cannes accreditations, which are strictly reserved for members of the film cast and crew only. Master storyteller and filmmaker Derek Burrows, who helped to mentor my film, agreed to accompany me. Armed with flyers, DVDs, postcards, tux and beautiful Sarees, we arrived in Cannes on May 13th after a long flight from Boston.
The American Pavilion
Our first challenge was to collect badges from the festival zone, a restricted area, available only to people with accreditations. Finally, we found a way to meet up with the festival director who gave us the necessary badges.
The American Pavilion who hosted the emerging festival is one many pavilions located at The Village International that stretches along the beachfront of the Riviera. As a place where filmmakers tend to gather for official workshops and conferences, the international village hosts a collection of pavilions that represents over a hundred countries from around the world to promote their cinema and cultures.
The American Pavilion who hosted the emerging festival is one many pavilions located at The Village International that stretches along the beachfront of the Riviera. As a place where filmmakers tend to gather for official workshops and conferences, the international village hosts a collection of pavilions that represents over a hundred countries from around the world to promote their cinema and cultures.
Since 1997 this prestigious competition has showcased the works of the next generation of filmmakers. 10 to 15 short films will be selected by the panel of industry judges and shown in the Roger Ebert Conference Center at The American Pavilion to invited guests attending The Festival. It's a festival within a festival at the most important event on the international film calendar. - Ampav.com
Monika Skerbelis, the director of The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, was the go to person at the Pavilion. She welcomed us on the first day, gave us a quick tour of the Short Film Corner and the Marché and briefed us all on the programing lineup for the week. Starting Friday, May 15 until the end of that week, the Pavilion kept us busy with many interesting panel discussions and talk shows.
The Showcase and The Award
I have attended over ten film festivals, but I have never seen any festival of this scale. Cannes Film festival is a big monster, it can be totally overwhelming for the first timers. It took me a while to get a sense about what goes on during the Festival and how to maximize the experience. Oh, by the way, CANNES is pronounced as CAN, as in can of beer and not as cans or Khans - although I love saying Khan.
Find out more about the world's biggest and best known film festival here.
The American Pavilion's showcase is a festival within the Cannes Film Festival. It's different from the Cannes' Palme d’Or du court métrage, Cinéfondation, the new L’Œil d’Or awards or even the Cannes Short Film Corner - which are all various categories for short film submissions in the Cannes Film Festival.
The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Presented by American Express at Cannes supports emerging filmmakers by showcasing their films at the American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival. The 2015 Emerging Filmmaker Showcase was the sixth Juried competition held in the Pavilion. The competition consists of four categories:
To all current undergraduate or graduate school students and emerging filmmakers up to three years post graduation, if you have a short that was completed in 2014 or to be completed in 2015 or 2016, and was filmed in the U.S, your film is eligible to enter this festival. All entries must be submitted through Withoutabox or FilmFreeway.
Find out more about the world's biggest and best known film festival here.
The American Pavilion's showcase is a festival within the Cannes Film Festival. It's different from the Cannes' Palme d’Or du court métrage, Cinéfondation, the new L’Œil d’Or awards or even the Cannes Short Film Corner - which are all various categories for short film submissions in the Cannes Film Festival.
The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Presented by American Express at Cannes supports emerging filmmakers by showcasing their films at the American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival. The 2015 Emerging Filmmaker Showcase was the sixth Juried competition held in the Pavilion. The competition consists of four categories:
- Short Film [Student]
- Short Film
- Short Documentary [Student]
- Short Documentary
To all current undergraduate or graduate school students and emerging filmmakers up to three years post graduation, if you have a short that was completed in 2014 or to be completed in 2015 or 2016, and was filmed in the U.S, your film is eligible to enter this festival. All entries must be submitted through Withoutabox or FilmFreeway.
Some of the films I watched at Cannes were truly spectacular, even the emerging student films were incredibly well done. Some were produced with impressive funding and a number of crewmembers. I wasn’t sure that my low budget film would be able to compete.
When my film won the best student documentary award at The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, I was really shocked and had my little "oscar" moment and pinched myself so hard. It was an unbelievable and unforgettable evening.
When my film won the best student documentary award at The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, I was really shocked and had my little "oscar" moment and pinched myself so hard. It was an unbelievable and unforgettable evening.
Marché du Film
The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase vs Festival de Cannes 's Short Film Corner (SFC)
In Cannes, short films are represented in the Competition, at the end of which the short films Jury awards a Palme d’or. But the Short Film Corner, is more of a professional area for meeting people, exchanging ideas and promoting your films. If your film is selected for Short Film Corner - which isn't as competitive as the American Pavilion's Emerging Showcase or Palme d'or competition - the film is uploaded onto a Cannes-only online database. Interested parties can then view these short films on-demand at computer booths set up in the Short Film Corner area of the festival.
The Short Film Corner also features meeting and screening rooms, and hosts industry panels, breakfasts with distributors, happy hours and other networking events. Filmmakers can hang posters and distribute promo materials for their shorts.
Many underestimates this category, but an efficient filmmaker know that it's actually your first ticket to enter Cannes Film Festival and SFC is a great place to learn the business and connect with powerful industry people who will be at your disposal.
In Cannes, short films are represented in the Competition, at the end of which the short films Jury awards a Palme d’or. But the Short Film Corner, is more of a professional area for meeting people, exchanging ideas and promoting your films. If your film is selected for Short Film Corner - which isn't as competitive as the American Pavilion's Emerging Showcase or Palme d'or competition - the film is uploaded onto a Cannes-only online database. Interested parties can then view these short films on-demand at computer booths set up in the Short Film Corner area of the festival.
The Short Film Corner also features meeting and screening rooms, and hosts industry panels, breakfasts with distributors, happy hours and other networking events. Filmmakers can hang posters and distribute promo materials for their shorts.
Many underestimates this category, but an efficient filmmaker know that it's actually your first ticket to enter Cannes Film Festival and SFC is a great place to learn the business and connect with powerful industry people who will be at your disposal.
The Events
I was trying really hard to juggle my time well between attending the various panel discussions at the Pavilion, networking at the Marché and watching films at the same time.
There were many fantastic panels: The Casting Process, State of the Industry, Film Acquisitions & Virtual Reality Filmmaking - were a few that I manage to catch. There were lots of talk and discussions about VOD (Video On Demand) variations – TVOD, SVOD and AVOD as well as it’s players; Netflix, Google and Amazon.
There were many fantastic panels: The Casting Process, State of the Industry, Film Acquisitions & Virtual Reality Filmmaking - were a few that I manage to catch. There were lots of talk and discussions about VOD (Video On Demand) variations – TVOD, SVOD and AVOD as well as it’s players; Netflix, Google and Amazon.
In a panel discussion on Film Acquisition, it was great to hear insights from Jeremy Boxer from Vimeo On Demand on how filmmakers retain more control over their self-distribution and reaches their audience directly using Vimeo’s DIY distribution method.
I also enjoyed TimesTalks conversation with Salma Hayek, where she described her role in director Matteo Garrone’s “The Tale of Tales,” and “Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet,” that was produced by Salma herself. Just seeing her that close and hear her speak in an ordinary setting like that, was indeed a transforming experience, especially after years of seeing her on a big screen acting in my favourite movies.
I also enjoyed TimesTalks conversation with Salma Hayek, where she described her role in director Matteo Garrone’s “The Tale of Tales,” and “Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet,” that was produced by Salma herself. Just seeing her that close and hear her speak in an ordinary setting like that, was indeed a transforming experience, especially after years of seeing her on a big screen acting in my favourite movies.
The Networking
One of most valuable pieces of advice I received upon reaching Cannes was to tirelessly network and meet people. The Pavilion and the Market or the exhibition areas were great places for that. The Cannes regulars knew the tricks better. Prior coming to Cannes, they had already set up meetings in advance.
Producers and many industry attendees usually had signed up for Marché du Film badges under their companies that gave them an access to the exclusive Industry Programs such as producer’s network and workshops, Doc Corner or NEXT Pavilion – these are the most privileged and sought out corner of the Cannes Film festival. Therefore, I learned that with my minimum Festival/Market badge accreditation, I barely scratched the surface of the festival without access to this space.
|
Meeting fellow Malaysians in Cannes
The Malaysian pavilion was located on the lower ground of the Palais de Festival. A very special thanks to Deric from The Daily Seni for all the coverage that helped to spread the word.
When I found that there are few other Malaysians at Cannes this year promoting their films, I was so thrilled to meet them all.
Felik Wong, who is currently based in Paris, is the screenwriter of "A Day In Library", the only non-student Malaysian film in the Short Film Corner. Thiyagaraja Marimuthu is the writer and director of his short thriller "Trail" that Premiered in the Festival de, Cannes Short Film Corner. |
And I was also very fortunate to meet a few professional Malaysian producers and directors, Arvind Ethan David, the Head of Ideate Media USA, Leon Tan, the Executive Director of DragonSlate and Yoki Chin, the president of Film Point.
Cannes Streets, People and Friends
Although the festival runs for twelve days, the most important days are the first five to seven days of the festival – where all the meetings, workshops, showcase screenings including private and open door parties takes place.
There was no distinction whatsoever between the industry people and the celebrities when you mingle and network at a business level. For some strange reason, the grandeur and the glamour of the festival made whoever attends it seem like celebrities themselves, and celebrities appear like any ordinary people; I was impressed with that experience.
There was no distinction whatsoever between the industry people and the celebrities when you mingle and network at a business level. For some strange reason, the grandeur and the glamour of the festival made whoever attends it seem like celebrities themselves, and celebrities appear like any ordinary people; I was impressed with that experience.
During the festival, the streets near Palaise De Festival, where the majestic grand lumière théâtre is located, goes into red-carpet frenzy after 5pm. Buzzing paparazzi, glamorous attendees in elegant tuxedos and dresses, shiny large cars decorating the streets, was the norm for the festival.
I was there for almost two weeks, mostly dressed down casual during the day like other Parisians, but I did bring some beautiful sarees and dressed up for the evening screenings and outings. A designer friend of mine, Maaya Prakash, who is set to launch her own line of sarees in NYC, helped to design a couple of sarees for Cannes. I wore one of them on the red carpet, and I also did a special photo-shoot to thank her, it was a very beautiful piece, definitely one of the best in my saree collection.
No festival is successful without a scandal. During the premiere of Cate Blanchett's new film Carol, BBC reported that some women were turned away from a red carpet screening for wearing flat shoes instead of heels. As for me, I love dressing up and I do love wearing heels for special occasions. However, heels are not the only formal footwear and they should not be imposed on women. I personally believe that's completely inappropriate.
The Sightseeing
Since, this is my first trip to Europe, many of my friends recommended me to visit Paris, but I was so busy with the festival, there was no time to go anywhere. But I did visit an old medieval village called, Mougins, it was a little charming village, only 15-min away from Cannes.
Pablo Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life living in here. It was little 'tourisy' for me. But, for art lovers, it’s heaven. In the narrow streets of Mougins, you will find so many tiny little art studios and galleries and the town's open-air exhibition of sculptures are pretty phenomenal. A must visit if you are in Cannes.
Pablo Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life living in here. It was little 'tourisy' for me. But, for art lovers, it’s heaven. In the narrow streets of Mougins, you will find so many tiny little art studios and galleries and the town's open-air exhibition of sculptures are pretty phenomenal. A must visit if you are in Cannes.
The Wrap Up
The last few days leading up to the closing ceremony and gala evening, were somewhat low-key. Although the frenzy dwindled down, every screening at the Grand Théâtre Lumière were still packed with audience.
The Fourth Direction by director Gurvinder Singh was the first film I watched on the big screen and it messed up my mind so much, it’s one of those movies when you have to stop questioning “why” and simply surrender yourself to be taken into the journey. This is not your average film that depicts the Hindu-Sikh tensions in the 1980s in India that rose after the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
One of my favourite movies, Sicario, made my Cannes trip all the more special; the way the film was shot and the way the story was developed, the film stayed with me for weeks after watching it.
The closing film was "Ice and The Sky," a documentary film directed by Luc Jacquet about the work of Claude Lorius, who began studying Antarctic ice in 1957, and, in 1965, was the first scientist to be concerned about global warming.
The closing film was "Ice and The Sky," a documentary film directed by Luc Jacquet about the work of Claude Lorius, who began studying Antarctic ice in 1957, and, in 1965, was the first scientist to be concerned about global warming.
My partner Derek and I truly enjoyed the whole experience being at Cannes and since we both are filmmakers, we decided to capture the essence of Cannes in a short film. We made a piece called “Allons-y” (Let’s Go) and it will remain as a sweet evidence of this memorable trip.
May 28, 2015, I landed in KLIA, first trip home in almost three years - I was so touched when I was welcomed with open arms, so much love and many opportunities that I've never thought would ever come my way, almost made me wonder, if all these were for real.
The Joint Screening by Malaysiakini, Freedom Film Festival 2015 and U.S. Embassy KL.
The day I arrived, May 28th 2015, I learned that TEDxKLWomen screened my film, The Game Changer at the observation deck of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to over 200 participants, media and volunteers with the attendance of Dr. Melanie Billings- Yun, wife of the US Ambassador to Malaysia. What an honor that was.
The day after, Malaysiakini, Freedom Film Fest 2015 and U.S. Embassy KL organized a grand joint screening at the new Malaysiakini headquarters with an attendance of 200 guests. It was quiet a momentous event for me. Dr. James Coffman’s and Arend Zwartjes’ speeches were moving. The screening was a huge success and was well received. I immensely enjoyed sharing my journey during the Q and A session.
The day after, Malaysiakini, Freedom Film Fest 2015 and U.S. Embassy KL organized a grand joint screening at the new Malaysiakini headquarters with an attendance of 200 guests. It was quiet a momentous event for me. Dr. James Coffman’s and Arend Zwartjes’ speeches were moving. The screening was a huge success and was well received. I immensely enjoyed sharing my journey during the Q and A session.
The days that followed, until I left KL, were filled with many fruitful meetings and various press interviews. But at the end of the day, the highlight of this slice of journey was meeting and greeting new acquaintances - near and far.
I received a number of heartfelt emails and messages from many Malaysians abroad who shared how proud they were and inspired by my accomplishments.
April 2015, The Acceptance
"From Freedom Film Fest in 2007 to Cannes 2015, a journey of trials and tribulations and buckets of tears, telling emotionally charged and visually compelling stories of the human condition." - Rentakini.tv
I'm very excited to announce that my short documentary, THE GAME CHANGER is going to CANNES! It is an official selection of the prestigious "American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase" at the Cannes Film Festival 2015.
The film is also in the selection of the Cannes's Short Film Corner (SFC) 2015. Organized by the Festival de Cannes, the Short Film Corner is a meeting place for filmmakers.
The event will take place next month at a special invitation only screening in The Roger Ebert Conference Center during the Cannes Film Festival. The selection of films in the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase is highly competitive, over 500 films were submitted, from which 20 were chosen to be part of the program.
The film is also in the selection of the Cannes's Short Film Corner (SFC) 2015. Organized by the Festival de Cannes, the Short Film Corner is a meeting place for filmmakers.
The event will take place next month at a special invitation only screening in The Roger Ebert Conference Center during the Cannes Film Festival. The selection of films in the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase is highly competitive, over 500 films were submitted, from which 20 were chosen to be part of the program.
If you wish to contribute to my traveling funds, please click the Donate button below.
Cannes is every filmmakers dream, even though I’m just participating in a small part of the larger festival but I’m so humbled. Being one of the finalists of this showcase will provide me the stepping stone for the future. As one of the finalists of this showcase, I look forward to being part of the networking frenzy in Cannes.
Unlike the Short Film Corner, our films will be screened under the showcase at the American Pavilion, and with that, our films are now stands a chance to be noticed on a larger scale and even be picked up by distributors and producers, and that’s huge!
Unlike the Short Film Corner, our films will be screened under the showcase at the American Pavilion, and with that, our films are now stands a chance to be noticed on a larger scale and even be picked up by distributors and producers, and that’s huge!
Friends and peers are raising funds to help fund my upcoming Cannes trip next May. Any little amount would mean a world to me and will bring me one step closer to the road to Cannes.