films for justice:how to SPONSOR A FILM FESTIVAL
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step #1: Select the films
When you have decided on your goals and the issue or issues you wish to address, choosing the films is the next step. WFVJ has several films listed HERE, plus links to other sites that also list films. The website, Why Poverty (www.whypoverty.net), has many films of various lengths, focusing on different aspects of poverty both here and abroad. All of their films can be downloaded for free.
Be sure to preview all films before you decide which to show. You want to be sure the language is appropriate, the length fits your scheduled event time and will allow for conversation after the showing, and the content is relevant and presented clearly and engagingly. You might consider showing only parts of a film that is too lengthy or too wonky.
Be sure to preview all films before you decide which to show. You want to be sure the language is appropriate, the length fits your scheduled event time and will allow for conversation after the showing, and the content is relevant and presented clearly and engagingly. You might consider showing only parts of a film that is too lengthy or too wonky.
Step #2: plan a DISCUSSION SESSION after each FILM
Many of the films we list on our website come with study guides that can help you run a discussion after the film. They often include background information and suggested questions to spark conversation. It can also be effective to have an expert speaker make a presentation after a film. Local colleges are often good sources of speakers. Look to the political science department, the school of social work, the medical school, or the law school. Agencies that address issues raised in the films shown are often very happy to share their work with your audiences. Look within your own congregations and see what expertise you have at your disposal.
Step #3: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Once you have identified your goals and chosen your movies, decide on locations(s) for the festival. If your audience is centered in a small geographic area, having one consistent location for all the films may be the best way to go. If your target audience is more broadly distributed around the area, or if one of your goals is to reach out and create ties with different congregations or organizations, you will want to contact different possible locations. Look for locations that are easy to get to, have available parking, have a room big enough for your projected audience, and have access to whatever technology you need. Find out any restrictions they may have on room use, particularly in regard to food. If the room where they would show the film is not a room where they permit food, you might plan that evening differently to accommodate food first; or you may choose a different location. If you are streaming the movie directly from the Internet, test the WI-FI connection in advance.
step #4: publicity
Publicize your film festival with posters around town and on the local college campus, at area congregations, via email and on Facebook. Make sure your publicity is visually appealing, the information is complete and accurate, and has contact information where a person can RSVP and find out more about the films and speakers. Hosting congregations can help with publicity.
Step #5: room set-up
Chairs should be set up theater-style. Make sure the screen can be seen equally well from all seats and that the sound is loud and clear. Tables for literature and refreshments should be set up at the entrance, where everyone will pass through. Baskets for donations can be on the tables, and sign-up sheets where people can join your email list, if you have one. If you have invited a speaker from a social justice organization, invite them to bring literature to have out on the table.
Step #6: before the film
Identify a spokesperson from your congregation or organization who will welcome everyone, thank the hosting congregation, talk about the film festival overall and introduce that night’s film. Be sure to thank anyone who was particularly helpful or instrumental in putting together the event.
Step #7: after the film
Introduce and thank the speaker. After the speaker makes his/her presentation, help moderate the Q&A and discussion after. It helps to have a few prepared questions to get discussion started if necessary. Be sure to end on time. If conversation seems to still be going, invite those who wish to linger and talk informally (host congregation permitting) but be sure to end the formal part of the evening on time.
step #8: after the event
Be sure to send out thank you’s to all host congregations, speakers, and anyone else who was particularly helpful in making your film festival a success.
MOVIE RIGHTS
Please be aware – just because a movie is available in your neighborhood video store or on Amazon, does not mean you have the right to a public showing. Videos available for public sale or rental are only available for limited private use. For any showing other than private use, you must purchase the rights to show the film. This applies whether you are a non-profit or for-profit, whether you are charging a fee for your audience or your showing is free.
However, do not despair! Obtaining the rights to many worthy films is not as expensive as you might think. Many documentarians want their films to get out to the public and are willing to offer a discounted fee to non-profits, often for unlimited showings, so you can show the film on other occasions without having to pay again. Some, like Why Poverty? (see above) make their films available free of charge as part of their mission. And some are made by non-profit agencies and are made available for very minimal fees.
Most of the time, a quick internet search of the film will bring you to the website of the documentarian, the production company, or the distribution company, where you will find information on how to obtain the rights. Let them know you are a religious congregation or non-profit organization and often they will have a reduced price. It is important to do this research and obtain the rights before advertising the film, as you may find a specific film is out of your price range and therefore out of your film festival!
However, do not despair! Obtaining the rights to many worthy films is not as expensive as you might think. Many documentarians want their films to get out to the public and are willing to offer a discounted fee to non-profits, often for unlimited showings, so you can show the film on other occasions without having to pay again. Some, like Why Poverty? (see above) make their films available free of charge as part of their mission. And some are made by non-profit agencies and are made available for very minimal fees.
Most of the time, a quick internet search of the film will bring you to the website of the documentarian, the production company, or the distribution company, where you will find information on how to obtain the rights. Let them know you are a religious congregation or non-profit organization and often they will have a reduced price. It is important to do this research and obtain the rights before advertising the film, as you may find a specific film is out of your price range and therefore out of your film festival!
