Interview to Artistic Directors Alizé Latini e Giovanni Labadessa

How did the idea of making an indie film festival come about?

The idea was born in Los Angeles in 2017 by 3 Italian friends who share a great passion for independent cinema and a greater history of rejection from the magical industry of moving images. Having spent several years in the US, and having visited indie fest like Slamdance, Mammoth Lakes, Dances with Films and many more, we were firm in our belief that independent cinema has always pushed the boundaries of film language and storytelling.

With the feeling that in Italy something like that was missing and that those indie films who changed Hollywood for good and continue to do so struggle to find room in both festivals and distribution we knew we had a unique opportunity in our hands: to create a platform for independent filmmakers powered by a community based movement that aim to give a voice to the most unique and innovative. NÓT in the local Romagnolo dialect means "Night", but is the English word "Not" and the power of reclaiming the word of rejection that defines our way of celebrating films. 

Could you give us an overview of this year's highlights?

The line up is composed of 100 FILMS divided in 10 competitive categories. With 92 premieres there are several films worth highlighting. At the opening, the short film nominated for an Oscar ON MY MIND by Martin Strange-Hansen, which will accompany the feature film LOS DIAS QUE NO ESTUVE directed by Samuel Rios Y Valles, extraordinary Mexican talent who tragically died and to whom the festival dedicates the evening. 

Among the feature films, however, the European premieres of IN HER NAME by Sarah Carter, already winner of the Audience Award at the recent Tribeca Film Festival 2022, THE CIVIL DEAD by Clay Tatum, winner of the jury prize at Slamdance 2022 with which the festival renews its 5-year partnership, GIVING BIRTH TO A BUTTERFLY by Theodore Schaefer fresh of the success at the Fantasia Film Festival and the return of Jaclyn Bethany, winner of the festival 2021 with its latest indie gem THE FALLING WORLD. 

Joanna Satanowska's THE GOD OF INTERNET films will be Italian previews, which arrives in Italy thanks to the collaboration with the Polish Film Institute and that of RECONSTRUCTION by Pia Andell, presented in collaboration with the Finnish Film Institute. Finally, among the shorts, the international premieres of Viktor Ivanov VUJA DE starring Filippo Scotti and the directorial debut of Sandra Lipski MI ISLA presented in collaboration with the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival.

What makes Santarcangelo the perfect location for this event?
Santarcangelo is a dreamy city nested in the most romantic Italian countryside. It is the epitome of the Italian dream in a very culturally “woke” environment. The city counts about 20.000 inhabitants and an endless artistic effervescence that lives beyond Nòt Film Fest and for this particular reason the event found a perfect home. It has a small town pace and a big city mind. When we approached the administration with the idea of a destination festival that would promote independent cinema, we were welcomed with jubilation and support. We know that our community loves to come back to the festival each year, not only for the program and films but also because of Santarcangelo di Romagna.

 
What opportunities does the festival offer to young talents?
One of the main goals of Nòt Film Fest has been to create real opportunities for our filmmakers which means different things according to where they are in their career. When it comes to young talents the festival can launch their career also thanks to the partnerships, the special awards, free education, distribution opportunities as well as daily networking events to connect in a friendly and informal environment.
This year we introduced a new opportunity for filmmakers younger than 35: Nòt a Chance. This competition in the competition will see 3 young filmmakers compete with a short film that they will have to write, cast, shoot and edit during the 6 days of the festival. The 5 minutes long shorts will be showcased during the award ceremony and the winner will receive the first Nòt a Chance Moonwalker statuette.

www.notfilmfest.com