Glennfest Film Festival returning this October
A screengrab from “The Wind in the Willows,” part of the Glennfest Film Festival lineup.
DOWNEY – “We know a few things for sure,” said Glenn Stephens, originator of Downey’s own Glennfest Film Festival. “The details are still to be worked out.”
That good news was followed by the reveal of a tenth anniversary fete coming in October, with the title, “Nine, Ten, Big Fat Hen.” In keeping with Glennfest tradition, these shows are absolutely free.
“For one” said Glenn, “we’ve got dates now. Save the week of Oct. 4-11. And we have the Downey Theatre for Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6.”
That’s welcome news to film fans starved for the kind of special interest flics one would ordinarily have to drive to the Westside or Pasadena to see. Only they’re in Downey, and they’re free to the public.
“And we have a name,” said Glenn, “We’re calling it ‘Nine, Ten, Big Fat Hen.’ That’s because we’re combining the best of films we didn’t get to show for 2020, our ninth year. We already paid for the films for 2020, so we’ve got a super array now for out tenth season.”
Movies range from a kid-oriented musical, women’s rights, and a documentary about Hungary’s crown jewels, to a disaster and the disabled in Japan.
“And going forward,” said Glenn, “we know we need sponsors and volunteers. Every little bit helps.”
Postponed last year because of COVID-19, Glennfest has left a pent-up demand. As a venue for independent and often-missed films, both feature length and short, Glennfest thrives on the shared experience of a live audience experiencing the film together.
“There’s nothing like being in a darkened theatre sharing a common experience on screen. Laughing, being in suspense, that forms a bond with people who were strangers minutes before. That’s why we skipped last year,” said Glenn. “I didn’t want remote or encapsulated drive-in substitutions.”
High on this year’s list is “Wind in the Willows,” a film adaption of the musical version of the beloved Kenneth Grahame children’s classic that features Mr. Toad on his wild ride.
“Kids of all ages will love it,” said Glenn. The show played to sold-out audiences in London’s Palladium before the pandemic.
Another film will portray ordinary lives in Cuba, to be followed by parting curtains and a live exhibition of Spanish dance styles such as flamenco and gypsy. Patron-level donors will be seated on the stage, as the featured dancer always prefers to perform with the audience around her. There’s talk about bringing the Cuban ballet back too.
“It takes three things to put on a successful film festival,” said founder Glenn. “One is to find the films. We have a screening committee that evaluates all our choices. One of those jurors’ criteria is, will this be of interest in Downey.”
Holdovers films from 2020 include “Slava: Snow,” a surreally beautiful film about a troupe of clowns touring Siberia in winter; and “Macbetto,” a contemporary Italian Mafia rendition of Shakespeare’s classic performed in under 30 minutes.
“Steam Room Stories - the Movie” is a boisterous farce involving a chorus of beefcake guys acted by amateurs as steam room attendants.
“They are innocent of acting technique and are just having fun showing off,” said a review, and there’s a villain, a rich dame who wants to possess the waters of the Steam Room to lift her sagging empire.
There will be a Bea Romano Award film that Glenn is dedicating to “our dear friend and supporter, Bea, who was an amazing creator and supporter of the arts in Downey." And the director of the movie about the Me Too movement, “This Changes Everything,” has agreed to be interviewed.
“Second,” said Glenn, “we need a place to show the movies. The Downey Theatre is tentatively booked for October 5th and 6th and several other venues are in contention to show the rest of the entries.”
Negotiations are on-going for venues that have survived the COVID-19 hiatus. Notably, David Devis’s Epic Lounge is still available. “We’re proud that we helped build the stage there,” said Glenn.
One tantalizing combination of film and venue is a former farm converted into the expansive Southeast Japanese Center in Norwalk for a Japanese film “Talking To the Starry Sky,” about the dramatic 7.2 earthquake and tsunami in East Japan in 2011, and the plight of the disabled.
“Our selection unanimous was in choosing it,” said Glenn.
“While focusing on a past event, this film depicts a reality that all of us will face in the future. We would like as many people as possible to see it,” said Director Yurugu Matsumoto.
“Third ingredient to make a successful film festival,” said Glen, “is to fill the seats. This is where volunteers can help us get the word out to organizations and their members.”
Glennfest showcases films from the United States and around the world. Some fill a special niche or special interest, or are flicks that didn’t have the backing to get the exposure they needed. If this kind of movie is your cup of tea, remember that the experience is absolutely free.
“Free” has to cost someone something, and that means volunteer hours plus monetary donations that bring Glennfest to everyone. All kinds of help are welcomed, and sponsorships that bring rewards such as preferential seating and exclusive interview opportunities with local stars. More details to come.
To volunteer, contact Glenn on the website, www.glennfest.com.