Cucalorus!

I had a great time at Cucalorus this year, just as I did last year. Though they were very different experiences. Last year, I was more focused on the films, and I really enjoyed myself. I didn't really care about the various social obligations attached and fully allowed myself to just indulge in some great, immersive filmmaking. This year was a different story––the films almost came as an after-thought. I don't know if cucalorus has changed at all, or it's just my level of involvement in the film department, but there was a much more obvious push from everyone around me toward the "events." I enjoyed the social aspect of the festival and wished I had gotten a bigger pass! I agree with Ally in that Cucalorus is definitely marketing an experience, rather than film screenings. I think we should do this too, though it's proving harder when we don't have as established of a reputation as Cucalorus. I'm definitely going to be reading a few marketing books over break... One thing I noticed right off the bat that Cucalorus could improve on was communication when it comes to their passes. I've been to the festival numerous times and still get confused every time how exactly to get tickets with my pass. You basically have to act like youre buying them and then last minute say you have a pass do you don't have to pay. I thought this was really disorganized and it delayed me getting tickets. This could easily be remedied with an instructions for passholders tab on their website. Also..while I preferred the programming of last year's festival, there were some great stand out films I saw. My favorite was definitely The Act of Killing. It was one of those films that you just can't stop talking about after it ends. I went home and discussed it with my roommate Jane until I had to leave to go to my next screening. It was very thought-provoking and powerful. In addition to The Act of Killing, I saw the comedy shorts, Borgman, and the secret screening. I really wanted to see Short Term 12 and had a ticket but had to do some last minute 495 filming instead :/ Oh! A note on the secret screening: I loved it, and think it's a great idea. Is this something we could do?? I thought it was great.