2007 Festival - Report

Festival Director's Statement

The 1st Annual 2007 Waterford Film Festival got off to a fantastic start. I never imagined that I would receive over 200 films from filmmakers from around the world. I have researched into medium sized film festival and taking for example the Kerry Film Festival, which just finished its 8th successful year, they received 350 film submissions last year, so for Waterford to get over 200 films from around the world in its first year is a excellent result.

People from around Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain and as far as New York attended the festival. This time of year when the event takes place (November) is a very slow time of year from tourists; very few people come to the city for a visit. I have gotten a lot of feedback from the business/venues who sponsored the event and they informed me that there was a good increase of business the weekend the festival took place.

One of the main areas was overnight stays in hotels, where an estimated 250 people came to the city and spent up to 4 nights here, many of whom had never been here before. Some people came to me and told me that they were having such a good time that not only where they staying on for an extra night or two post festival that they would come back to Waterford (a further 170 locals also attended the festival during the 4 nights)

These people would not have come at all if it were not for the festival. I project that this year there will be an increase of 50%, more filmmakers will come to attend and the reports I have gotten from locals that they are delighted that it is here and they will return next year and will tell and bring their friends. I feel that also word of mouth from last year's event will also increase the amount of attendance.

People e-mailed me post event and informed me of what a great time they had and they will be back again this year. I aim to improve the festival this year by increasing the length of the festival by an extra day this year. It will be 4 days and 5 nights spreading out the programme more so people will have a chance to see more films and with the proper financial support I would invite an well know actor to partake in an actor master class which is open to the public and they would spend a few hours with the actor talking about his films to date and give tips to actors starting out etc. and also to introduce filmmaking workshops anything from writing to producing to directing.

The festival is still at its growing stages but I think the first year has proven that this event is important for Waterford to increase its arts and culture profile as well as bringing new people to the city for the first time and to bring people back to the city again in the future, which is beneficial and enjoyable to the local business and community. With the right support the Waterford Film Festival will grow and it will get bigger and better every year.