I’m excited to be returning to the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival this year, a festival I’ve long admired, and one that continues to grow in both impact and intention.
This year is especially meaningful for me.
I’m honored to be joining as a board member, and I’ll also be moderating two conversations that feel incredibly relevant to where we are right now in the industry:
Central Coast Film Alliance Summit (Weds April 8th 11AM - Gavilan College)
A discussion on the economic value of film festivals and their impact on local communities. I’ll be joined by PJIFF Festival Director Mattie Scariot, Consuelo Alba (Watsonville Film Festival) and Kevin McDevitt (Slacker Studios)Alternative Distribution (Sun April 12th 5PM - The Barn/San Juan Bautista)
Exploring the evolving paths filmmakers are taking beyond traditional models.
In this special episode of A History of Film Festivals in 100 Movies, we look at:
The rise of community-driven festivals like Poppy Jasper
The journey of filmmaker Gabriele Fabbro
And how films like The Grand Bolero and Trifole move from the festival circuit into the wider world
It’s a story about how global filmmaking and local festivals intersect, and why that relationship is becoming more important than ever.
Click above to listen to the full episode
Why This Story Matters
Fabbro’s trajectory, from The Grand Bolero to the commercially and critically successful Trifole, acquired by Cohen Media Group, is a perfect example of how the ecosystem works when it works well.
Films don’t just premiere.
They build.
Through festivals.
Through audiences.
Through conversations.
And increasingly, through festivals like Poppy Jasper, where community engagement is just as important as industry access.
A Quick Personal Note
Over the years, (through Cause Pictures) I’ve had the opportunity to lead a number of film festivals and consult with hundreds more around the world, working closely with filmmakers on how to navigate the circuit, build strategy, and extend the life of their films beyond a single screening.
So if you’ll be at Poppy Jasper this year, I’m really looking forward to meeting you. Hearing about your projects. Seeing your films, and supporting however I can as you think about your own festival journey.
Whether it’s between screenings, at a panel, or just in passing, feel free to say hello and share more about your project.
Impact Lab (Subscriber Benefit)
If you’re looking to go deeper on strategy, distribution, and audience building…
We are running the Impact Lab in May, where we work directly with filmmakers to help maximize their festival and release pathways.
And for On the Circuit subscribers — there’s a special discount available.
Thanks as always for being part of this community.
