Cue dream sequence:
There are cameras flashing everywhere as the paparazzi are trying to capture your every move. “That’s enough, that’s enough,” you smirk confidently as you walk away. People are dying to get your autograph, but you need to head over to the set of your latest film. You’re a huge movie director with a tremendous fan base, and your new venture is the talk of every media outlet.
Back to reality:
The only paparazzi you encounter is you, yourself, taking a selfie and sharing it on social media. Life is probably not full of fame or millions of dollars, and your mother is probably your biggest fan. Your dreams of fame may not be a reality, but don’t fret! Your dreams to edit and direct movies/TV shows, play your favorite characters, and even have your work showcased at a film festival, can still come to life!
Roque Rodriguez and Bryan Harley introduced Swede Fest to Fresno, California in 2008. The film festival has been running successfully ever since and has even spread to Palm Beach and Tampa Bay. This festival is unique in that it not only lets you attend the film screenings, but also gives you the opportunity to be a part of them.
What does “swede” mean, you ask? It’s basically taking a popular film or TV show, summarizing it or taking a particular scene, and recreating it for audiences to view during the film festival. So, if you’ve ever wanted to play Woody from “Toy Story,” Frodo from “Lord of the Rings,” or Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” Swede Fest is the place for you.
The low budgets and special effect substitutions often make these films very comical and light-hearted. These alternatives not only force you to become creative, but they’re also super fun and easy to create. How swede is that?
Anyone can produce a film for Swede Fest. All you need is an imaginative mind and a camera (even if it’s just on your phone). Most films are a maximum of four minutes long and you get to add your own style. As Jack Black puts it, “You take what you like, and you mix it with some other things you like and make a new thing.” So, whether your Titanic is made out of cardboard, or your Batman is wearing a plastic mask from Party City, your film has the potential to be shown at this film festival. Who knows, maybe your film will go viral and you’ll actually be the talk of every media outlet.
The next Swede Fest is on Saturday, December 10th at 5 P.M. at The Tower Theater and is FREE for all ages. The film festival takes place annually and is a wonderful opportunity to see, and make, some of your favorite films with a twist.
To watch films showcased at Swede Fest in previous years, visit:
http://www.swedefest.com/events/swede-fest