Montclair International Film Festival—One Year Later

"Build it and they will come" is an often misquoted line from the film, "Field of Dreams." The actual words, which rank number 39 on the American Film Institute's list of top 100 movie quotes, are "Build it and he will come,” spoken by a “voice” that actor Kevin Costner hears.

The quote (with either pronoun) is popular because it reflects the belief that with hard work and inspiration, there will be a successful outcome.

On April 15, the board members of the Montclair International Film Festival gathered together with their collective “build it and they will come” voice as they collaborated to produce the festival’s mission statement. The meeting, held at the Montclair Golf Club, was the first annual retreat day for the group. Bob Feinberg, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, said, “having a retreat is like raising the flag, a rallying step forward.”

Last May, the MIFF was officially established at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 494 Bloomfield Avenue, its storefront headquarters, which is two doors up from the Claridge Cinema. Now, one year later, the MIFF has rooted itself in the community, having held a variety of events and film screenings in the township.

Cinema Montclairismo, the festival's outdoor summer film series, was a hit last season with screenings of "To Kill A Mockingbird and "Moonstruck." The series' name is a tribute to the film, "Cinema Paradiso," a story about a famous filmmaker who, after 30 years, returns to the Sicilian village of his childhood. Once there, he reminisces about Alfredo, the projectionist who nurtured his love of films at the Cinema Paridiso theater. The series begins again May 20 in a delightful setting, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in Upper Montclair with a delightful film, "The Sound of Music." The event includes a sing-along for Julie Andrews wannabes of all vocal ranges. (See details below for summer screenings schedule.)

The growth of the festival results from the planning of a core group of nearly 25 board members who live in Montclair or nearby towns. Over the course of the past year, they have had time to hone their understanding of what criteria are necessary to design an annual, ongoing festival that will be of value to Montclair residents and to those who attend from other places.

The board of directors is composed of individuals who work in the arenas of media, the arts, and business. Community leaders are also on the board’s roster. The varied backgrounds are important for providing input for the festival’s various committees which include: the Executive Committee, the Artistic Committee, Finance, Events, Fundraising, Marketing, Board Development, and Corporate Sponsorship.

Daniel Battsek, President of National Geographic Films, will set the artistic mark for the festival. Battsek chairs the Artistic Advisory committee which is an expanding group of filmmakers, producers, distributors, editors and writers who are actively involved in the world of film. They will be instrumental in helping the board “curate” the works to be shown.

Other talented board members include, to name some: Steve Adubato, broadcaster, author and motivational speaker; Jeff Cooperman, Managing Producer, the Colbert Report; Evelyn Colbert, Community Leader; Bobbi Brown, CEO, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics; Rose Cali, Education Philanthropist, Trustee, Montclair State University; Naomi Lazard, poet, Co-Founder, Hamptons International Film Festival and Maggie Drucker, Senior Deputy General Counsel & Senior Vice President, Martha Stewart Living. “I am thrilled to be in a room with residents with backgrounds like theirs and that they are so committed that they will take time out of their day to provide input about what is essential for a successful festival,” said Feinberg, referring to all the board members.

The Mission Statement for the MIFF states that it “is a non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture and showcase the talents of filmmakers from around the world, while creating a cultural focal point for the Township of Montclair that unites, empowers, educates and celebrates our diverse heritage and robust artistic community.” Feinberg further explained: “as a not-for-profit entity, our goal is not simply to drive revenue from exhibiting films. As the Mission Statement and Goals & Objectives illustrate, we seek to serve the community of Montclair, and the surrounding areas, invigorating the arts in a time of dwindling resources.”

Build it…. They will come…

Cinema Montclairismo Summer Screening Schedule

Friday, May 20: 8:30 p.m. The Sound of Music (rain date June 3)

Location: The Essex County Memorial Presby Iris Gardens, 474 Upper Montclair Avenue, Upper Montclair. Bring a lawn chair and be ready to sing! Come early for picnicking on garden grounds and to peruse in the gift shop. Parking is available on Upper Mountain Avenue and Highland Avenue (the street above the gardens).

Thursday, June 30: 9 p.m. Apollo 13

Location: Church Street, Montclair

Friday, July 29: 9 p.m. Back to the Future

Location: Church Street, Montclair