Based in France, the ‘Beyond the Curve International Film Festival’ (BCIFF) brings quality cinema to viewers across the globe and helps aspiring filmmakers and independent creators to expand their reach without any barriers to hold them back. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking with the BCIFF team who work tirelessly and put in the joint effort to make the festival a success.
What is it about the film industry that piqued your interest enough to start this film festival?
BCIFF: It’s more about the form than the industry that piqued our interest to begin with. Studio production has always been there. But we were more interested in [the]independent market. There’s just so many talented filmmakers who are fighting to translate their vision on-screen and we wanted to be a medium through which they can take their works to the world. And we asked ourselves how could we do that? And then, ‘Beyond the Curve’ happened.
Why did you choose the name ‘Beyond the Curve’ for the festival? What is the significance behind this name?
BCIFF: Well, we wanted to focus on works that forced or challenged the status quo. The curve represents the mainstream Hollywood-esque approach to cinema and storytelling. We wanted and still want to promote works that push that boundaries and forces viewers to experience the art rather than be passive observer. We believe that the real cinema begins after its end credits roll on-screen.
Could you share with us some of the initial problems you faced when you began the festival or would you say it’s been a smooth run?
BCIFF: Good Lord! Where should we even start? There were many and they never stopped. We had no clue how to go about it. All we had was passion and the zeal to do it come what may. It took us a long time to understand the structure and economics of a film festival. Then came the issue of venue along with finance crunch, all this was happening while the world changed around us (yes, the pandemic hit hard). But we managed somehow and survived. Running a film festival has a lot to do with perseverance and luck than most of our peers would like to admit.
How is ‘Beyond the Curve’ unique from all the other film festivals out there?
BCIFF: I think the fact that, despite being a very new festival, we have been able to create faith and trust in filmmakers. To the extent that filmmakers who have been a part of us always come back. We cherish that. We think our commitment to cater to the filmmakers concerns and needs are unparalleled.
I read on your website that the festival is all about ’embodying rebellion’ and ‘breaking norms.’ Could you kindly elaborate on what exactly is meant by that and how you intend to do all that through this festival?
BCIFF: The theme of rebellion has always intrigued us. If you think about it, all art is a representation of a rebellion. From the “Liberty Leading the People” by Delacroix to Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator.” Art has always been a form to express individuality, which by definition stands against uniformity and herd like approach to life. We want to celebrate this, but not be limited to [a] particular aspect of art. That is why believe what we believe and proclaim what we proclaim.
…institutionalised art is responsible for decay in the social and political status of the artist.” BCIFF
I would also love to know more about your views on democratisation of art, cinema, and filmmaking since the tagline of the Twitter page for the festival reads: ‘celebrating democratization of art, form & the magic called cinema.’ Could you elaborate on that as well?
BCIFF: That would require another article. But, the crux of the matter is institutionalised art is responsible for decay in the social and political status of the artist. The artist of today is not taken seriously because, the very heart of it has been institutionalised. The very spontaneous nature of it has been cut off from the masses and replaced with people of privilege. As if, having a heritage and schooling is a prerequisite for someone to create and appreciate art.
We want to break away from that. If you can tell a story which has honesty and intent, even if you shot in on a 10-megapixel phone, we will show it, promote it.
What new opportunities does your festival present to aspiring filmmakers or even seasoned professionals?
BCIFF: To tell their stories without any bar. We consciously try and make an extra effort so that friends who become a part of our journey get the proper respect and communication they deserve. We are equally agrarian in our approach to selections; barring a few things, we accept all work. We are always active on our social media. Our team works around the clock to provide assistance to our filmmakers.
What kind of content can viewers expect to find at the ‘Beyond the Curve’ film festival?
BCIFF: Honest, unfiltered and lesser known [works]; most definitely lesser known, but we can assure you, once you watch the content you would also wonder why didn’t you experience this type of content before. We welcome you all to be a part of us. Our monthly screenings are free for anyone who loves cinema.
The film fraternity and film festivals in general have undergone a lot of changes and major shake-ups due to the pandemic. How has the pandemic affected the running of the festival and what good and/or bad has come out of it?
BCIFF: It’s good in the way that technology has evened out a lot of unevenness that the industry had before the pandemic. Technology has also enabled more opportunities to small festivals like us and filmmakers from lesser-known places from the globe as the physical confinement of a festival has been replaced with websites. We personally don’t geoblock any country, so it is possible for a person who is say, in Surinam, to watch a film directed by a Liberian.
Lastly, what are your future plans for the festival? Can we expect more or less of what is already being offered at the moment?
BCIFF: We have recently been accredited by IMDb. Distribution is something that we would like to focus on more in the coming months. We would also be focusing on expanding the publication journal that we have, “Scènema.” In the coming months, we are also thinking about merchandising and other things. Let’s see what happens. Wish us luck!
Find out more about BCIFF here: https://www.bciff.org/
Submit your films here: https://filmfreeway.com/BeyondtheCurveInternationalFilmFestival
