Editor’s note: This was a wonderful idea for a community event in the arts. If you read the last paragraph you will see why we did not pursue a “3rd annual” version. –Paul Goldfinger. Blogfinger.net
“This is wonderful,” said BFFF producer Marlee Roberts. She was speaking for the nine university film makers who showed their creations in the Youth Temple at Ocean Grove today.
Seven of the directors from 5 different schools were thrilled to see their work projected on a big screen with professional quality audio and video provided by the Camp Meeting Association staff. They also were delighted to be in Ocean Grove at such a beautiful venue and they were grateful to have an audience with whom they could share their work.
The Festival began with a music and slide show featuring images of Ocean Grove by Paul Goldfinger.
Paul and Marlee introduced the program, and then the films were screened in succession. The material was quite varied including two documentaries, a fantasy featuring a ballet sequence, a French style film noir, a couple of dramatic sequences, a study of the effects of bulimia, and a comedy about getting into the heaven of your choice.
Afterward a Q & A revealed some insights into the inspirations influencing these young film makers as well some practical revelations about how a film school degree can lead to a job in the movie industry after graduation. One insight that they shared had to do with how many people are required to produce a short film and how these students collaborate with each other and tap into each other’s talents to complete their projects.
We would like to thank the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, OGCMA staff members Chris Flynn and Shelley Belusar, assistant producer Eileen Goldfinger, our tireless creative producer Marlee Roberts, Mayor Eric Houghtaling, and Mr. Richard Lepore of the OG Chamber of Commerce.
We also want to acknowledge our sponsors, the OG Chamber of Commerce, KFR Communications (Andrew Gioulis), Barbaric Bean, Smugglers’ Cove, OG Flower and Gift Shop, Drs. Whilden and Brevit (painless dentists) and Cruisin’ Limo Service of Ocean Grove (Florence and Mark Meier.)
Also thanks to the CMA volunteers who helped at the event. Thanks finally to our audience who attended and helped in our effort to raise some money for the OG boardwalk reconstruction.
Lastly (but not leastly) we want to acclaim and thank our talented filmmakers who took part in today’s festival. We will miss you. Come back soon and bring some more great films with you.
—–Paul Goldfinger , editor @Blogfinger
From “The Aviator” Loudon Wainwright III: “After You’ve Gone.”
April 2022. I’m sorry that I don’t have any followup regarding what happened to these fledgling film makers. Perhaps some Grovers will get together to resurrect this idea in the future; it was a wonderful small town event—the sort of idea that is perfect for the Grove as it moves to a better cultural/secular future to balance the religious life here.
And, you should know that the main reason we did not pursue a “Third Annual” was the insistence on the part of the CMA that they approve every film in advance. We reluctantly went along, and Marlee Roberts and her colleagues were beautiful in making that work, but I would never again subject young creative people to censorship.
PG
The BFFF was a success! Mark and I will certainly spread the word to anyone who “missed out” to make sure they catch the BFFF # 3!!
We were certainly very proud to be part of the sponsorship!
Florence & Mark Meier
Cruisin’ LLC
Hey FInger,
Congrats on bringing such a unique event to the Grove. Your doing the town and your neighbors a great service. Keep up the good work!!
Paul,
Pegi and I thoroughly enjoyed the BFFF. Congrats to you, Miss Marlee Roberts and the whole team for putting together a successful event. We are looking forward to the 3rd Annual BFFF. -Tom
Paul,
How wonderful indeed it is to watch the BFFF grow. I am glad you are pleased with the way the festival turned out this year. I can’t thank you enough for putting this all together, connecting us with the CMA, the filmmaker luncheon, and once again, creating this opportunity for young filmmakers who are so eager to share their work.
The whole ride back home after the festival, my friends discussed how much they loved the BFFF, coming to Ocean Grove, and the warm welcome the quaint town brings us every time. I think the program ran very smoothly and the selection of films were nice in variety
The audience was receptive and engaged. The venue was perfect. The audio/visual quality was professional. I definitely pronounce it a success!
It’s been a pleasure to get to know you and work with you. It’s been a blast.
Best,
Marlee
Creative Producer
Blogfinger Film Festival
Paul: Today was great; I enjoyed it and I have never been to a film festival before.