Twin Cities Film Fest
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Mission Statement
The Twin Cities Film Fest, a 10-day independent film festival, seeks to grow the Midwest audience for great film-art by providing access to exceptional independent film not available elsewhere. TCFF believes strongly in the Minnesota film-artist and seeks to give them a national voice through screening, educational, networking and distribution opportunities to expand careers and support thought provoking content. TCFF programs films that engage viewers emotionally, fosters discussion, and encourages audiences to take action to better their lives and communities.
About This Cause
In 2010, TCFF held its first festival and was thrilled to have nearly 1,500 attendees see 35 films over 4 days. By 2014 the festival expanded to 10 days in October with audiences over 6,000 attending 77 films, 10+ educational events, and nightly mixers for filmmakers. TCFF consistently collaborates with other exhibition/industry organizations such as the Walker Art Center, Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP-MN), Minnesota Film Board, the LA Film Festival, Sundance Selects, IFC, Women in Film and Television, 48-Hour Film Festival, 50/50 Film Festival, and Z-Fest. TCFF has a filmmaker attendance rate of 60%. Four directors, a Festival Manager, the Board of Directors, 20+ interns and 150+ volunteers work year-round on the 10-day festival and year-round programming which started in 2014. Combined attendance of TCFF events offered year-round nears 10,000. TCFF festival pass sales increased 50% and general admission ticket sales increased 40% in the past year. Many events (Changemaker series, educational panels, and networking events) are free to the public. Students receive reduced pricing. To keep ticket prices low ($12 per ticket) and accessible to wider audiences, TCFF has engaged community sponsors and local donors to offset expenses necessary to success. TCFF audiences grew from 1,500 in 2010 to 6,200 in 2014, demonstrating MN is eager for TCFF's format and scope. TCFF 2014 brought audiences from the TC Metro, Greater Minnesota, surrounding states, and the coasts. This is likely due to regional media coverage TCFF received. News stations across WI, IA, SD, ND, Greater MN and the TC metro covered TCFF, and when possible, TCFF put filmmakers at the forefront, enabling their work to receive media coverage. TCFF has established an impeccable reputation among filmmakers, causing an increase in submissions to nearly 450 in 2014. Mac Alsfeld stated, “My film, 'Father-Like Son,' had its Midwest Premiere at TCFF, and it was truly one of the greatest experiences I've ever had… I would urge, urge, urge filmmakers to submit to this wonderful festival. If not for it being one of the most organized film festivals in the country... Submit to TCFF because it's one of the few films festivals that accepts and gives equal and hospitable appreciation to films ranging from micro-budget indies to multi-million dollar Oscar-contending films. This is how film festivals should be run... it was a truly remarkable experience that I will never, ever forget." Since 2010, sponsorship has increased by 400%. Private donations have grown to a sustaining membership program which is expected to exceed 350 by the end of 2015. Sole grant support for TCFF comes from the Pohlad Family Foundation which has regularly increased its commitment since 2010 as benchmarks were consistently exceeded. Discover St. Louis Park and the Shops at West End invest in TCFF due to the media exposure and new traffic they see as a direct result of TCFF. Community support is also reflected in dedicated time and passion. TCFF core staff works at deeply reduced rate as they infuse passion and talent to ensure the festival continues its success. Year-round volunteer staff of 15 dedicates an average of 15 hours/week for an excess of 10,000 volunteer hours annually. Sponsors return year after year, grateful for a synergistic relationship with TCFF. The $120,000 in-kind contributions in 2014 include reduced rental costs of $50,000 from the theater; Equipment rental, printing, and marketing are provided to TCFF at highly reduced costs with in-kind reaching in excess of $55,000. To keep TCFF accessible, ticket prices are well below similarly sized festivals at $12 per screening. TCFF attendees may attend nightly mixers that include complimentary food & drinks, conversations with filmmakers, and enhance the overall festival experience. TCFF is completely ADA compliant. Services for the hearing impaired are provided if requested. TCFF is working to remove all barriers to attendance for disadvantaged youth by providing a “free day” in 2015. TCFF will work in conjunction with organizations (Girl Scouts, Camp Fire MN, Boys & Girls Clubs) serving disadvantaged youth, bringing their students to TCFF for a free day of carefully curated films, complete with attending filmmakers. TCFF looks to inspire a new generation of voices in filmmaking. TCFF prides itself in the level of commitment made to our local community. Projected attendance in 2015 is expected to surpass 7,000 attendees with a varied demographic profile. TCFF plans to continue collaborating with other local organizations like the Walker Art Center, MN Independent Film Producers, Minnesota Film Board, Women in Film and Television, 48-Hour Film Festival, 24-Hour Film Festival, 50/50 Film Festival, Z-Fest, MCTC, Art Insitute International, and Institute of Production and Recording to give their artists unparalleled access to TCFF and its artists.