Position: Festival Director
Website: ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington
ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Each year, this dynamic festival, powered by the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, presents both domestic and international award-winning films paired with interactive programming that gives us a new perspective and highlights the vibrant personalities, realities, and extraordinary abilities of people. Through film, art, and discussion, ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington brings together the community to explore, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.
AREA OF MANAGEMENT: Festival Directorship
Curating the Film Program: Curating the film program involves thoughtfully selecting a diverse and engaging lineup of films that align with the festival’s mission and theme. The process includes reviewing submissions, collaborating with filmmakers to understand their work and vision, and making critical decisions on which films best represent the festival’s goals. We ensure the selected films offer a balance of artistic excellence, cultural relevance, and emotional impact, creating a program that not only captivates the audience but also fosters meaningful conversations about the stories and experiences being showcased.
Managing Festival Operations: Managing festival operations involves overseeing the entire logistical framework of the festival, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. This includes selecting venues, coordinating schedules, and handling staffing and resource allocation. We ensure that all events, whether screenings, panel discussions, or networking sessions, to run without a hitch, anticipating potential challenges and resolving issues proactively. By maintaining clear communication across teams and ensuring efficient use of resources, they create an environment where participants and attendees can fully engage with the festival’s offerings.
Sponsorship and Fundraising: Sponsorship and fundraising involve securing financial support to ensure the festival’s success and long-term sustainability. This includes identifying and pursuing potential sponsors, negotiating mutually beneficial partnerships, and raising funds through grants or sponsorships. Our role requires building strong relationships with corporate partners, philanthropic organizations, and individual donors, while also crafting compelling proposals that align the festival’s mission with the sponsor’s goals. By securing necessary funding, the sponsorship and fundraising manager helps maintain the festival’s operations and enables its growth in future editions.
Marketing and Promotion: Marketing and promotion involve crafting and executing a comprehensive strategy to build awareness and drive attendance for the festival. This includes leveraging social media platforms, distributing press releases, placing advertisements, and engaging in community outreach to reach a diverse audience. The goal is to attract not only attendees but also filmmakers, industry professionals, and media attention. By creating targeted campaigns, utilizing influencers, and fostering partnerships with local organizations, the marketing team generates excitement and buzz, ensuring that the festival’s message resonates widely and draws a vibrant crowd to experience its unique offerings.
Guest Relations and Networking: Guest relations and networking involve cultivating strong relationships with filmmakers, industry professionals, and other key stakeholders to ensure their positive experience at the festival. This includes coordinating guest appearances, organizing interviews, and facilitating networking events that encourage collaboration and connection. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the guest relations team ensures that both industry insiders and the public feel valued and engaged. Their efforts help create opportunities for meaningful interactions, whether through informal networking or structured panels, contributing to the festival’s reputation as a hub for creativity and professional growth.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Increased the number of screenings and available venues
- Increased the number of community and promotional partners
- Increased the number of social and educational events
- Increased festival attendance and number of viewing patrons
- Increased festival marketing and promotional opportunities
Promethean Fundraising 