I got to see so many amazing short films from around the world and was genuinely impressed with the quality and variety of each section. There were so many filmmakers that I wanted to talk to - but I felt it was going to be so awkward for each of us, since I was on the jury.
The jury process was something that I had never done - but I have a new respect for it. I mean, there were five us, each with different tastes, backgrounds etc. But at the end of the day, we've all seen the same films and need to come to a consensus on a winner. IT'S REALLY HARD!
Do you award the best film? Do you award a film that has already won a ton of awards, or do you try and give it to a film that hasn't, but will gain a lot from the exposure? Should you award creativity, audacity?
Ultimately, I'm proud of the winners we chose as each film really is amazing.
The photo is of me with my fellow Jurors (an equally incredible, kind and inspiring group) consisting of Shane Smith, This year's jury was comprised of Shane Smith, Director of Public Programmes at TIFF Bell Lightbox, filmmaker Iain Gardner, winner of the 2011 Best Animated Short award at WSFF for
The Tannery, Susanne Folkesson, acquisition executive for UR and awardwinning filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée (Café de Flore).
Of course, a hearty thanks to everyone at WSFF. The staff, the volunteers and the filmmakers made for a terrific festival.
