“I couldn't believe all the permits and other things I had to get in order to obtain festival approval. In the end, though, the city officials have been pretty enthusiastic about the whole thing. They can't wait to see it happen.”
“I ran into Anthony Hopkins at a recent event and asked him if he would consider co-hosting the festival. He seemed interested in the offer and said he would look at his schedule.”
“We're giving filmmakers the chance to network with each other and with people looking to distribute movies. Also, local residents can enjoy some great cinema.”
“I asked someone what one of the most important elements of a film festival is, and he immediately said the event's destination. Because Delray is a great city with beautiful weather and ideally located, I felt that a film festival would make a nice fit.”
“When I was at the Toronto Film Festival this week, I saw this wonderful Brazilian film called House of Sand. Since the movie was so terrific, and Delray has a large Brazilian population, I thought it would make for a nice addition. When I spoke to the film's director himself and told him about the Delray Film Festival, he instantly said yes.”
“There was no festival in the area in March. So we went for it. I just want to give filmmakers a new platform and they (PBIFF) want to kill us our first time out. They actually offered to merge and promised me a seat on their board. What does that get me?”
“It's ironic because for 10 years they ignored Delray Beach. But I don't want to start a war. I want to be positive. We're two different festivals with two different agendas. I don't think we're a conflict to each other.”
