Clcik here for logo downloads

FIERCELY INDEPENDENT
JOIN US IN 2007

QUOTES

BECOME A

> SPONSOR
> INDIVIDUAL DONOR
> FOUNDATION SUPPORTER

FESTIVAL INFO

Sponsor Inquiries

Mission Statement

Quotes

Smiles

Press

Advisory Board

eNewsletters


Year-round Events

Youth Initiative





About Us

SELECT QUOTES:

“We've always been big supporters of the festival. The people who attend the festival are real lovers of cinema... They are really passionate about the films themselves, and not just the movie stars who surround the films. Considering that the festival has been around such a short time, the festival organizers have been able to achieve something phenomenal.”
Jonathan Sehring–president, IFC Entertainment (from Variety interview)

Amazing gig all around. Congrats!
Stephen Hays–CEO, 120dB Films

I just wanted to thank you for putting together the best festival I have ever been to. I just had an incredible time. The films -- amazing; the parties - so much fun; the landscape, environment, people -- also amazing. And the panel, extremely interesting.
Danielle DiGiacomo–Documentary Film Coordinator, Indiepix

I enjoyed myself immensely, as always. Congrats on another very successful festival. Thanks for having me.
Bingham Ray, IFC Films

Congratulations on the success of your wonderful festival.
Allen Coulter–Director, Hollywoodland

Thank you so much for everything - I had a wonderful time and was truly honored to receive the Trailblazer award - the news about the reception for AFTER THE WEDDING is the icing on the cake ! Thank you and everyone else again for everything. 
Jonathan Sehring–president, IFC Entertainment

"The Woodstock Film Festival is the most real festival I’ve ever been to.” 
Barbara Kopple
Academy-Award winning filmmaker and the upcoming Shut Up & Sing

"This just has a wonderful charm. [Other film festivals] tend to mutate, and the idea here is to get together with the community. It's like being in a friend's kitchen. If it's not, Woodstock should be on the National Register for real Americana towns. With this festival, it's sticking its head above the surface."
David Strathairn, Academy-Award nominated actor

Thank you so much for your generous hospitality and warm welcome in Woodstock. The experience was very meaningful for me, and for my collaborators and family who were in attendance. Thank you especially for having so many of us in your midst. I felt we had quite a group. It really was a great US premiere for us, I also would like to thank you for the suggestions you gave me in distribution. Distribution or even some form of exhibition remains a huge challenge for the independent filmmaker, and it seems to me Woodstock helps form that missing link between film and audience.

The feedback on the street, in restaurants, from the community was particularly touching. In an effort to return some of that kindness I gave a ticket to our Rhinebeck screening to a young cashier at the local health food store... Having this kind of encouragement from your audience is part of what makes Woodstock unique and alluring. I do hope to return in future years to Woodstock, it would be a great pleasure.

David Gow–co-director, Steel Toes

Just wanted drop a line to you saying thanks Its great festival all round. Its perfectly programmed, organized and executed. You and your staff are fantastic, brilliant and kind. I loved everything about it. Great people , conversations, connections and really great films. I don't have Meira's email address but please relay my utmost gratitude and admiration. You can be sure that every film I make from now to eternity will be submitted to Woodstock first. I love you guys. From the bottom of my heart thank you.
Mark Adam–co-director, Steel Toes

I should be the one thanking you for taking a film like Steel Toes and enabling it to be seen in such an amazing festival.   Thank you for your warmth and hospitality; it really was a memorable experience. many thanks to you guys and the rest of the festival gang who helped out.

Andrew Walker–actor, Steel Toes

This weekend was absolutely enchanting. Thank you for putting together a weekend of encouragement for all who attended. You all deserve the greatest round of applause.
Jason Etter, Buffalo Dreams

I only wish I could have stayed longer.  Everyone’s professionalism showed every step of the way... my film looked great at both screenings!  The response was terrific and I’ll always value and recall fondly my first experience at Woodstock. 
Jeff Lipsky–director, Flannel Pajamas

Thank you so much for inviting Heavens Fall to this year's Woodstock Film Festival. Your entire staff was professional, gracious and made me feel at home. I had a wonderful time in the Catskills and look forward to visiting again soon. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help promote next year's festival. You guys are the best!
Terry Green–director, Heavens Fall

On behalf of our film, Autumn's Eyes, I wanted to kindly thank you for your support and incredible hospitality this past weekend.  Apart from the wonderful screenings and provoking audience Q&A's, the "too much fun- too much wine" parties, and the warm and helpful staff- I truly enjoyed waking up to deer wandering in golden leaves in front of our cottage, hitchhiking to town, and beginning a new day with the festival.   (I would be lying if I didn’t mention that taking home a trophy made the experience even sweeter!!).  This festival inspires me to keep making films so I have an excuse to escape for a long weekend to Woodstock.
Gabriel Noble, Autumn Eyes

I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to screen our film at Woodstock.  It could not have had a better experience. The community, film festival and the industry supported us 100% and I believe it was because your initial belief in the film.  Its people like you that make a difference for independent film.  Keep up the wonderful work and I promise to be back at Woodstock whether with a film or just to support your incredible festival!
Paola Mendoza–director, Autumn Eyes

Thank you both so much for having me in Woodstock! What an amazing, wonderful experience it was...just fantastic. I want to compliment your terrific staff for what has been one of the best festival experiences I've ever had. Whether my next film is finished in time or not, I'm looking forward to next year! Thanks...

John Mounier–director, Beyond Eyruv

It was really a great festival experience.  The festival had the same sort of energy as SXSW...no bullshit...all about the films and the filmmakers. The atmosphere was really down to earth and the films were good. I’m excited to return soon.
Andrew Neel–codirector, Darkon

Thank you again for including us in the program.  We had a wonderful experience. Our Sunday screening was our best yet.  
Rachel Libert–director, Beyond Conviction 

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful film festival time.  My screening was great, I saw some fine films and met some wonderful people. Thanks so much for having me as part of your festival.
Janet Baus–codirector, Cruel and Unusual

I just wanted to extend my gratitude for allowing us to be a part of the Woodstock Film Festival. I first attended the WFF 2 years ago just after we started shooting our film and it had long been my goal to be a part of the festival. The experience even exceeded my high expectations. I had a wonderful weekend. I saw a half-dozen inspiring films and attend a pair of panels that made me think about what to do with our documentary and how I hope to proceed with my second film. Anyhow thank you so much for selecting our film. I apologize if my email about that post-screening event complicated things for anyone (btw, I had a fine time at the party proper).

As I was driving home, it occurred to me that “Fiercely independent” seems to suit Wetlands Preserved just fine as we make our way in the world with a grassroots team scrambling to share our story of a little club that could.
Dean Budnick–director, Wetlands Preserved

It was a pleasure to attend. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Thanks for everything. Andrew Walton–director, Arctic Son

That was one of the best few days at a film festival I can ever remember!  WOW.  You should be SO proud of what you were able to put together...  everyone was raving about every aspect! i can't thank you enough for your generosity and for creating such an amazing forum for sharing such our creative spirit and for extending such a gracious welcome to me (and my family)!
Amy Gossels, 5G & juror

Thank YOU! I really had a nice time, and The Mitch Show went terrifically.  What great audiences everywhere.  I thought the feeling of the festival was great -- obviously because so many people were putting so much love into it.  You really rounded up a huge workforce, and they passionately believed in what they were doing.  It was pretty amazing. So thanks again for giving me the opportunity to show my work.
Mitchell Rose–director, The Mitch Show

Thank YOU! It was such a wonderful event! The packed house and sheer interest of the audience was enough to make our weekend phenomenal, but to be awarded was unexpected and an absolute thrill.

You have put together one of the most interesting and important programs in such short time; it's no wonder that the attendance grows by leaps and bounds each year. I can't imagine how you are going to find enough room for all the extra people who show up in 2007, but I have a feeling you'll figure it out.

And thanks for putting us in such a strong block of shorts. The diversity and depth of your selections were terrific, and it's humbling to be singled out from so many of the other amazing films I saw at your festival and know from other programs.
Nick Childs–director, The Shovel

I just wanted to thank you for everything.  I had a great time at the festival.  I know you know this, but there is something about the combination of the place, the people and attitude that is incredibly refreshing.  I loved it!  I hope I have the honor of participating in your festival again soon.

All the best to you and your staff!
Ian Olds–director, Bomb

It was really fantastic ! Thank you so much for having us in your festival. We really enjoyed it. Too much fun in an amazing location. Pity I couldn't stay until the end. It rocked!
Ana Viana–director, Hopscotch

We had a fantastic time in Woodstock this year! What a beautiful time of year to be in the Hudson valley. And, of course, the films were, as always, great. We also really enjoyed the BMI Music panel on Saturday.
Lisa M. Perry and Jessie Hutcheson (Sloane Road Productions) The Test

The festival was such a great experience. We all had an excellent time. Again, thank you for finding a place for our 34 min. short, and programming it with 2 other complimentary and quality films. I'll be sending you a screener for the new short film once your submissions are open for next year. Congratulations on a such a successful fest!
Zachary Sluser–director, The Retreat

Just wanted to send a note to say THANKS!  I had a great time at the festival, met a lot of interesting people, and really enjoyed seeing my film in front of an audience. All the hard work you guys put in to the screenings and panels and parties really showed and I was very proud to be a part of the whole thing. So, thanks again hope to see you next year too!
Michael Gaylin–director, Intelligence

Thanks for having me. I had a lovely time. i found the atmosphere relaxed, friendly and super accomodating! I really enjoyed my panel and the one that preceded on the state of independent filmmmaking. I also appreciated the generosity of being allowed free screenings and panels for being a participant. that was just great and i took full advantage.
Suzy Elmiger

I can't thank you enough for your generosity and grace at this year's Woodstock Film Festival.  I had such a wonderful time!  Between the films and the parties and the hospitality suite, I really connected with old friends and made new ones, and created new professional relationships.  The A&E documentary brunch was a real treat as well, one of the highlights of my weekend. I am still floating from your festival, still moved by the amazing films I saw there and by the inspiring conversations I had.
Lisa Gossels–director, The Children of Chabannes

Thank YOU for hosting us last Friday!  We had such a wonderful time and received a terrific response from listeners.  Even better, we had so much fun! You put on an outstanding festival and it was such a pleasure to be a part of it.  We look forward to working with you again next year. Jennifer Nathan, WAMC

As film reviewer I've been covering the Woodstock Film Festival for the last five of its seven years. Every year the festival has gotten better and better, expanding its reach, yet remaining true to its independent character. The features range from the big budget, star filled Infamous to the cleverly conceived and edited shoestring production of The Orange Thief….this year, I was able to stroll Tinker Street with Wavy Gravy, as Matt Dillon and Rosie Perez arrived to present …awards that evening and David Strathairn emerged from the screening of Steel Toes.
Malley Bragg Heinlein, WDST

“...If Sundance is the see-and-be-seen film festival, then Woodstock is the be and be entertained fest... They say if you remember Woodstock, you weren't there. If you remember the Woodstock Film Festival, you're glad you were there."
Germain Lussier, Times Herald Record

The films we saw were excellent , the panels very informative. The entertainment law panel I attended was really informative… and insightful. The films were so very good that I always go away from the festival wishing there were a couple of me to see all you offer. It just keeps getting better! 
Donna White - Davis, festival attendee

"One might think that New York City was where all the film action was happening in this state [NY], but since its introduction only four years ago, the Woodstock Film Festival is proving that isn't true. Since its founding, the event has made fast friends in members of the press and the film industry. It has also built a reputation as a festival with impeccable taste. With such advisory board members as Magnolia Pictures' Eammon Bowles, casting director Ellen Chenoweth, director-actor-producer Griffin Dunne, actor Ethan Hawke and United Artists' Bingham Ray supporting the cause, a trip to Woodstock certainly can't hurt your chances of making a few worthwhile industry connections."
Jennifer M. Wood,
MovieMaker (from 20 Film Festival Worth the Entry Fee)


"Now in it's fifth year, the WFF is coming into its own as a cultural haven,
weekend getaway for Gotham industry insiders and a significant event on the film calendar"
 Anthony Kaufman, Variety

"As it nears the five-year mark, Woodstock is becoming one of the
most distinctive festivals on the circuit"
Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York

?gFor over a hundred years, Woodstock has been a place of dreams and magic.
It was a place of dreams for visual art, for crafts, for music, for popular music, for theater,
for political philosophy, for alternative lifestyles and it is entirely fitting that Woodstock
should become a place of dreams and magic for films at this time.?h
Elmer Bernstein, 14 time Academy Award nominated composer (2002)

Salaama nikki, meira and joan and the rest of the smiling gang
thank you for hosting me and three generations of family -
we were all so moved by the beauty and the cheer and hospitality -
and thank you again for the best award i have ever won!
love,
Mira Nair, Honorary Maverick Award recipient (2004)

?gThis is a special place for films that need the kind of support that they may not
find out in the big world of filmdom. Woodstock has that kind of soul to it.?h  
David Strathairn, Blue Car

"The films here are wonderful, it?fs a great place?c?h
Lili Taylor, Casa de Los Babys

?gThis is the place to be to show your movie.?h
Gill Holland, Producer

"It?fs a wonderful festival."
Liev Schreiber

?gWe?fre digging Woodstock, no doubt about it?h.
Benjamin Bratt, Pinero

"There?fs no better place in the world to have its U.S. premiere than in Woodstock."
Ethan Hawke,
Chelsea Walls

"It?fs the most wonderful festival I?fve been to.  The reception of the film is?c you know?c
it leaves me speechless.  It?fs a special festival.?h
Ron Mann, Director, Go Further  

?gIt?fs an honor to have a film show at the Woodstock Film Festival because obviously this place
has a very important reputation and a very important history in the arts. To have a movie
show here is an honor entirely appropriate and I would try to bring any movie here.?h
Tim Blake Nelson, The Grey Zone

"United Artists, we?fre a major sponsor now. We really believe in the festival. I?fve been to festivals
all over the world. Woodstock, because of the town itself, it?fs a very mellow, very low key festival,
but has really great films and really great people -- so young filmmakers getting their first screenings
at a festival, be well advised to check Woodstock out. It?fs a great place."
Bingham Ray, President, United Artists (2003)

"Everyone takes good care of you, and it's really a pleasure. It's beautiful, and
I hope the festival has more and more success."

Peter Riegert - director, actor, screenwriter "King of the Corner" (2004)

"You have done a great job of creating an intimate, yet sweeping and important film festival.
Your staff is impressively efficient and warm, and I felt very well taken care of. It was a great
weekend for my film as well. "Soldiers Pay" was well showcased and it was a great
East Coast coming out for it. All of your hard work and efforts are well appreciated,
and have paid off handsomely in one of the best film festivals I've attended."
Tricia Regan, co-director "Soldiers Pay" (2004)

"Thanks so much for a wonderful festival! Bela and I both had a fantastic time.
Thanks for doing such a great job making it happen"
Sascha Paladino - director "Obstinato; Making Music for Two"

"Thank you so much for accepting "Elephant Shoes" into the WFF.
We fell in love with your incredible staff, volunteers and entire town. Such a blast!
Wish you all the very best and many more successful Festivals to come!"
Christos Sourligas, One Man Band Films

"My only regret is that I wasn't able to hang around more.
Congratulations on pulling off another great year."
Jim Taylor - director, screenwriter "The Lost Cause"

"I really enjoyed myself, saw good films, and loved the beauty of the Woodstock countryside."
Pamela Yates, panelist

"Congratulations again on a stellar festival. You guys never disappoint in bring to
my attention films that awe, inspire and move. Add that to a forum so conducive to
meeting good people with similar interests and you have the formula for a truly great event."
Steve Hays, 120 DB Films

"The festival gets better every year thanks to your hard work and good taste.
We are proud to have been a part of it since the beginning."
Ike Phillips VP, 100.1 WDST

"I had a wonderful time in Woodstock. It was such a warm and friendly festival."
Anna Gabriel, director "Growing Up on Tour"

"Woodstock was amazing, keep up the good work."
Tommy Davis - Director, "Mojados"

"Thanks so much for screening my film.
I plan on submitting more films!"
Neal Sopata, "Bid Em In"

"THANK YOU! for having me there! I had a very good time and wanted to
thank you and all your team for doing such a wonderful job! You are GREAT!" 
Signe Baumagne, Animation Programmer

"The festival was great and you and the rest of the volunteers and staff made the trip worthwhile.
You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place during the fall.
Thank you for your warmth and attention to detail. I am looking forward to
Arts Engine working with the festival more in the future."
Kibra A. Yohannes, Director of Operations, Arts Engine, Inc.

"You are magnificent and I had the best time in Woodstock.
I will start writing film so I can come back and participate in the film festival."
Michael Nybrandt, "The Forbidden Team"

"I had a wonderful time! Thank you for programming "SPEAK!"
Jessica Sharzer, director, "Speak"

"Everyone was so wonderful, I really appreciated it.
I heard time and time again from various filmmakers how well
they were being treated and how wonderful the festival is which I wholeheartedly agree."
Melisse Seleck, NYWIFT

"A sincere THANK YOU to you and Joan for such a wonderful experience at WFF!!!
I can't tell you how much we appreciated you guys ironing out our sticky lodging situation.
(Never again will I make arrangements for a 15 person caravan!)
I look forward to attending WFF down the road as a guest, rather than a filmmaker, so that
I have an opportunity to enjoy some of the other films -- what a fantastic array of films you guys had this year .
Yours is a festival I will highly recommend to all my friends and colleagues.
Congratulations on doing such an amazing job. It was an honor to be part of WFF."
Nyla Adams, "Amazing Grace"

"Thank you so much for everything. I am very very happy about the award. The festival is awesome."
Nina Davenport, "Parallel Lines"

"Wanted to let you know that I thought you guys put on a great festival.
The 3 movies we saw on Sat. were terrific, your staff were very
helpful and courteous and the events were well organized.
We will be back next year. We can't wait!"
John

"Wow. What a great festival you guys put on. I attended last year as a "civilian" and this year as a filmmaker.
On both occasions I had a great time. Thank you so much.
You are also easily the most organized of all the fests I have entered and been accepted into."
Kevin Watkins, "String"

I'm already working on my next project so I can submit next year to Woodstock FF!
Pedro, "POPaganda"

"I just wanted to tell you that I had a fabulous time at the Festival and will definitely be back next year!  It was nice to meet you.  Please keep me posted on everything via email or otherwise.
I also want to put in a good word for Nathan Bielkis (sp) who managed the Tinker Street venue. 
He was so helpful and courteous, not only to me but to others. 
It is workers like him that really make the Festival a fun time.
Ellen Geisel, full festival pass holder

THANK YOU for the amazing job. You folks have the best festival! Ruth
Ruth Sergel - director, "Belle"

The Festival was a powerhouse. A lot of good connections were made for Markertek.
Mark Braunstein - CEO, Markertek

"Thank you for another astounding film festival. Every film, reception,
event we and our friends attended was absolutely astounding.
We look forward to a continued involvement in sponsoring
and supporting (as well as attending) the Woodstock Film Festival.
Thank you for giving us something to be extremely proud of as residents of the Hudson Valley.
There is a wealth of gifted, talented, sensitive, hardworking, caring people and the Woodstock Film Festival
has done so much to bring these elements and people together. You both have much to be proud of."
Sherry and Rick, full festival pass holders

"I had a wonderful time and the panels were incredible. I really enjoyed myself.
If you have the chance, could you extend a special thank you to Barbara -
she went above and beyond the call of duty to help me with my lodging situation,
and I don't have her email. I did want her to know that her kindness is sincerely appreciated.
Woodstock is still the best film festival out there! Maybe I'll even see you next year, with a feature!"
Todd Smith, "Young Americans"

"The Woodstock Film Festival was a wonderful experience for us."
Sean Bachrodt - Producer, "Unknown Soldier"

"Thank YOU so much. We had a great time and hope to be able to work with you both again."
Annette - producer, "Admissions"

"Thank you for inviting "Definition of Insanity" to your terrific festival.
We had a great time, and our screenings went very well. Everyone at the fest made us feel really at home.
You are an extraordinary group of people and I hope I can return soon with another film."
Robert Margolis, Dirt Road Films

"Margot and I had a fantastic time and the reaction to our film were very encouraging.
Everyone working for the festival was fabulous - congratulation on putting such a great team together."
Thomas - director, "Don;t Call it Heimweh..."

"Thanks so much - I had a fantastic time at the festival.
I loved Woodstock and Saugerties so much that I'm actually thinking of relocating there!"
Diane

"It was the best one yet! I love being a part of what you have created and I'm in it for the long haul.
I feel proud to have been there from the start. I love working with you and I feel
like we have a great like minded and symbiotic relationship."
Doreen Ringer Ross, BMI

"Congrats on another successful Festival and we look forward to next year........"
Gary H. Chetkof - President, WDST/RadioWoodstock

"We had a great time and I will certainly send films that I think are appropriate your way.
Congrats on a great fest!"
Liz Garbus, Moxie Firecracker

"Thanks for having me, the panels were really interesting. Jeanne and
I had a great time and wished we could have stayed longer."
Bob Berney, Newmarket Films

"Just wanted to tell you I had a great time at the festival - by far
the most enjoyable and well organized I've been to all year."
Robert Stone - Director, "Guerilla; The Taking of Patty Hearst"

"We enjoyed the festival very much. Congratulations on your great success!" 
Steven Beer, Greenberg Trautig

"The festival was beautiful."
Alan Hoffmanis, Programmer, Lake placid Film Festival

"The audiences are very eclectic and they are really into watching movies of all genres.
They also have questions that [one] just wouldn't hear at other film festivals..
It's great because [one] gets to meet amazing artists and important
industry supporters of independent film [and] all in this very peaceful setting."
Nisha Ganatra - director, "Cosmolpolitan"

"Woodstock was a great place for my film because it provided an intelligent and eager audience of arts-lovers.
The whole weekend, I bumped into people around town who had seen
my film and wanted to share their thoughts on it."
Sascha Paladino quote to Indiewire

?gYou may certainly consider us as returning sponsors for next year's festival.  
You have given Woodstock, once the Artistic Colony of the United States,
the flavor and sense of significant culture, communication,
and what should be an important part of each of our lives.?h   
Sherry and Rick Gottschalk (2003)

?gWe thought this was a great venue for us.  It really sort of matches
our brand because our readers are very sort of independent-minded
trendsetters, not unlike the people participating in the festival.?h
Natalie Kaye, Marketing Director, Organic Style Magazine (2003)

"Most third-year regional film festivals cannot count on an array of the film world's
A-listers scurrying through local haunts, attending screenings, participating in panels
or rockin' out at parties worthy of the Croisette, Yorkville, Park City, or Potsdamer Platz.
To be fair, Woodstock, NY has some innate advantages. Its community unabashedly caters
to creativity, and it has the money to indulge the vicinity's aesthetics and eccentricities.
The lush mountainous terrain is a natural oasis for beleaguered New Yorkers eager for a
weekend getaway. So the Woodstock Film Festival is quite a draw, and its solid line-up
attracts a broad spectrum of the New York film community to the enclave that one participant
called "the world's most famous small town."   
Indiewire (2002)

?gThe Woodstock Film Festival has honored its commitment with first class
events, seminars, workshops and concerts that promote sustainable
economic development on a multitude of levels.?h
Victoria Langling, Director, Markertek Fund (2003)

?gWoodstock and film and music are just a natural fit if you think about the history of this place
and the reputation that it has.  It?fs so cool that this festival exists.  I love coming here!?h
Doreen Ringer Ross, BMI (2003)

"We are delighted to be a sponsor of this years Woodstock Film Festival.
This is our second year doing it and it?fs a wonderful venue for independent
filmmakers and just people who love film..."
Susan DeCarava, Writer's Guild of America East (2003)

?gIt?fs a perfect place for a film festival -- Woodstock ?| come on! I mean it?fs
amazing that it?fs only been three years. You would think it?fs as established as Telluride.?h 
Bingham Ray, President, United Artists (2002)

?gWe were thrilled with this year's festival.  The remarkable films and filmmakers, the
knowledgeable crowds and the spirit of Woodstock all added up to a great weekend.?h
Scott Lehmann, Promotion Director,  Esquire Magazine (2002)

"I was very impressed with the coverage the festival generated.
Congratulations on a wonderful event. We're looking forward to next year's festival! Thank you.?h         
Todd Garofano, Amtrak (2002)

?gIn its fourth year, the Woodstock Film Festival was abundant in lively panel discussions,
socially conscious films made by exceptionally young filmmakers and music-centered pics...?h
Gabrielle Mitchell-Marell, Variety

 "What can I say but WOW!!"
James Hirtenstein, full festival pass holder (2003)

"In an ideal world (and Woodstock's denizens specialize in Utopian visions),
these all-too-common celluloid celebrations shouldn't just give out-of-towners a chance
to schmooze; they should reflect and enhance the communities that spawn them.
And in that respect, as it nears the five-year mark, Woodstock is becoming one of
the most distinctive festivals on the circuit."
Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York

 ?gThe Woodstock Film Festival meshes true independent spirit with social awareness?h.
Hollywood Reporter

?gThe festival really shows a lot of heart and passion and that is
something that?fs really unique in the festival business and I really felt at
home here. I had a wonderful time and I hate to leave.?h
Bill Plympton, Animator

?gThe people!  The people are eager, they?fre open, they?fre smart, they?fre discerning,
and they?fre watching my film?c hopefully they?fre going to like it!?h 
Peter Hedges, Pieces of April

"My days consist of going to parties and sitting by the stream and writing
and seeing great films and I?fm just having a wonderful time. I love it!"
Jennifer Elster, Particles of Truth

"They show fantastic art movies, and movies with a thought behind them,
and movies with a kind of social consciousness which is perfect for
Woodstock because it has a history of having such a kind of conscious." 
Marcia Gay Harden, Casa de Los Babys

?gHands down the best festival I?fve been to.?h
Patrick Downs, Director, Broken

?gWe had a great screening yesterday. It?fs one of the best audiences that I?fve had
for the film in all the festivals that I?fve been to with really great questions.
It?fs been a really great festival. Excellent parties too, by the way.
I hope I can come back with another film.?h
Peter Mattei, Director, Love in the Time of Money

"It was just the perfect outlet for Rising Low. It could not have been a better weekend.?h
Mike Gordon - Director, Rising Low

?gI love this town and I love this fest. It?fs one of those festivals that you knew right
when it started that it would become the Sundance of the east.?h 
Will Keenan, Director, OMC

 ?gIt's an engaged intellectual town.  They had genuine questions. They asked about
the future of Kosovo, not just [standard questions] like what was going to happen to the movie." 
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, A Normal Life

 ?gThis is such an intimate festival.  That?fs why I like it.  I got to meet
Olympia Dukakis. I chatted with Lili Taylor.  I sat next to directors, and
I debated editing strategies. This is the kind of festival where you can really get
to know the people who come. So, it?fs my kind of place.?h 
Barbara Hammer, Resisting Paradise

"We?fve been to a couple other film festivals and hands down -- this is by far the best
one where the community comes together and gets involved with everybody.
I mean it?fs been an amazing adventure for us.  We?fve been here almost five days
and we can?ft get enough of it.  I don?ft want to leave Woodstock!?h 
Jonathan Walls, Playing For Change

"This was simply one of the best times of my life (regardless of the award)?h.
Jarek Kupsc, Director, Recoil

"What a great festival... I had a great time and I hope I'll have a
reason to return next year. Maybe [with] a feature."
Rick Mowat, Director, Manhattan's Best Friend

?gConnecting in with a music film into a town that has so many musicians and has
such a history is great?c It?fs an amazing community up here.?h
Lee Hirsch, Director, Amandla

?gI love this town and I love this fest. It?fs one of those festivals that you knew
right when it started that it would become the Sundance of the east.?h 
Will Keenan, Director, OMC

 "This award is especially meaningful to me because like I always do, I sit in the audience and
I watch the film and I was there yesterday afternoon at one-thirty for a fabulous matinee and
it was by far the most warmly received screening that we?fve ever had."
Sean Welsh, Producer, Spellbound

?gI think I speak on behalf of everyone involved by saying thank YOU!
having participated and loved the Woodstock Film Festival in the past,
and having always considered it an absolute highlight of my year,
(and the Icing on the cake that we break our backs for...) 
I have to say that this year's lineup of films, events, industry turnout and
enthusiasm was unprecedented-- and exceeded all of our expectations...
the experience was extraordinary on every level..  thank you for
making September so memorable for all of us!?h
Amy Gossels, Producer, Broken

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (845) 679-4265 or by email at sponsorwoodstock@woodstockfilmfestival.com

 
The Woodstock Film Festival is a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) organization with a mission to present an annual program and year-round schedule of film, music, and art-related activities that promote artists, culture, inspired learning, and diversity. The Woodstock Film Commission promotes sustainable economic development by attracting and supporting film, video and media production.
 

Copyright, 2000-2004     Woodstock Film Festival, Inc., a not-for profit organization