Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival’s new Program Manager, Jeff Wright is the founder of Toronto’s independent screening series, Refocus. He’s also the film programmer for Canada’s largest music festival, CMW, and a member of the programming team at the Calgary Underground Film Festival and their new documentary festival, CUFF Docs. With his diverse festival xperience, Jeff is a curator who is as well versed in under-the-radar independent dramas, as he is with documentaries or genre fare.
Jeff was very gracious to agree to speak with me a few days ago about his new role as program manager and about the festival as a whole.
HM: Given your vast experience as curator and film programmer for CMW & other series, how do you see your role as program manager within RWFF?
Jeff Wright (JW): I’m not sure how my experience would be any different at RWMFF, actually. [When programming a festival], you’re looking for a good film everytime. A good film is a good film. This festival has always shown quality films. Mental health is an important issue and [through film] there is a lot we can learn about the topic.
HM: In programming this year’s festival, how did you balance its message with entertainment through the film selections?
JW: [It’s balanced] really well with our film selections. We tried to make it a lighter festival instead of dark, which is not the case.We also wanted to bring a light approach to the festival. This is why we included a Live Comedy Podcasst [The Mental Illness Happy Hour]. We want people to know that it’s not a doomed and gloomed festival.
HM: Could you speak about the festival’s theme Changing Perspectives and how the films selected can add to the dialogue around mental health and addictions?
JW: The theme is an expression of what the festival is about. Every year, the festival tries to raise awareness about mental health and addictions. We have panels after every film screening also; the audience leaves more educated [about the topic] after each screening.
HM: Any particular standout films you’d like to highlight?
JW: Well, I’d like point out the festival has a focus on Youth Mental Health this year. We know mental illness can start at a young age. We have some great films, including our Opening Film Short Term 12, Naked Room (a fantastic short documentary from Mexico!), Alien Boy, which talks about how the police deals with individuals with mental illness. We have a really good program this year.
With Jeff Wright, this year’s festival certainly has a lighter, fresh feel but it also maintains the essentials of what makes RWMFF one of Toronto’s standout film events. I will say that I was impressed with the strong opening film and the overall line up of films and events this year.
You can learn more about the festival’s programs, film times, and locations at rendezvouswithmadness.com.
