Off Page Film Festival

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I love attending film festivals–particularly if a script I have written has placed me in one. I’ve been to some large festivals–Austin , Cinequest in San Jose (currently hopeful for a return trip in March) and some small ones (VisionFest in Tribeca, Mystic Film Festival in Connecticut). But I have never been to one as new as Off Page in Philadelphia. I attended the second annual festival in November, because my screenplay, “Leviathan”, was selected as a finalist. So, I hopped on Amtrak, checked into what is likely Philadelphia’s cheapest hotel, and made my way to the Venice Island Performing Arts Center.

Being small and new, the festival only lasted a day. But the nice things about smaller festivals is that it is easier to take in more (if not all) of the program and much easier to make connections and enjoy conversation with other creative types and film lovers. Although this wasn’t always the case, I have become the type of person who is comfortable starting conversations with strangers in these types of venues. Some of my favorite people on earth I have befriended at film festivals. Indeed, one of the primary organizers of Off Page, Brigette ReDavid, I met in Austin four years ago. 

The program at Off Page was primarily shorts and trailers. And like most film festivals, the shorts were a mixed bag of quality, but there were some definite stand outs. “Astronaut” and “Tiger Hunt” (both directed by Brian McCole), “Millie’s Care Free Day,” directed by Michael Licisyn, a TV pilot called “Bad Atmosphere” directed by Mason Sperling and one of the best short films I have ever seen, “Self Tape” directed by Christopher Newhard. And even though my script did not win the award, it was overall a terrific day. 

After the awards ceremony, we all retired to the nearby Manayunk Brewery for the after party. I got to chat with Brigette, whom I had not seen in person since Austin; I met Michael Licisyn, and talked with him enough to learn that he is the official videographer for the Philadelphia Phillies; I chose not to disclose to him that I am a San Diego Padres fan, because I had no desire to revisit the 2022 Major League Baseball playoffs (good for the Phillies, bad for the Padres). Aside from being a very astute filmmaker, Michael is witty and intelligent, and a great person to have a conversation with. I met writer David Laserson, who had the distinction of beating me in the feature screenplay category; we recently reconnected on LinkedIn and agreed to share our work. I also met Mason Sperling, and learned that “Bad Atmosphere” was completely improvised, and the NASA training facility set used in the show was constructed in his garage. I also got to meet Christopher Newhard, who I ended up engaged in a compelling conversation, wherein I learned about his life as a filmmaker, a rock musician, and a husband. He explained how “Self Tape” was in many ways a love letter to his wife (the ludicrously talented Robbie Jean, who stars in the film) after bearing witness to her struggles as a working actor. I also met the distinguished and highly skilled Rich Henkels, who appeared in several of the films at the festival (clearly a popular acting choice amongst Philly filmmakers). I learned Rich works with an acting troupe, and he offered to have his actors do a Zoom table read of “Leviathan.” I accepted his offer with gratitude and great enthusiasm. Hopefully, that will happen over the next few weeks.

Small it may be, but it is clear the Off Page film festival attracts very talented artists, some of whom I am very pleased to call my friends and acquaintances. I am optimistic about the festival’s future, and I look forward to returning.