Mill Valley Film Festival Celebrates Number 32

by Kyle Rupprecht | Published September 28, 2009

Photo: Margot Duane

Now in its 32nd year, the Mill Valley Film Festival is dedicated to screening the best in independent and world cinema. Taking place October 8 - 18 in Mill Valley, California, the 11-day festival sells more than 40,000 tickets each year and welcomes moviemakers from across the globe. This year’s opening night selections include the much buzzed-about Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire and The Boys Are Back, starring Clive Owen. With its gala celebrations, workshops, panels and seminars, as well as the opportunity to mingle with moviemakers in a breathtaking San Francisco Bay Area setting, it’s no wonder Screen International named Mill Valley a Top 10 U.S. Film Festival.

MM recently caught up with festival founder Mark Fishkin to discuss this year’s exciting festivities.

Kyle Rupprecht (MM): How did the fest originally get started?

Mark Fishkin (MF): The year was 1977; I had just moved to Marin County to try my hand as a screenwriter. I was cognizant of the prolific artistic community in residence, and appalled that many filmmakers were not having their work screened in any meaningful context. The town of Mill Valley is beautiful and oozes charm; I was reflecting on all of this, having just returned from the budding Telluride Film Festival.

The local film community at the time was coming into its own. George Lucas was here, as well as Michael Ritchie, James Broughton, Larry Jordan and many others. John Korty had an office in Mill Valley. Carroll Ballard was using George Lucas’ estate to edit The Black Stallion. It was such an exciting time. There was a huge void to be filled, and so a group of dedicated volunteers and I leaped over the chasm to create what is the Mill Valley Film Festival.

MM: Mill Valley is known as a “moviemakers’ festival.” How has it gained that reputation?

MF: The first look for any filmmaker is an incredibly important moment in the life of their film—the presentation must be excellent. For example, we have devoted immense resources to ensure that the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, one of our two main festival venues, is the ideal environment for film.

As part of our long-term strategy, we have recently facilitated the purchase of the Sequoia Twin theaters in Mill Valley, our original venue for the MVFF. We will not be the operator at this time; however, our long-term vision is to provide a similar standard of excellence at the Sequoia as we do at the Rafael.

Our commitment to the filmmaker goes beyond the physical and economic to something much more personal. Program director Zoe Elton and (as well as the other programmers) encourage conversation with filmmakers before the festival; we ask what do they perceive will be the outcome from their involvement with the festival? We encourage candid conversation regarding the possibilities during and after our festival or the festival cycle.

The symbiotic relationship between the Film Center and the Mill Valley Film Festival is also unique: For some festival films, their future might include theatrical distribution at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. As one of our yearly goals, we target a specific number of MVFF alumni to have a theatrical run at our venue.

MM: This year marks Mill Valley’s 32nd anniversary. What’s the secret to the fest’s longevity?

MF: There is no particular secret, except perhaps to “know thyself.” Don’t try to be something that you’re not, and pay the highest attention to detail within the framework of your resources. Accentuate your strengths, and try to be as honest as you can.

MM: Can you reveal any films or events at this year’s festivities? Anything you’re particularly excited about?