B TLE CONNE FILA EESTIVA _ 2008 Connecticut Film Festival Survey Results Presented to the City of Danbury Common Council August 2008 Prepared by the Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau RECEIVED AUS 4 1 2008(ONS THE CONNECTICUT RPO ELLA FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2008 Connecticut Film Festival Survey Results Executive Summary Prepared by the Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau The following information is prepared as a highlight summary of results of surveys conducted in person and online evaluating different aspects and impacts of the 2008 Connecticut Film Festival which took place in Danbury CT in May 2008. » 228 surveys were completed. * Ofrespondents, the average total spending was $100.68 per person. * Ofrespondents, the average spending in restaurants was $60.31 per person. © Ofrespondents, the average number of films viewed was 3.52 per person. * Of respondents who attended workshops, the average number attended was 1.89 workshops. * Of respondents, 14.9% were from out of state. ¢ When asked about how they found out about the CFF, respondents identified over 30 different sources. Using the above information the following impacts are projected: The estimated day visits over the 5 days was 4,132. Applying the percentages of attendees who attended 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more days we can come up with a projected direct spending of $ 342,786. This DOES NOT include the tens of thousands of dollars that the organizers spent locally. Using an economic impact multiplier of 1.8 (Source: IMPLAN statistical analysis combining Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties) we can project a total economic impact of $617,015.Connecticut Film Festival 2008 1. What was your role in the 2008 Connecticut Film Festival (CTFF)? “skipped question Response Response Percent Coune fetes) (Soca eee eee came 187 Vounieer: CI 149% se Fimmaker CO teas 36 VendorContractor’Feciity [] 35% 8 Ohe (T) 9.2% at anawored question 228 skipped question ° 2. How dd you hear about the CTFF? Response ‘count 220 answeredquestion 228 skipped question 2 2, Whats your zip code? Response ‘Court os answorod question 220rc 4. How many people are in your travel party? Response Count 220 answered question 220 skipped question 8 +5. Wos this the first lime you participated in or attended the CTFF? Response Response Porcont Count eso eee cee eee mos 188 No Lo 19.0% 43 sneweradquection 226 shipped question 2 ©: How many fms ei you view while attending the CTFF? Response ‘count za answered question za shipped question 7 [ Did you attend any workshops during the CTF? If so, how many and which workshops did you attend? Response covnt 404 answered question 104 ‘skipped question 3a‘8, How many days are you attending the CTFF? Response Response Percent Count | sam « 2 es pate o eee 10.8% 23 sormos snot 96 pee eee skipped question 6 i 9. About how much money did you spend during your’ visit to the CTFF (including ticket costs)? Response Count aa ee shipped question “ 10. How much ei you spond on tickets forthe oven? sponse ‘count 208 snavoretqueeion 208 skipped question 8 “7 pid you apend money on ther oneiinments during your sitio the CTFF? ye, Row much did you spend? oe court ver ee shipped avoston 3142. on what types of entertainment did you spend this money? Response Count 136 answered question 136 ‘skipped question 9 13. bid you sty in a hott or other lodging? Hyes, how much did you spend on your aecommodations? Response ‘Count 19 answered question 178 ‘skipped question 48 14. What type of lodging did you use? Response Response Percent Count ite de [aveccseaseascsza) 95.3% 2 Motel 0.0% . Campground 0.0% ° pap 0.0% ° ess | scseacraraese ee e oAT% ee anawered question 34 ‘skipped question 19415. Did you eatin any restaurants during your visit? tf yes, how mach aid you spend? Response Count 130 answered question 4190 skipped question 38 416, Did you incur any wansportation expenses? Response Response Percent Count Res [etecenenorreeceeeerea 578% 118 Cag nav eee oT 43.9% 90 answered quostion 705 skipped question 23 {17.1 you incurred transportation expenses, how much did you spend on the following: Response Response Percent Count (errr feces oe 915% 118 Tome fa escent 22.5% 29 Parking (2 39.5% st Avfare [4 15.5% 20 Trainfare [I 17% 2 cartentai, [I 14.0% 18 sustae [I 14.0% 16 Fae Geer 16.3% 2 Other (please speciy) [1 10.1% 18 answered question 129 skipped question 991a bid youineu anyother expences, such a shopoing, because af your visit io the CTF? H yes, how much and on aft id you spend? Response ‘Count 197 answored question 137 skipped question 1 19. Your overall impression ofthe 2008 Connecticut Film Festival and any Additional Comments: Rlesponse Count ata answered question ana skipped question 14 20. Plase provide your email address you would like tobe informed of fture events and be included in a drawing fre Getaway Weekend in Northuvest Connecticut. Response Count 188 answered question 158 skipped question 70RESPONDANTS WRITTEN COMMENTSWhat was your overall impression of the 2008 Connecticut Film Festival and any additional comments ‘Comment Text. 1, I think it was @ great event. Did not have the opportunity to attend any other functions but to serve in Danbury, Ct during the reception 2. _ amazing connections between filmmakers and visitors with the community. I got a few jobs from filmmakers and met great people with lasting connections, Danbury must invest in this event to invest in its community. Cousin wrote it 4. good enjoyed it people taling & carrying in theater 5. Wonderful-looking forward to next year 6. Fabulous event-enjoyed the various venues & especially The Palace Theater being open 7. Bxcellent 8 Goncral sense of non existent organization, Some volunteers were cordial, athers seemed to be mired in the magic and pomp of the film industry. This would Jeave some to believe that some volunteers merely floated between events, never actually “contributing” The initial "central box office” idea was absurd. The lack of a readily available, printed schedule of venue or overall events lias lead to confusion time and again. Events, no matter how self important, should run in the allotted time, and producers/direetors should not be allowed to hijack movie times to hold impromptu introductions or Q&A sessions, 9, Jreally enjoyed it. Planning on coming back next year with more people. 10. A great idea. It should have been held after high school was out, The HS students (mine) wanted to attend more events. 11, good programming, nive volunteers, need more audience 12. Great job, great opening night, and lots of fun. 13. Fun- bul needs more organization and planning 34, Excellent! 15. Most of the films at the library went smoothly. One event was cancelled but we were not aware of it and no one was here fiom city center to alest anyone, But we were able to find out what was going on and take care of it 16. it was terrific 17. Good selection of films, well run, 18, Asa filmmaker I was not notified about the status of my entry prior to May Ist as specified in your rules. | was only notified after making an inquiry about the status of my entry after May Ist, { believe that my entry fee of $25 deserved at least that much of a courtesy. Other festivals notified me without my having to inquire. Also festival entrants whether accepted or not should have been given special invitations, 1 live 11 miles from Danbury but did not attend for the above reasons. The Kent Pilm Festival does a much beller job in the way it treats its filmmakers. That was my impression of the festival. Oh, and by the way in 1974 [ran the first Bronx Film Festival that was before Sundance when all tilms were i mm or 1mm one short won that year's Acalemy Award for best short quizualion "Fuuik Filius" by Frank Mouris another short won a certificate of merit entry by an NYU student named Am y Heckerfing why weal on fo become one of Hollywood's premier female director's "Hast Vimes At Ridgemont High", "Look Who's Talking" "Clueless" etc. 19, ticket selling can be approved but for ils first few year films were grcat, the atmosphere was fan this festival was a greal success in my opinion, ici loved being a part of it26. Excellent 21. Tt-was too spread out. Films we wanted to see were being shown while we were in the middle of another film! No indications on the WCSU campus where the film was showing, It was very frustrating. Too big without much thought, Very disappointing, 22, really great well-organized and {umn authentic film festival.alot of friendly and helpful people who are enthusiastic to present films as art in a fun atmosphere. 23, [was very impressed with the presentation and execution of the festival. The seminars and films presented were on par with other major film festivals that i have attended. 24, great, loved the buzz, the people, loved the variety of films. downtown Danbury is such a friendly place too, [I come again to check out the restaurants I missed, its like a mini-cosmopolitan city, The nearest like it is NYC; like it BECAUSE it DOESN'T have the typical boring expensive chain stores down town - the boring mall gives you that. 25. good beginning 26, thad a great time volunteering with the signs! 27. Wonderful experience. Terrific fan, 28, It was temic to have the opportunity to choose ‘tom 130 films in my town. The film I saw was incredible. { enjoyed volunteering, too. I'm looking forward to CTFFO9, 29, Fantastic. [really appreciate the coordination of the entire event. It was truly a labor of love to get all these films together at these Danbury venues, Loved seeing the inside of the Palace Theater. The opening night movie, director’s Q&A and reception afterwards was a great night out for my husband and 1. We both thought it was money well spent. | took my niece und neghew to see the second showing of the premiere movie and bought a five show pass for myself as a result. I was also impressed with the caterers and the band at the premiere event and am considering using them for a future event. [liked what [saw and made a point of giving out information to others. (1 madc copics of schedules and circled choice | thought first time festival goers might like such as the shorts and put them in their hands, They didn't realize what a cool event this is. A lot is going on in a short periad of time, Having someone involved with the film speak or at the very least having someone introduce the film and weleame people made u big difference as to how I perceived the film. I would like to know if possible up front if there will be a special guest at the screening as T would make a point of going to more films. I know this is not always possible given the sheer volume of screenings. Overall [really appreciated the range of films offered und wistied I had been able to take more in, 30, It was fun and exciting 31, My film was there, i would have come if my husband and son weren't in a car accident. They are fine and i will attend the next event, 32, [think it's a wonderful (reat especially for those of us who leave nearby. 33. Damn good, keop it np 34. [thought it was great! Just wish T could have attended more events and will try to next year, 35. Voluntecred as a photographer, Thought the event was fantastic, but disappointed it was on Memorial Day weekend as I had travel plans and couldn't attend more of it 36, 1 was there to take pictures for Housatonic Valley organization as a volunteer. I saw the film Fly Boys ~ excelleml 37. It gets better every year! 38. Lenjoyed my one day and like the Danhury downtown [ook forward to the growth of CTEF L wish that filmmakers had been at the soreenings (which were all daylint) | was bullirudl by tine quality of Ure projection in the small theater and the library 39. | found the festival to be a great success, hut due to the limitations on time imposed by the Cily ofDanbury to set the planning stage up, more of the kinks could of becn worked out prior to the festival vs. during the festival. 40. Everyone had genuine enthusiasm, Seminars were a bit loose but interesting and informative. Could use abil of fine-tuning (ex: | asked if I could leave my car in a certain parking lot and nobody knew) 41, Very good. Fun, 42. 1am the wrong person to ask as I really am more inclined to participate in fund raising events. I watch very fow films as Lam a literature focused person. 43. Excellent 44, excellent 45. Quite exciting! Brought a lot of enthusiasm to the downtown area, 46, Well done, weil attended in Danbury. Norwalk one was great but wish more people had attended. The party at the Palace way wreat 47. fabulous 48, Excellent and very well organized considering the various locations of the events throughout the city. 1 appreciated the variety of shorts categories and the workshops offered. If it weren't for schedule conflicts, I definitely would Ihave alleuded 2 of the workshops that were of specific interest to me. I told ‘others about the CTFF events, as well. 49. very nice time, would go/volunteer again 100.00 51. It was an cxcellent program, Well rum, Chope it becomes an annual event 52. great 53, Well put together and ambitious for the first year 84, i look forward to coming back next year 55, | think the festival was a great artistic event to have in Connecticut. [ thought that it would have benefited from better advertising, perhaps wetting permission to sereen previews of the movies that were showing al the festival, at local movie theatres belore regular movies. I talked to a few people who were attending the festival and they said they wished that they had heard about the festival earlier, 56. good PR and marketing fun 58. good theater was nice the film Flyboys was awesome 59, unorganized. The Danbury area was busy because of a soccer tournament, not CFF 60. Imade several new contacts at the workshop I attended. The panel was open to questions after the workshop. Conversations spilled out into the street and business cards exchanged, I was very pleased with my experience this year, regarding the workshops. Thank you! 61, It was really fun (o volunteer and learn more about the Film Festival. I plan on doing it again! 62. | thought that the film festival was a fantastic event for Danbury. I was happy to participate in making Danbury the center of arts and entertainment for a few days. Bravo to afl who helped and all who attended. My compliments to the members of the town council who supported this event. I Took forward! to next year and my participation 63. We hear i( was great -~ wish we could have gone! 4 Tt was wonderlisl and I hape it comes back to Danbury and that I can yoluntesr agains 65, Creal flan, Needs wv be better publicized, 66. gyentoo 80. re 82. Llive more than an hour away from Danbury so unfortunately T was only able to attend one day. [liked the selection of movies and the theaters had a lol of chuructet. However I only found out about the {estival by searching on line, T never saw any information about it in my area and none of my friends had even heard about it. Lhope that the Festival will happen again and I recommend that you try to reach out more to people in Northeast Ct enjoyed the movie and the subsequent gala Amazing. Great to see this in Danbury. Told lois of friends, very good Tlive locally and loved having the film festival in the area. It is rare that you get to see short films made by upcoming filmmakers. I was impressed with the quality of the work for the most part and was pleased to see a good tumout I was disappointed with the Palace Venue, I was to uve all of ny pass becanse of illness, ‘The Palace venue was very uncomfortable, 11 participate again, t don't think I would go to the Palave or buy the 3 Event pass Fabulous selection of films, great organization. Would like to see more pre-event publicity to generate more attendees for future CFP. Interesting films, great functions, well planned. would like to see it occur in 2009 Tewas great and I think it's great for Danbury. Would love to huve it here agai Great event. Lots uf fun. Brought a lot of business to Danbury. Wil likely get biguer in following yoars as it builds on the success of this your. ‘The films I saw were good: shorts, features, documentaries -- you did a good selection, However, the mapping, especially for the West Conn campus was not good, Parking lot is next to the White building, faut na signa on thot nide at all; wandered to find the auditorium. Danbury Main Strert ie still na urey inviting, Ove restaurant and the library were the only appealing places. T think you need a Tist/mup of locations of coffee shop; types of restaurants; what are the options between films. Maybe you can find a place for people to rest, have a cup of coffee as well as buy the tickets. This Lsee as a major deterrent to suceess. T was alsa disappointed at the low umber of people in cach venue despite the quality of dhe filins. Nevertheless | fervently hope it was suceussful enough lo continue neal your. Maybe you can get a tew pre-release commercial fli to up the publicity value, Very yyw ju, Just sud 6 iusluds salve deseeiptions in the papar ned anny to gend sinnan ond Tanaticw of thy Lila being, shawn tod! I wud oufuyed tba parca Do praued Esra Tense Seal dle paso parking. J also honestly would nol lnkuly lived that law fur the festrval again unless | was diveetly Iivenive agntnitonming, | wanicn' go Jui wt an Un Tuga kt AC A expensive, and 'm not Overly found of the location. 10d he cael #1 were. a mone cents Tocenion ar 9 coastal ane ar ane that is easily accessible by train(perkumns Dauibury is aud Sn unsaware ) slosalenay Hann wine § | was proud that Danbury was selected for the film festival. We were very happy to attend and support the event. Well done, it was exciting lo see the Palace open. CRD AT EWEN ‘Very dlseppottued wo dhe [uct dhut J uu uvt inking of alleidiing the neat one, When Fad spoke fe you (Lom €.) and said their will he find served and a hig opportunity to meet other people: in the film industry and great for networking, Well Lhave news for you. It was the worst environment to network for one big reason it was so Ioud in the facility that you could not hear anyone talking and it was not organized (o properly meet other people, plus we did not sce any food. Good thing me and my husband gor fo the event ahead of time and ate something or else we would of been starving. Where was the food? We did not sce anything. | know people who are out to sell will tell you anything you want to hear ailend und Theliove this wea this eaeo. For ua ta attend you need to prove that the ext aie will bo totally different and Twas looking ta meet you (Tam C.) and after the nies movia af Amariannizing, chally nndpeaking you seemed to disappear and was looking forward to meeting you but you were nowhere to be found. Very disappointed in the evening, 83. Great films which you would never see anywhere else. 84, Great event! Very well organized and very well advertised! It has a future! Advice: I needs more accurate Festival Regulations!!! and and it's own unique look! 85. J have heard wonderful things about the festival. We were sorry that we requested to be a vendor tne late, we hope to be considered for next year 86. 1 thought it was wonderful, and I can't wait to attend next year, 87. FAR better organized than previous years and showing tremendous growth and maturity in both film and festival offerings as each year goes by 88, Tantastic! Can't wait for next year, Plan to lock in more movies/days and combine: with dinner activities, 89. Excellunt - please do it again 90, It was an excellent event and it should grow az it gets more exposure. 91. We always support the efforts of Deb Ryan and Wendy Lambert at Place Digital and are glad to do sa. They are wonderfully smart, generous and talented people. And Karl Heine and got married at the Palace Digital HQ for that reason, Now cur 19 year old son is their summer intem becouse he is studyiny: post production at SVA in New York 92. it was 93, Some of the venues were not well-marked and thus hard to find. Some audiences were disappointingly small. _great success and it was fun to see Danbury again, I hadn't been there in 10 years. 94. Great job! Try more student outreach in the community 98. This was greal. 1 hope next year [have the money lo slay the weck and avail myself ofthe workshops and movies, Thanks for doing such a good joh 96. Great! Loved the energy 97. Htwas wonderfi Support it especially the opening of the Puluee Th fer. Thope it comes back. We will definitely 8. xecllent event, well tun, Especially enjoyed the Palace ‘Theatur (aad ils architecture) as a venue, Baslt Party was a great opportunity to "meet & greet” filmmakers (and very much like the Ridyeficld Movie Society lead by Joe Constantino). 99. The tall given hy Tnicie Armes snl comtar way great! It wae niee to moot tho ustoss. 10. CT College venme is way too out of the way - missed some excellent films, The Sat. night film was not only dreadful, but completely inappropriate for a serious festival. Lovely cleavage, shameless commercial shlock. Tainted the whole experience. 201. IL was a very bad festival for several reasons: 1) Filmmakers were not given a clear schedule of events and properly welcomed. I heard about the filmmaker brunch only from other lilmmakers, and did not know about several parties. 2) Many screenings were entirely empty, which feels awful if you're a filmmaker. 3) No one introduced the films, or moderated a Q&A, which defeats the number one purpose of a film festival: to facilitate intesaction between filmmaker and audience, 4) The aspect ratio wes incorrect on many films, which is very upsetting to filmmakers. The projectinist was overworked and couldn't do anything about it, 5) There was no transportation from the hotel to festival, leaving filmmakers to fend for themselves. 6) Overall, much as in this survey, | felt the thrust of the festival was {or the economic wellbeing of Danbury, s0 as to justify the funding. Asa filraumuler, | felt slighted, ignored and beside the point. 1 feel so again as I am forced to fill out how much I spent on train fair, as opposed to 8 question like, "How many people attended your screening?” which, io sri, is the real point ai a him leshvat 102. T wouldn't have beon uble ls ufford to attend for niore aus u day if dhe hotel hadn't been paid Lor ane thutis really important to the independent, low-budget filmmaker. I enjoyed all of the features I saw and many of the short films, although there were a few shorts thal J thought were mis-programmed. I was disappointed that overall attendance seemed lower than most of the films deserved - I wasn't really surprised by low weekday attendance but was disappointed that a very entertaining feature } saw Saturday moming only had five people in the audience. It would have been nice if more of the filmmakers had beon able to attend to make themselves available for networking and Q+A sessions, Everyone | cid meet, from the volunteers to the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful when I ran into transportation concerns or had other questions. Overall, my experience was a positive one and [ hope Uuat the festival continucs to grow in following years 3. Could have been publicized more throughout tri-state urea, Would have been nice to have other events going on in conjunction with film festival to make dowaluwn more lively. 104. good Creat event. Do it again, 106, ‘The feslivul seemed very poorly attended. I went to u lot of screenings where there was only 3 or 4 other people in attendance. The selection of films was decent, bit not ureat. 107. A busy month prevented me trom attending more events. Hove film festivals, and Thupe for a return of this one, and to @ complete restoration of the heautitnl Palace Theater in Danbury, My one evening spent there at the festival was wonderful, and I look forward to many more. TOR, 1 excat nuvie-'Flyhoys! One dreadfidl movie-Americanizing Shelley! 109. The Palace theatre could use a lot of renovation and some HEAT! 110, great show. great party. fun and informative. 111. Very enjoyable. It's great to bring film makers and attention to film making in Connecticut. 112. It was a lot of fun. 113, Friendly people, slightly disorganized 114, | think for the most part that you did a fantastic job! The entire staff of the Maron Hotel treated all of us filmmakers great. Everyone I met from City Council members to festival volunteers and film fanaties were warm and friendly, | thought that the entire Danbury community was wonderful to us, and showed how this festival can be a destination for tourist and filmmakers for many many years. Completely restoring the Palace Theatre would be great. I think you've built something very special with the The Connecticut Film Festival and that this is really going to be huge for the entire State of Connecticut, 115, Great festival. Suggestions - could see a grester local tumout through 1.greater outreach to community organizations and networks. 2. consider scheduling a weekend other than memorial dey weekend. 116. Very nice event and a very nice community 117. Well produced, organized, well attended (at least the screenings I attended), great for the community 18, great 19, Great 120. A good festival, | just wish there had been a bit more information and organization. 121. I enjoyed it immensely. The films were extremely well-done & very entertaining, The receptions were splendid; food & music & jovial crowds made them stellar! Nicely done! the gala was a pleasant surprise. . Great 124, excellent will attend again 125. 1 enjoyed it, but it's so far away. We thought it would be better situated in the middle of the state, may the Hartford arcs,126. The festival was very well put together. | would like to spend more time there next year 127, I found the film festival to be a wonderful experience overall, Ti seemed to restore a warmth and charm to downtown Danbury that had been missing for well over a decade. 128. Look forward to next year’s event and viewing more movies 129. It was magnificent!!! 130. Hi, We attended the opening night at the Palace Theater and it was great to see the huge attendance and meet the director of the film ..The Fly boys. 131. very nice 132, Iwas 80 glad to he there for the reopening of the Palace ‘Theater, the parties before and afler. TL was nee to have a glass of wine and hear the Melissa's band which was excellent, | loved the Flyboys movie - i was an awesome adventure movie with such fine actors and daring, beuutiful cinematography. It was wonderful tn hear Rocco spcak about his movie, I like the film shorts also and the library was a great place to show it. It would have been nice to have some of the people there to explain the thoughts that ‘Went into their movies so we could appreciate more what they were doing, If they cannot be there, then pethaps someone who could interview them belfore hand could give a brie! description about What inspired them to make the movies. Think the festival was very exciting lo many people and T thought it ‘was well organized. Buying tickets through the website and picking them up at that office worked out well, I thought. The only thing I would comment on is that there was only one entrance open to the library and F understand that one guard could only be at one place. However, my friend who has Gificully walking had to walk from the back parking lot and up those stairs with no railing, She Gell ‘was going to Toso her balanec and fall, They need to put a rail up there because anyone could lose their balanee, even a child. If the back entrance where she had parked was open, she and other people who have diff, walking or are in wheelchairs could take the elevator. They need to make the library accessible to the handicapped during the festival and Tam sure the problem would be solved by paying 2 security guards at those times the films are shown. Or one guard could just be at the else the entrance where the clevatar is and the front entrance can be closed. In summary, I think everyone who was involved with the CTFF and the owner, Joe of the Palace theater did a sensational jab with this festival. I am cortainly looking forward to the next one and ! am sure it wilt detmitely grow in populanty, 1 hope the Palace theater will be open once again to many kinds of events like movies, plays, music entertainment, ind daneo performances. Perhaps they can Taise money by having fundraising events thoro. The Palace theater is too beautiful and charming not to be used for future entertainment events. 133. It is about time we had some sort of arts scene going on in Danbury. £ OK. Volunteers were very helpful, Signs could have been bigger 135, [thought it was great. I did think that a fow things could have made it better. It would have heen great if there was an outdoor screening for a couple of the films, Meeker’s Hardware used to show movies on the brick wall on the side of their location. Something like that would have been nice. Also, the awards brunch was very empty. It was unfortunate that more of the filmmakers didn’t attend. It would have been great if the awards took place on Saturday night. It would have been a litte bit more glamorous and it would have encouraged those who saw the Saturday night feature to stick around. An evening awards presentation would have made it more festive. 136, This was one of the best I've seen and was amazing that the city put up so imch money. You guys were amazing! 137. Overall, good. However, the venue, 18] White St., did not have a building address nor was il vorrectly named. Your data said is was the Ives Center but is named White Hell, Also at one point the time information was given as PST (Pacific Standard time.) 138. Hoved the film selection & would have liked (o see more but had bubysitting issues. Itis a groat way to promote Danbury! It was chaotic, however... It could have been better organized. I bought 3 tickets online (it was herd to (ell if you could just buy them at the door which would have been MUCH casier...) and then had ta wait for 15 minutes at the door of the film as it was starting because no one had any way139, 140, 141. 142. of knowing J had paid for them! (There was no Will Call desk.) One fiend just bought another ticket so she could go ut, Alsi, Ue sipstaye was pretty non-existent. never would have found the theatre at ‘WestConn if my one friend had not been there before & gave me vague directions, Luckily I found a student who knew nothing of the film festival but led me to a theatre which was indeed the correct one Anyhow, please try to improve these details, and I will indeed support you in the future. By the way, neither friend from Danbury knew anything about it! Keop up the good efforts! ‘Was good start will attend next year based on film selection Excellent Excellent. Great for Danbury. It was so nice to have the festival here. Would love to go next year and see more film: We were somewhat disappointed with the film and downtown Danbury does not reully have a lot of other alliuctions - we Licrally found ourselves walling the streets of downtown Danbury. . This was a great event to have locally. Next time 1 will plan my schedule differently so T can attend more films, T was very impressed with the listing of films and events, It was great and Thope to attend more events next year, Fantastic. Had a great night at the opening at the old Palace Theater. The Palace is a gem that must be rostorcd! 146, Terrific! 147. This was our first visit but we had a wonderful time and will definitely attend again! 448. Thank you. Next year i will go to more than one movie. i leamed about some new spaces in Danbury as a result of the festival. 149, Would attend in future - saw "Samarra" and liked it very much 150, Great experience. 151. Great time! 152, We went to opening night and thought if was great. 153. 1 thouht the Festival was very informative and iin very well 154, [thought the festival was great. Loved the venue, Really enjoyed the film, The Fly Boys 156, 457, 158, 159, 160, 161. 162. 163. 164. Very positive. We look forward to next year when we hope tu be able lo attend multiple events, Fantastic. I wish I eould have spent more time, seen more movies. We live far away so its hard but the people were so friendly and helpful. Lots of good movies wo! I picked up some cards for other movies. EXCELLENT! the reception was set up wrong though and created a crowd that was too hard to get through for drinks and food...so we leit after the movie, It was FANTASTIC. I cannot wait for it to come back to Danbury. Exvellent. { wish | could have attended more events Tenjoyed the movie and it was great to be at the old Pstace. I would go again. Ply Boys was great. Really enjoyed the variety of offerings. Wished I vould have attended more, A solid and successful foundation on which to build future festivals in Danbury, I'm looking forward to future Danbury festivals and volumteering for them, A areat event. Something new and different for CT, in an atypical Inealion, Good draw for NW CY and ‘we Greater Manbury area, Something similar in the full would be nice - 0 people could apprecinie the: foliage and outdoor activitics. Lhiad never been to WCSU hefore - thy eunpuss was beautiful, My only complaint was that J couldn't find the phone # for the central ticket office on the CTI website andwasn't completely sure whether I was picking, my tickets up downtown or af the theater. Looking forwa! to attending next year! 16S, | think this is a great event to encourage people to come to downtown Danbury 166, BRING IT BACK BIGGER AND BETTER? 167. It was fabulous. Next year though do it during the s 168. ool year as to involve the university I found parking and directions to find the venue confusing - I ended up parking in an empty/deserted WestConn lot and feeling nervous about my/my car's safety and then I walked (completely alone) through the campus trying to find the building I needed to enter. Perhaps if this event took place while here were students on the campus, T would Live [ell suler, but I'm not sure there would have been any available parking. The audience (Sat afternoon Flyboys) was embarrassing - eel] phones going. off people talking to each other - und io the screen ~ during the flu. ele. ‘There was uo inuwvduclion to the film, so people weren't prepared (weren't asked to silence cell phones & stop talking). I would suggest beginning the films with a volunteer on the stage with an introduction explaining what the film is and why it's part of this festival before starting to show it. T felt that I could have had a bettor quality experience al a commercial theator. In spite of this, I was happy ty support the festival and this wonderful area of CY 169. Lots of fun, great to sce the Palace back up in working order, looking forward to seeing more films there in the fiture. 170. Great. Well-run & highly entertaining. 171, GREAT! Already looking forward to next year and being able to buy a pass for the whole weeks 172, Excellent, Hope il is held in Danbury agin, 173, It was wonderfil The fila, "Elite Squad” w remendous, but the only tilin from Lraal, Que tristeza, Mease Doabury Common Council, don't waste time in deciding, te v4 niribute to OTET OG, just du il. Yom Carrothers wad company need all of the time they can got to make next year's festival anoitor, and larper, suceess. Thanks fon usking, healt! preat,..nake sure we do it again. Wanted to buy souvenirs - t-shirts or whatever not available 177. Excellent, 178. It was hard to attend any that took place during weekdays, i have to work. Hav ‘ing to go to CityCenter box office (to avoid on-line surcharge) is not good, Should be able to get tickets at all venues. Would like to have scen better "package" deals for tickets, The online guide would have been better if descriptions of each event were part of the event title, not a rollover. Makes it impossible to print out correctly. 1 hope this jump starts the Palace as a performing and movie venue fall time, this might just save downtown Danbury. Just look at Ridgefield Playhouse for example (but please keep the prices more affordable). I hope the Festival happens again next year in Danbury, we need to be known for more then an exit off of 84 to the mall :) 179. Glad to see downtown Danbury with activity. Nice to have cultural event the Palace theater in use! in downtown. LOVED to see 180. It was such an awesome experience! The Palace was beautiful, the movie great, and the after party was so well done. The band was good too! | don't know how you could have done that event any better. It was so nice to see Downtown Danbury bustling with people. During the whole event all I saw were happy people, enjoying themselves! We will definitely attend the festival with more people next year!!!!!! 181. good 182. Thought it was very good. Good to be in the Palace Theater after 25 years. Hopefillly it will be done there again!183, From what I saw ii was really good. and 1 think parking should be waived with proof of ticket puichase 184. I saw the movie "The Other Side of the Tracks” and thought it was great, | enjoyed the Q&A after the inovie. I would definitely attend again. 185. Great! 186. Amazing program and very dedicated workers! | would definitely see more films next year since I wae so impressed With the way the one | saw this year was ran, 187. Great event. Can only get better. 488. Fabulous! Saw so many more people in our downtown. Best event to come to wntnwn Danbury in years, Can't wait until next year. 189. It was dofinitely a well-organized event. However, due to prior commitments over the long holiday Weekend, I wasn't able to see any films, and was only able to attend one workshop. I hope that fitnre festivals aren't held on holiday Weekends, as | think this might result in lower attendance. 190. It is an excellent event - I wish that I had time to see more of the offerings! TL, excellent 192. Something that needs to exist. With diligence, this can grow into a wonderful yearly needed event here in Danbury, bringing the community together and invigorating the town. 193. Overall excellent experience, only issue was reception at Palace was a bit too crowded would need more space 194, Excellent. Great films and events. Would like to see festival repeated next yeur. (one suggestion for improvement would be to allow customers to *print* tickets on their home printer after purchasing tem via the Website) 195. We had a great time. The sclection of short films was, in general, better than we'd scen at other festivals (Santa Fe, NM & Provincetown, MA), For the city of Danbury, it was an enlivening event, but there could have been a few changes in scheduling. A large Brazilian film event was scheduled simultaneously with another film and party, a decision which, | think, only added to the segregation of Danbury's ethnic groups. Giving the Brazilian film its own time slot might have brought more non-Brazilians to it 196. Enjoyed it. Did not understand how the viewer's choice awards were selected, Enjoyed the red cxrpet film and reception with the exception of the hors d'oeuvres, These were touted as being gourmet and upscale, Pigs in a blanket are nol! This was also not. good advertising for the catering, company, 197. We liked the films we saw and the jocations were convenient. The volunteers were helpful, We were disappointed in the tumout 198. thought it was a great first attempt and look forward to future festivals. Would really like to see it during summer and later in the day so that working pec yple and students can attend as well 199, EXCELLENT 200, It was great to have something like this in downtown Danbury. | think once word spreads about the opportunities it can become a much anticipated event cach yeur, I attended the event at ‘The Palace on Sat. night which was very enjoyable, | enjoyed being able to g0 to area cateries afterwards and liked the cultural entertainment provided at The Delicious Bukery on White St 202. We had very nice time and would do it again 242, I thought it was great - [would take days off of work to attend more workshops and films next year. It has inspired me to try and submit a short film of my own in fact 203. Loved the films, but thought it could have all been beiter organized. But] expect the organizers will tighten up next year. I wish there wero more events like this in Danbury! Life post-festival will seem boring! 204, Fun. The Palace was very cold.208. Good 206, | wish Tlnad spent more time exploring Danbury and the loval businesses. J like to support local businesses. Thoped to shop and estat local restaurants but I spent so much time talking to other attendees and volunteers that time ran out. 207. Very well done, considering it was put together so quickly in town. Would like to see a more integrated online schedule that has descriptions ofthe films, not just times/locations. Having fo look at two things made it difficult. 1 would also encourage the festival to consider putting on several free events to dene in Deople from the town who may not otherwise go to a film festival. Then they may siso opt to spend S on Paid events. ] hope it happens in Danbury again-~it was great to have people downtown, 208. Directions to the different sites should have been much easier to obtain. Last minute we were scurrying around to find it on the web site, It would have been helpful for us.as first-timers, to know just how close the sites were all located. 209. Although Lonly saw a collection of short films, 1 was impressed by the quality and length, 240. Tum 9 City Center Danbury Board Member, so 1 know, and can appreciate, ull the hard work that went into having tbe Film Festival in Danbury this year, My hat goes off to Tom Carruthers, Andrea Clestner Mayne Shepperd and Joe DaSilva - just to name a few - for making us proud! My favorite film was "Fly Boys"s I was surprised to find an independent film made with amazing Hollywood quality! 211. it was lots of fun and informational 212. A great festival, met exciting and wonderful people, saw stimulating movies. It isa sorely needed cultural event in Danbury and should become an annual occurring activity, 213. Excellent! 214. This is a test survey,