The Return of the Film Fest
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Gaynor says her responsibilities will include “watching over what everyone does and making sure jobs that need to be done are taken care of.” She’s also been saddled with the tough job of rustling up last-minute sponsors. A week ago she traveled to the local offices of Eastman Kodak in Oak Brook, but when asked the outcome of her visit would only cross her fingers. A new development director will complete the festival’s triumvirate, but that critical post has yet to be filled.
Even with these changes, the organization is facing financial trouble. Board member Dan Coffey says a crushing $100,000 deficit from last year was the result of certain events “that weren’t well managed,” a problem that has plagued the festival for years. But a source close to the fest puts it more simply: “Not enough money was raised to cover expenses.”
Kutza says the Chicago festival is being scaled down in part to acknowledge that most people aren’t available to watch films 18 hours a day. “They go to work and come home and then look for something to do,” he says. The shift to more English-language films is a blatant attempt to appeal to suburban audiences, which Ferrazi maintains have been left out of previous festivals. “We believe the films at the festival should be both educational and entertaining,” he says. And the board hopes there will be fewer duds this year. “Part of the strategic plan to turn around the festival is to make sure it is a high-quality event,” explains Coffey.
