Derek Obrey is kind of a big deal at the Somewhat North Of Boston Film Festival, considering he has the title of co-director. So when we wanted to find out about all the festival’s little details, we asked Obrey for the scoop.
So how does one get a movie into the festival?
Typically most of our films are submitted through one of two film submission websites. We have been using the website “Without a Box” for the past six years, and recently incorporated the use of another site called “Film Freeway.” Once the films are submitted, we then have the ability to review and rank the films. While this is our primary way of obtaining films, we also hear about potential films through word of mouth and direct contact with the filmmakers. Over 90 percent of the films we show at the fest come through submissions. It is truly an indie film festival.
How many submissions did you receive this year? And how are the ones that will be shown get selected?
Throughout the year we have received hundreds of films from all around the world. We then have a team of film reviewers to start the review process. We have a select number of required reviewers for every film and criteria we have developed to help us judge each submission. As co-directors, Jay (Doherty) and I try to watch all the submissions that come in; we always have others review them as well to get varying points of view.
We understand there has been a change to the schedule for 2015, can you explain that a little bit for our readers?
There are a few changes made to the schedule this year. One was expanding the craft beer tasting to all three nights of the festival. This was to give our guests the opportunity to come out on any of the nights and sample the some great craft beer. We also have an expanded Twisted Tales block scheduled for Friday night. Lastly we have moved our awards ceremony to Saturday night at the Barley House. Everything we do is to make sure our filmmakers and film lovers get the most out of the festival. We love to see people coming and truly enjoying their experience at the SNOB Film Festival.
Tell us a little bit more about the NH filmmakers encore slated for Sunday.
We have a great block of films dedicated to our fair state. New Hampshire directors and New Hampshire locations will be on display at Sunday’s event. While we have many returning filmmakers, one of our returning filmmakers and New Hampshire resident Rob Azevedo is showing his new film Defecto Inc.
Twisted Tales is always a popular attraction at the SNOB Film Festival, what should people expect from it this year?
That is a great question, and also top secret. What I will say is that if you come out to Twisted Tales you’re going to see a great selection of films filled with madness, mayhem, with a dash of dark humor. Some may say the short films are similar to a modern twilight zone. Between the two blocks of short films we are showing The Final Girls. This is a comedy slasher film and perfect fit for Friday the 13th!
What are some of the more noteworthy films that will be shown this year?
I like to think all of the films being shown are noteworthy, but if I have to name a few here is goes. For anyone looking for a bit of nostalgia we have Back in Time which chronicles the creation of the film Back to the Future. If you need more metal in your diet we have Mission to Lars. This tells the story of siblings who set out on an adventure to help their brother, who is suffering from fragile X syndrome, meet his hero Lars Ulrich from Metallica. Then we have Brew Hampshire, which speaks to the craft brew culture in New Hampshire. Viewers can have a craft beer while watching a movie about craft beer.
What are some of the under the radar films that people should make a point to check out?
For the college crowd, Dumbbells is an R-rated comedy to check out on Thursday night. For those looking for a feel good movie Leaves of the Tree is the way to go. We also have Building Magic, which is about someone following their dreams of becoming a magician and the path he takes to achieving that dream. The star of that film, Mario, will be in Concord on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Concord Library performing free for kids. Come on by and check him out. Another fun event on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. is comedian Ray Harrington will be preforming standup before his film Be A Man. One of the things I love about the SNOB Film Festival is that we have something for everyone, so I encourage your readers to come out and watch something you can’t see at home.
If we made a movie about a week in the life of the “Insider” team, do you think anyone would watch it?
I would be the first one to buy a ticket. Do you think if we made a SNOB Film Fest documentary people would watch that? Maybe we can make it a double feature?
Do you like to make films yourself or are you more of just a watcher?
When I was a kid, my friends and I (many of who help out at the festival every year) would make these terrible films, but they were awesome to us. More than anything I have always been a film watcher more than a filmmaker. That being said, since I have been part of the festival I been inspired by the filmmakers I meet, and that makes me want to do more than watch.
What’s your favorite part about the festival?
Everything! From the people to the films, it’s always an amazing experience every year and that is what keeps us coming back. The festival is a labor of love for us, so it’s hard to pick just one aspect.
Why do you think the SNOB Film Festival has been able to have such a successful run over the last 13, going on 14 years?
I really feel that we have been able to continue our success because we have made this a community event. Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, we want you to be part of the festival each and every year. Concord’s support is a big part of who we are and is ingrained into the festival.
And are you sure you can’t give us any hints about the name change?
Not even one, sorry.
