#24 - What Makes FilmFest DC Survive 39 Years? | Tony Gittens

Founder and director Tony Gittens returns with the inside story of steering the Washington DC International Film Festival—now in its 39th year—through last-minute venue shake-ups, budget poker with distributors, and a mission that never changes: bring global cinema to everyone in the nation’s capital.Losing a flagship theater six weeks out—and the scramble to secure a new home without busting the budgetBalancing buzz titles, “one-for-me” risk picks, and community favorites (yes, even punk docs)Negotiating film rights like a rug merchant—sticker prices are just an opening offerExpanding access—busing seniors, screening in prisons, signing films for deaf patronsYear 40’s wish list: a stable venue and the joy to keep going Curious how his perspective has evolved? Catch Tony’s 2024 interview here → https://share.transistor.fm/s/25813f0d Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor Photos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted. Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★