More Than a Festival

April 10, 2012

By Andrea Steele

Freethought Film Festival Foundation was established in the spring of 2009, with the primary focus of hosting the annual International Freethought Film Festival in a different city each year. As a 501( c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that promotes reason, critical thinking and freedom of inquiry through the medium of film, it has grown—and continues to grow—to be much more than a just a film festival. The work of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation is helping to advance the freethought movement by reaching a more general audience; and it is a resource for those who are looking for something to compliment traditional ways of promoting freethought ideas.

The organization has since presented freethought films at several international and national conferences, facilitated screenings for community groups, and has advised the San Francisco Atheist Film Festival, Portland Humanist Film Festival and others who have expressed interest in hosting similar film festival events in their local communities. Upcoming presentations include two nights of film screenings at the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s Lake Hypatia Advance, on Independence Day weekend; and a freethought shorts marathon at the Atheist Alliance of America, “Ascent of Atheism” conference on Labor Day weekend 2012. These efforts are in addition to all of the work that goes into executing the annual International Freethought Film Festival. This year, the Freethought Film Festival Foundation is hosting a freethought celebrity poker tournament and casino night benefit, as a part of the IFFF 2012 festivities in Denver, Colorado on July 31st. The proceeds for this event will go to the nonprofit charity organization, Foundation Beyond Belief; and with its success, will be held in conjunction with the film festival each year.

With the goal of having a fully functional film production branch of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation by 2015, the organization has appointed filmmaker, Kelli Cooke, as director of production development. She is the producer and director of the film, Godless, which was a world premiere at the inaugural International Freethought Film Festival at the Tampa Theatre in May of 2011. Kelli’s experience and professional network in the film industry and freethought movement will help propel the organization toward its goals. Collaboration on the first film under the FFFF production arm has already begun; although the subject of the film is being kept under wraps. A screenwriting category is anticipated for IFFF 2013, where submitters will compete for the chance to have their work produced. Editing and graphic design tools have recently been donated to the Freethought Film Festival Foundation to assist with this objective. They are moving forward with underwriting efforts, and are offering donors the opportunity to earmark their contributions to go toward future film projects.

The tagline for the FFFF production branch is: “...where artistic and rationalistic are not mutually exclusive.”. The organization aims to serve as a reminder that the human experience is a mish-mash of emotion, creativity and discovery. They recognize that narrative films, which draw viewers into the humanity of a fictitious story and characters’ experiences are as important as documentaries. When they pre-screen film submissions for consideration in the film festival program, this is at the forefront of their selection process, alongside of seeking films that best reflect the mission statement of FFFF. This will also be reflected in films that the organization produces.

For Immediate Release: Poker in the Church

Printable version: http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org/web_documents/poker2012press.pdf

Poker in the Church
For Immediate Release

(Orlando, March 13, 2012) The Freethought Film Festival Foundation is hosting a charity event on Wednesday, August 1st, 2012. The first annual Freethought Celebrity Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament and Casino Night, themed, “Poker in The Church”, will be held at “The Church” nightclub in downtown Denver, Colorado. The fundraising event is to benefit the Foundation Beyond Belief, a humanist, charitable, nonprofit organization that raises and distributes funds to five different charities per quarter. Beneficiaries include charities in the categories of education, poverty and health, human rights and the natural world. The Foundation Beyond Belief Website states, “Carefully selected for impact and efficiency, our featured beneficiaries are secular organizations with the exception of Challenge the Gap, which features non-proselytizing organizations based in other worldviews.”

For a suggested donation, participants may register for the Texas Hold ‘Em Poker tournament, where there will be at least one freethought celebrity at each table. The tournament is limited to 135 players who will compete for non-cash prizes, donated to the Freethought Film Festival Foundation for this event. Information packets and online registration can be found at the Freethought Film Festival Foundation Website at www.freethoughtfilmfest.org. Spectator passes are also available for a suggested donation. Spectators will receive non-cash value chips for playing casino games. “Winnings” will be exchanged for raffle tickets to enter various chance drawings during the event.

Committed freethought celebrities to date include writers, scientists, activists, leaders and entertainers, who are widely recognized in the secular movement. The last freethought celebrity player standing in the tournament will choose a single charity from Foundation Beyond Belief’s list of beneficiaries, which will receive half of the proceeds of the event from the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. The other half of the proceeds will go to Foundation Beyond Belief to be distributed equally among the five charities for that quarter.

Based in Orlando, Florida, the Freethought Film Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that promotes reason, critical thinking and freedom of inquiry through the medium of film. The organization hosts the annual International Freethought Film Festival, which is held in a different city each year. “Poker in The Church” is one of the events that are a part of the 2012 International Freethought Film Festival activities in Denver. Founder and executive director, Andrea Steele comments, “Looking forward, the tournament is anticipated to coincide with the annual film festival for years to come. But only if the world doesn’t end on December 21st, of course.”

# # #

Freethought Film Festival Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization, exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Federal tax code. Established in August, 2009, the major focus of the organization is to host an annual, International Freethought Film Festival. Its mission is to promote reason, critical thinking and freedom of inquiry through the medium of film.

# # #

For more information contact:

Andrea Steele
Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
888-821-1990
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

From the Director

Exciting things are underway in our second season. The Freethought Film Festival Foundation is at the forefront of the secular movement in introducing the general public to freethought ideals. From July 31st through August 5th, 2012, in Denver, Colorado, FFFF will host not only the second annual International Freethought Film Festival, to include indie film screenings, Q&As and parties, but a major charity event as well! There are multiple opportunities for organizations, businesses and individuals to play a supporting role in our efforts this season. What you may not know, is that FFFF is also here to lend support to secular clubs & groups who are interested in promoting reason through film in their own communities. We are continually scouting for new films that reflect our mission statement, and the list of freethought programming content to share with others keeps growing.

In October, I represented FFFF at our information table at the Texas Freethought/Atheist Alliance of America Convention, where the convention organizers added to their program a "mini film festival". They showed back to back films in one of the convention rooms that sat approximately 30 people. All nine of the films that they screened were full-length feature films. Six out of those nine films were official selections at IFFF. (We screened seven features, and the only reason that the convention did not include all seven in their program, was that one of the directors did not reply to them to grant screening permission.) That weekend, attendees approached our table asking what was being screened, because they assumed that we were the ones putting on the mini-film festival. I explained to them that we weren't affiliated with it, but before pointed to the convention information table where they could get a schedule, I introduced to them our mission. After the introduction, not only were people excited about our efforts, but at least a half dozen filmmakers came up to me later to tell me that they were inspired create a film to submit to IFFF!

Community group leaders regularly reach out to me and express interest in presenting films that were screened at our first event back in May, 2011. I tell them that we are happy to help with content, promoting and advice on how to execute such an event; and I explain our stipulations for FFFF to extend such support. Here are they are:

1. The event must be held in a public theater venue, in a non-academic environment. Not on a school campus. No library meeting rooms. No hotel conference rooms. Why not the afforementioned? Boring. Boring. Boring.

2. The event must be free to the public. There are a few reasons for this requirement. One reason is the logistics of screening permissions. Another is to make attending the screenings as attractive to the general public as possible. Free = Average person thinking, "Even though this sounds super interesting, I wouldn't attend if I had to pay an admission, but since it's free...why the hell not?". Yet another reason is to challenge groups to make their presence known by giving something to their community...the gift of educating the public by exercising their own mission statements using a medium attractive to a general audience.

3. A one day event is most reasonable for a community group to organize. (This one is really a strong suggestion.) The Freethought Film Festival Foundation's concentration is promoting reason through film. The focus of freethought/secular community groups/clubs is to promote reason in general; and a small film festival is a great way to do this without committing to hosting a major, annual event like IFFF.

Following these requirements maximizes the chance for a good turnout to a community group hosted film festival. The residual benefits will mostly be non-tangible things, like, understanding, encouraging dialogue (resulting in even more understanding), creating an environment for camaraderie, inspiration and diluting ignorance. While presenting a free event, which costs more than sending an email alert and creating a Facebook Page, may not grow the treasury of a freethought community group, it will help advance reason overall. FFFF wants to help, because the big picture is important to us. We want to work with those who can see it.

Andrea Steele
Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation

FFFF Advisory Committee

The Freethought Film Festival Foundation is in the process of forming an advisory committee for the International Freethought Film Festival. As our focus is on the creative and artistic expression of freethought ideas through film, the committee will comprise of individuals with experience in the film industry and an understanding of the vision behind the International Freethought Film Festival. At this time, we have two members on the FFFF Advisory Committee; with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

We are pleased to announce that Brian Keith Dalton, of Lazy Eye Productions—whose popular Web series, Mr. Deity, is widely known throughout the freethought community— has volunteered to be on the committee. James Harris, of Shameless Films, is also on our FFFF Advisory Committee. He is based in the UK, and some of James’s films have been shown on BBC, ITV, Sky TV and at film festivals world-wide. He is also a comedian and has written for the BBC. Also on the committee is LaRae Meadows, a movie reviewer; and Tracy King, who runs a busy marketing company in London, UK, works for skeptic organizations, writes for Skepchick, and is the producer of the much anticipated Tim Minchin "Storm" movie.

It is exciting to have these creative (and witty) minds to give their input on the planning of the International Freethought Film Festival. We look forward to adding to our committee and collaborating with others who also have a passion for independent films.

Growing Enthusiasm for the International Freethought Film Festival

With the International Freethought Film Festival targeted for November, we are excited about the journey we have ahead of us in the planning process and execution of the event. Last year, in August, we launched our efforts to make this film festival a reality. 2009 proved to be a great beginning!

-Our Facebook Page went up.

-Our Website was built.

-Our non-profit incorporation was established.

-We welcomed the American Humanist Association and Center for Inquiry-Tampa Bay as our first committed film sponsors.

-Enthusiastic endorsements confirmed the support of other freethinking organizations/groups/Websites.

-We opened up our Call for Submissions in October.

-We shared our mission at the Atheist Alliance International Convention in Los Angeles.

-We set up a partnership with Withoutabox for film submissions.

-We became participating partners in the Tampa Bay Coalition of Reason.

-We filed for 501(c)3 non-profit exemption to make donations tax deductible. (pending...we should know in less than 60 days if we have been approved)

-We had a great turnout of submissions for those who took advantage of our Early Bird Deadline.

-The number of Facebook fans reached 150...not bad!

It is likely that there were other milestones that have escaped my memory (there have been so many). The point is, with so much of the groundwork already laid out, we are off to a great start in 2010!

If you are excited about our mission of promoting reason, critical thinking and freedom of inquiry through the medium of film; and excited about the International Freethought Film Festival as the expression of that mission; share with others your enthusiasm. You can do this by sharing our Notes and Updates, suggesting our Page to your Facebook friends, write about us in your blogs or in discussion groups, and inform any local groups in which you may be involved.

Best in reason,


Andrea Steele
Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org

Inspiring Films Can Ignite Individual Action

Today I saw the film Pirate Radio. It is based on a true story of a pirate radio station that played rock music, which was banned from the airwaves in Great Britain. (Plus, the disc jockeys were on the raunchy side to boot.) The station was set up on a ship that was anchored off the coast of England in the late 60’s. Despite discouragement from authorities, they had over 20 million listeners. Ultimately, the British Government went to some lengths in an attempt to shut them down. Regardless of such attempts, the pirate radio station persisted because of their passion for rock music.

Stories of people, who have the courage of their convictions to stand up to authorities whose policies defy common sense, have always been an inspiration to me. There are many films that reflect this freethought concept, which have the potential to stir a viewer to action toward her or his own personal convictions. Too many people feel as if their opinions, ideals and passions are insignificant; and that any action on their part would be ineffectual, and an utter waste of time. Such films remind us that it is not impossible for one person to be a catalyst for change.

Here is a list of a few films that may spark some inspiration:

• Inherit the Wind
• Iron Jawed Angels
• Schindler’s List
• Gandhi
• Milk
• Julia/Julia
• Norma Rae
• Braveheart
• People vs. Larry Flynt
• Salt of the Earth
• Matewan
• Erin Brockovich
• Ansel Adams: American Experience (documentary)
• Eleanor Roosevelt: American Experience (documentary)
• Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (documentary)
• Tesla: Master of Lightning (documentary)
• Mark Twain (documentary)
• U.S. vs John Lennon (documentary)

Andrea Steele
Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

Melding Mediums for Movement

A printable version of this article is available here:

http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org/web_documents/fourfnews103009.pdf

Searching online for short films that are already posted on the Web and are freethought related has been a lot of fun for me. It certainly does not feel like work! Because there are so many different subject possibilities for this niche, the film links that I have so far selected to put on the Freethought Film Festival Foundation Discussion Forum are as diverse and unique as freethinkers themselves.

Promoting the core ideas of freethought such as reason, critical thinking and freedom of inquiry, has been primarily accomplished through print, lectures and debates. While many freethinkers enjoy reading and attending conferences, many—quite frankly—are uninterested in Ingersoll and ID debates. They are not necessarily any less cerebral than the aforementioned, but their brand of freethought may be entirely personal and reflected in their everyday choices…sans Darwin fish and Hitchens books. It is likely that many have never even heard the term “freethinker”.

As much as Academics may cringe, it must be acknowledged that freethought ideas will reach a much, much broader audience through arts and entertainment. Freethinkers who are currently active participants in the freethought movement should embrace a melding of the past and the present and support the creative and artistic expression of reason as well as the publications and seminars.

Visiting some of the links to the short films that have been posted in the FFFF Discussion Forum and the FFFF Facebook page, will result in a better understanding of the artistic expression to which I am referring. Often this expression can be subtle and symbolic, and for those who prefer their philosophy in black and white, this angle may not always be appreciated. Fortunately there are freethinkers of all sorts who can not only appreciate equations, atoms and primordial ooze; but also appreciate the more whimsical, artistic and diverse creativity of the human mind.

Andrea Steele

andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org

It's Just Knot Right

Last week I was granted the opportunity to shadow the Chairperson of Volunteers for the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. I was able to observe the management of the volunteers during the event, as well as help set up before film screenings and clean up after. The TIGLFF is in their 20th year, and has streamlined the process for managing their film festival. I observed a well-oiled machine. The screening events appeared to seamlessly run themselves; an obvious result of effective pre-planning on the part of the directors. I am extremely appreciative of TIGLFF for allowing me the opportunity to learn from them.

One day during the festival, I helped set up and weigh down tents, and moved chairs, tables and rope posts from the lobby to the sidewalk. I was the only female among the volunteers at the time. The group that helped out that particular afternoon was a gay men's softball team. We all worked together to make sure the front of the theatre was ready for the day’s festivities.

When setting up the event tents, weights were needed to ensure that the wind would not carry them through the streets of downtown Tampa. The lead volunteer instructed all of us to tie the weights to the tents with a quick-release knot. I knew exactly what he meant, as I frequently camp with my family. The looks on the rest of the volunteers’ faces quickly revealed that they had no idea what he was talking about. He recognized their confusion, and demonstrated how to make the knot.

We proceeded to thread the ropes of the weights through the frames of the tents. I tied on the weights with which I was working, and peripherally observed the confusion around me as the rest of the volunteers struggled with tying the knots for their own weights. Making my way to each distressed man, I offered my assistance and tied the remainder of the knots. I received much gratitude from them for helping.

When all of the outside equipment was completely set up, we all took a break inside the air-conditioned lobby of the Tampa Theatre. As I sat and enjoyed my bottled water and the cool air, it occurred to me that an obvious detail eluded me when I was assisting the other volunteers with their knots…These men could not tie a knot, because none of them were ever allowed in the Boy Scouts!

Andrea Steele
Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

For many years, the three most common questions raised by freethinkers have been: 1.) What can we do to encourage young adults to become more active in the Freethought movement? 2.) How can freethought ideas gain more exposure? and 3.) Why can’t all of the freethought organizations out there play together? Attendees at the 2009 AAI Convention raised these concerns—again. All of the aforementioned issues have a solution in the International Freethought Film Festival. Filmmakers are encouraged to reexamine views about freethought subject matter being taboo, and overcome this misconception by expressing these ideas through the art of filmmaking. Student filmmakers have an incentive to submit films that reflect the mission of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation through competition for scholarship awards, and a chance for their projects to be screened for a public audience. Film is more far-reaching and will result in exposure…more so than print, which generally leans toward a more academic audience rather than the general public. Finally, with at least ten different blocks of film screenings throughout the weekend-long International Freethought Film Festival event, freethought organizations, businesses and individuals have an opportunity to sponsor one or more of the screenings. (Or become a major sponsor of the event for more exclusive advertising benefits) The International Freethought Film Festival is common ground, despite variations in existing freethought institutions. Some freethinkers, with whom I have communicated, expressed disappointment that the International Freethought Film Festival will be taking place some distance from them. For most, travelling hundreds, or even thousands of miles for any event may be logistically impossible. This is perfectly understandable. However, we need to recall 2002 on a very cold November morning, when more than 2000 freethinkers participated in the Godless Americans March on Washington. I drove from Tampa to D.C. with my husband and three children to participate in this event. It was very important for us to be a part of an event that gave us visibility and encouraged solidarity among freethinkers. It was one specific event with a common goal. The International Freethought Film Festival encourages the same solidarity that freethinkers displayed at GAMOW. The event itself will, no doubt, increase visibility; but it goes far beyond the actual event. The films being produced will be around for posterity; paving the way for stigmas to dilute over time. Freethinkers around the globe, who know that they will not be able to attend the International Freethought Film Festival event in Tampa, Florida in November 2010, can still recognized its importance and lend their support by contributing to the efforts of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. To all other freethinkers, the latter also applies; however, if more than 2000 freethinkers can flock to D.C. on a frigid November weekend for a march on the Mall, they can surely migrate to Tampa (where it is gorgeous in November) for a film festival that reflects their views, and answers the most important question of all: How can we promote the growth of the Freethought movement?

Andrea Steele
Executive Director/Chairperson
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

Promoting FFFF at the AAI Convention This Weekend

We have registered as a vendor at the Atheist Alliance International Convention. The convention is taking place this weekend in Los Angeles. We will have brochures available, and will be networking with freethinkers from around the globe. This is an exciting opportunity for us to promote our mission and rally support. If you are going to be in attendance, stop by our table and say hi.

The next issue of Secular Nation Magazine, published by Atheist Alliance International, will include a promo ad for FFFF. I am not certain if it will be out by the conference, but it would be great if it is! The ad announces our Call for Submissions.

Speaking of which, a submission form is now available on our Website. We will accept film submissions starting October 1st. Our Withoutabox partnership is not yet activated, but will be available as soon as contributions and memberships increase and we have the funds for the activation fee...any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. Withoutabox is THE place where filmmakers go to submit their films to film festivals worldwide. It is associated with IMDB and has an extremely large reach.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

Expectation for the Eclectic

A printable (.pdf) version of this article is available at the following link:

http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org/web_documents/fourfnews092109.pdf


September 21, 2009
By Andrea Steele

TAMPA— On the homepage of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation Website, there is a list of film topic examples that would fall under the category of “freethought”. It consists of a broad range of subjects, and many, many more could be added. At first glance, one might think that the only films that could touch on these subjects are documentaries. However, this is the furthest thing from reality.

Documentaries will certainly be among the film inclusions for the Freethought Film Festival; but the potential for an eclectic program goes way beyond. Independent filmmakers are some of the most creative minds on the globe. There is no doubt that the diversity of angles from which these minds take on the subject matter will be most impressive, entertaining and enlightening.

Some of the films will be non-fiction; some dramatic. Comedic approaches to the subjects, as well as fictitious story-lines and animation will be among the genres presented. The competitive categories for the Freethought Film Festival include Shorts by student filmmakers (either non-animated or animated), and Features by student filmmakers. The filmmakers who submit their films in these categories will be competing for scholarship awards. In the non-competitive categories, Animated Shorts and Non-animated Shorts are open to all filmmakers; while the non-competitive category for Features is open to more seasoned filmmakers. The films that best reflect the mission of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation in the non-competitive categories will receive Honorable Mention awards.

In a conversation with a leader of one of the largest freethought organizations in the U.S., it was disclosed to me that over this past summer, he was approached by freethinking filmmakers at least once a week regarding projects that they have recently completed, and/or on which they were currently working. They had no idea what to do with these films! Now there exists an opportunity for their work to be screened and appreciated by a growing audience of those who value a rational approach to life.

Film enthusiasts, regardless of their preferred niche, appreciate novelty as well as creativity. This novelty is one factor that motivates their viewing choices. It would be to the detriment of any film festival to pigeon-hole its selection of films to only one genre. (There is an assumption here that readers understand the difference between genre and niche.) This is why supporters and potential patrons of the Freethought Film Festival should expect a well balanced, diverse program. The freethought topic examples list is long, and the possibilities are immeasurable.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

"Creation"...Too Controversial for America's Feeble Minds

When it was brought to my attention that Hanway Films was having difficulty securing a U.S. distributor for its film "Creation", I was disappointed. The plot of the film, as listed on IMDb is:
"English naturalist Charles Darwin struggles to find a balance between his revolutionary theories on evolution and the relationship with religious wife, whose faith contradicts his work."
A summary of the movie can be read at the following link:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0974014/plotsummary

Film distributors in the U.S. apparently find this too controversial for American film patrons. REALLY? This film already has distribution rights around the globe...but not here. Must America be consistently "lag-edelic" by being the last among developed countries to embrace social progress and diversity of thought?

An e-mail was sent to Hanway Films to request consideration for "Creation" to be screened at the Freethought Film Festival in November 2010. As of now, the production company continues its effort in securing a distributor in the United States. If a distributor picks up "Creation", then it would not be possible to screen the film at our festival without a lease. As much as I would like to screen "Creation" at the Freethought Film Festival, I hope it is soon picked up by a distributor and proves to be successful in a U.S. market that is perceived to be full of feeble minds.

If you would like compose an e-mail in support of this film, the e-mail address for Hanway films is: info@hanwayfilms.com

Andrea Steele

Chairperson/Executive Director

Freethought Film Festival Foundation, Inc.

andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org

http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

P.O. Box 3474

Brandon, FL 33509

The FFFF Word is Spreading

The word about the mission of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation is starting to reach freethinkers across the country. This week, FFFF is the "Interest O' the Week" at Evolvefish.com! So, the folks at Evolvefish are now endorsing our efforts; as well as local, state, national and international organizations. The number of unique visitors to the FFFF Website increases each day.

This week has been spent sending countless faxes to potential supporters, replying to e-mails, creating literature and continuing to add content to the FFFF Website.

The Freethought Film Festival Foundation was formed to host a first-rate Freethought Film Festival. Make no mistake...this is not going to be an afternoon screening of a few existing films that might have freethinking undertones in a public library meeting room. This film festival is our only focus, so we can make this event like no other. The plan is laid out, the leg-work is being done, but we need the support from members of the freethought community to help realize this vision.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

On the term "freethought"...let's clear this up

There is a reason why the word "freethought" comes up as a misspelled word in every spell check. It is because the words in the dictionary sense are not fused together. Taking the word "freethinking" in a literal term instead of realizing that freethought (merged) for the purpose of FFFF has to do with questioning truth-claims (including questioning things that are considered sacred to individuals).

It is a common mistake when first introduced to the word. Many people have never heard the term "freethought" before and initially take the word, break it down and take it literally. "Well if I am a free-thinker, I am free to think whatever I want."...Of course we can think anything we want. (we just can't always say what we are thinking-another topic) What those people have not yet learned is that there is a "movement", if you will, of people who have coined the word "freethinker" in their own terms. The range of ideas of a "freethinker", in this sense, includes anything from investigating acupuncture, to questioning the existence of Zeus.

Freethought encompasses a broad range of individual ideas. There is a long list on the Home page of the FFFF Website of freethought film topic examples. Deists are freethinkers, Quakers are freethinkers, Skeptics are freethinkers, religious humanists are freethinkers, agnostics are freethinkers...the list goes on...The FFFF's mission is to "promote critical thinking, reason and freedom of inquiry through the medium of film".

Those who do not understand the term "freethought" after reading this blog or additional research about freethinkers; and still cannot get past the fact that freethought (in the actual, not literal sense of the word), includes the critical examination of something that may be sacred to her or him; then the mission of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation might not be something that individual feels he or she can support...it's all good.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

f1023...LONG

Yesterday I spent 8 hours filling out form f1023. This is one of the forms that must be submitted for the Freethought Film Festival Foundation to be considered for approval of 501(c) 3 exemption as a non-profit, charitable, educational organization that would make contributions to FFFF tax-deductible for our donors. Although even after 8 hours of filling out the form and writing all of the necessary explanatory attachments, I am not yet finished...but I am close! The only part I have yet to complete is Section H. This has to be filled out since FFFF is going to be awarding scholarships to filmmakers enrolled in an accredited college or university or attending high school, whose film was selected for screening for the film festival, and is the best of the best in their category.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union has become an official endorser of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. Their logo and link can be found on our Endorsers page on the FFFF Website.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

FFFF's 1st Film Sponsor

The Freethought Film Festival Foundation is excited to report that we have our first Film Sponsor. The American Humanist Association has agreed to sponsor a film in the Freethought Film Festival; tentatively scheduled for November 2010. AHA is very enthusiastic about the potential of this event, and has expressed the willingness to support us in other capacities as well. We are thrilled to have this organization assist us in our efforts. We look forward to involving others as well.

The Freethought Film Festival Foundation is in the process of registering the Freethought Film Festival with Withoutabox to use their platform to receive film submissions online. An application has been submitted, and we are waiting to be contacted by a Withoutabox representative so they can determine whether or not their services are a good fit for us.

Film submission fees and general guidelines have been added to the FFFF Website. We are not yet calling for submissions, but the call is coming very soon.

Jennifer Wiley, one of the board members of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation, found a great quote that applies well to the Freethought Film Festival:

"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come." Victor Hugo

Today's FFFF Efforts: "Behind the Scenes" Circle

On this fine day I added the Freethought Film Festival Foundation information regarding the many levels of support opportunities to the FFFF Website. Also added to our Web presence is an extensive list of topics that would fall under the realm of freethought...I am positive that much, much more could be added to the list.

The Freethought Film Festival Foundation will be calling for submissions from student filmmakers at the collegiate level, as well as high school. The call will be for both features and shorts. The Freethought Film Festival will screen selected films from college filmmakers' features, college filmmakers' shorts and high-school filmmaker's shorts submissions. Scholarship awards will be presented to the best of the best in each of these categories. There will also be an opportunity for filmmakers with more experience to submit their films for a chance to be screened in our non-competitive categories for features and shorts. More details on film submission guidelines will be posted in the near future as we progress with our efforts.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

Successful Initial FFFF Board of Directors Meeting

This evening was the first Freethought Film Festival Foundation Board of Directors meeting. In attendance was Vice Chairperson, Rebecca Collins; Secretary, Jennifer Wiley; and myself. We went over our initial corporate documents, approved the bylaws and budget, and discussed the mission of FFFF and how we as board members will promote that mission.

The enthusiasm of the board will be clearly reflected in our attention to detail in the planning and fundraising efforts moving forward. Included in the plans that were approved, is the "Behind the Scenes" Contributors' Circle. The BTS Circle includes levels from Individual Circle Contributor to Star Sponsorship. The benefits range from discount tickets to being a part of the film selection process. There are many contribution levels from which to choose.

It is exciting to be a part of this program. We all agree that we hold an expectation for the Freethought Film Festival event to be first rate. The Board of Directors of FFFF will work diligently toward that goal.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

FFFF Budget Projection is Finished

I have put close to 20 hours in two days into creating a budget plan for the first year of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. The projected expenses for the Freethought Film Festival and operational costs have been well researched. The proposed budget will be discussed at our Board of Directors meeting tomorrow evening. If I left anything out, we'll make adjustments. Today I will be working on the FFFF bylaws so that they will be ready for the meeting. Our "Behind the Scenes" Contributors' Circle levels will also be discussed. If the proposed levels are approved, I will be adding this information to the FFFF Website this upcoming week.

Travel may be in my future, as I recently learned of the Atheist Alliance International Conference in L.A.. Attending this event would be a phenomenal networking opportunity for the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. The timing couldn't be better...nor could the location!...Seriously! Oh, and incidentally...Bill Maher will be in attendance.

Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
FreethoughtFilm Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org

Intro Press Release and Such

Today I tackled multiple tasks in the promotion of FFFF. Three endorsements were confirmed and added to a new FFFF Endorsements Webpage. Atheists Alliance International, Atheists of Florida (a local branch of AAI) and The Infidel Guy Show are official endorsers of the efforts of the Freethought Film Festival Foundation. An introductory press release was authored by me and sent to the newsrooms of six local media outlets. The press release was also sent to several national organizations that champion reason; and I also added it to the FFFF Website.

I received two very informative calls back from insurance companies with which I left messages yesterday, and I now have a figure on liability insurance that I can add to the projected expenses for FFFF. A budget of projected expenses, revenue, ect. will be ready for the FFFF Board of Directors meeting next week.

The perfect ending to a great day of working on that which I am passionate....watching the finale episode of Penn & Teller's Bullshit about the Vatican with my family.




Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
andrea.steele@freethoughtfilmfest.org
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org