Every year Columbia welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from all over the world for a weekend of re-imagining reality through film — also known as True/False Film Fest weekend.
The overall goal of True/False Film Fest is to forge a supportive, celebratory refuge for filmmakers, as well as to amplify the possibilities of creative nonfiction. Behind the extraordinary and transformative weekend is a team of people dedicated to making that goal a reality.
This year’s True/False Film Fest will be held March 3 through March 6. In the months leading up to the festival, we want to share a little behind-the-scenes picture of not only what goes into planning the event, but also the people making the magic happen.
Meet Samantha Boisclair: True/False Film Fest Events Producer
1. What does your day-to-day look like when it comes to preparing for the festival?
Right now, I am reaching out to past volunteers to encourage them to return and be a part of my team, as well as working with the Ragtag Film Society staff to finalize basic event information like locations and the schedule. As we get closer to the fest, I will work closely with lots of other teams to determine more specific details, such as the design of the spaces, food sponsors, bartender staffing, and more. There are a lot of moving pieces, so staying organized is key!
2. Why did you get involved with True/False Film Fest ?
I actually worked for Ragtag Film Society for 6 years up until this past summer. I started on the sponsorship team and then worked as the finance director. I now own a party supply store and event planning business, but I still wanted to find a way to stay involved with the organization. When the role as events producer became available, I knew it would be a perfect fit — I just couldn’t stay away!
3. What is the unified party theory?
The unified party theory is our way of organizing our thoughts and ideas about our events. We think about what elements make up a party and what sets True/False Film Fest events apart. There are more tangible party components — like location, food and drink, and lighting — that need to be determined for each event, but we also discuss how to encourage interaction between guests, building a transformative experience, or what elements of surprise can be integrated into each event.
4. How many different events does True/False Film Fest put on each festival?
We put on more than 15 events or parties ranging from 75 to 2,400 guests.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job as the events producer?
Since this is my first year in this job with the fest, I am not sure what my least favorite part is yet. But my favorite part of working for True/False Film Fest is being surrounded by such amazingly creative people. There are always new and exciting ideas being brought to the table, and I love helping to figure out how to bring them to life!
6. What is your goal for this year’s festival?
My goal is to make sure all of our events run as smoothly as possible. Each year there are new challenges and obstacles to overcome, but with a great team of volunteers and the support from the Ragtag Film Society staff, I’m confident our guests will have the best experience!
7. What is something you wish everyone knew or understood about True/False Film Fest?
That you don’t need a pass to come! Individual tickets are available, which can be a great way to get a taste of the festival. And you don’t even need a ticket to attend or participate in the March March, our parade on the Friday of the fest. We encourage everyone to dress up and participate. It’s so much fun!
8. What is your favorite part, in general, about the festival?
My favorite part is the vibrancy that the fest brings to downtown. There is just a certain energy you feel walking around that can’t be contained. It’s really something special!
