Q&A: Aaron Davis '09 on the International Film Festival

Aaron Davis ’09 and co-organizers have a great schedule of events planned for this year’s International Film Festival; all begin at 7 p.m. and take place in Gannett Auditorium.

• Thursday, March 26: Screening of the International Documentary Association’s Best Feature winner, A Walk to Beautiful, produced and directed by Mary Olive Smith. Followed by a Q & A with Ms. Smith.

• Friday, March 27: Screening of short student films from Skidmore and around the world, followed by free banana splits (only if you vote for your favorite film).

• Saturday, March 28: Screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Garden, produced and directed by Skidmore alumnus Scott Hamilton Kennedy ’89. Followed by a Q & A with Kennedy.

Why are you doing this? 

Because I love watching films, making films, talking to directors, introducing Skidmore students to filmmaking, and (sometimes) running a film festival. In short, I like films, especially documentaries.

Why are you excited about it? 

Because after it’s over I’ll have time to do my homework. Just kidding. It’s always great to give documentary filmmakers exposure and initiate a dialogue between students, community, and filmmakers. We have some hard-hitting films this year that will leave a lasting impact on viewers. Not only do we get to screen these films for those who otherwise might not see them, but the directors are here to discuss the inspiration, craft, logistics, back stories, and heartaches involved with the production of their documentaries.

Who should come? Why? 

We have one of those rulers that they have at amusement parks and says, “You have to be this tall to enter.” Seriously, anyone and everyone should come. It’s free and open to the public. However, parents should take a look at the subject matter of the two feature films before bringing their children.

This film festival will be awesome if... 

...we had an Oscar-nominated director, maybe someone who had been nominated for an International Documentary Association prize, and a bunch of great short films .... Oh wait, we do.

Will this festival be an annual event?

Sure will. This is the second annual, and Brian Petchers ’10 will be organizing the third installment in 2010. I’m graduating this year, but might have to fly from Hollywood for next year’s festival.

What’s in your future? 

Multiple Academy Awards for Best Feature Documentary, and eternal happiness, although the latter doesn’t depend on the former.

To see a previous Q & A with Aaron, click here. ~Interview conducted by Peter MacDonald, Office of Communications