The Feel Good Film Festival (FGFF), also known as the Sunflower Film Festival, was held annually in Hollywood, California from 2008 to 2012. The Festival was the largest of its kind showcasing American, international, independent, and family-friendly films from all around the world that leave the audience feeling good. The FGFF was a three-day annual event held in August showcasing 60–70 feel-good feature films, short films, screenplays, and student films.
History
Mission
Kristen Flores, FGFF Founder and Festival Director, established the Feel Good Film Festival. The Feel Good Film Festival began in Hollywood August 22–24, 2008, with the goal of showcasing upbeat, happy ending films.[1] It isn't necessarily difficult to find feel-good films to screen. "They've been looking for an outlet," according to the Festival's creator, Kristen Flores.[2] The mission of the festival is "a film viewing experience for the entire family that encourages the development, production, and distribution of short or feature length films with positive themes, happy endings, that make audiences laugh, and that capture the beauty of our world.[3] The FGFF focuses on drawing attention to filmmakers and films that have a similar message and mission. The traditional "red carpet" gives way to a glowing sunburst carpet in keeping with the "Feel Good" theme of sunflowers that, by the way, always face the sun's rays. Certainly, with the sunburst carpet, the festivities and the films, one cannot help going away feeling kissed by the sun.[4]
Notability
The Festival had signature "yellow" carpet entrances and international screenings.[5][6] In addition, The FGFF has presented generous award packages totaling over $100,000 worth of prizes from such sponsors as Panavision, Hollywood Rentals, Final Draft, Showbiz Software, New York Film Academy, Film Independent, InkTip.com, Tuff Cut Sound and MEHRNOOSH.Those awards go to the Feel Good Film Festival's Best Feel Good Feature Film, Best Feel Good Short Film, and Best Feel Good Student Film. In addition, there are Audience Awards for Best Feel Good Feature Film and Best Feel Good Short Film. Additional awards are presented to the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Ensemble and Best Director".[7]
The Feel Good Film Festival has been recognized as a "most favorite Los Angeles Film Festival".[12] The positive theme and energy of the FGFF and its many high-quality films stands out amongst the sea of Los Angeles film festivals.[13] Also writer, director, and actor Michael Worth ("God's Ears"; "Jabberwock"; "CSI NY"; "Desperate Housewives") praises the FGFF as it makes filmmakers dig deeper for more substance over style.[14] Chris Getman[15] created the Festival's website. Founding FGFF Board members include Kristen Flores, Alan Noel Vega, Natalie Chaidez, Chandler Poling, Sarah "Quigs" Quigley, and America Young; 2011–2012 FGFF Board members include Kristen Flores, Alan Noel Vega, Natalie Chaidez, Dominic Flores, John Wildman, Jenna Charles, Mr. Lawrence, Kelly Koskella, and Richard Kraft.[16]
Awards
2012
Best Feel Good Feature Film: "Red Dog", directed by Kriv Stenders and produced by Nelson Woss
Best Feel Good Short Film: "The First 70", directed by Jarratt Moody
Best Feel Good Original Screenplay: "Getting the Business", written by Haik Hakobian
Best Feel Good Student Film: "Chalk Talk", directed by Christopher Durenberger
Audience Award Feel Good Feature: "Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey", directed by Wendy JN Lee
Audience Award Feel Good Short: "C'est Magique", directed by Nayda Lebron, produced by Tony Chiu, Fabienne Maurer and Nayda Lebron, writer Fabienne Maurer
2011
Best Feel Good Feature Film: "The Italian Key", written and directed by Rosa Karo, producer-composer Tuomas Kantelinen
Best Feel Good Short Film: "Sudden Death", written and directed by Adam Hall, produced by Melanie Hall
Best Feel Good Directed Film Over 60 Minutes: Valerie Weiss, "Losing Control"
^Marshall Heyman (12 August 2011). "Festival Seeks Happy Endings"(PDF). The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original(pdf) on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
