Travelling to film festivals and meeting filmmakers from different cultures is always an enriching experience. Stephanie Gardner, a filmmaker from New Mexico, embarked on a journey around the world at 33 to meet fellow filmmakers of a similar age. This ambitious project began in 2018 and culminated in late 2023.
Gardner’s vision to eventually bring these filmmakers together to showcase their films and participate in workshops designed to enhance their craft is currently being realised with the 33 and Me Filmmakers Festival in Pennsylvania. She is also producing a film series about her travels. The festival features 33 filmmakers from 33 countries. Guyana is being represented through two recent films.“Eating Papaw on the Seashore” was screened on September 27th and “Old Toy Train” is on today, September 29th.
Having planned a film festival, I know firsthand the immense challenges involv-ed in such an undertaking, particularly as an independent filmmaker. Organising a festival comes with significant logistical hurdles; from securing funding to finding venues for screenings, all while working with a tight budget. Gardner has gone the extra mile, packing the days with activities that begin as early as 10:00 am and extend past 10:00 pm.
