Montclair Magazine May 2019 | Page 29

montclair film What’s Next for MONTCLAIR FILM? Ahead of the eighth Montclair Film Festival, its leaders talk about the future WRITTEN BY JULIA MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MITSU YASUKAWA | PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE BY JORAM MUSHINSKE MAKEUP FOR EVELYN COLBERT BY DEBRA ALTILIO, STORE MANAGER, BLUE MERCURY, MONTCLAIR MAKEUP FOR PAMM MALVEAUX BY ANDRÉA WILLETTE, BLUE MERCURY EXPERT STYLING FOR PAMM MALVEAUX: QAYSEAN WILLIAMS The Montclair Film Festival has come a long way. During its eighth season, May 3 through 12, more than 25,000 attendees are expected at 150 films, conversations and events; including conversations with Mindy Kaling and Ben Stiller, and a simulcast of the film Tolkein. A staff of 15 works out of Montclair Film’s three-story headquarters at 505 Bloomfield Avenue; more than 500 active volunteers, from a pool of more than 1,900, work on the non-profit’s many year-round programs. Compare that to the inaugural festival, which featured 45 films and 7,500 tickets purchased, and was put together in a small office with three part-time staffers. MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE MAY 2019 27