Q&A: The Future of Film Festivals With Chesley Heymsfield

Chesley Heymsfield is a powerhouse woman and the Founder/Executive Director of the Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program (LIFF). She has also staked her claim as Director/Producer, with the debut of Movie About M.E., an investigative documentary tracking down elusive answers about Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and its connection with Long Covid. We sat down with Chesley to understand her take on the future of film festivals and how these events can be better poised for longterm success.

FF: What film festival are you associated with and what is your role?

CH: I founded and serve as the Executive Director of the Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program (LIFF). I have also served on the Jury for the Paris International Film Festival and worked with the Isreal Film Festival and Palm Springs Photo Festival.

FF: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in hosting a film festival, and how do you overcome them?

CH: Because festivals tend to be annual events, it’s so  important to keep the momentum of excitement up all year. Hosting pre-release screenings, workshops or other special events to continue to grow the community year-round is vital.

FF: How do you choose the films that will be screened at your festival, and what criteria do you use to make those decisions?

CH: For us at LIFF, we were exceedingly fortunate to have brought on board the late legendary Dan Ireland, who Co-Founded the Seattle International Film Festival and directed many beautiful films, as our Artistic Director. Dan recruited Ian Birnie, the former Film Curator at LACMA, to join LIFF as the Program Director. Together, with other guest programmers and a screening committee, they curated a diverse showcase of anticipated and underdog films from around the world - with a focus on local artists and stories. Our audience ultimately drives the selections. 

FF: What role does budgeting and fundraising play in hosting a successful film festival, and what strategies have you found to be most effective in securing financial support?

CH: The effort to build a reserve of reliable funding is necessary to recruit and maintain the top talent. This type of event enterprise is a fully community endeavor. I have found that by aligning with the new and old pillars of the community from government, NGO’s, private and philanthropic sectors… a festival is one of the events that can unify everyone. The skill is in transferring that buzz of excitement into reliable funding support.  

FF: What role does technology play in the success of your festival, and how do you incorporate new technologies and platforms into your programming and marketing efforts?

A festival, by its nature, is the ultimate startup machine. Many moving parts must all assemble with flawless synchronicity to produce a successful multi-day event. Technology is essential. However, I have yet to find one perfect solution. 

FF: Finally, how do you see the future of film festivals evolving, and what innovations and trends do you think will shape the industry in the years to come?

CH: It’s exciting to see that festivals are popping up across the country and world. This is one of the oldest and still most innovative ways for people to connect across cultures and ideas. It will continue to be that way into the future. 

Join us and Chesley at La Lieff on June 16, 2023 to hear about the Movie About M.E journey and learn more about those living with ME/CFS. The event is free, but please RSVP at hello@movieaboutme.com.