Film, to me, has always been something more than just pictures on a television screen. I have always had an emotional connection (borderline obsession) with movies. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been the nerd who researched the movie before seeing it, read all about it on numerous film blogs, and immediately bought the most expensive DVD just to watch the special features. Film commentaries, behind the scenes, and the blooper reel have always been prominent in my life. It might sound silly, but it has always been a passion of mine.

While promoting the Skyline Indie Film Festival, I wanted to ask people one simple question, “Why do you love film?” The answers I received were pretty incredible.

“Movies allow you to escape into another person’s life and experience situations you wouldn’t normally experience.” –Thomas, Winchester

“As someone who routinely goes on Lord of the Rings (extended editions) binges, I think it’s fair to say that I love movies. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why I love film. One big factor that is underrated and often trivialized is escapism. Sometimes a movie comes along that creates such a realistic world that I just want to escape into it over and over. Epic settings and great characters to fill them are a key factor for me, and contribute to the escapism (ex. The Shire in Lord of the Rings, Gotham City in the Dark Knight trilogy, or the dream world in Inception).” –Matt, Gainesville

“Film by its nature is communicative. It is a storytelling medium that has this unique blend of narrative and technological elements. It is at its strongest when it captures the smallest moments of our humanity, in my humble view. Sure it can be bombastic and loud and there’s a place for that too because at the end of the day, we filmmakers are all storytellers out here saying ‘this is my take’ on something. From my experience though, it is in the quiet moments where film strikes best; in the nuances of a single shot. Indie films are really community building exercises. Telling stories in this medium is a collaborative enterprise and usually the ones made on the cheap are more honest and spiritually rewarding experience both to produce and view. “ –Joey, Baton Rouge

“There is nowhere better to lose yourself than in film. You can be a character in any country in any time period. For two hours you can forget who you are and be who you dream.” –Alex, Baltimore

“I watch films for the subtle moments that, though often fleeting, offer the most telling glimpses into the human condition.” –Jake, Winchester

Now, it’s my turn. If I really think about it, the reason I love film isn’t tangible, it’s the way it makes me feel. Its like when you read a great book, you enter a world that is separate from where you are, but you relate to the characters and get lost in the pages. It makes you happy or sad. It makes you laugh and also cry. Movies do that, but more directly. A good film resonates with you and doesn’t leave your system right away. I’ve always said, “I know I’ve seen a good movie when I’m still talking about it the next week.” Some of the greatest films I’ve seen have never left my heart and soul, and I hope they never do.

So if you love film and care about it as deeply as we do, come out and support independent filmmakers at the Skyline Indie Film Festival September 13-15!