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| Bootleg taking on Toronto |
Hello world!
It makes me incredibly proud to say that; world.
But that's where we are today. Bootleg started as a tiny spark inside one man's enormous imagination and has continued to grow and amaze with what it can achieve.
My name is Gavin Ellis and I am lucky enough to be involved with Bootleg and to share similar ideologies as Bootleg curator Tom Wilton.
I can, I will, I did.
As an independent film maker, Tom's had his own struggles with the film industry and simply trying to get his film screened.This led to his eureka moment. No one else would screen his film without demanding some cut or piece of the pie. The 'Man' refused to take a chance or put any faith into something he couldn't understand. He damn well wanted his 10%. (what is 10% of nothing?)
I can: Tom hired a basement, a projector and collected together some like minded people to watch some independent films. On a cold floor in a Scottish basement with the standard non existent budget, Bootleg was born. And look how she has grown.
I will: From the initial festival in Glasgow, Scotland. Bootleg has travelled to 3 different countries over the next 3 years stopping off in Wales, England & Canada before returning to its roots in Edinburgh for its 5th birthday. Each time the festival has grown and evolved as organically as possible. Each festival took the highlights of and the inertia from the last and expanded its own uniqueness. Making it pertinent to the location and its surroundings. No two festivals are the same, except for the love, passion, energy, effort and ultimately the pride shared by all involved.
I did: Bootleg has roots, it has a following. it has drive and a committed global crew and it is growing. Its not just about watching the best low & no budget films from around the world. Its more about the community of Bootleg. Its about finding out that you are not alone. No matter how mad you think your idea might be, I guarantee you that you'll find empathy and someone who has been in a similar situation and overcome problems akin to your own. Bootleg delights in celebrating the film maker and all ego's are left at the door.
We also pride ourselves in knowing how to 'bring the party' but I'm not at liberty to discuss those. You have to be there.
We celebrate in individualism. We are a collective made up from actors, writers, directors, editors, photographers, comedians, poets, producers and others. We have had many lengthy debates over several time zones about which films are selected. We cannot guarantee your film will be selected, or that if it is then it will get distribution, but we can guarantee that, if selected, your film will be shown to an ever growing audience from all corners of the globe to like minded people. You will have the chance to inspire, to be inspired and to witness inspiration on a virtually tangible level.
This time around, September 2013, Bootleg is taking on the might of New York City.
Bootleg will step up to this challenge, we'd love to see you there.
Gav x
