Publishers Note ; Why It Matters
Film Fest Offers the Best of Both Worlds
As we complete our magazine ' s digital issue and head to print for spring 2021 , our timing is slightly askew . We are proud to share the stories and highlight the efforts of a group of local people who we think are deserving of much recognition . Of course , we are referring to the great people behind the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival ( PJIFF ). This festival offers the best of the south county and of the world at large by bringing films from across the globe to your screen or mobile device .
We had hoped to be able to shed light on this regional gem prior to their April 7 opening day . However , despite our best efforts , it turns out that our magazine hits the streets in the waning days of this year ' s virtual film festival . Taking a page out of the PJIFF 2020-2021 playbook , we will not be dismayed nor disheartened . Instead , we will follow their example and , when faced with " life " or " things " not going our way , we will not only make the best of it , we will rock it . With that , we present to you the amazing story and our coverage of the 2021 Poppy Jasper International Film Festival . For gmhTODAY , here ' s why it matters ...
First : The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival offers an opportunity for our entire region to come together to see great films by talented filmmakers from all over the world at one magical film festival . Over 180 independent films - all available to you online . No doubt there is something here for everyone . Film trailers for all films by category can be viewed here : pjiff . eventive . org / films
Next : The Festival organizers have provided three ticket tiers with distinct viewing options ;
• The all-access pass : All of PJIFF for one low price
• Day passes : access to special days at the festival ; Student , Local , China , Mexico , and Best of Fest Days
• Themed blocks : view films and other features based on genre and interests .
• Lots of free content also available .
And : The Festival will feature panel discussions including Industry Professionals , and Visual Effects panel discussions along with Filmmaker , Community Achievement Awards , Audience Awards , Icon Awards and more . The awards highlight several local individuals for their contributions to the arts , and others for their volunteer efforts .
Last : For us the most important thing the PJIFF 2021 offers is hope and encouragement on three levels .
1 . By virtue of this 2021 virtual event , PJIFF has taken the severe hit of the 2020 shutdown , a global pandemic and a world of uncertainty straight to the jaw and not been phased . Instead , they have not only rebounded , they have knocked out any doubt that they are here to stay , and here to play a major role — if not the lead role — in creating a south county region that is alive with art , film , culture , and relevance .
2 . Because the PJIFF is offering so much content online and covering so many genres and special presentations , there is truly something for everyone . Take this great opportunity and plan a family viewing night . Check out the awards presentations , the panel discussions , and get into film on a entirely new level . Be reminded and remind your kids ; anyone can create , and anyone can contribute to filmmaking . Let the PJIFF spark imaginations and curiosity . You or your child may be the next greatest filmmaker from south county !
3 . The people behind the PJIFF have always been local . Since it ' s inception in 2003 , locals have been the force behind the success and growth of the Fest . The current leadership is : Maria Cid , Katie Khera , Marilyn Pifer , Diane Scariot , Lori Foster , William Leaman , Kulvinder Arora , Poonam Chabra , Edward Lujan , Azucena Suzy Ochao , Shanshan Whittall , and Mattie Scariot . We would also like to recognize Nils Meyers for his hard work behind the scenes , along with all the volunteers who helped to bring us the 2021 Poppy Jasper International Film Festival . These are our neighbors and friends .
There is still plenty of festival to take in — through April 20 . Head over to pjiff . org and check out all they have to offer . Subscribe to their YouTube channel where films , presentations and panel discussions will be available for viewing . The link is on their website at : pjiff . org
Finally , be encouraged . The success of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is to be shared by all . It is a story of innovation , perserverance , creativity under pressure , and above all else , success .
Bravo to all who helped make it happen .
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SPRING 2021 gmhtoday . com