Tom Carruthers, CTFF Executive Director

Organizing a film festival can be a major challenge, but to pull it all together in less than 3 months is akin to giving birth.....exruciatingly painful but, in the end, worth it. The pain and the pleasure might best describe the drive and commitment of Tom Carruthers, the Executive Director  and Founder of the Connecticut Film Festival, as he oversees this year's expansive program of film premieres, special events, information seminars, music concerts and, of course, the parties and cocktail receptions that provide the social network glue for any film festival. Logging in 18 hour workdays and drawing on a reserve of indefatigable energy, Carruthers is most definitely a man on a mission. 

“We have been able to improve the festival in more ways than we ever imagined, even while feeling the financial crunch that’s hitting everyone’s pocketbooks,” Carruthers shared in a recent interview. "In 2010, we are placing a spotlight on innovation and creativity – forces in the film industry that have been supercharged by the recent tough economic times."

For this year's event, the CTFF is featuring more than 100 films in 13 competing categories, 80 performances by original, independent emerging musical artists, seven receptions and two industry networking events. In addition, the Festival is hosting more than 75 educational workshops, panels and keynotes on the creative, business, marketing and legal aspects of the film, music, digital and new media and screenwriting industries.

“For someone between jobs looking to get into the business to the most knowledgeable of professionals, you will find something to learn at the CTFF,” Carruthers pointed out.   Asked about mounting such an extensive event in the most difficult economic climate Connecticut has faced in almost 75 years, Carruthers was quick to give a nod to his hard-working staff, the team of volunteers and local sponsors who came to the rescue. “If it wasn’t for our dedicated volunteers, underpaid staff and trusted festival partners, none of this would be possible,” Carruthers concluded. Amen.......

To join the excitement and purchase tickets to all events between today and Sunday, May 9, visit: www.ctfilmfest.com 

Sandy Mandelberger, Film Connecticut Editor