Michael Irby and Susan Matus rally for Topanga Film Institute and 2010 festival
Long-time Topanga Film Festival enthusiasts Michael Irby and Susan Matus met with festival co-founder Urs Baur today in support of the Topanga Film Institute to brainstorm ideas for an impending board of directors, board of advisers, creative alliances and angel-round funders.
Irby, an actor known for his depiction of the character Charles Grey in CBS’ “The Unit,” “Law Abiding Citizen” and Jon Avnet-directed “Pleading Guilty” was a juror at the 2009 iteration of the Topanga Film Festival.
Susan Matus, a writer/actor, who recently completed an anthology of short stories entitled “The Black Body,” said that she looks forward to the festival every year.
“That in times like these we all need a place to create our vision and the Topanga Film Institute brings that to life. It is a true vision for the future,” Matus said.
Irby and Matus said they look forward to an expanded involvement in the Topanga Film Festival — as well as its on-line film competition, Suitable for All Screens — and to participating on a year-round basis with the institute.
I encourge and stress the importance of anyone who sits on your leadership teams to truly support independent projects. These filmmakers need an outlet where they know their hard work, dedication and passion will be appreciated and honored.
Please shy away from studio backed projects and productions with big star names. These cannot really be called independent films. There is so much more talent waiting to be discovered outside of this gigantic box. Please, go find it and showcase it.
Thanks,
Becca from FL
(independent film enthusiast)