These days it's tough to see an independent film that does not revolve around some sort of cynicism (Juno), nihilism (No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood), or some other dark subject matter. In spite of this, Kristen Ridgeway created the 1st annual Feel Good Film Festival which took place August 22-24th at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. IFD was there to mark the event, meet the filmmakers, and promote the IndieFlix film contest that was announced after the premiere film. (PHOTO at left: Odessa director Amy Lyndon and IFD's Chandler Maness)

IndieFlix, a constant friend to the DIY filmmaker sponsored "indie-fest" a contest between four films (The Big-Shot Caller, Courthouse Girls of Farmland, Defying Gravity, and Speedy Delivery) the winner of which receives a 1-year distribution deal through IndieFlix, $1,000 cash, and a closing night festival screening. For its first year in existence, the festival was well attended and seamlessly organized. The stars, filmmakers, and guests arrived to walk down the yellow carpet (to represent sunshine) and were treated to free drinks from Hansen's and Fortune Vodka. There was a live band, and everyone seemed excited about the event and the networking opportunities in the beautiful courtyard of the historic Egyptian Theatre.

 Opening Night party of Feel Good Film Festival, courtyard of Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles

After a few hours of hobnobbing and free drinks, the guests were ushered into the grand Lloyd E. Rigler auditorium for the opening night screening of the film The Rainbow Tribe. It stars David James Elliot (of JAG fame) as a cancer patient who spends the summer as a camp counselor to gain perspective into his life. The film is geared towards younger audiences, but delightful performances from its young cast made the movie fun for all to watch. After the premiere, attendees were treated to both a director/cast Q & A session as well as the IndieFlix announcement. Speedy Delivery, directed by Paul Germain won the prize package and closed the festival on Sunday evening to grand applause. The opening evening was hosted by Rainn Wilson (The Office, The Rocker, Juno) and he was hilarious as expected. IFD was glad to be a part of the 1st annual Feel Good Film Festival, and as we looked around at the end of opening night, everyone left feeling just that…good.

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