Reviews
Lilton Stewart III - @liltonstewart3
“Dan is a genuine guy who has a passion for the film arts. It shows in his commitment to making the festival experience a pleasant one.”
Nahyr Gala Ruiz - @nahyrgalaruiz
“I usually don't submit to first-year running festivals, but I'm so glad I did! Dan has created a truly one-of-a-kind experience; encouraging, relationship-building, inspiring, and celebratory. We now have a local film festival where local and out-of-town filmmakers alike can experience each other's work as well as learn from each other's process. I can't wait for next year already!”
Christopher Schueler - christopherproductions.org
“What a beautiful place with wonderful people. The festival is a small but very involved group of people who have rallied the community to bring together film makers of all sorts. Really a great place to display your film and meet wonderful folks.”
Tony Marino - @tonymmarino
“Such a phenomenal film festival! This was my 1st official submission into a festival and I'm so glad I participated in this event. Dan organized an amazing program with all the fixings you'd expect from a larger festival. He really helped me connect with heavy hitters in the industry & fostered a sense of community among Orange County filmmaker. Will definitely be submitting again next year and in the many years to come!!!”
Priscilla Dean - purradiseranch.org
“Dan Parks did an outstanding job of creating, organizing and running his festival, using some truly innovative methods - and this was his first one! He is a marketing genius. I was extremely proud to be part of this event and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a film festival where the director adds that personal touch. Impressive!!!”
Logan Kishi - logankishi.com
“An amazing experience from submitting to the actual event! The people and community was amazing. Will be going again.”
Xander Montes
“Even in its first year, OTFF was a great festival to be a part of. There were so many opportunities to get to know other filmmakers and learn from one another. The films were good and the location was A+. I can't wait to see how the festival grows in the years to come.”
Alysha Nunez - @varyupon
“There are whispers of advice active filmmakers hear on occasion that say: instead of chasing the Big Five film festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Toronto, it's worth dividends to submit to your local film festival because the party is far more intimate, and you never know what powerful guest or filmmaking kindred spirits and talents may be around. “
“Those sentiments are absolutely what I have experienced a Old Towne Film Festival. It was an honor to be selected and invited to it's inaugural year, and there is no doubt that Dan Parks (festival director) will continue to make the event grow to higher heights for years to come. Old Towne Film Festival has definitely raised expectations for quality and integrity; don't underestimate small festivals!
It was a wonderful and educational opportunity to meet prolific workers and creators in different disciplines of this industry, and the Documentary Masterclass spearheaded by 21-Emmy-Award-Winning Chris Shueler was a valuable resource, as well as each film block's accompanying Q&A session.
The festival's hospitality is exactly the type of environment up and coming filmmakers would benefit from the most, where courage is granted to those that may need it right before they embark on their next creative journey. It was inspiring and uplifting to be around passionate workers and volunteers to help support the local filmmaking scene, and their efforts this year is greatly appreciated and just as celebrated as the bright talent they support.
Old Towne Film Festival is exactly the kind of passionate, loving, and hard-working festival the rumors speak of, and it would be remiss to not submit, especially if you are a City of Orange resident! It is well worth the small town adventure, and I'll definitely be a returning filmmaker so long as the festival is here to stay. If not as a submitting filmmaker, then as a festival attendee, simply because the people of Orange and all surrounding areas are just that fun and caring.
Thank you for the award of BEST ANIMATED PICTURE for my short, "SOW DON'T SING - This Old Winner." Thank you to Dan Parks, his family, his supporters, and the people of Orange for doing a fantastic and fun job at supporting the arts where it is easy to lose your way in the noise of the Southern California filmmaking scene. This is a festival that really, truly care about the talent that comes their way.
Best of luck to all filmmakers and submitters. Cheers to next year!”
Joesph J. Parisi - joejp.com
“Not enough great things can be said about this festival, the festival creator, the filmmakers and the city of Orange California. Thank you for the opportunity and for the award for best comedy!!!”
Nikolay Bogomilov - imdb.com
“Thank you very much for the high rating our film received. A wonderful festival, organized and conducted by professionals who understand and earnestly support the bold style and sincere feelings in cinema. It is a joy and an honor for me and my team to write our names in the history you are writing, as you're paving the way for original and independent cinema.”
Wayne Diu