I am writing this review in premise of 2024 and based off what I have seen or felt in the environment of the event itself when it comes to the heart of the community and the demographic of what types of people you can expect to see locally at this event.
This year, I was a bit more busy and in fact my motives of being in this DigiFest Temecula 2024 was not entirely to obtain anything of particular. My motive had been achieved by just having the laurel and if by theory you applied the same short film in distinctively various other film festivals and were accepted; then you would then apply those laurels onto the Short Film Cover in addition to that. My motive was more about giving it a laurel. But with this idea, you would then be able to let people know, "This short film has been premiered in these many festivals,"
In addition to this, one thing I have noticed about the Digifest Temecula 2024 event is that it might be at a first glance, I feel there is a small growth developing for DigiFest Temecula 2024 which was different from 2023 and 2018 that I have been to. The demographic that is usually showcased at DigiFest Temecula are usually linked to the General Education System, primarily High Schools, a small number of college students, and fiscally and rarely any graduates. There are at times various innovative film-makers from outside the city of Temecula that would apply and have their work shown off to the public eye; making it International to a degree. This is usually, the demographic that I typically see when I go to these events.
From observations, the community still lives, breaths, and tries to retain themselves to be involved with Digifest Temecula 2024 and as long as everyone is involved & collaborate with other film festivals they will prosper (My key suggestion is to connect with the other Film Festivals who would be willing to guide others to their event)
EDIT CORRECTION as I thought it was Voting system coliseum, but I was reinforced that isn't the case how this works. On the Process of prior after submitting. Based off how I understand it now. So was referred that their process of Selection is actually a selection. When you are selected, you are selected as a possible choice by a judge to be screened on the big screen by an outside source which then is linked to who will be deemed the honorable mentions separate from the people's choice (which isn't a Colosseum of who gets to be on the big screen). // The Voting system is separate from the Judging. Something I fear may be seen as a trigger for certain people if they do not realize that and may even misunderstand it to be a Battle Royale Voting system.
This means that it becomes more strictly chosen. In this case, it is best invested to be fortunate enough to be Selected and take the Laurel as a prize in its own shape and form. If chosen, they will then inform you via a secondary email. That's pretty much the process for those checking out how all of this works out when it comes to Film Submissions.** This was revised based after having a broader understanding, the missing piece.
I showed up on the 3rd Day however. Based off my assessment, I knew my submission would not be known or recognized by anyone in the area. So mentioning it was not relevant for me. I came mostly on the 3rd Day for a few things; to see who the winners are, to see what kind of food was being offered, to see if I could find anyone I could interact with who would accept my "Socially Awkwardness"; I will not dock down points because of my own presence and how people may perceive or think of me in any negative way; as I find it unfair to do so; as I knew that was the case and my mission literally was "To see the Award show, and eat your food," even if I came in early or late, I feel I wouldn't have interacted with people as thoroughly not because of them, but because of me. I recall bad memories of trying to converse with others at DigiFest 2018, but I felt brushed off negatively.
Originally, when I submitted when trying to talk to the other Film Submitters back in 2018, I wanted to be social and just to hear their development of their projects. But I just felt back in 2018, the presence did not like me so I left after the viewing was done. Keep in mind that the 2018 Demographic had diverged away from the DigiFest Temecula community age demographic and had become a different community group in Temecula based off the historical evolution of how community groups change and alter.
But as the years had passed, I feel the energy and feel of the place has changed for the people of the community. People seem to be social with one another being that they are from the same community or have known them because they are linked, networked, and connected with the community as a whole. Three important aspects I see from this is legacy, community, and growth. The DigiFest Temecula 2024 event is solely designed to hold the heart of the community and then can grow through the help of others who wish to see them prosper. I could feel and sense this energy, it was there. People do network, people do connect, people actually associate themselves with others at this event based off "small" observations.
Even the words spoken by the founders of the event and based off understanding their background for over the years had proven to me that their intentions are good and can be misunderstood if you don't see the whole picture. Just from the Award Ceremony, the words spoken by one of the founders of DigiFest Temecula 2024, had struck a note in me. They said something I believe in, and just based off what they said, I believe them. This then comes to the legacy, in order to expand DigiFest Temecula 2024, the other sub-communities in their region must join hands together, regardless of their past relationships; to rekindle them to build a legacy where the future of Artists, Film-Makers, Entrepreneurs, and even other institutions that support them can bring people together through a form of alliance.
So if I was to give you my opinion would I recommend this place to anyone else?
Answer#1: Yes. I would let my nephew(s) & niece(s) if they are interested in this type of stuff to submit their work here. It could even encourage them to expand their hobbies; as the youth should gain experience early and understand the world at earlier stages.
Now when it comes to a demographic between 18 to 35, for the Laurel yes; but should submit to as many film festivals as possible. For older demographics, just for the fun of it and learning something new, it holds a grain of value.
Answer#2: However, if you are emotionally attuned. Then this place isn't for you. It is not highly recommended to go to this sort of Film Festival if you are emotionally sensitive.
Answer#3/CORRECTED: In a Financial Stand-point, treat your Short Film(s) as an investment token. If it is selected then it is selected and you can have your laurel on there and move on; when you do get selected by the main judges, people will let you know directly via Email. So one consideration I will state, the convenience of going to more than one Film Festival is highly beneficial if you do succeed or not at this Digifest Temecula Film Event. As while this does not follow a traditional means of a Film Festival as it is international it is judged by a group of people who will approve what will be on the big screen; consider this the competitive edge that is involved. If you aren't gladiator/competitor then this isn't for you. But if you just want a laurel, just get the laurel there's many other Film Festivals you can submit to, and the more you submit to and get accepted the better it looks when you add those laurels on your Short Film Cover.
Now, I am grateful it was accepted because my main objective was to get a Laurel. I do not care too much if my work is seen. I am not relevant. But I listen to the people. I listen what people say about others. But remember, "All things exist for a reason, all life is beautiful and not born inequal,"
UPDATE: One thing I forgot. I was also at DigiFest 2017. A friend asked me to go and see one of the presentations. So essentially, I "Technically" was involved in DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3 of DigiFest Temecula just in different years; but I focused mostly on DAY 2.
