USA tour wrap up - NYC!

The theme Focus on Ability has resonated with filmmakers all over the world, not least of all in the United States, where 2018 saw us screening ten films at four events in New York City and Los Angeles.

Over 450 people attended these events throughout October. The guest list included actors, directors, models and celebrities, many of the filmmakers and, of course, interested members of the public and local media. With nearly an hour of quality films, short speeches, and great canapes and drinks, each event was a resounding success.

Event locations could not have been more different, which reflects the flexibility of the festival and where the passion lies for the focus-on-ability theme ... that is: everywhere!

In NYC we hosted premieres at Independent Care Systems (ICS) in Brooklyn, a media event at the prestigious Warner Bros screening room and the Microsoft Flagship Store on Fifth Avenue. Many people from ICS entered films into the 2018 festival and were thrilled to see their efforts on the big screen shown to a large and appreciative crowd!

According to FOA ambassador, Paula Duncan, 'The most humbling experience was visiting ICS and hearing the stories behind the making of these films. It was truly wonderful and inspiring meeting them in person.' Then it was off to Microsoft, where their community development specialist, Erol Bal, gave the FOA team a personal tour of the flagship store before screening some of the best films the festival has to offer.

This is what Erol had to say about FOA18: 'It was an absolute pleasure working with all of you and cannot wait to see what 2019 brings for FOA. These videos are truly inspiring and your organisation truly lives to our mission statement. We hope to make an impact together for years to come to help every individual achieve!'

But what about our FOA18 screening on the west coast? You'll have to wait for the next blog.