Mountain Madness Film Festival

DTOM is highlighted in the Secret City

2010-10-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

Duane Langley, Festival Director of the Mountain Madness Film Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee highlights Don't Tread On Me: Rise Of The Republic and talks about the importance of attending film festivals and encourages participating in post-screening discussions.

Watch the video here:

For more information about the Mountain Madness Film Festival, visit: www.MMFilmFestival.com

For more information about the Secret City Film Festival, visit: www.SecretCityFilmFest.com

For more information about the US Constitution, visit: www.USConstitution.net

For more information about Don't Tread On Me, visit: www.DontTreadOnMeMovie.com

Duane Langley talks about the future of Mountain Madness Film Festival

2010-10-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

Duane Langley, Festival Director of the Mountain Madness Film Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee sat down with The Reality Report's Gary Franchi, to discuss life in Gatlinburg & the Great Smoky Mountains, Don't Tread On Me: Rise Of The Republic and the future of Mountain Madness Film Festival. Langley also spoke about the importance of documentary filmmakers not comprising their film's message in order to "get accepted" into a film festival.

Watch the interview here:

For more information about the Mountain Madness Film Festival, visit: www.MMFilmFestival.com

For more information about The Reality Report, visit: www.RealityReport.tv

For more information about Don't Tread On Me, visit: www.DontTreadOnMeMovie.com

New Website

2010-10-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

The new website for Mountain Madness Film Festival will debut on March
1st. Interactive & Exciting, it will bring the MMFF right into your
home (or wherever you visit from.) As always, go to
www.MMFilmFestival.com for all the latest news on MMFF & film
festivals in general.

The Mad Hatter visits the Secret City

2010-10-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

Sunday the 17th @ the Secret City Film Festival

The 2010 Secret City Film Festival is returning for its 7th year in Oak Ridge, bringing with it several established and aspiring filmmakers in the independent film industry. The festival, which will be held at the Oak Ridge Playhouse from October 14-17, is designed to encourage, educate, and inspire independent filmmakers, and to provide established and aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work.

I really enjoyed The Whisper Home

2010-10-17T21:35:00.001-07:00

THE WHISPER HOME

Directed by Jamie Valez-Soto / 90 mins. / Feature / Florida

Stephen Patterson, a school teacher and family man, is offered an exciting opportunity to run for public office. However, his exhilaration quickly vanishes when his younger brother Dave returns home after a long bout with drug addiction. Stephen deeply resents Dave for the damage brought to the family in recent years. He is also disappointed in his parents for welcoming Dave home so generously. Now Stephen has to learn to overcome the bitterness and jealousy, which created a severe rift within the family. Their journey shares the underlying power of forgiveness and God’s unconditional love for His children.

Check Yourself, Before You...

2010-10-17T21:29:00.001-07:00

RHYME SLAYA

Directed by Elizabeth Gibson and Kristina Parks / 4 mins. / Short / Tennessee

This musical odyssey was the Winner of BEST FILM at the 2010 Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival.

More than a whisper...

2010-10-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

The Whisper Home deserves a cheer, not a whisper. Wonderfully paced,
with solid acting, The Whisper Home had the entire audience "choked
up" at the Secret City Film Festival.

4 pictures - 4 sure

2010-10-17T11:04:00.001-07:00

LUCKY...

2010-10-17T10:42:00.001-07:00

...to have seen Lucky Rock!

DbC always funny

2010-10-17T10:34:00.001-07:00

DTOM in the Secret City

2010-10-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

Just watched DTOM and Sudden Death...so good

Next Stop - the Secret City Film Festival in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

2010-10-17T07:26:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Secret City Film Festival has returned for its 7th year in Oak Ridge, bringing with it several established and aspiring filmmakers in the independent film industry. Duane Langley, Festival Director of MMFF, will be showing his support for the last day of the Secret City Film Festival.

"It is important to attend and support as many Film Festivals as possible," says Langley. "I always try to attend as many screenings as my schedule will allow. Last week was my own Festival (Gatlinburg), this week Secret City Film Festival (Oak Ridge) and next week is Indie Memphis (Memphis.) Langley admits, "Lots of driving - LOTS! On average, I will spend more time traveling to each Festival, than I will actually watching films."

The schedule of the screenings that Duane Langley will be attending today at Secret City Film Festival is:

11:00 am – 12:40 pm FILM BLOCK 7

DON’T TREAD ON ME

Directed by William Lewis / 94 mins. / Documentary / Missouri

From the Tea Party movement to State Legislators, the American people are drawing a line in the sand. On what side of it will you stand? Has the government our Founders created been forgotten by Washington DC? Is a Patriot Uprising ready to capture the spirit of 1776? DON’T TREAD ON ME gives the viewer a look into the movements, mind set and legislation that will catapult the “Great Restoration” into households across America.

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm FILM BLOCK 8

LUCKY ROCK

Directed by Daniel Munson / 7 mins. / Short / Tennessee

Two buddies fishing at the lake get the surprise of a lifetime when a beautiful female emerges from the water as the result of a dared wish for a companion. The jealous second fisherman attempts to do the same but with less than favorable results.

4 PICTURES

Directed by Mike Madigan / 15 mins. / Short / Michigan

4 PICTURES is a personal narrative comedy that focuses on Kaitlin, living and documenting a simple day to day routine via a mall photo booth and mini camera. An unexpected revelation about her boyfriend Aaron and her roommate Sara causes her to rethink everything she knows about what her life has become. With her best friend Stacey offering advice, Kaitlin tries to face up to what she fears most, change in any form.

DEATH BY COMMITTEE

Directed by Mitch Moore / 4 mins. / Short / Tennessee

Wall Street and Main Street prove that they have more in common than meets the eye in this comedic tweaking of corporate culture. Winner of JUDGE’S AWARD at the 2010 Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival.

RHYME SLAYA

Directed by Elizabeth Gibson and Kristina Parks / 4 mins. / Short / Tennessee

This musical odyssey was the Winner of BEST FILM at the 2010 Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival.

SUDDEN DEATH

Directed by Adam Hall / 20 mins. / Musical Short / California

Los Angeles has been overtaken by a virus known as Sudden Death Syndrome, a disease that causes its victim to die suddenly and has only one symptom... spontaneously breaking into well-choreographed song and dance.

THE WHISPER HOME

Directed by Jamie Valez-Soto / 90 mins. / Feature / Florida

Is it worth it? "Absolutely." Langley smiles "The unique opportunity to meet new people, share in their stories, and see their work on the big (or bigger anyway) screen makes it all worthwhile."

HD Road Spots

2010-10-16T23:55:00.001-07:00

Road footage may be Flip or bust today. Need to catch 3 before drive.
Come out to Oak Ridge for 11am screening of DTOM. I am looking to
interview as many filmmakers as possible.

Ladies & Gentlemen - The Mad Hatter has Left the Building...

2010-10-15T20:41:00.001-07:00

It doesn't get much better than, Hellbender Grill in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg - where we hosted The 10/10/10 Party (the Closing Party for the Mountain Madness Film Festival.)

So relaxing and wonderful - Thank You to ALL of those people who supported the first ever Mountain Madness Film Festival. Next stop, the Mountain Madness Film Festival 2011!

Duane Langley: Mountain Madness Film Festival

2010-10-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Mountain Madness Film Festival

2010-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

- New film competition comes to East Tennessee: FILManthropy benefits charities

2010-09-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

via theknoxvillejournal.tumblr.com

Next Saturday...

2010-09-15T21:15:00.001-07:00

Mad-Hatter-Day Saturday is September 25th, the Deadline for submitting films. The exciting screening schedule will be announced then. In the meantime, don't forget to check out the Website. Also, get ready for the Special Events for the Festival. Finally, if you can't attend this year, please Donate Online to any or all of our wonderful Charities...Toys for Tots, Heavenly Hats Foundation, Second Harvest Food Banks of New Orleans and East Tennessee.

DVDs Now Accepted...

2010-09-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Mountain Madness Film Festival will now be projecting DVDs. Up until now, DVDs were not being accepted. This will make things easier for you to get your films shown at the Festival.

Film Festivals provide such a wonderfully varied cross-section of the population that I can think of no better event to sponsor, exhibit at, advertise at or attend. The MMFF in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a perfect opportunity for businesses and individuals alike, to reach the the people that matter to them most – their target audience. One of the many aspects of the MMFF that makes it such a unique opportunity is not only its amazing location (the Great Smoky Mountains), or the time of year (October is Gatlinburg busiest month of the year), but, the fact that not one, but, two other events are happening during that time (during the day, while MMFF is at night) that bring an extraordinary amount of people to the immediate area.

Beginning in September, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival season finds the folks of Gatlinburg decorating and celebrating the beginning of fall with a variety of events and festivals in Tennessee. From October 7 through 23, 2010, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is recognized as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern U.S. by theSoutheast Tourism Society.

Check out our website at www.MMFilmFestival.com

O Media Attention, Where Art Thou?

2010-09-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

On the eve of a much anticipated meeting with the wonderful people at Toys for Tots, George Clooney accepted the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at Sunday's Emmys for having made a life-changing impact upon society. He is the fourth person to be recognized with the honor. What he said seemed so relevant to the Festival and so important, that I have to share it.

The speech began with stories of fond memories with Bob Hope, his wife Dolores, and Clooney's aunt, Rosemary. George also spoke of Hope doing his charitable work even longer than most remember. He ended his acceptance with a poignant call to action to keep the attention on the humanitarian crises that fade from the spotlight too soon.

It's important to remember how much good can get done, because we live in such strange times where bad behavior sucks up all the attention and press. And the people who really need the spotlight: the Haitians, the Sudanese, people in the Gulf Coast.. Pakistan, they can't get any.

I thought maybe there was a way to combine the two. I have offered to go to the south Sudan and have a wardrobe malfunction, but it was pointed out to me that I'm 49 and the consensus was that it would just be upsetting and kind of sad.

When the disaster happens, everybody wants to help, everybody in this room wants to help, everybody at home wants to help. The hard part is seven months later, five years later, when we're on to a new story. Honestly, we fail at that, most of the time. That's the facts.

I fail at that.

So here's hoping that some very bright person right here in the room or at home watching can help find a way to keep the spotlight burning on these heartbreaking situations that continue to be heartbreaking long after the cameras go away. That would be an impressive accomplishment. Thank you.

Well, George, we're working hard on that...I'm working hard on that!

Mountain Madness Film Festival is a perfect example of FILManthropy. The movie ticket price will be "pay what you can." ALL proceeds will be spread amongst FOUR charities - Toys for Tots, Heavenly Hats and the Second Harvest Food Banks of New Orleans & East Tennessee.

The Festival will be screening films on Friday, October 8th & Saturday, October 9th at the W.L. Mills Conference Center, located at 234 Historic Nature Trail. Mountain Madness Film Festival will also be hosting Opening & Closing ceremonies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Thursday, October 7th & Sunday, October 10th respectively.

More information about Donating, Submitting, Volunteering, Sponsoring or Attending.

Knockin' on Heaven's Door...

2010-08-12T20:36:00.001-07:00

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi. Only North Carolina's Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher. Usually "the place" for views, this day showed us all why they are called the Smoky Mountains. Just one more beautiful aspect of the locale for the Mountain Madness Film Festival. That's right, I'll climb every inch of these mountains if that's what it takes.

What a Great Response...

2010-08-11T21:22:00.001-07:00

What a difference a day makes, and What a difference No Entry Fees makes! Since announcing the removal of Entry Fees, I am so happy to receive some truly heartwarming emails from individuals who are now able to Submit. The whole point of working so closely with large and small companies is to provide savings and amenities to filmmakers and attendees of the Mountain Madness Film Festival. It is wonderful to see that it is already achieving its desired effect. Keep those films coming...and those emails too!

Put the Fun in Fundraising - Parties With A Purpose (PWAP)

2010-08-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

Parties With A Purpose (PWAP) is a program organized by MMFF Festival Director, Duane Langley, which raises money and product donations for different charities at the Mountain Madness Film Festival Parties and Special Events.

PWAP will form a powerful partnership between companies (both large and small) and YOU, the people attending the Mountain Madness Film Festival Parties in order to bring as much help to as many people as possible.

The best charities to give to are the ones that make you feel good about what you are doing. There is no right or wrong answer here, but, we have

chosen several charities that we believe are important to everyone, especially all of those supporting or attending Mountain Madness Film Festival 2010. Below are the charities, the wonderful families and individuals in need, that we will be supporting with PWAP.

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supported Toys for Tots since 1991. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Second Harvest of East Tennessee serves 18 counties in East Tennessee, delivering food as far west as Crossville and as far East as Gatlinburg. Second Harvest distributes food to roughly 155,000 hungry people every month through a network of Partner Agencies throughout East Tennessee. Agencies are non-profit organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry and include church pantries, shelters, group homes, local kitchens, after-school program sites, rehabilitation centers and many others.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana is leading the fight against hunger in south Louisiana through food distribution, education, advocacy and disaster response. Second Harvest provides food to nearly 240 nonprofit and faith-based agencies throughout its 23-parish service territory – from the Mississippi border to the Texas state line.

It's Official...NO ENTRY FEES

2010-08-09T22:10:00.001-07:00

Well, it has happened. Thanks to some generous sponsorship, we will be removing the Entry Fees for this year's Mountain Madness Film Festival. Of course, all of those filmmakers who have submitted thus far, your entry fee(s) will be returned immediately. I cannot put into words how excited this makes me. It is late and I have a lot of updating/changing to do. Entry Form is still necessary!!! Entry Fee is NOT!!! So happy for all of us! Use that Entry Fee money for things that you need for your film or life. If accepted, now you'll have some extra cash for the Smoky Mountains! Once again, I will update all of the listings, sites, etc...ASAP. I just needed to tell you all! KEEP THOSE FILMS COMING!

Amazing Feedback, Amazing Results...I'm Amazed!

2010-08-09T21:03:00.001-07:00

Thank You for all the emails coming in about the festival. I am about to have a late night conversation that may change the festival...FOR THE BETTER! Stay tuned...

Find out more about this wonderful Festival...

2010-08-07T15:02:00.001-07:00

MISSION STATEMENT

Mountain Madness Film Festival is a celebration of the people, products and passions involved in the art of motion pictures. MMFF will provide the community with a cultural institution that inspires, educates and entertains through screenings and events. MMFF will also provide the makers of films, and the makers of film products, with a unique and powerful opportunity to enjoy together, the fruits of their labors - films.

GATLINBURG, TN & GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Gatlinburg embodies the values and traditions of small-town goodness. During a visit, experience Mother Nature’s majesty as Gatlinburg is surrounded on three sides by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In this outdoor lover’s paradise, challenge your skills on the hiking trails, embark on a fly fishing adventure and then simply relax in a quaint mountain chalet, tucked away from the rest of the world. Explore homegrown arts and culture, dine on traditional southern cuisine, find shopping treasures and enjoy spectacular events. Gatlinburg invites you to come see for yourself how simple it is to “Reach Higher Ground.”

Read this wonderful press release: Southern Values and Homegrown Culture: History of Gatlinburg

PERFECT pre-SHOWEAST DESTINATION

MMFF will present the best in independent features, shorts, documentaries and trailers from veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers from around the globe. With ShowEast running October 11-14 in Orlando, FL (less than 700 miles away) - Mountain Madness Film Festival October 7-10 is a perfect pre-ShowEast Destination for filmmakers, press, buyers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.

SOCIAL ISSUE DOCUMENTARIES

Mountain Madness Film Festival is very enthusiastic about its dedication to feature and short length documentaries that speak to such issues as social justice, public education, native tribes, government policy, grassroots advocacy, media literacy, civic pride and engagement, youth, sex, politics, substance abuse, violence, learning, love, and life in America. Particular attention will also be given to earth and nature conservation issues.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS

Whereas US film production has been stagnant, the number of films produced in other regions has been growing steadily. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is home to many foreign born residents from Honduras, India, Argentina, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines and Russia. This October at Mountain Madness Film Festival, there will be a wonderful selection of some of the best independent Foreign Language films on the planet.

NATIVE AMERICAN FILMS

Celebrate the creative energy of Native American directors, producers, writers, actors, musicians, and cultural activists, and all who support their endeavors. Be part of the reason that MMFF becomes one of the nation’s most highly regarded festivals of its kind. Showcasing the best in films by, about, and starring Native Americans and other North American Indigenous peoples, the Mountain Madness Film Festival will include feature films, documentaries, and short films.

TEASER & TRAILER SCREENINGS

MMFF will be showcasing Teasers & Trailers for Books, Films and Comic Books from around the globe. A movie trailer or preview is an advertisement for a feature or short film that will be exhibited in the future. Teasers, unlike typical theatrical trailers, are usually very short in length (between 30–60 seconds) and usually contain little, if any, actual footage from the film. A book trailer is a video advertisement for a book which employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers.

SCHOLARSHIPS / GRANTS

A commonly held belief is that college scholarships and artists' grants are only available to the most active, most brilliant, and most talented of individuals, and that there are no scholarship opportunities for average students or artists. But not every scholarship award is tailored specifically to the valedictorian basketball star future beauty queen lawyers among us. Mountain Madness Film Festival is offering several grant and scholarship opportunities for students and non-students of all walks of life with all sorts of skill sets.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS / SPECIAL EVENTS

MMFF will host a series of extremely entertaining and informative panel discussions and special events. Check back often to both pages, as they will be constantly updated leading up to the festival.

10-10-10 AWARDS

Mountain Madness Film Festival will have an awards ceremony on October 10th, 2010 (10-10-10) in order to present Awards for outstanding individual or collective efforts in nearly 30 categories. Mountain Madness Film Festival staff, volunteers and audiences select winners from as many as five nominees in each category, which are determined by members of the MMFF selection committee. Awards will include cash and prizes.

Filmmaking Techniques

2010-08-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Trumbo Movie Trailer 2008

2010-08-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Don't Tread On Me - Rise Of The Republic Part-1 of 11

2010-07-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Tales from the Script: Advice for New Screenwriters

2010-07-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Quentin Tarantino on The Power of Cinema

2010-07-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Across the Universe - Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

2010-07-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Gatlinburg, TN

2010-07-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mountain Greenery

2010-06-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Mountain Madness Film Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - october spot

2010-06-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mountain Madness Film Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - definition spot

2010-06-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Mountain Madness Film Festival - butterfly spot

2010-06-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Raitt & Norah Jones~Tennessee Waltz

2010-06-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

2010-06-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hike to Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains

2010-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00