Temecula Valley, California is known for several things, not just the recreational usage of Temecula Creek. Another popular activity in the area is the Temecula Valley International Film Festival, which of course has been held right in Temecula Valley since 1995.
History
In 1995, the very first film festival was conducted in September. The event was a success, and has continued to be held in September every year, until 2011. During the first annual Temecula Valley Film Festival, there were 600 attendees. This increased over the years, reaching over 20,000 in 2008.
Since launch, the festival has screened over 1,000 films during the event. These films represent all types of film-work in more than 20 different countries around the world.
The Temecula Valley Film Festival was relaunched in 2014.
The Cancellation
In 2011, the Temecula Valley Film Festival unfortunately encountered some difficulties and had to cancel the event. The cancellation was decided after the revenue losses were determined to have made the event untenable by Cinema Entertainment Alliance, the nonprofit event producer.
The festival had been canceled for restructuring until further notice.
The Relaunch
The Temecula Valley Film Festival restructuring took a while, and the event was not held during 2012 and 2013. However, in 2014 the event was relaunched, finally.
With the relaunch, the event name was switched up, re-branding it as the Temecula Valley Int’l Film & Music Festival.
Now, the festival is to both United States and Foreign films that span five categories. Film makers must submit applications by the specified deadlines, and submit their film on DVD. Typically, the deadline is the preceding June.
There are many categories for music as well.
Categories
The five film categories include: Shorts, Full-Length features, Student Films, Animation and Documentaries.
The music categories include: Pop, Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, Country, Latin, and Folk.
Events and Programs
Once festivities are open, there is a reception held for the artists. After the reception, there are awards events and workshops, while the event is concluded with rides in hot air balloons and a closing party presenting the best of the screening presentations, and music.
In 2014’s relaunch, the music festival was extended by Jon Michel Greenwood, Executive Director of Music, being conducted by two evenings. The second evening had been headlined by Hang Dynasty, a supergroup that was led by former Pink Floyd, Supertramp and Toto guitarist and saxophonist Scott Page.
In addition, Alan Parsons, a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, audio engineer, producer, and musician was part of the Hang Dynasty, playing popular hits including “Don’t Answer Me” and “Eye in the Sky”.
Other Honorees and Guests have included:
Dionne Warwick, John Badham, Jean Firstenberg (AFI), Ray Charles, Etta James, and many others.