I waited some time before writing this review beca...
I waited some time before writing this review because I wanted to reflect on the experience and ensure my feedback was fair and not written in the moment. I attended the Dunedin Film Festival with high expectations, but unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing. The sound quality during screenings were poor, which significantly detracted from the films and made it difficult to fully appreciate the work being presented. Additionally, the outdoor venue proved to be quite distracting. Traffic noise from passing cars and loud activity from the adjacent brewery, including children playing and screaming, created an environment that was not conducive to watching quality films. A film festival setting should enhance the viewing experience, not compete with it. I was also concerned by the apparent lack of professionalism during the gala awards show. The hostesses appeared visibly intoxicated, as did one of the individuals conducting a question-and-answer session. This detracted from what should have been a celebratory and polished event honoring filmmakers. While I appreciate the effort that goes into organizing a festival, the execution in this case, fell short. Based on this experience, I would not recommend attending unless significant improvements are made.
