Meet:
Nevette Previd, founder and manager, Previd Consulting and co-director, with Richard Paradise, of the annual Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival, showcasing the best feature and short films from around the globe.This year,  Previd and  Paradise have selected over thirty feature, short, and documentary films for the 2008 Festival scheduled for September 11-14. Of the Festival itself Previd observes: "The concept of the MVIFF is simple: Great global films,  world music and spectacular events, all on a beautiful island.”

Explain how you came to be involved with the MV International Film.
Three years ago I started splitting my time between NYC and MV. I run my own company, Previd Consulting, specializing in feature and documentary film marketing - so I thought that I would volunteer for both film festivals on the Island to meet
people and get the lay of the land. When Richard Paradise offered me the festival co-director, position I figured, why not? I love to run things...three years later we have doubled our attendance and number of events creating a 'must do' fall festival event for film and culture enthusiasts.

What is your role in the planning of the Festival?
We both wear every hat necessary to put on the Festival -from creating new programs like REEL FOOD MV to choosing the films, securing sponsorships, grants, filmmakers, local talent, conjuring up volunteers, PR, marketing, web, meeting with the selectman, TBA, the Chamber etc etc. At Festival time I manage the parties, volunteers and filmmakers and Richard deals with all the aspects of showing the films. As we are an all- volunteer festival (including Richard and I) nothing would be possible without the help of the amazing people who donate their time and great energy - Mary Spencer our incredible volunteer coordinator, John Guadagno our operations manager and,new this year  Carrie-Lynn Whitney who is coordinating all of the talent.
And, of course our 40 plus volunteers who work tirelessly the whole Festival weekend (with a special call out to the Previd and Guadagno clans who have been there from the very beginning!)

The Festival has been described as "laid-back."  Can you explain and tell us what to expect.
Martha's Vineyard is a special place. For those who have been here - you know what I mean. We both feel that the MVI Film Festival is first and foremost an event for locals - bringing to their doorstep 30 of the best
international films of each year, new world music and rocking events.  We aim to make those who visit us for the Film Festival feel like they live here - getting them into the casual but charged spirit of the Festival weekend - making sure there is something for everyone. We feel it's really important for people to explore the Island and all that it has to offer. So, we start the movies in the afternoon to allow  time for everything - having an island adventure, seeing great films, eating sumptuous food, hearing some new tunes and socializing with the amazing people who call MV their home.

 What excites you most about the 2008 program?
Where do I start! I love our films this year...some of my favorites are "The Betrayal" by director Ellen Kuras, the  "National Geographic All Road Film Project" films focusing on indigenous filmmakers, "The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio" and  "Flow, for Love of Water,"our opening night film.

 What are your long term goals for the Festival?
I would like to be able to be able to hire people year round to fill key positions - helping us with the crazy list of things we need to do to get this Festival off the ground.  In addition, I would like to see us doubling in size in the next two years, adding additional screening venues, adding more panel discussions and bringing in even more filmmakers. Of course - securing one major sponsor would give us all a piece of mind!