Complaint Review: WorldFest Houston International Film Festival

I recently entered a project into this festival, and when i questioned why it wasn't accepted into the festival, i was told they have a firm "premiere" rule, and did not accept my project LAUGHING BOY because we had already screened the movie for the cast and crew (and family and friends) in Houston, and they only accept Houston premieres. I then requested a refund of my $90 entry fee (which is outrageous in itself), then conveniently the rule changed to "flexible," and then went on to blast the quality of my production, calling me egocentric, and ultimately a liar. I understand that submitting to a festival does not guarantee acceptance; my complaint is that he lied about the rules, changing them conveniently to avoid having to pay a refund. I submitted three or four written requests for the refund of my entry fee, and was denied. The Chairman, J. Hunter Todd, rudely wrote me "get a life." I have since learned that this festival is not thought very well of, even from filmmakers that won awards at WorldFest. LAUGHING BOY has gone on to win some awards and also has received some very good reviews. Visit our website at www.grisaffi.com/laughingboy.html

below is part of a letter i sent to J. Hunter Todd, listing his inconsistencies, which could be considered LIES. Please read the list and judge for yourself. I can be contacted at joe3@grisaffi.com -- thanks!! Joe G./Houston TX

Here is a list of inconsistencies contained in your correspondence with myself and Laughing Boy's supporters:

- In an e-mail dated March 23, you write "...we have a
firm 'premiere' rule about the film having its first and only
presentation at WorldFest..."

- In an e-mail to one of the movie's supporters, dated march 23,
you claim "Sadly, It has already been shown in Houston...and we
only accept Houston Premieres."

- In an e-mail dated april 1, you change your policy by saying
"The WorldFest premiere situation is flexible..."

- In the initial rejection letter dated March 2, 2000, you write "LAUGHING BOY was eliminated in the final competition judging." at the bottom of this same letter, you wrote by hand
"Very well done..."

- In another e-mail dated march 23, you write "Laughing Boy is
still in the finals and is being considered for an award."
In another email to one of the movies supporters dated march 23, you state "LB was well made and was simply edged out by films the jury liked better, and that were true premieres..."

- On april 1, you write (among other things) "[Laughing Boy is] one of the worst films ever submitted to WorldFest competition."

FILMMAKERS! STAY AWAY FROM THIS FESTIVAL!