“This is a brave effort.” That remark by Nick Clooney at the Oct. 19 opening-night dinner for the first Cincinnati International Film Festival reflected the generous assessment of participants.

        Only 70 people were on hand at Cincinnati Museum Center to hear Mr. Clooney's speech honoring Doris Day, winner of a new “Spirit of Cincinnati” award created by festival organizer Terry Alvarado.

        Ms. Day sent a letter that Mr. Clooney read to the crowd. The star herself appeared only in old movie clips, in the eight-minute tribute tape. Mr. Alvarado was unable to find a sponsor to fly a producer to California to tape Ms. Day in person, as originally planned.

        A lot of things in the fest's original plan did not happen, chiefly for lack of cash — no visiting stars, virtually no advertising, no Web-based ticket sales, no cash prizes for filmmakers.

        The highlight of the weekend-long event was the foreign-film program assembled by Jim Kesner, coordinator of an informal movie-going circle. Though forced to slash his list of films and limit most showings to late-night slots, Mr. Kesner chose an appealing selection of five new imports that drew almost 300 people to five screenings at the Esquire.

        Children's features were another story; only 12 ticket buyers in total showed up at 18 daytime screenings at the Esquire. The theater recorded not one single patron for a block of three 9:30 a.m. screenings on Friday. No attendance figures were available for screenings of the same films at the Museum Center.

        Mr. Alvarado, Mr. Kesner and Laura O'Connell, one of organizers of the Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association (SOFA) who lent a hand with festival arrangements, will be discussing a 2002 festival. In hopes that this year's brave start can grow into a longstanding tradition, herewith is some unsolicited advice for their consideration:

        Define the mission: A newborn film festival cannot be all things to all people. Even Mr. Alvarado's preferred focus on “American independent film” is too broad to be of much use. There are more than 600 festivals in the nation each year and new ones launching monthly. Even a small, local event needs a clear identity to attract filmmakers and audiences. Grant-makers likewise prefer to invest in a project with a well-defined purpose.

        Recruit knowledgeable help: Getting the basics in order is imperative. That means finding people who can produce an up-to-date Web site, timely and thorough publicity material and accurate financial accounting. Without such fundamentals,potential sponsors will pay no attention.

        Learn from the past: Existing film festivals as near as Athens, Ohio, offer helpful models. The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Commission has organized dozens of short-term events. The small but scrappy Cincinnati Film Society has grant-application experience. SOFA has scores of film-friendly members. Tapping their expertise could save headaches, money and mistakes.

        Find the money: It is never easy to raise money for the arts, especially during a recession, but the festival has no chance to survive without major cash backing. If they start right now, they just might have a shot at making it for 2002.
        E-mail mmcgurk@enquirer.com.

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