London Grilling: Caroline Tod-Richardson, Earls Court International Film Festival
In this week’s London Grilling we caught up with Co-Founder and Director of the Earl’s Court International Film Festival and Film Earl’s Court, Caroline Tod- Richardson.
A passionate advocate of the global short film scene, and recipient of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Mayor’s Award for services to the community in Earl’s Court, Caroline works to provide opportunities to emerging UK and international filmmakers by way of promotion, funding and co-production support.
Hi Caroline, please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Caroline Tod-Richardson, I live in Earl’s Court London and I am originally from West Kirby, Wirral. I am the co-founder and producer of Earl’s Court International Film Festival (ECIFF) and Film Earl’s Court.
Third from the left; Caroline Tod-Richardson
What’s the backstory of the Earl’s Court Film International Festival?
Back in 2014, as a local resident I had been involved in developing a project interviewing older residents in Earl’s Court who had lived here during WW2. This was created into a script and performed in the community and at the Finborough Theatre. I had worked with Sean Duffy, Toby Brown, and Pavel Rjabtsenkov and we decided that we would like to set up a film festival to continue our cultural connection in the area.
The idea was formulated in 2014 and back then it was Earls Court Film Festival. We were involved in making and producing two short films in the local area and received a small budget from RBKC and it developed from there. The first official film festival was in October 2015 and we have been running it annually ever since.
We have a dual identity as a film festival and a film production company (Film Earl’s Court) and we have had 1000+ international and British film submissions and have been involved in making 32 short films and short documentaries. Film Earl’s Court has co-produced feature films and is in development with a second feature.
What hopes and goals do you have for the future of the film festival?
Our aim is to a become BAFTA and BIFA qualifying film festival in the near future. Ultimately, we want further growth in the local area, RBKC and the greater London, and to continue our national and international reputation whilst always remembering our community roots. We always want to continue to offer opportunities to emerging filmmakers and those who haven’t had the opportunity to see themselves represented in the industry.
How could a filmmaker submit their piece for future festivals?
Film Freeway is an excellent portal and that is how we take our submissions. We post on social media to keep people up to date as to when and how to submit.
What do you look for when accepting film submissions for the festival?
Innovation, fresh perspectives, quirky stories, something with passion and grit. The films don’t have to be the most well-made thing in the world, if the concept is there, we recognise it.
Who goes to the Earl’s Court Film Festival and what can people expect when attending the events?
Something that is fundamentally key to us is that anyone and everyone can come to the festival. We want it to be a fully accessible to all, that’s why ticket prices are kept at affordable prices. We are known for intergenerational, international and diverse audiences. It varies from members of the local community, emerging filmmakers, industry professionals, film schools, special celeb guests.
Where does your personal love and passion for filmmaking come from?
My background in teaching has taught me that I am a natural story-teller. It allowed me to use storytelling as a way of connection, and I see film as one of the most important ways of connecting all societies and people.
If you had to name just one, what would you say your favourite film of all time is?
It is really silly, but it had Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro called ‘Falling in Love’. It is the modern day version of ‘Brief Encounter’.
What have been your proudest and most memorable moments of your career?
I have a long background working in the public sector. A personal highlight would have to be my 10 years working at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital as a full-time/part-time Hospital Play Specialist. It will always stand out as one of my proudest achievements. Another standout moment would have to be my graduation from City/University of London as a mature student, completing my PGCE (teacher training). And, obviously, the creation of the film festival/Film Earl’s Court in 2014.
Can you tell us about the charitable work that you do?
I established my charitable trust in 2005 because working in the public sector highlighted the fact that we all have a social responsibility to help one another. The Caroline Tod Charitable Trust works alongside, and in conjunction with, a number of charities in Liverpool and London and I am enormously proud of it. I have worked with wonderful organisations in supporting them with grants like the amazing Asylum Link Merseyside. I was also involved in producing a short documentary film for them called Jan.
Do you have any advice for young filmmakers who are trying to make it in the industry?
Of all things, reaching out is the most important. Don’t be scared to reach out. My experience is, if a young filmmaker reached out to me I would be more than happy to help, as I know a lot of other organisations would be.
Are tickets still available and if so where can we buy them?
We are thrilled to say that ECIFF 2022 is completely SOLD OUT!! But, for future reference, we use Eventbrite.
Where is your favourite spot in London to watch a film?
Oh, that’s easy. Electric Cinema, Portobello Road. It is special.
Image: The Nudge
What do you love most about living in London?
Everything. London has been my home since 1987 and I love the diversity, anonymity, and the culture. I love everything about London life, it still excites me after all this time.
