Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn And Todd Morris
Hi Jocelyn and Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started when Todd visited Jim Thorpe back in ’91. He fell in love with the town’s historic vibe and immediately thought it’d be the perfect spot for a film festival. Leveraging our vast industry connections developed over the last 30 years, we decided to just go for it in 2017. Despite not having any initial funding or sponsors, we launched the first Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival. We faced some doubts from locals at first, but soon enough, filmmakers and fans from all over the world began flocking to our little town, drawn by our unique lineup of bold, challenging films. We’re now in our eighth year, and it feels amazing to have created something that’s both a local favorite and an international draw.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Funding was a big hurdle in the beginning. We were committed to programming films that were not the typical, safe commercial stuff, which made finding traditional sponsors more difficult. We had to get creative with how we raised money. Then, of course, the pandemic hit and we were dark in 2020, but when we came back in 2021, we went against the grain and decided that, unlike all the other festivals out there, we would NOT stream our festival online. It had to be LIVE, in-person screenings only – like film festivals were always meant to be enjoyed (but with obligatory masks and temperature checks). That decision set us back financially, but it also taught us a ton about being resilient and the importance of community support. Every challenge just made us more determined.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re all about pushing boundaries and taking risks with the films we program. That’s what our audience expects now—they come looking for something different and exciting. We make sure our festival isn’t just about watching films; it’s about experiencing them together. It’s kind of magical, really. You get to meet all these people—filmmakers, actors, fans, sponsors—and everyone’s there because they love films that challenge and engage. We keep things laid-back and fun, but always with a serious commitment to great cinema.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Flexibility is crucial. It’s important to have a vision, but you must be prepared to adapt when challenges arise. Ending a professional relationship can be necessary for the betterment of the project. Always treat everyone involved with respect, remember their names, and make sure to thank them frequently for their contributions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jimthorpeindiefilmfest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimthorpeindiefilmfestival/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimthorpeindiefilmfestival/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JTIndieFilmFest
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jimthorpeindiefilmfest?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=77ba9783-67fb-45e2-94de-0b3e874d1603
Image Credits
All photos belong to The Jim Thorpe Indepedent Film Festival.
One exception. Please credit: Desha Utsick for the photo of Jim Thorpe’s downtown in the bloom of Spring.
