Luis Yllanes: Director of 5Point Film
As a Carbondale resident, Town Trustee (who serves as the Liaison to the Public Arts Commission) and the Director of 5Point Film Festival, you seem pretty well connected to the creative culture. How would you describe Carbondale’s creative ethos to an outsider?
“I’ve always found myself immersed in creative communities given my appreciation for the beauty we can create through art. I think Carbondale’s creative ethos can best be described as one that values the strength of community but allows the freedom of individualism in the same scope. What I see in much of the art that is created by artist’s in Carbondale and throughout the RFV is a reflection of our values with a connection to the natural world. I would best describe it to an outsider as a creative climate that champions the free spirit and aspiring to be our best selves. Which is very similar to what we look to exemplify with 5Point.”
The 5point Film Festival is an institution in this town that brings the community together to share in our collective values. Do you have a favorite memory from a past festival that epitomizes that community value. Or Do you have any insider tips on the best way to enjoy the festival or favorite moments you are looking forward to this year?
"Last year being my first festival as Executive Director, having accepted the position just four months prior, it all feels like a blur. A favorite memory was seeing folks from our community and beyond come out to enjoy the 2022 festival after what had felt like an eternity of not being able to gather in person. It was great to hear from so many people about how good this was for Carbondale and truly appreciating how powerful storytelling through film can bring people together. Witnessing our hosts, everyone from Jedidiah Jenkins to Paddy O, come on stage and fire up our audience, I was truly moved and knew I had made the right choice in taking on this new role with 5Point.
For insider tips, I would say buy your tickets early so you don’t miss out and get there early when doors open to get a good seat! A couple of my favorites both happen on Saturday, the Stio Filmmakers Pitch event as it’s great to see the start of a filmmakers creative process and to help get those creative juices flowing, begin the day on a 5K run with our festival guests."
As the director of 5point, how do you enjoy exercising your creative muscles?
"I gave this question a lot of thought as my interest in art started at a young age with photography and I had always wanted to go into film. My professional path took me more into the contemporary fine art world and now with 5Point it feels like it’s all come full circle. That being said, as an outlet I now enjoy things a bit further from my professional path.
I have a passion for plants and gardening, but it’s a challenge in our limited growing season, so it forces me to really plan ahead. Whereas in Miami where I grew up you never had to worry about that. My other creative outlet is music. I’ve been a DJ on KDNK now for almost 10 years and seeing how talented my kids are in music is pushing me to learn how to play an actual instrument. Beyond that it’s finding opportunities to travel (I think of that as exercising creative muscles) and exploring new places to surf."
Where can we find out about getting involved with 5Point, be it as a volunteer or cinematic dreamer?
There so many ways to engage with 5Point, check out these opportunities:
Attend the festival: Tickets can be purchased on the 5Point website.
Volunteer: The festival relies on the help of volunteers to assist with various tasks such as event setup, ticket sales, and film screenings. Sign up here.
Submit a film: Submission guidelines and deadlines found here.
Become a festival partner: 5Point is supported by corporate partners, as well as individuals. More information here.
Attend an On The Road Screening: The festival has expanded to include satellite events nationwide. Information on upcoming tour stops or bringing 5Point to your community found here.