Hi everyone,

I'm deep in the weeds of screening season, making all the preparations for the 5th annual Light Matter Film Festival (November 7-9, 2025 in Alfred, NY). With further budget cutbacks, the festival has gone from very little financial support to almost none. And while I'm fine to run things on a shoestring, I'm getting hit with multiple costs this month and more on the horizon. My pockets are not so deep to finance all of this myself. I could use some help.

So, I am again turning to you all in order to keep the festival running smoothly and on time. I'm proud of what Light Matter is and how it has helped represent experimental film, video, and media art in the US and internationally. While we're still a small DIY "labor of love," it has been exciting to see the festival grow each year. This year, we will scale slightly back (no gallery / exhibition presentations) but we will offer the same/more short and feature film programs. And there is every intention of continuing international traveling programs to expand the festival's reach and, most importantly, to highlight the work of a range of artist filmmakers from around the world.

All donations will go directly to festival costs, most significantly managing and maintaining the website for the upcoming season. Additional donations will go to special programs and on-site needs for the festival. Any donation of any amount – or simply sharing this post with others – is so greatly appreciated.

I know times are tough for everyone. Thank you for considering to support Light Matter, if you are able.

No matter what, I'll keep supporting and promoting experimental film, video, and media artists as much as I can.

Thank you all,

James