We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jim Farmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I had a horrible job 20 years ago where – after my boss found out I was gay – she eventually fired me for my “work performance,” despite a recent high evaluation. I was working for a university and was making a decent salary but that experience soured me on taking jobs solely for the money. I vowed never again to do that and I haven’t. I am very happy as a creative – a film festival director and a writer/editor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I coordinate Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQ film festival. Our festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this September and is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ film festivals in the country. I am responsible for all the programming for the festival, including more than 150 films, special guests and events each year. I am very happy at our festival’s growth. During my tenure with the organization, we have grown from a 7 day, single venue event to an 11 day, multiple venue one. We are also an Oscar® qualifying film festival, meaning that the film that wins our Drama Short jury award is eligible for consideration for the next year’s Academy Awards®. I am also happy that with our virtual abilities, we can reach people throughout the state of Georgia and across the nation.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When COVID hit in 2020, it decimated the world in all sorts of areas. Many film festivals did not take place that year. We realized we had to pivot. In the spring of 2020 we began learning how to stream our films. We had a lot of events during the summer and by the fall we were able to produce an entire festival online and stil provide our patrons with the same amount of product and the ability to join live Zoom Q and A sessions with the likes of Margaret Cho, “Scream” writer Kevin Williamson and Wilson Cruz. We have been able to return to live events but still offer virtual entertainment as a supplement.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The main thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to attend and support their work and mission and not to take them for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.outonfilm.org
• Instagram: outonfilm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outonfilmatl
• Twitter: @OutOnFilm
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeLbA90Z7So8JblGf3I3IOg

Image Credits
Most of the photos are of me and Out On Film guest and other Out On Film team members