Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Verane Jackie Deschamps. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Verane Jackie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
The idea of creating the France USA International Film Festival and everything thereafter, by necessity or destiny, germinated when I became an American Citizen and was pondering on how I may contribute to both my countries – France and the United States — as well as participate in the nurturing of both cultures, so similar and so differently great. It sparked from my love for films and the work of the actors, directors, producers, editors, artists – all the agents of change through culture.
It also sparked from my gratitude for free expression as a beacon to always seek and use for the promotion of equality and fraternity. Festivals are always a manifestation of peace and communication. Films are always a reflection of our lives and/or fantasies, sometimes hard realities. The exchange of our expressions and productions for communication is the common link between all countries and cultures.
There are many French festivals promoting the love of the French Language in America, one in every major city almost. We felt the desire to learn to collaborate and or become friends with each one in the best of worlds as we pave it for ourselves, as well as to bring everyone to Cannes France and to Hollywood, in order to promote the exchange between both historically tied languages and cultures.
On the premise of sharing a path to walk both continents and bring the works to Hollywood as well as France, our first challenge was to find an affordable yet grand and interesting location in both continents. I have always been touched by how grateful the French are in my native region of Normandy, for the help the American soldiers gave them on D-Day. They had often asked me to convey their thanks to my friends in America. In America, few who survived and still live in our current lives get to receive this gratitude. We thought to choose Dday in the French Riviera which was August 7th, as the special day of our continuing to get together each year, each year, to remember and commemorate our appreciation and shared history.
On the inside of our operation, we rely on our volunteer base and from Hollywood or French Film Industry professionals whom we may have worked with for years or on fresh new amazing collaborations. We created a working team to perform the duties of receiving new films, engaging with the team of the filmmakers, organizing the events where they would screen and gather, recruiting new talented volunteers and training them to fill the positions of our need.
We always look for better ways to promote and enrich the artists in our paths. We are open to discovering new fields or departments, along with new countries or cultures who share a love for the French language, often with a very intricately weaved mutual history.
On the outside we strive to receive many new collaborations and amazing films, including new voices as well as historically very valued voices. We continue to use and explore distribution venues for the films to include the new media as well as those shown in much revered theaters. We also strive to assist in empowering each culture we work with as well bringing the cultures all together through mutual exchange.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our origin story and foundational ideas.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Me, My Work, Services, and Brand
Hello! My name is Jackie Deschamps, and I’m the co-founder behind the France USA International Film Festival and the Africa USA International Film Festival. I’ve always been passionate about films, the artistry of actors and filmmakers, and the power of storytelling. My journey into this field began during the pandemic, after years of working in related industries and realizing there was a gap I wanted to help fill—specifically, a platform to uplift emerging filmmakers and connect them with opportunities to shine.
At the France USA International Film Festival and Africa USA International Film Festival, we specialize in showcasing new and independent filmmakers while fostering personalized relationships to help them achieve their creative and professional goals. Our mission is to celebrate art and the artists behind it, inspiring and connecting people through the universal language of film. We aim to help individuals unlock their full potential by providing a platform where their voices can be heard and their stories can resonate with audiences worldwide.
What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability, our personalized approach to every filmmaker, and our dedication to building a supportive community. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality, nurturing meaningful relationships with our filmmakers, and staying ahead of industry trends to ensure our festivals remain a launchpad for talent.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from our filmmakers and the tangible impact we’ve made in our community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our filmmakers achieve their goals, create work that resonates with audiences, and make a difference in the lives of others through their art.
To potential filmmakers, followers, or fans, I want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our work is driven by passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations. Whether you’re looking for a festival to showcase your work, connect with other filmmakers, or collaborate with professionals in production, financing, or distribution, we’re excited to be part of your journey.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and our festivals. I look forward to connecting with you and helping bring your vision to life on the big screen!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a strong reputation in the film festival industry has been a combination of authenticity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to supporting filmmakers. From the very beginning, we prioritized creating a platform that truly serves the needs of emerging talent. By focusing on personalized relationships and providing a space where filmmakers feel valued and heard, we’ve been able to earn their trust and loyalty.
Another key factor has been our dedication to quality and innovation. We’ve worked hard to curate exceptional films, create memorable experiences for attendees, and stay ahead of industry trends. This has not only attracted talented filmmakers but also established us as a credible and forward-thinking organization.
Lastly, community engagement has played a huge role. By actively collaborating with filmmakers, industry professionals, and local communities, we’ve built a network of supporters who believe in our mission. Word-of-mouth and positive testimonials from filmmakers who’ve had transformative experiences at our festivals have been instrumental in growing our reputation.
Ultimately, it’s about staying true to our values, delivering on our promises, and consistently striving to make a positive impact in the industry.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building our social media audience has been a journey of trial, error, and learning what truly resonates with our community. When we first started, we focused on sharing authentic, behind-the-scenes content that gave people a glimpse into the heart of our festivals—showcasing filmmakers, their stories, and the creative process behind their work. This approach helped us connect with audiences on a personal level and humanize our brand.
We also prioritized engagement over numbers. Instead of just posting content, we made it a point to respond to comments, messages, and feedback. By fostering genuine conversations and building relationships with our followers, we created a loyal community that felt invested in our mission.
Another key strategy was collaborating with filmmakers, industry professionals, and influencers who shared our values. Their support helped us reach new audiences and added credibility to our platform. Additionally, we leveraged hashtags, trends, and timely content to stay relevant and visible in a crowded social media landscape.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, here’s my advice:
Be authentic: Share content that reflects your brand’s values and mission. People connect with real stories and genuine passion.
Engage consistently: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create opportunities for dialogue. Social media is about building relationships, not just broadcasting.
Collaborate: Partner with others in your industry to expand your reach and tap into new audiences.
Be patient: Building an audience takes time. Focus on quality over quantity, and don’t get discouraged by slow growth initially.
Experiment and adapt: Try different types of content, track what works, and refine your strategy over time.
Remember, social media is a tool to connect and communicate—use it to tell your story and build a community that believes in what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://africausaintfilmfest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AfricaUSAint_filmfestival/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002964676107
- Twitter: @AfricauSAintff
- Other: https://filmfreeway.com/AFRICAUSAINTFILMFEST
Image Credits
Jor-el Vaasborg