Alissa Simon, a guest of the 38th FEST, film critic of the Variety Magazine, a programmer for the International Film Festival in Palm Springs and also member of the jury of several international festivals (Pusan, Monteral, Karlovy Vary and others). This is her first visit to Belgrade.

- I had the opportunity to visit Sarajevo and Pula, but I have never been to Serbia before. Many authors from Serbia are coming to the festival in Palm Springs, for which I am working.

What is, in your opinion, the situation in cinema worldwide?

- The situation is not that great. Due to the crisis, the festivals are finding it hard to raise funds, because the sponsors are not supporting art to the same extent as before. The authors and distributors are in a similar situation. Unfortunately, many are forced to temporarily give up their projects.

Tell us more about the Palm Springs Festival?

- The festival is very unusual, different from many others in the world. In other festivals, you will see a lot of young volunteers, while in Palm Springs, we have 400 volunteers with an average age of 75. Palm Springs has a population consisting mainly of retired people. They have a lot of time and they love to contribute to our festival. In addition, we have a lot of people from around the US. The screenings are as of 9 AM. Many authors fear that their screenings will not command attention early in the morning, however they are wrong - the cinemas are packed.

You were in the jury of many festivals worldwide. What are the criteria when you decide about the best film?

- I observe directing skills, the script is also important, the story, if it's something I haven't seen before. There is a lot of subjective feeling. When my heart beats fasters or if the film takes my breath away, I simply know it's a good one.