Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: What inspired you to start the DC film Institute? John Hanshaw: I put on the Guerrilla Film Fest once a year and people always ask me: "when is the next one?" So I decided to create the WFI as a organization where I could put on screenings more often (roughly every 3 weeks). It is much easier to program a feature film every three weeks than it is to curate an entire film festival.

SFP Editor: What do you hope to accomplish with the DC Film Institute?

John Hanshaw: We hope to provide cultural education through film.

SFP Editor: You are holding an Oscar's Party on March 7, got any picks for best film, actress, and actor?

John Hanshaw: These are not necesarily my picks but I have a hunch they may win: *Avatar *Colin Firth / A Single Man *Gabourey Sidibe / Precious

SFP Editor: What is your view of the DC film scene? How does it compare to other cities?

John Hanshaw: I suspect that the DC viewing public is one of the most international and discriminating in the US. Film appreciation stands at a very high level here. I don't really know what film culture is like in other cities, but DC must rank at or near the top in terms of film appreciation.

SFP Editor: What types of classes does WFI offer?

John Hanshaw: Right now we offer Final Cut Pro Editing Classes and Screenwriting. We have plans to offer Camera, Acting, and Film Criticism Classes.

SFP Editor: What do you see yourself doing in 2020 with WFI?

John Hanshaw: By then, I hope WFI is the go to place for a cinephile looking for something to watch, for an aspiring filmmaker who wants to take classes, or for an independent filmmaker looking for a screening in DC.

SFP Editor: What brought you to the DC area?

John Hanshaw: I moved here from Tokyo to attend GW law and never looked back.

SFP Editor: Do you have any personal film aspirations be it as a producer or writer?

John Hanshaw: I have a screenplay in the vault that I need to dust off, re-work, and try to get made!

SFP Editor: Do you have a favorite movie of all time?

John Hanshaw:I enjoy THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING as a film that offers it all: great acting, humor, and ultimately a serious message about the hazards of Empire-building. That message is just as relevant today as it was when Kipling wrote the story in 1888.

SFP Editor: What has been your most memorable film experience to date?

John Hanshaw: My most memorable film experience to date were the last two events I organized. We screened two documentaries about Haiti and the events served as fundraisers for relief organizations doing work in Haiti. It was truly inspiring to see the generosity of all those who showed up and helped organize the events! This is film at its best: motivating the audience to take action and make the world a better place!