Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published October 25, 2019.

Where are you from? How did you end up in Rochester?

I was born and raised in Rochester, and stayed in the area mostly because of my family. I went to RIT, where I studied Imaging & Photographic Technology. It was a good fit because I liked photography and not being poor, and I’m good at math and science. I worked at a print shop for six years after college, and now I work in procurement by day.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

The arts and culture of everything. There are so many creatives here. There’s always something to see or do. From an Anomaly Film Festival standpoint, that’s been nice. All of us who are organizing it are creatives from different backgrounds. We get to meet writers and artists, Meg and Magnus have been insane. That’s my favorite thing. From a cultural standpoint, Rochester has a lot to offer.

What are some hidden gems you've discovered around Rochester?

The Cinema is really nice, and it’s hidden. People are like “that’s a theatre there?” They even have a family room! It’s a really great spot that a lot of people who visit the Wedge don’t realize exists. Plus you can rent it out!

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?

Foodlink, definitely. Where I used to work, they would have drives to support different nonprofits, and they’d turn it into a competition to see who can volunteer the most. I was part of a leadership development program there where we’d come up with different ways of giving back. We organized things like a clothing drive for Goodwill, a food drive for Foodlink, and raking leaves in Mt. Hope Cemetery. 

If you had $100 and 2 hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d definitely go to the movies, hands-down. Then I’d either head to a Jazz Fest show, followed by either the MAG or the Strong Museum of Play. I was just there for their women in gaming event, and it was absolutely wild. It’s gotten bigger and bigger. They had 12 speakers come and talk about all their experiences. It was fantastic to go see. They also have a huge arcade exhibit, which is right up my alley. 

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

I’m an indoor kid through and through. Movies, books, and coffee. Sometimes I’ll brave the snow and get out and go see something, like whatever they’re showing for Saturday Night Rewind.

What's one memory you have that captures what Rochester means to you? 

Going to any event that’s very culture-focused, and literally running into everyone you know. There’s my teacher from high school, and three of my coworkers, and we all came to this because we love food, or movies, or whatever. There are lots of events here that help you bond with other people. 

What makes Rochester unique? 

We’ve got great festivals that cover everything: we have movies, food, music, art. Anything you think of, we’ve got it. There are so many cultural festivals, like the Polish, Italian, Green, Ukrainian festivals, and we even have a diversity of film festivals, like ImageOut, Polish, Jewish, Women’s, etc. We have so much to offer. We have everything, from an art perspective. 

What do you think could be improved?

There’s a poverty gap that needs to be met and lots of people need help. All of the improvement projects going on are great, but we just have to remember to ask ourselves, are we serving the people who need it the most? 

If Rochester was a movie, what genre would it be?

We’re indescribable! Did you see that phony construction sign at Parcel 5? What are we supposed to do with that?! I love it, but what is this city?! 

Tell me a little bit about the Anomaly Film Festival. What is it? Why did the team decide to launch it?

Anomaly is Rochester’s genre film festival. The definition of genre that we’re using is: movies that don’t fit in comedy or drama. So that includes sci fi, fantasy, action, and horror. Basically, Vanessa Cheeks [an I Heart ROC alumna] roped into it. Matt DeTurck & Adam Lubitow [also I Heart ROC alumni!] were the people that started it. We have so many film festivals that show genre films, but there’s not something specific to that. There’s nothing like watching a horror movie with a bunch of other people in a theatre. 

It’ll be taking place November 8-10. You can buy individual tickets or full festival passes. There will be about 10-12 movies showing, a mix of local and international films.

What motivated you to get involved with Anomaly?

I also love movies, and talking about them, and I think it’s a great project and a great outlet. My 9-5 job isn’t necessarily creative. This gives me a chance to work with the best group of people ever. 

What can people expect from Anomaly?

You’re gonna find some great films, hopefully make some great friends, and find new favorites. It’ll be a welcoming group. We’re all about people coming together and having a good time. We’re looking to try to do an after party on Friday and Saturday, and also breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. 

Are there any specific movies showing that you're excited about?

Extra Ordinary - People will recognize Will Forte in this. It’s fun, it’s the definition of a horror comedy.

You Don’t Nomi - A documentary about showgirls. That’s a quintessential movie where people thought it was bad but it’s turned into a cult classic.

What advice would you give to people in Rochester who want to start something new?

Just jump into it. Find a good support system. There’s people out there interested in whatever you are, that’s for sure. The process has been a learning curve for us, but it’s gonna happen!