Monticello filmmaker will show seven films in upcoming festival

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - Randy DeFord is an engineer during the day. In the evening and on weekends he is at his Monticello home in his studio. Filmmaking is DeFord's passion.

After 15 years making independent films DeFord said he is honored with what his next film festival will bring.

"I sent seven [films] in [to the festival] this year," DeFord said. "It's like pasta on the wall. You throw it and see what sticks. [The festival] took all seven."

Seven of DeFord's films will be shown at the World Independent Film Expo in Richmond, Ky., next month.

DeFord owns Oak Road Multimedia. He writes, shoots, casts and edits all his films.

DeFord said it's unusual for a festival to spend so much time playing one filmmaker's material. He adds he was not expecting the honor because of what he calls the politics of the business.

"They tend to pick their local favorites," DeFord said. "They tend to pick local universities, local filmmakers and people who are in favor. Picking someone outside their state and outside their comfort zone tends to tell you they are really interested in the filmmaking."

DeFord does not plan on leaving this area. He shoots most of his films in Indiana, and picks local actors.

He said Hollywood has never appealed to him because in Monticello he can make the films he wants to.

"I'd rather do it on a small basis and have that kind of success, and feel good about what I'm doing than go and continually fail," DeFord said. "There are so just so many talented people out there."

Up next DeFord will release five different comedic short films. He will spend the next few years working on a documentary on legendary independent film actor and producer Lloyd Kaufman. Kaufman has the longest career in independent films to date. DeFord says he never wants to slow down like Kaufman.