Eric Vollweiler: Shaping Film Festivals with Purpose, Sponsorship Power, and a Vision for the Next Generation
- Tammy Reese
- Sep 9, 2025
- 4 min read
By Tammy Reese | Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Lights, Camera, Action!
For nearly two decades, Eric Vollweiler has been a driving force behind film festivals, entertainment events, and music showcases across the globe. From volunteering at the Nantucket Film Festival while studying at Emerson College to working with world-renowned platforms like Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto, his journey reflects both passion and persistence. Known as a producer and marketing consultant who bridges the gap between sponsors, audiences, and filmmakers, Eric has secured partnerships with brands like Final Draft, B&H, and MovieMaker Magazine. Yet beyond the business of sponsorships and celebrity bookings, his deeper mission is rooted in diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for the next generation of storytellers. Now, as he continues producing events while setting his sights on arts fundraising for inner-city children, Eric is proving that the heart of entertainment lies not just in films on screen but in the communities those films inspire.
You’ve secured sponsorships from brands like Final Draft, B&H, and MovieMaker Magazine. What’s the key to matching the right sponsor with the right festival or event?
Eric: It depends on the genre of the film festival. Knowing your audience is so important and one thing that is certain is that when attending a film festival it is entertainment. The audience has a positive feeling being there. So a sponsor or advertiser who understands the entertainment event atmosphere has an easier time getting new business.
Sponsorship today isn’t just about logos on banners. How do you create meaningful partnerships that benefit both the sponsor and the creative community?
Eric: When it comes to the independent film movement the demographics of the movie lovers, general audience have a higher income level as well as education. Whereas the filmmakers’ demographic is different. Knowing the genre of the film festival is also important when focusing on sponsors and advertisers.
When you secure top-tier sponsorship, what is the strategy behind that deal that others could learn from?
Eric: The most important thing is to start at the top sponsorship and work your way down. Also, understanding that it’s a numbers game and the more you reach out the more chances you have to get new business.
You’ve booked talent across film financing, distribution, law, PR, and more. What have been some challenges and what have been fulfilling?
Eric: When it comes to booking entertainment professionals and celebrities it all comes down to their schedules and whether they believe in the film festival or entertainment event.
You’ve worked on over 50 film festivals globally, including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Hip Hop Film Festival. What are some of your best memories from those experiences?
Eric: I would have to say working with a team. Also attending the film festival or event and seeing your work come to life.
What are you currently working on?
Eric: I am presently working on the 10th Annual New York State International Film Festival taking place October 3–4 in Albany New York and the 7th Annual Venus on Broadway International Film Festival taking place December 20 in Manhattan.
You’ve been in this industry for 20 years. What’s one lesson that keeps proving true no matter how the industry evolves?
Eric: The most important thing is always keep trying to get better at your craft and to teach and help the next generation. Understanding that networking is so important to move forward in this industry and finally never give up in you love it.
What advice would you give to an emerging festival director trying to secure their first major sponsor?
Eric: When pitching to potential sponsors or advertisers, be excited and creative. Express that they will be supporting art, filmmakers and the community and that their products and services will have a positive impact.
What else would you like our readers to know at this time?
Eric: If you’re looking to volunteer, intern or work on a film festival check out www.filmfreeway.com and another great publication is MovieMaker Magazine top 50.
As you continue in your career, what is your vision and purpose?
Eric: I am hoping to do more fundraising for inner city children in the arts. I would like to transfer my career. The children living in lower income environments can use art as a way to express their lifestyle and the funding can help create opportunities for the children to move and create a brighter future.
Follow Eric on social media:
Facebook Eric Vollweiler
Instagram: vollweilere
About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
