SFP Editor: How did you get involved in the film scene?
John Hanshaw: II entered the 48 Hour Film Project in May 2002 and became involved after that. I had a friend from work (PBS at the time) who was on a 48HFP team. She said the team could probably use a few extra hands, so I showed up prepared to lug some camera equipment around. When I got there, though, it turned out that the male lead had gone AWOL. So the director looked around, grabbed me out of the crowd, and told me to stand in front of the camera and pretend I was the lead character.

SFP Editor: What is the Guerrilla Film Fest?
John Hanshaw: The GUERRILLA FILM FEST (GFF) is a new vehicle for guerrilla filmmakers to showcase their work. A guerrilla filmmaker is a member of an irregular unit fighting to challenge the Hollywood paradigm. The Festival offers an open invitation for all to come and view films in a forum that connects filmmakers with anyone who is ready and willing to watch and listen.

SFP Editor: What is your fascination with gorrillas?
John Hanshaw: I am fascinated by gorillas because they are so much like us. We're all just monkeys, really. We're just a few genes away from being Koko the Gorilla. It's easy to forget that.

SFP Editor: What are your dreams as an aspiring filmmaker?
John Hanshaw: One day I hope to be a full-time filmmaker so I can devote my time to making films about the monkey-ness of humanity. SFP Editor: Which film producers/directors impress you the most and why?
John Hanshaw: I enjoy Christopher Guest's comedic sensibility. He uses a mockumentary style that is very effective, it is funny and thought-provoking at the same time.

SFP Editor: What is your favorite/least favorite film and why.
John Hanshaw: [One] of my favorites is Spinal Tap for the reasons articulated above. I dislike all gratuitously violent [action] films because they desensitize the viewer.

SFP Editor: What should people expect from the Guerrilla film festival?
John Hanshaw: Well, I’ve been to film festivals where it’s like a drive thru. You turn up, watch some films and then just go home. THE GUERRILLA FILM FEST is different because it has a strong social and community-building component. We have receptions before and after the screenings where you get to meet the directors and connect with other people who are interested in film.

SFP Editor: How can one get involved?
John Hanshaw: Please contact me, John Hanshaw at: john@gfilmfest.com