Behind the Scene

As film festivals start to sprout up around the world, attracting celebrities and serving as launch sites for prestigious Hollywood and independent movies, they also grow as tourist destinations.

But it’s not always easy for novices to coordinate arrangements for festivals at locales like Locarno, Switzerland; Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic; Montreal; or even in the U.S.

That’s why Santa Monica, Calif., travel agent Ilene Koenig joined Los Angeles film critic Stephen Farber to offer Reel Talk film-festival tours.

“It’s definitely a niche business it’s boutique-like,’’ said Koenig, who’s also an agent at Let’s Travel. “It’s been a learning experience for me.”

Unlike her partner, Farber’s career has long been rooted in movies. A film critic for Movieline’s Hollywood Life magazine, he also moderates Reel Talk, which offers sneak peaks and discussions for independent films throughout the Los Angeles area. This eventually developed into the festival tour, and through outreach and word of mouth, Farber has found dedicated festival-goers.

Reel Talk tours has escorted clients to fests in Berlin, Venice, Havana, Karlovy Vary and Palm Springs, Calif. While airfare is separate, package prices include lodging, screenings, discussions with filmmakers, social activities and in some cases, even press credentials. Clients will also have plenty of face time with Farber to discuss flicks: He likes to limit the group size to no more than 15 people.

Another film-fest tour operator has sprung up on the opposite coast. New York-based Talk Cinema Tours developed as an offshoot of Harlan Jacobson’s Talk Cinema series, which previews art and independent films in 14 cities. As the former editor for Film Comment magazine and former Variety critic, Jacobson is at home navigating the film circuit.

Jacobson has led groups of about 30 people to festivals in cities around the world, including Karlovy Vary, Taormina, Italy, and Havana.

“Clients get a sense of mastery when it’s over,” said Susan Jacobson, Harlan’s wife and Talk Cinema tour operator. “They’ll have navigated the festival like a critic.”