On Saturday, my friends and I took a two and a half road trip to the Richmond Art Museum in Richmond, Indiana. My film: "145 Tomahawk Lane" was going to be shown at the festival, and we had a chance to win the $500 cash prize for first place. When we got there, the woman running the show came up to me and said, "I am so glad you could make it Alex. But, don't leave after the festival, because there is something I want to talk to you about." So, the festival began, with all the films playing in random order, until the end, when they showed the top five films, with the last film being the winner. I made it into the top five, with an applause I'll never forget. Drew Varvel from Bethesda Christian School, Brownsburg took home the first place prize. But, that would soon be the least of my thoughts. The woman who talked to me in the beginning came to find me at the end of the festival. She congradulated me on getting to top five (All top five films will be screened at the Indianapolis International Film Festival this April) and told me something I'll never forget.
"Alex, you film was my favorite of the bunch, and not only my favorite, but a favorite of many of the panel. You have created quite a complex, yet simple looking film and we loved it. And, the only reason you didn't win was for the same reason people go and see Michael Bay movies. This is what you need to be doing for your career Alex. You need to make movies, and you need to go to a place that offers a major in FILM, not just telecommunications, but actual FILM, and Columbia College in Chicago has a lot to offer." She then gave me information on the college and recently e-mailed me with other information from other colleges that offer a film major.
This woman (Whom I won't name) will be someone I keep in contact to for years to come. And, if I get into a film school, she will be the one to thank. For, without her help, none of this would have ever happened. She saw the spark inside me, and I am so lucky and thankful to have had the chance to attend an experience like this one.
After our little conversation, we made it to the lobby, only to find numerous people whom I've never seen in my life, go up to me and tell me how much they enjoyed my film. I was in awe. Not only had people actually seen my film played at a theater, they liked it! Could this have been any greater of a feeling? No. I was speechless.
This will be one of the moments in my life that I'll always remember. No matter what happens with my career, I will always remember these people because they were my first audience. I also won't ever forget the wonderful friends who came along with me. All of us, sitting in a theater, holding hands, hoping to god that my film was played amongst the final five. So, thank you for everyone who has ever given me an honest opinion on my films. You guys are fantastic and I am eternally grateful for such great supporters. So, thanks again friends, and family. You guys are amazing. I love you all.
Next up: The 2008 Project Excel Awards in Indianapolis. Wish us luck!
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