It is pretty great to be part of something, to no longer be truly independent. I have made & released my movies with great teams of collaborators, so I can’t say I have ever really been independent, but those are all in service of a single goal. Since coming taking a hiatus from that life, I have a multiple series of goals and a team to work with to execute them, and you know what? I dig it.
Thursday night the San Francisco Film Society had two very cool and VERY DIFFERENT events packed into it all designed to bring some more focus to the work of over 100 filmmakers we admire (aka the 56th SF Intl FIlm Fest). Both events were excellent and both were inspiring — one a preview via clips for a large audience, the other a night at the science museum with booze & beats and film work on display.
For me, though it was seeing the team’s hard work and enthusiasm on display is such shining glory. Film festival staffs work long and hard for low wages and little acclaim. I am sure this is true at each and every festival. Last night for me was proof that all festivals should be very proud of what you make happen and what you provide your communities. You are lifting our world higher and you make me quite pleased to be part of it.
Filmmakers rarely see all the work that festival workers provide to make your films be discovered and connect with audiences. Thank you team #SFIFF, thank you festival teams everywhere.
It would not even be close to working if it wasn’t for what you do. You give me hope that we can build it better together.
