I'd be remiss if I didn't devote one blog to my appreciation for the opportunities given to me. Obviously I wouldn't be here if I weren't involved with SouthSide Film Festival and especially if I didn't have the support of my Festival Board, each relying on me to deliver during these Sundance visits. My successes have been many over the past 3 years, and I anticipate this year being no different. I've spoken with many filmmakers during my stay this year and in previous years. I make every effort to screen as many films as is humanly possible, and attempt to introduce myself and SouthSide Film Festival to the attending Filmmakers after their Q&A's. I crave the hunt, the challenge, and utilize my limited social skills to forward my cause. I thank SouthSide for allowing me to continue to represent our young Festival, this June 17-21 being our FIFTH YEAR. A true source of pride for me, and the rest of our all-volunteer staff and Board.
And if I didn't take the time to thank Mel and Deb for their continued hospitality, as they welcome me into their home, provide me with a warm bed, delicious food, and wonderful conversation. Their continued friendship has been a source of joy for me, as we constantly learn more about each other, sharing meals, conversation, and ideals. I look forward to hosting Mel each year at SouthSide, and am especially excited that they will be visiting Wendy and I this Summer, so we can all attend a week of studies with the Dalai Lama (REALLY!). Along with Mel and Deb, I must also thank their many friends who have all been so gracious and friendly during my stays. Clayton and his wife have been warm and most cordial during these extended stays, and I count these four among my best friends. Then there's Matt and his ever-faithful dog Drake (see photo gallery), who along with the rest of their family have been friends and companions both on and off the snow shoe trails. There's Alisa and MaryAnn, who I met when I took the FilmTreks Workshop here in October '06, along with Matt. The list goes on and includes Dave Kurz, David Alders, Pat, Geralyn Dreyfous (SLC Film Center), and so many others. My hat goes off to each of you and your friendship, which makes my stay much more comforting and less like being away fro home.
Home, yes home... my biggest thanks go out to my wife Wendy, as she continues to stand by my side, with every new "Jeff" adventure and venture. She supports and understands most of my efforts and is always at my side when I need the strength of others. Her love, understanding, and strength continue to drive me toward success, whether it be through my involvement with SouthSide Film Festival, my continued career in the Film Industry and the theater, and most recently my immersion into the World of Voice-Over. A better wife you'd be hard-pressed to find. She's my love, my strength, and my reason for making strides toward success and prosperity. I love you, Wendy.
And thanks to all the filmmakers, producers, and actors who have welcomed me, engaged in conversation, and who have chosen to particpate in our little SouthSide Film Festival. Each of them has proven that "Hollywood" is not necessarily out of reach, but instead have shown their compassion and have shared my passion for bringing their many projects to a new market, back in my hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
And though I don't really know him, I must thank Mr Redford, whose dream for a Film Festival has driven many more in helping gain exposure and audience to many of these otherwise unseen films, both Documentary and Dramatic.
You can read all my postings over the years, you can browse the internet regarding the films I've mentioned, but in the end you just need to take the time to visit our itttle chunk of the World we call South Bethlehem. Our festival runs June 17-21 this year, and with each year we continue to grow, though never desiring to become a Sundance Machine. SouthSide's main goal is to expose talented fimmakers to a new audience and to bring them into our family at SouthSide Film Festival. To that extent, I continue the drive and passion needed to make each Festival visit successful. And if you can't make it to Sundance, or to SouthSide, please find time to support the more Independent sector of the Filmmaking Industry, where the story is more important than the Box Office.
In the meantime though... butter up the popcorn, turn down the lights, and crank up the projector. The next show is about to begin.
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