Southside On Saturday... Sensory Overload

This morning was a bit more relaxed, as i wasn''t up so early, though I barely cought a wink of sleep last night. "up so early" is a relative term, as it was more of a "prone position with eyes closed". My mind and body are still racing at warp speed, and the condition doesn''t afford for much REAL sleep. Today is the first of two FULL days of scheduled screenings and we certainly antiicpate a nice crowd. The filmmakers in attendance are settled in and are ready for a day of participation AND enjoyment. We here at the SouthSide Film Festival will ceratinly do OUR best to accommodate their needs and make them feel a part of our "family". That''s what we''re all about... the personal touch.



After a morning shower and breaskfast I head over to Fest Central, Deja Brew. My first task of the day... creating posters announcing tonight''s Midnight "SURPRISE''" screening of Guy Madden''s "Dracula". Once complete I take to the streets to distribute the news and flyers. Keep in mind that most of my fellow Fest Organizers did not know what the film was until this morning, part of my mystery and "gift" to the Festival each year. Distribution done! Now on to the daily run, as I brought my bike today, I''ll have ease of movement from venue to venue as I introduce films at each throughout the day, hitting them like an old curious fish tapping at the bait but knowing how NOT to be hooked!



Screening attendances are light early in the day, as they are at every Festival I''ve ever visited. That is NOT discouraging though as ea\ch audience member seems to be enjoying our offerings for 2005. There is certainly a buzz on the streets. I''ve tried to talk to each filmmaker I''ve encountered and all seem genuinely thrilled to be a part of our Fest, and that truly makes me proud. It''s so amazing how though in our infnacy we really seem to have drawn the cream of the crop as far as filmmaking talent. I now know how a proud father must feel when his son succeeds at some sport or personal interest. WOW!!!



My In-Laws are in today to see my film, but enough of the self promotion, let''s just say they were crying when I met them after the screening. I mention them as I managed to find some "down" time to meet them, and my wife Wendy, at Dancing Fish for a wonderful evening meal later in the day. That truly was a highlight. It was also nice to spen some time with my wife, as that has been a rarity as of late, with me devoted practically all my time to making this Festival a reality, wrapping up loose ends, putting out fires, making the prepartions for the Documentary Filmmaking Workshop, and just following up on all the details. My wife is truly one of the most understanding and supportive wives with whom any man could have the pleasure of sharing their lives, and loves. Thanks Wendy!!!



The day winds down and the crowds are building, and that makes us all happy. Don''t get me wrong, we are not money hungrymaniacs just in this for the money, but rather we hope to provide a platform and venue for the Lehigh Valley to see these wonderful pieces of cinematic excellence. Though a full house certainly adds to the pleasure. But in any case, if you DID get to our Fest and you hopefully enjoyed yourself, please tell your friends in time for NEXT year. I would love to be in the possition of a "full house" at most venues, but good news NEVER spreads as quickly as BAD news. In any case we need YOU the audience to help us grow.



The night is finished.... except for the Midnight screening, which is soon to begin. After Andy Po''s PaGRAY let''s out, with its'' swelling crowd of over 100, we prepare for the punctuation on the day, "Dracula". Though the house was not full, those in attendance certainly were served quite a gem of filmamking, a film which truly highlighted our Genre Focus of Avant-Garde/ Experimental. WOW, I only wish that these sleepless nights weren''t trying to creap in on my as I sit in darkness. I canm''t wait to view this again in a more coherent state. But I can say this man is a genius in Cinematography, paying Homage to Silent Film in such an experimentally forward. The night ends and I decide to head home. Tomorrow is another day. Later. See you ALL at the movies.