GAIA FILM FESTIVAL - Day Two

Okay. So it's after 3:00 AM and I can't possibly be held responsible for anything I'm about to write since I was dragged kicking and screaming to bar after bar. Well, maybe not kicking and screaming, but I do recall uttering under my breath at least once "but I need to get back to my room. I need to blog." But before I go into how my night ended, let me backtrack and tell you how my day started.

I woke up late. Much too late. But I needed the sleep. I headed out to grab some food on Pearl Street and read a script while I ate. I then headed over towards the public library where our screening was to take place, but was distracted by the hordes of half-naked coeds running around with large inner-tubes. I followed the crowd (out of mere curiousity, of course) down to a river where tons of college kids were rafting the rapids. It looked incredibly fun, a little dangerous, and wonderfully refreshing on such a hot day. After watching for a bit, I wondered over to the Library and settled in for the last few minutes of the Q&A for CAKE EATERS with producer Jesse Scolaro, one of those responsible for keeping me out so late...

Soon it was time for our screening, which was preceeded by Michael Goorjian's terrific short FIVE WISHES starring writer Gay Hendricks in a surprisingly moving acting debut. Before our film screened, I was introduced by fest director Una Morera. I mentioned to the audience that my son Josh was going to be attending CU Boulder in the fall and their response was so warm, I videotaped the entire crowd welcoming him to their city. It's included below:



After the screening we had a lively Q&A. This audience was very keen on hearing about the process of making the film, not just the budget, production schedule, etc. As often happens, the questions and comments spilled into the halls and I met some terrific Boulderites. Or is it Boulderidians?

Then it was a quick TV interview with the lovely Tamara Henry, host of the Los Angeles celebrity show IN WITH TAMARA HENRY. She was exceptionally gracious and kept the conversation lively and fun. I'll keep you posted on the segment's airdate.

I was running late to a meeting with a Denver-based playwright, who was more than understanding with all the interuptions. We settled into the bar at the St. Julien and discussed his play until it was time to head into the 8:15 screening of SAMSARA, Pan Nalin's spiritual love-story set in the majestic Himalayas. This two hour and twenty minute epic was far more accesible than I imagined and I was quite taken by the beauty of it.

Okay, now we're back to where I started. I got a message on my cell from Heather, Una's friend and sometime helper, letting me know the filmmaker's party was moved to a new locale. When I arrived and introduced myself to Heather, I settled in at the bar with a glass of Melbac. It turns out, Heather was the gifted singer/songwriter that entertained at the Opening Night party. The conversation opened up to include the other filmmakers at the table including Jesse. Before we knew it, the bar was closing and we were ushered out to the street and I said my goodnights. Jesse and Heather had decided however, that I was going to join them for a nightcap at another bar, so giving into peer pressure, I trapsed down Pearl in search of an open bar.

Along the way, we picked up an hilarious trio who had clearly been enjoying the Boulder nightlife. Somehow, they managed to get the local Ben and Jerry's opened up and snagged some free ice cream, which we all eagerly shared on the sidewalk. They opted not to join us at The Foundry where we barely made last call. Upon being kicked out of that establishment at closing time, we huddled at the door marvelling at all the young people wondering aimlessly in search of a Saturday evening that didn't want to end.

This is where we met Angelo and Dana, two long time buddies that roomed together in college and provided some (often unintentional) comic relief as they gave a running commentary to the scene around us. I felt that if Josh were to meet guys like this when he gets here, he'll be just fine. They walked us back to the hotel (Angelo clearly had eyes for Heather) and said goodbyes... about ten times.

All in all it was a very fun day. The screening went well, the interview went well, the meeting went well, the party went well and well, the bar hoping went well. And now I gotta get up for a brunch at 9AM. Isn't that techincally still breakfast at that hour?