How I Spent My Weekend

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The last time I went to a film festival was in Los Angeles. I took my students as a field trip. We had a blast. So when I saw that my favorite theater in south Orange County was having a film festival, I bought an all access pass. Friday night was glorious. I arrived early and joined the reception. I chatted with an older lady who was sitting alone. It turned out her eighteen year-old grandson was the organizer and producer of the festival. I was blown away. He grew up around movie people. His father is Andy Fickman, a well-known director in Hollywood. His mother is a well-known agent. The festival consisted of movie shorts. There were over 1,000 films submitted. There were around 100 shown over the three days of screening. The audience scored each film at the end of each genre, and a short discussion with the film makers took place. I loved this part. There was also a panel discussion with biggies in the industry (it helps to have connections). Many in the audience were new to the industry and learned a great deal. I have never been in the movie business, but I am an integral part of it. I'm in the audience. It was exciting and exhausting. I will go to next year’s second annual Laguna Film Festival. I will also shop around for others to attend, now that I found this to be a fun way to spend the weekend. But next time, I’m wearing warmer clothing. It was chilly in there.