On my drive up to St. Pete for Silver Screen Short Film Festival, I see road signs of my past “Stetson Law School” and Gulfport. These signs are reminders of the summer and fall of 1971 when I lived in Gulfport and attended law school at Stetson—memories of a past life.
I check into my hotel and I walk to the Muvico which is only two blocks away—a good sign. There is Anjany the festival organizer. He is selling tee shirts with the festival logo on it. I jump to buy one for my producer son, Blake.
This is first time I am going to see my film on a large silver screen—I am more than excited.
There is a $100.00 prize for best film and I think I have a shot.
April Lufriu, Mrs. World 2012, introduces the filmmakers to a crowd of over 150 short film fans. I get to say a few words on what inspired me to make the movie. This is extremely hard to do with a beautiful Mrs. World standing next to me.
I am the third film to be shown. I am encouraged by the fact that my Fallsburgh Central High School buddy, Anita and her husband Herm, have come to see the film. They live in Tampa and have brought two other selection committee members from the Tampa Jewish Film Festival with them.
I sit impatiently waiting and praying for my movie. Will it play properly?
I see the Braunbaer Studio logo hit the screen. My movie is beautiful on a 50′ by 20′ foot screen. I can clearly see the twinkle in the actor’s eyes. I love it and by the end of the evening I think it is the best film of the night. The audience loves it as the applause rolls on for an extra 10 seconds. (But who is counting)
My ears, my eyes and my heart kvell. They gush and swell causing me to become verklempt.
After the showing, I network and schmooze with the other movies stars, producers and the new fans of my film.
“Amazing” declares one of the Tampa Jewish Film Festival selection committee members.
“I loved it! It caused me to cry, ” said an actor from another film.
And at least seven people said something like this,”I know a Holocaust survivor and…”
The movie created a nexus between their lives with survivors and what they had just seen.
Each congratulatory handshake or kiss felt like I was being handed an Oscar.
Well, I did not win the $100.00, It was awarded based on the spin of a roulette-type wheel with the name of each film posted on it. I felt no pain. Seeing the film on the big screen, hearing the audience’s applause and listening to them kwell about the movie was worth ten times the amount of the prize.
On the drive home to Cooper City, I see road signs reading “Venice” and “Laurel” and I daydream about winning laurels and attending the Venice Film Festival—hopeful signs of my future.
What the readers are saying:
You deserve all the glory. So happy for you and your family. You worked hard and its paying off in gratification. Thanks for sharing the news. Many more from here forward…Gina and Mario
Congratulations! Sounds like it was a very special day , wish I lived closer to share it with you!—Terry
So proud of you, Mort! Congratulations on the great response you received for this movie. The story needed to be told and you did a terrific job as its author! Gerri
Congratulations Mort! The story of the story/film expanding and stirring emotions as people relate and respond is heartening….Debra
Life is good….Gabby
Mazel Tov… Penny
Just so moving… Elaine
Very exciting… Barbara
Congrats must be a great felling of accomplishment… Cari
