It is the day of the world premiere and I am nervous.
Will the RSVP crowd show up?
In the afternoon, I get barraged with cancellation emails:
Sorry due to ill health, we can not make it;
Sorry car troubles. Can’t get from Dade to Broward;
Sorry due to broken down air conditioner we are waiting for repairman.
Omens! Bad vibes! Negativity surrounds the Cinema Paradiso. Self doubt darkens my mood.
Did I order too much food? How will my speech go? Will audience like the movie?
An hour before the showing, I’m carrying world-premiere stuff (Don’t ask) from my car to the theater. I’m hot. I’m sweaty. I need a break. I sit in the shade and read my email.
“Congratulations. Your submission has been selected to be part of the WNY Film, Art, and Music Event at Genesee Community College at Batavia. You should be very proud at your achievement of being selected among hundreds of qualifying entries.”
My mood changes. My doubts disappear. I am one happy camper singing, Love Potion Number. Nine and realizing the “The Stairs” has just won acceptance in its ninth film festival.
Just like the man in the song, I sought love. The email was my Gypsy and WNY of Batavia my elixir.
