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.

Been on vacation, so here are some late highlights about the movie premiere:

A hundred fans showed up and made me a happy camper—thanks to those in attendance, especially the members of the South Florida Writers Association— that’s what friends are for;

They enjoyed the beverages, cheese, crackers and grapes at the Meet & Greet— Thanks Marianne and John for all your assistance;

The resonance of applause for the film is one of my favorite sounds;

A lively and interesting Q and A followed the film—Thanks for the smart questions;

Showing the film twice got rave reviews. The audience saw the nuances in the eyes of the actors— Thanks Jason for the idea;

The red carpet and the velvet rope and posts added some glitz to the affair;

My speech went well. Thanks to edits from Shelley, Blake, Jason and Travis;

We sold some books, autographed some books that people bought via Amazon and collected some money for the U.S Holocaust Memorial and Museum (Blake’s good karma idea);

Seeing “The Stairs” movie poster in the marquis surrounded by blinking lights was a WOW moment– Thanks Paradiso Cinema

Specifically, Director Michelle, Projectionist Ray and the rest of the Paradiso staff,  thanks for a job well done. The event went off without a hitch—very professional;

The Israeli-food theme for the after party was a hit. —Thanks Shelley for the idea and all the help and the magnificent cake in the photo. Thanks to Staci, Nina and Lucy (Sorry to those I am forgetting) for all your assistance.

Sorry for those of you who missed it. But the movie will be showing in other South Florida venues. I will keep you posted. I will also post the YouTube the video of the event.—Thanks to Travis our videographer.

I slowly drove home enjoying the relaxed sensation of when life throws you a bone and you realize how lucky you are.

What the movie audience is saying:

Dear Morton,

It was a pleasure to read your speech that you gave at the opening of the dedication of the film honoring your father. Your father would be very proud of you.

I also want to thank you very much for the honor you gave us at the speech. As an aunt and Uncle of yours we could not be more thankful for this great honor.

We love you and are proud of having you as a nephew.

Love, Mike and Renia

Kudos to you Bobby. Your father would be proud of you. And your Mother to.—Richie

Thank you for the opportunity to see your film.  I’m sure there will be more to come – it was very professional and moving.  A plus was seeing so many familiar faces!—Nadine and Jeffery

Great comments. —Etta

Enjoyed!— Phyliss

Thanks for sharing. You have inspired me to start wring.—Sue

Hi Mort,
The only thing missing from last night’s red carpet event was the Hollywood crowd. Then, on the other hand, you and the rest of us made up for it. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and wish you nothing but success with it. Keep me posted, pls!
I also thought you had some terrific questions during the Q&A, and the guy who spoke about his experience with your father really added to the event. I’ll have to go back to re-read your book to refresh my memory about the whole story.Sorry I couldn’t make it to the post-party noshing at your house, but I couldn’t leave Don alone with the aide any longer; as you know, my time is no longer my own, so I’m constantly under pressure … Also, I feel horrible that I missed Shelley; pls give her my very best.
Well, Mort, who would have thunk that you’d now have a second career as a successful screen-writer and producer! So many people try but so few people succeed. Mazel tov to you! Take care —Cami

Great film, Mort — Richard