It also reminded me how important a part film has remained in my life. It amazes me that despite the influx of different forms of media and the threat of online narrative forms cutting into the film market, film continues to be such a prevalent and dominant form of storytelling. I think one of the great things about film is that it has an ability to shape on the screen what may have been sitting idly in our subconscience but that which we were never able to fully articulate or even gain awareness of. It doesn't even have to be a deeply profound message either!~ it can simply be a feeling (like in "Lost in Translation") or a observation (the stereotype of Asian overachievers in "Harold and Kumar"). In doing so, film still plays a critical role of helping us connect to ourselves and society. This is precisely why diverse stories deserve and need to be told.
I met a lot of incredible people, not just actors or filmmakers, but regular individuals who poured tremendous energy into their efforts to advocate and support the films and stories that they felt needed to be seen and heard. On my flight home I realized that in just the few days I spent out in San Francisco, watching films, talking to filmmakers and filmgoers, was the most rewarding few days I had spent in a long time.
When I got home, I wrote out my resignation letter...ha, but the next morning I didn't have the sac to sit down with my manager or turn it in. So there it sits on the corner of my kitchen table, waiting..looking at me with accusatory expectation. And telling me that weekends like this will merely be blips in the flat-line of my life.
3 comments:
Now that is progress, you've actually written your letter, NICE! Mine's in my head....well I'm not planning on writing a letter so much as I am a series of short emails requesting urgent meetings, followed by hopefully a post-it sized thank you to HR. I want to hear about SF more sometime, sounds like you had an amazing time. I'm hoping to make my way there soon too. Next up Japan (still going I hope), when is that again?
Oh yea, there may be days actually when I am over there at D st on the 10th floor. I'll let you know and if we both have time maybe we can go over to Cafe Mozu(?) for a bon voyage euro/med style (and paced) cup of coffee.
I'm glad to hear that you've been reinvigorated about Asian American filmmaking. I've been stuck in the grind here in NYC, trying to get my life together. And most of the time that gets in the way of any real progress towards what I want to do, which is tell stories. I wouldn't go as far as resigning, but then again you seem like a braver soul than I am. And probably have a bigger saving account balance.
Anyhow, I hope all is well. I'm glad to see though that you haven't lost your desire to affect change through cinema. Reminds me that there's something more than having an apartment and a bed. Take care!
Screw resignation letter, I think a resignation finger gets the message across better
:P
Post a Comment