Keeping it Reel

I am always stunned at how quickly the two weeks following the Macon Film Festival fly by. Days are spent in a fog recuperating from the exhausting hours and seem to whiz past. As always the beach beckoned and tentative plans were made. The schedule was cleared and the only thing I was waiting for was a confirmation (which never came). Perhaps a quiet weekend at home was what was needed. After all 00JL had been out on assignment, the house was finally free of construction, and my two favorite boys (JL & Auggie) had been neglected in the midst. Still feeling a little "grrr-y" at having been left high and dry, we made the best of it and planned a little beach jaunt for the following weekend.

 
While sitting in the on the beach JL and I finally got around to rehashing the festival. We had a veritable revolving door of guests during those four days, all coming in for MaGa. My sister Elizabeth from San Francisco, dear friend Carter Campbell, author EllynAnne Geisel from Colorado and her sister Carol from Jacksonville, not to mention the steady stream of kids!  They were all here to experience what all the buzz was about and to experience Macon at it's hippest. 

The Macon Film Festival is so much more than screening a multitude of films. What is most prevalent during these past three years that I have been involved are the relationships formed with our city. The deals made between screenwriters, directors, and filmmakers all have a vital economic effect on Macon.
 
Out of town filmmakers see Macon as many of it's residents regretfully seldom do. They revel in it's beauty, appreciate it's history, museums and architecture. They walk our streets framing shots and planning their next project. Whether it be their first time attending the Macon Film Festival or their 6th. They always want to come back and make a point of doing so.

Special Guests feel the hospitality and warmth Macon radiates with nothing pretentious or phony thrown in, just a "happy you're here attitude". Treated like family rather than celebrities, Macon's sincerity is surely a rare commodity in their hectic lives. They return home and a little slice of Macon's charm stays with them. A fond souvenir shared amongst their friends with tales of our Southern Hospitality and infamous "Maga-tinis".

What is truly spectacular is how the "Friendliest Effin' Film Festival" is  coming into her own, crossing world wide boundaries screening films from the Netherlands, Japan, Spain...and more. Community leaders are finally taking note, giving props, and attending events.
 
But what stays with me the most are the friendships I have made and the "Friendiversaries" celebrated during the festival. It was last year when I first met Fashionado's Vincent Martinez, Jeff Glasheen and Steve Cranford.  Seeing them this year was a veritable celebration. We all asked ourselves how was it possible that a year had already passed? Had 3 years already passed since meeting Paste Magazine's Michael Dunaway?
Catching up, we recounted our first meetings and the all fun had. Different this year were the faces missing. I missed seeing Blake Leslie and Michael Toscano and had nary a moment to spend with L.A. actor and "twin" William Mull. 

I congratulate the entire board of the Macon Film Festival on another outstanding year! I am glad to put the 2011 Macon Film Festival to bed, I look forward to the 7th Annual Macon Film Festival, eagerly await the new friendships, films and REEL FUN that lies ahead.