My film is being screened tonight, and I’m terrified
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I’ve written about the 100 Words Film Festival more than once. I just think the concept is the coolest — it’s a festival open to students, amateurs and professionals alike, and there’s only one rule: There must be exactly 100 spoken words in each film. A counter on screen keeps pace for the audience, leading to some intense, dramatic moments (what’s going to happen with three words left?!).
Last year’s inaugural event piqued my interest, and because film has always been a passion of mine, I enrolled in digital film classes at CPCC this past spring.
When founder Scott Galloway came to speak to our class about the 2015 festival, with its two evenings of screenings and a Saturday afternoon seminar with Film Distribution President Ken Eisen, actress/filmmaker Karen Young, and award-winning filmmaker Andy Abrahams Wilson, I knew I wanted to try my hand at a short film.
Even then, I was nervous about it. I’m a writer and editor. I do the words. What if I put myself out there and the film doesn’t make the festival? What if it does?
Location scouting with the talent #shortfilm #onset @dorseywesleyjr
A photo posted by Cristina Wilson (@cemwilson) on
I’ve always been uncomfortable letting people read my writing in front of me, so sitting in an auditorium full of people watching something I’ve produced makes my palms sweat even thinking about it now. Like, a lot. When I got the news that my film had been selected for the Friday night screening, I was simultaneously thrilled and terrified. No emotional middle ground.
I suppose that’s the vulnerability that art exposes — particularly when that art is shared with others. One thing motivating me, though, is seeing the other films chosen for the festival. If they’re anything like last year’s, this weekend’s events promise to be satisfying and thought-provoking, with a few critical moments of comic relief.
So I’ll be there tonight, sweating profusely and greeting my many fans (Hi mom!). Support a fantastic local organization, and join us.
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Photo courtesy of 100 Words Film Festival
