I just. I CAN'T EVEN. *-*
I am hardly ever this happy.
I went to the local film festival today. Squeaky Business was playing in the festival, so I got a free VIP pass to all the events during the day for being a filmmaker. Kevin went with me, and he was also able to get into all the events for free because Jeff helps run the festival. So I spent all day with Kevin watching films at the festival, some of which were really good. Some of which were really bad. We had to get up really early this morning though, so I almost fell asleep a few times.
I got to see my film up on the big screen of my favorite movie theater. That was pretty cool.
Afterward, I participated in a discussion panel with the rest of the filmmakers at the festival, answering questions and talking about our films.
I got to see and hang out with some really neat people who were there. We watched a documentary on Pui Chan, who brought a form of kung fu over to America. He is a master at martial arts and had a really inspirational story. He was at the festival, so I took a couple pictures. Also met Herschell Gordon Lewis, the "grandfather of gore." He was a really funny guy. I got him to sign my festival program, and got a picture with him.
During the middle of the day, we watched a film called The Guest House. It's a lesbian romance, and had some racy scenes in it. Kevin was being all giddy about getting to watch girls kiss on screen. He freaked out a little when it turned out that one of the actresses, Ruth Reynolds, was at the festival with us. I thought she was cute, so I found a couple ways to bump into her during the night, lol. At one point, Kevin and I were waiting in the lobby in between films, and Ruth was walking by. Kevin pointed her out and got all excited about the fact that she was right in front of us (in that "OMG LESBIANS TEEHEE" way he always does). For whatever reason, something spurred me to talk to her, so as she walked by, I got her attention and told her she did a good job in the film. She thanked me and giggled, then asked in an excited voice if I had worked on "the film with the little dog." I said yes, and she was like "I liked that!" and I thanked her. We smiled and she walked off. As soon as she left, I regretted not getting a picture with her, but I was like "Meh, oh well."
Squeaky won a Best Animation award, which I wasn't entirely surprised about, but still very happy with. (The other animations sucked.) Although the trophy will have to be given to the school, it was really special just being there to accept it on behalf of my class who worked on the film with me. (Of course, I'm trying not to think about how I almost tripped and made a fool of myself on the way to the stage to accept the award.) This is the second award our film has earned, which is more than I ever expected originally, honestly.
After that, Kevin and I went to the after-party that took place on the second floor of the theater (a place I haven't been to before, since it's usually blocked off for special occasions). They had a big open balcony and free food and music and stuff. I was hyped up on adrenaline and confidence, apparently, and I told Kevin I wanted to get a picture with Ruth before we left. I spotted Ruth at the party and kept an eye on her for a little while, hoping to catch her by herself at some point. Eventually I walked over to where she was, but then she started to walk past us in the opposite direction. I had to turn around and follow her; we ended up going outside. She was near the balcony doors, so I got her attention once again and congratulated her on the "Rising Star" award she'd received. She returned the congratulations, and I asked her if she would mind getting a picture with me. She said "of course", and I had Kevin take a picture. I was only slightly disappointed that she made no move to put an arm around me or something, like many people had been doing that night. Still - good enough! I got a picture with her, thanked her, and moved on. Kevin teased me the rest of the night about her, calling her my "girlfriend." But he was probably just jealous that I had the guts to talk to her. ;)
I called Cheryl to tell her about the award we won, and she was really excited about it. A bunch of people congratulated me throughout the night. Jeff and Colleen were both there; they were very nice to me and proud that I won something. After getting home, Kevin's dad told me he was proud of me too, and my parents also were happy for me.
Squeaky wouldn't have gotten that award if it wasn't for me. I submitted the film, I knew Jeff, I sent the submission email, I made it happen, I went to that film festival, I represented our team, and I didn't come back empty handed. I came, I saw, I conquered. It feels good, and I am proud of myself for today.