Some good news: February 1st was the final deadline for the Seattle International Film Festival. On that day, I personally submitted a rough cut of “A Night in the Sunlight” to the festival offices where I asked if the submission fees could possibly be waived. The man who took my envelope and listened to my question furled his brow and asked me to describe the film, which I did. “It’s a haiku about love, loss, family and the impact we leave on one another.” Then he asked me where it was filmed. I told him “In Seattle, at the Sunlight cafe on Roosevelt with a Seattle crew and all Seattle actors.” He seemed to ponder this for a moment, then with a brush of his hand said “It’s waived.”

That little wave saved me $70.

I thanked him profusely, shook his hand and bounced out of the building.

I sat in my car for a while, elated. I take it as a good sign for the film: its first attempt to get out and the gatekeeper waved it through!

We’re off to a good start.

That said, the picture still isn’t locked. Once we lock it, we’ll balance the color, clean the audio, then add those finishing touches like original music compliments of songwriter and guitar virtuoso Kelli Rudick.

I’m also applying for an Artists Trust GAP grant to get some finishing funds. If won, I’ll use this money to pay for the posters, DVD production/transfer and submission fees to (hopefully) quite a few festivals. So far, I’ve spent more–lots more–on submitting “Gimme Music, Gimme Shelter” than I spent on the production of it. About five times as much.

Recently, I had a test screening of “Sunlight” with a friend and his insights were spot on. Everything we hoped to tell in this story is there. The details, even the smallest, most specific are visible and articulated.

Soon, very soon, this lovely little haiku will be available for all of y’alls enjoyment. And I can’t wait for you to see it.

Cheers
Shawn