This is the first of a series of gallery card images promoting the fundraising of “A parody of worth.”

Ceramic heart by Armando Gutierrez G.

Ceramic heart by Armando Gutierrez G.

I was introduced by Gay Decker from the SJIFF Board of Directors. Photo Courtesy of Signalblog.ca

My experience in St. Johns at the women’s film festival was incredible. The people nicer, the drinking more prolific, the fish and chips fresh+greaser, the film programming entertaining…the whole thing was better than I expected or deserved.

I’m told 2 things about St. Johns: 1)They have the highest number of artists per postal code in the whole world. 2)They have the highest number of bars per city block… I would say without a doubt, those two facts play strongly into their jovial nature.

I spoke before the screening of “Going to seed.” I didn’t know until I was walking into the venue. But it turned out ok I think. I made them laugh at least.  A little self deprocation goes farther in Canada than here in the states. That and when they found out it was my first festival they cheered. (How cool is that?)

The crowd seemed to genuinely like, and understand “Going to seed.” That in itself was amazing. (To hear them all gasp at the end?!)

My goofy Minnesota grin while trying not to puke in front of hundreds of gracious Newfoundlanders.

I was even approached over a random solitary lunch by Des Walsh, the Garrison Keillor of NL, and he mentioned he like my film and thanked me for bringing it to St. Johns.

The festival volunteers and coordinators were the best hosts. I’m submitting “Strays” the first second I can and hopefully make it back next year.

If this film business doesn’t pan out, something tells me I’d make a great Newf Fishwife.

WIFT reception with Katie Butler, Event Coordinator, St. Johns International Women's Film Festival

breakfast = eggs, bacon, 2 toasts w/ 4 jellies, too much coffee and watching boatmen walk around in big boots.

after a tiny hangover from the after party and bacon and coffee I’m off to a conference on advancing my career. (yes please.)

Last night we watched the film “Love and Savagery.” Great production value, a little sentimental for my taste, but I understand the frantic pride of Canadian filmmakers when their work is up against 85% of their theatres who show only American movies.

Going to seed is playing tonight. Eeek.

The festival took great pains to make the night spectacular. They projected their 20th anniversary logo everywhere.

After settling into the wet little city, I’m at the SJIFF opening gala. Red carpet, free booze and cheese shapes, I’m under dressed as usual…

I met 2 filmmakers from Prince Edward Island and a claymay genius from Switzerland. I was also chauffered around by the mom of NL’s up and coming director (of Crackie).

Katie, Amy, Victoria and Shannon from the festival are goddesses.

Interesting note: film crew boys here are exactly the same in MSP.

The after party went late, I tried to mingle, turns out I’m not comfortable unless I’m helping or working…

Festival Logo

My view : Toronto Airport 10-19

9 hours at the little “International Flights” customs quarantine area.

Thank god for kindle on iphone. and Oh Henry!

I watched some interesting Canadian short films on the filght to St. Johns from a company called Movie-ola. They seem to buy short films and put them on planes. Weird.

Then I watched Terminator with Christian Bale. It’s a shame what gets so much funding. Blockbusters like that are filling theaters around the world- freezing out local and independent cinema- I know its not that simple… but it is more or less the case.

fleece, m&m's, 120mm film - luggage of champions

I’m preparing for an amazing trip to St. John’s Newfoundland to attend SJIWFF. ‘Going to seed’ is playing Wednesday, October 21st. Check out the details here.