I got home crazy late the other night, but thought I would pass on my experiences at this year’s KC FilmFest:

• It was my first experience in the Power and Light District.  I’ve heard good and bad episodes, but my initial expression was being impressed.  I walked down the two blocks to see the Sprint Center up close and personal for the first time as well.  As I’ve seen in L.A., a downtown revitalization project can completely change your perspective on a whole city.  The first screening of my film was on Saturday night, and even though my best ‘Saturday nights’ are behind me, it was still kind of cool to see a ‘scene’ happening in the city I grew up in.
• You can call me out as pandering to the sponsor, but I can’t say enough good things about the AMC Mainstreet Theatre.  It was everything I enjoy about the Arclight experience and some of the other theatres here in L.A. that cater to film lovers, but kicked up a notch.  I don’t know if he wants me to mention him by name, but one of my oldest friends from back in the day happens to work for AMC Independent now, and give me a personal tour of the AMC CinemaSuites.  Wow.  I heard EW gave them one hell of a review; it’s certainly well deserved in my opinion.  Leather seats, full menu, wait service: I’m already making future plans…
• The festival and the screenings themselves were enjoyable as expected.  I’m all about the ‘craft’, so it may surprise some of you to know I can’t stand to watch my films or my performances with any kind of audience.  I see and hear every flaw in myself and in my film.  But friends and family came to both screenings, and we all had a good time.  ‘Lady’ got a good reaction, but as a film geek I can say it wasn’t even my favorite film in the section that it was a part of.  Pun intended but it was a mixed bag with something for everyone.

I know I always say ‘that was the last screening,’ but I met some of my filmmakers so I already know from experience not to say that.  Thanks to all who came out (it was great catching up with alot of you), and a special thanks to AMC for putting on a great festival for the hometown talent (which in my opinion is booming but that’s a post for another time.)