Take 55 — The Film Tour
The Secret of The Redwood Forest.
Why not celebrate world-class films among the redwoods, just outside of San Francisco? People have been doing it for over 42 years like it’s no biggie. They come for the stunning scenery, but they’re also there for serious industry hobnobbing. The Mill Valley Film Festival is a known industry secret, because it’s the last chance for a film to receive an Oscar nomination before the end of the year. Hint: Many Academy members prefer to live among the redwoods, and DO attend screenings.
It’s a BIG little festival. This year it was a gigantic honor to be asked to participate in their music & film program! My short film, Xmas Cake—This American Shelf-life and band, Gaijin à Go-Go, took a stab at the patriarchy AND kept the party going ‘til 2am. On a Monday night! I’m pretty sure that was the first time Mill Valley rocked out to sixties pop harmonies sung in Japanese by a six foot blond and her power backup singers.
With A-listers like, Olivia Wild, Laura Dern, and Ed Norton on the scene, there was no time to feel like an imposter. Or wonder why the Paparazzi were not on my B/Sider tail. Our schedule was packed with rehearsals, premieres, screenings and let’s not forget—napping on the deck of a glorious treehouse.
Alas, I didn’t make it to the A/Side events. Which turned out ok, because Ed Norton didn’t make it to my short screening either. Touchè
Rumor has it, my film did not receive an Oscar nomination. But here are some scenes of this surreal moment. I’m still recovering from my double duty as a first time filmmaker and “that freakishly tall chick” from Gaijin à Go-Go.
Go B/Sider, Go!
