A Peek Back at the Premiere

25 Jun

A Three Hour tour… A Three Hour Tour.

For some reason the chorus to Giligan’s Island was what was echoing between my ears in the final minutes before we were rushed into the theater at the Chinese 6 in Hollywood last Saturday. It was born from the notion of what’s supposed to be a shorter trip (25 days in our case,) becoming a much longer journey (over 2 years and counting.) It was our world premiere as part of the excellent Dances With Films festival here in Los Angeles. We managed to sell out two shows which was a first for the 16 year old festival, and the theaters were packed with hikers!

It was hard to not be overwhelmed trying to meet all of the people, many of whom we’ve had long standing friendships with, and many we were just getting to know.  It was a very emotional moment, because we had worked so hard to get to that day. We’ve had so many triumphs like, thanks to many of you, our successful Kickstarter campaign, and really wonderful responses from the people who attended our private screenings. However, like any grand endeavor we were met with a lot of set backs and rejections as well. To produce any self-financed, independent film – especially a feature length one – you have to believe that’s it’s good, and that people will want to see it. But you never truly know until you finally send it out to the world. The two lines out the door certainly was a reassuring sight.

We were of course nervous as the two screenings ran, the second only twenty minutes behind the first. We took turns going from theater to theater to see how the crowds were responding. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for my nerves to ease as people were laughing and reacting to each scene. Always a good sign. Ric, Jen and I stood in the hallway entrance to the first theater, and about half way through the movie I nudged Ric and said, “it’s a good sign if they’re even laughing at your jokes.” He cracked a big smile and I could tell that he was enjoying the moment too.

After the first screening ended, we did a fast Q & A, that if I’m being honest is a bit of a blur now. I just remember how generous the comments were, and that the questions were all insightful and thought provoking. About twenty minutes later, we were whisked into the second theater for the second Q & A, sadly also mostly a blur to me now. But I do remember a really wonderful energy coming from the audience.

We finished the night (with many of the people who attended the screening) in the speakeasy back room of the Pig and Whistle with a great show by our friends and co-conspirators, Opus Orange. They are not only gifted musicians, but truly genuinely awesome people as well.

Like the ill-fated crew of the Minnow, it’s going to be a long time before we’re off the Mile.. Mile.. and A Half Island. But for us, with the great adventure just starting, we’ll count ourselves lucky if it lasts a good long while.

We’d like to thank Michael, Leslee, Robert, Jonah, Felicia, Kim, Kerim and all of the other staff and volunteers from Dances with films, and our volunteers Alicia, Robi and Angus, for believing in an hour and a half documentary about people walking from Yosemite to Mount Whitney. Also, thanks to all of you for making this day possible! It’s surely one that none of us will ever be able to forget.

And if you wanted to see more, fan Tiffany Germann had a camera with her that night (unbeknownst to us.) Enjoy.

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF……

Thanks to all of your we received the AUDIENCE AWARD for DOCUMENTARY!

Woot! You like us! You really like us! (um, …even Durand? Just asking.)