Gearing up for the 2011 L.A Women's International Film Festival

Hello all,

I know I've been mum for a few weeks. I've been struggling to get my writing focus back on track and with the first quarter of the year over in 10 days, I'm thinking about my progress for the remainder of 2011.

On a positive note, I'm looking forward to this Friday, March 25, 2011. On that day I will be flying out to Los Angeles to attend the 2011 Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival, sponsored by the Alliance of Women Filmmakers. The Alliance of Women Filmmakers not only offers a platform for emerging women filmmakers, writers, and directors, it also seeks out films that have both a global and social message, contributing to women causes one film at a time. This film organization is a non-profit 501c(3) organization established by Diana Means to empower women filmmakers to create diverse roles for women.

I'm both thrilled and honored that After the Headlines was selected to be screened at this festival. Just when I thought I was done with the festival circuit I receive an email from Ms. Means congratulating me on my acceptance. After I got over the shock and surprise, I began to smile from the inside out and wrote an email to blast out the news to my network of friends, family, and colleagues.

I wasn't sure if I was going to make this festival at first. My major issue was timing and funds. Luckily, I was able to cash in two free round-trip flights I had with Southwest and got a great rental rate from Travel by Simon. I also need to thank my friend Pauline for letting me crash at her place yet again! A few weeks ago I posted on my facebook In the Mix that I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to go. My fellow colleagues and friends told me that I needed to make it happen. They were right and I am glad I did.

With all festivals there will be opportunity to network and share with other filmmakers and screenwriters that get your creative and financial struggles. I'm looking forward to seeing other films and attending the galas, but a major highlight for me will be the panel workshops: Self Distribution- Exploring Alternative Distribution and Negotiating the Theatrical Agreement by Akua Boyenne.

It is also going to be nice to see After the Headlines on a theater screen again. I didn't think I would have this opportunity to share the film with another audience. This will probably be the last film festival screening for After the Headlines.I enjoyed my short film festival circuit wave, but it is time for me to move onto new projects and get back to writing. If it wasn't for my writing this opportunity and the others that I've had wouldn't been possible. It was my due diligence that brought me hear and I must not forget it. Writers write.

If you are in the Los Angeles area I would love to have you at the 4 p.m. screening block that includes After the Headlines. Other films screening in the block are, Message Received, Emma & Reid, Take Her Picture, and Prom Date. Filmmakers thrive off of people in the audience, so please to be shy, we need your support. You can order tickets by clicking on the following link, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/159084.

Thanks for reading. Stay tune for next blog which will be highlights from the 2011 Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival.