Bittersweet Monday: almost… there.
Next Monday, I have my second sound mixing session for Bittersweet Monday. For many reasons, consisting of mostly personal ones, the sound sessions for this first feature film of mine had to be pushed back several times. The original intention to finish the movie by the end of 2011 has become 2012. I’m crossing my fingers that it’ll happen for real this time.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I realize over and over how much of an intense and laborious process filmmaking is, not only during production but also before and after. For an independent filmmaker who is trying to make things happen with limited resources and with a budget that apparently falls under the category of ‘no budget’ according to a recent article I read (I think it was below 100K), the whole process can be overwhelming. I have felt utterly lost at times, and I’m still not sure if I know what I’m doing.
Nonetheless, Bittersweet Monday is finally making its festival debut this December. There’s much to be done, including but not limited to printing and mailing press kit, scheduling and booking travel, and making sure the movie is finished and sent in the right format - all within the next week. With hurricane Sandy, my place is without power; but fortunately, I left town before the storm hit. I will have to deal with the damages when I get back, but I’m grateful I get to stay dry and warm for now, able to concentrate on getting ready for the festival…
It will be my first festival attendance with a feature film. All my other experiences have been with shorts, which I think is easier because you get to screen your movie with a bunch of other people’s. A short filmmaker/film is naturally exempt from the sole responsibility of entertaining for the given 2-hour time slot. With a feature, there’s a bigger burden.
I’m nervous and excited. And a part of me is scared like a little girl. But I know it’s going to be a beneficial experience no matter what because I get to be a part of a celebration, specifically designed for filmmakers and film lovers, with whom I get to share my movie. I have yet to find my audience, and maybe, just maybe, I will soon.
