“First I was, afraid I was petrified” is the unforgettable introduction to Gloria Gayner’s “I will survive”, and that is certainly true for me in everything that I do. This was only my second time going to a movie theatre by myself. I showed up at 2:25 to IFC purposefully to slip in and out of the screening of the Oscar Nominated shorts. I self-consciously purchased my ticket and hoped to slip in to theatre one on the ground floor unnoticed by other patrons. “Hold on, I have to clean it first,” said the IFC usher with a neat Afro the size of Jimmy Hendrix’s. My plan was a bust.
I stood by the wall in front of a large poster and saw the couples pouring in from the first beautiful Wednesday we had seen since October. I twiddled my fingers, contemplated going to the bathroom, and completely missed the organic popcorn popular with my classmates.
I sat down, all alone in a 2:30 showing with pockets of couples and triples scattered throughout the large room. The films started a few moments later and I didn’t know what to expect. I made a short film once and never dreamed that I could submit it to be recognized by the prestigious Oscar critics. Wasn’t that for foreign films or something; apparently not. The films screened were made as close as NYU and this gave me hope. Inspired, I went home and joined the 48 hour film contest which starts this Friday. I hope to do well enough to be submitted to the Cannes film festival. Here is to no such thing as accidents, and dreaming big.
I like how you used the Gloria Gaynor song as an introduction; that was funny. It’s okay that you went to the theatre by yourself; I have different interests in films than my friends, so sometimes I have to. You should show your film to the class.
I like your comical approach, it was very humorous and also nice song choice. I think I would’ve liked to meet the Jimi Hendrix look alike. I was surprised by your ending that your experience inspired you to join the 48 hour film contest, congratulations, I hope you have a lot of fun on your adventures.