As we wrap our Indie Fuxion Film Showcase, I have to congratulate our youngest filmmakers we featured: Blind Mice. They’re recent graduates from Hofstra University, where—full disclosure—I was their professor. I applaud their new adventure as a recently formed film production company, and I hope they know they have my full support. As in my own case as a young creative, it was the women who came before me who handed me projects to produce or broadcasts to edit, not just work as entry-level crew. They told me, I believe you can do this. Go tell this story. I’m hiring you. I was in my early 20s and showed up, over-prepared but ready to learn more, with boundless enthusiasm.
I know these talented young creatives have an exciting career ahead. I believe in them. And some of our veterans featured in our showcase, such as the innovative Womanity Project and fantastic filmmaker Celia Peters (Mission) in an earlier post, shared some valuable advice. Here’s a taste:
Danielle Eliska Lyle (Shield): “Stay the course. You've been given immense talent and vision for a reason. Do not despise small beginnings. Keep taking steps toward the goal. It may not happen overnight--but success will come in its beautiful form as long as you work hard and keep going. Bless your journey.”
Ruth Sergel (BELLE): “The community we create is the community we get. Thank you for expanding our world with your bold and compassionate vision.”
Louise Fleming (Rain UP Close): “Become more adept at listening and observing. If you are doing narrative get GOOD actors as they will be able to bring to life, the words you have written. This is a must. If you are doing a documentary get a GOOD editor. And be supportive of each other. Last [but not least] take care of your own physical and mental wellbeing.”
The always poetic Myra Velasquez (Kung Fu Granny):
“When things get tough ’n things get rough,
Step back and sing yourself a song. One of my favorites is:
Row row row your boat
gently down the stream
Merrily merrily merrily merilly
Life is But a Dream.”
(And trust me, Myra is very serious about this piece of advice. Give it a try!)
There are many gifts this industry has to give. One thing this pandemic has taught us is that our plans can change in a millisecond. Be open, young mice. And don’t let anyone take away your joy. This is a business, yes. But we’re the behind-the-scenes magicians who bring the fun. Thank you for being a part of our Showcase!
