Post Visions!!!

Before the festival I really didn't know what to think. I felt that our teams as ready and prepared for the day and I was just excited to just meet the filmmakers. When Jill and I first picked up Zach and Chris, we were blown away with how easy they were to talk to and how much we could share. They were so kind and we were able to show them around OUR school and town, so that was really fun. Not only that, they were excited to SEE this place.

Once the actual festival began, I felt like there was such a community spirit. Everyone respected one another on our team and was willing to help no matter what. I know at some point, I wasn't the mic runner, but that person wasn't there, so I was. Each event went really well and I was so proud of our team. I think the filmmakers and scholars were also blown away at how on top of it we were- by just being undergrads.

My part really came at the after party as the Awards Coordinator. I had thought about what I was going to say but I'm really happy with how it went. I wasn't nervous at all on stage (the gin and tonic may have helped that) but I think most of all I was excited to give away these awards. I felt that the filmmakers really didn't expect anything- they were all so kind and I made an effort to get to know each of the filmmakers I gave an award to. It was just such a great feeling to finally give away these awesome awards out.  I had been stressing over them for the past months and it was finally the time where I could share this accomplishment with them.

If I could go back, I think I would have presented the working films award a bit better. I was not as familiar with what the winner was receiving- which I should have checked over before hand. Honestly, other than that- I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was such a great day and event overall.

Everyone working together as a team really made it what it was. I doubt that there was one filmmaker or scholar who left feeling like they didn't have fun or learn from this experience. Constantly people were talking about how welcoming it was and how they wished this type of thing existed at their university. It really was such a great event and I am proud and humbled to have been apart of this festival:)