It has been said; all good things must come to an end. Today the Hotels will empty out, and taxicabs will be on demand for runs to the airport. The curtain has come down on Cinequest 18, and all that’s left to say is thanks for the memories…
* I learned that one of Bobby Moresco’s (Crash, Million Dollar Baby) newest works would profile the trials and tribulations of Susan McDougal. She spent over 20 months in prison when she refused to implicate Bill Clinton on scandal charges. - The Woman Who wouldn’t Talk, biography - drama.

* Paco Chierici, screenwriter and fighter pilot, convinced the fairly liberal woman director Peyton Wilson to do a film about U. S. Navy fighter pilots. She followed two young pilots through their demanding training program. Though the film is not about the war, it culminates with deployment to Iraq. I asked Capt. John “Buckethead” Cole if the pilots were still flying. The filmmakers all agreed that we needed to see the film for the rest of the story. - ‘Speed and Angels’

* Danny Glover (pictured) took over the small Hotel Montgomery press room with not only his powerful 6′ 3½” frame, but with his mind. It was as if he wanted us to share his every thought. I may not agree with his political view or its delivery, but I found that I admire his compassion, and his ability to make positive change in the world. While attending San Francisco State he was involved with one of the longest student strikes in history, the result of which was the first school of Ethnic Studies. Danny mentioned a project using the music of those times. Had me humming the 1964 “Dancing in the Street”.

After the press conference as Mr. Glover was making his way to the California Theatre to accept the Maverick Spirit Award, I doggedly pursued him up First Street like a paparazzo after Britney. The light at San Carlos turned red and I had him. I motioned to my camera and he replied with a nod. I only had time for one picture and a thank you. Instead of stepping off the curb when the light turned green, Mr. Glover held out his hand. Yes, it was one warm handshake.

* I managed to get into the Repertory Theatre lobby ahead of the crowd that was gathering to see Glory Boy Days. There I chatted with Alejandro Adams Director - Around the Bay and Katherine Celio. As Daisy, Katherine held my attention. Her ability made me care about the young woman who was yearning for connection in this uncomfortably issued take on life.

* Glory Boy Days lets mom and dad in just enough to see what their kids are up to. Not all is bad, but it left me wishing that more was good. The matter-of-fact way in which drug use was portrayed concerns me. I know, I know it’s just a movie. But, it is a movie that will be seen.

I’ll miss the energy of the Cinequest audience, their laughter and their tears. I’ll miss the passion in the hearts of the filmmakers, and their desire to please us.

A big thanks to Jens Hussey and the Cinequest staff for meeting our needs.

Bring on Cinequest 19!
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