Kickstarter

Folks,

While I may never actually fully catch up on some much needed sleep, SXSW 2012 is now over - it was a whirlwind of excitement, celebration and community - and I wanted to give you all just a brief update.

PAVILION came to SXSW as an underdog.  It's my debut feature film, micro budget, no big (or little) 'stars', no studio backing...I won't say we were unknown, but, in a way, we came in from nowhere.  Yet, with plenty of excitement generated from our KICKSTARTER campaign and interview in FILMMAKER, we were hitting our stride, and by the time INDIEWIRE called us one of the 10 films to watch at the festival, people were starting to take notice.  Similarly to the film's quiet and dreamy form and style, our name began floating into the atmosphere down there as something entirely unique, ethereal, meaningful and beautiful.  After 4 screenings in 6 days - starting with OPENING NIGHT, we were on a lot of people's lists as a SXSW highlight. Are we the audience favorite?  No, the film isn't the type to be loved and appreciated by everyone who sees it.   Are we the most marketable film there?  Not at all. But, very importantly, we were taken very seriously as one of the most artful films there by festival goers as well as the community of other filmmakers, press, distributors and production companies - peers - who viewed the film.

Each screening was truly special and charged with incredible energy, but two wonderful things happened at our final screening.  First,the head of SXSW, Janet Pierson, was in attendance and introduced the film - a highlight of my career and a sign that the film was at SXSW because she and her team truly believed in it and championed it as a work of cinematic art.  Second, and even more important, was that a woman named Kathleen Powers came to the screening.  Huh?  Who's she?  Folks, she's a BELIEVER, just like the rest of us.  She contributed to our KICKSTARTER campaign and showed up in Austin, waited in line, took a seat, and watched the screen in anticipation as the theater went dark.  She introduced herself to me after the screening and Q&A and I was thrilled to meet her and even more thrilled that she loved the film (phew) and was so proud of being a part of it.   

I kind of floated all the way home.  

Okay, yes, there is still a lot of work to be done:  planning the New York City and European Premieres, organizing a regional festival run throughout North America, as well as getting started fulfilling some of these rewards I owe you folks!  For now, if you want to see how the film was received, take a look at the eloquent review by Mike Ryan, a respected critic for the cool film blog, HAMMER TO NAIL below.  He gets it.  The get it.

http://www.hammertonail.com/reviews/pavilion-film-review/

More soon as new paths develop.  Thanks again to you all for making all of this happen.

Best,

ts