An Award Winning Film...

(from left to right) Director/Writer Kerey Viswanathan, Assistant Director Tyler Geis and Writer Andrew Saxe at the Best of the 48 Hour Film Project New Haven with our two awards.

On Wednesday August 28, 2013 it became official, "John and Clara" became an award winning film! Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Best of the 48 Hour Film Project New Haven Viewing and Awards Cerememony, at the legendary Bijou Theatre in my hometown of Bridgeport, CT due to prior commitments. But I was so excited to hear that our little film won two awards that night, Audience Choice Award for Group B and Best Writing. I was also honored to find out I was a finalist out of 30+ films to be nominated for Best Actor and my costar, Ashley Trix Hamel for Best Actress.

It was such an amazing feeling to know that people genuinely enjoyed the work we put into this project. I have already discussed how special that entire process was to me before, but knowing that people actually got it and appreciated our art just made me even more proud, if that was possible. Another really special moment was that four of my good friends worked on another film for the contest called "Jolly Unfortunate" (directed by Mike Merli) that took home an award that night as well!

Even if John and Clara wasn't so well received, I've been honored to work with such a dynamic cast and crew. Though I have not seen them since the shoot wrapped, they have been in my thoughts constantly and I am so proud of each and one of them for their hard work and enthusiasm for this project. Before I wrap up this entry I wanted to include a quote that I read a few days after we won our awards for "John and Clara", that made me have even more respect for my peers in this industry.

"To any aspiring artists out there, just remember that judgment systems where creativity is concerned, cannot truly define what's actually good or bad or better than something or someone else. It can be fun and entertaining at times, but everyone has their own identity and reason to be heard. It’s good for people to have opinions and a stance on art. Everyone's story and intention is different. But you can't let someone else’s interpretation of it define who you are and how you feel about it. Or break your spirit if it’s not heard or understood at the exact moment you want it to be." ~Christina Aguilera

With that said, I am feeling really positive and upbeat thanks to the wonderful things happening in life right now. I look forward to sharing them with you all soon.

~J

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