Well kids. It's all over. What a ride. This is my 3rd year as festival MC & screening assistant. Each year has been just a fantastic experience. From the start of the festival back in August when the submissions start coming in to the final day of the fest with the Award ceremony & the after-party.
Every year: I'm
#1) inspired by how hard the committee for the Short Shorts Film Festival work to make this fest a huge success every year. Big respect to you all. You are truly an amazing & wonderful bunch of dedicated lovers of short films. Also a BIG shout out to the volunteers who staff the festival. This wouldn't be possible without you!
#2) astounded by the sheer talent & creativity of the filmmakers, writers, & actors of the thousands of shorts we receive.
#3) surprised by the audiences that attend who really do love short films, ask pointed questions @ the Q&A's, & allow us to have a fun, great time along with the invited filmmakers.
#4) grateful for the many friends I make among the filmmakers and especially among the audience members.
#5) proud of our jury & of our festival that we DIDN'T award a best short in the Japan Competition. The jury members felt that the short films from Japan weren't up to the level of the shorts from abroad & wanted to give the young Japanese filmmakers a wake-up call. Bravo! #6) very very sad when it all ends. All in all, we had an exceptionally busy fest what with new categories & competitions & iPhone apps going up & having to hang out with the beautiful ladies of the "Bijyomo" competition (hey, it's all part of my job, you know).
Well, thanks all & now it's time to decompress! Until next year.
DJ John
PS. Definitely my fave shot of the year.
DJ John gets the chop from Aimi-chan!!
