I had breakfast with Tony Clarke (co-author Blue Gold) and two activist/ blogger/ mayor/ social rebels/cartoonists. Can't beat that conversation even though they have the very specific political lingo was foreign to me. They will help spread the word of the film Blue Gold. Apparently Tony had a radio interview right after the screening last night at the theatre which went well.
At 1pm was the 2nd and final screening of Blue Gold. This theatre was huge (650 seats) and was sold out on a Friday afternoon. Quite amazing to see the scope of the theatre and crowd that showed up. Mark Achbar, Tony and I introduced the film and it was awesome to see that many faces there. Mark and I had Guiness at the pub across the street during the screening. When we returned towards the end of the film, Mark decided it was important to hand out ballots for the audience choice award at the door as people left the theatre. I thought he was over-doing it, but he insisted and since we didn't have any help he did it himself.
I was inside during the last 10-15 minutes and was happy that people were clapping at individual moments in the ending as each solution was presented. It was great to see Ethan's close-up insert shot on the big screen as well. Once the film was finished there was great applause. This audience and Q&A went amazingly well. At least two people told me it was the most powerful film they saw at the festival. Again I was asked if I have received any "consequences" by the corporations I name in the film. I told them the story of the Veolia request in Paris for a "preliminary meeting" in a hotel once I arrived in Paris, only to have the interview canceled once they knew I was in the city. The famed environmentalist David Suzuki was there and seemed to appreciate the film. After Tony Clarke had to leave for the airport many people came up to me with requests for screenings, compliments, and overall wonderful praise. Quite rewarding.
Meanwhile during Q&A Mark was handing out ballots as planned. He took me on a tour of Vancouver and the views of the bay and city from a fantastic park near his home. He put on an excellent gold jacket and we went to awards ceremony. I was a bit in shock (still am) when Blue Gold was given the Audience Choice Best Environmental Film at the festival (or VIFF Environmental Film Award depending on what article you read). Soon after Mark showed me a text on his cell that said the award was already announced on Variety.
There was a large loud after-party of hundreds which I floated through drinking beer and trying to absorb that I had a 650 person sold out audience for my first feature with amazing reaction and an award in the same day. I said my final thanks and farewell to my Exec Producer Mark Achbar, whom I only met Monday, and will try to digest all this craziness on the plane tomorrow home.
Sam Bozzo
www.bluegold-worldwaterwars.com
Show/Hide comment form
