The Austin Film Festival Experience by Thomas Houser
Every year, the varsity K-AHS class is given the wonderful opportunity to attend the Austin Film Festival. I feel so lucky having had the opportunity to go to the Film Festival this year. I went into the festival not knowing what to expect and came out inspired and better educated about what a career in film might look like. This exposure solidified my determination to pursue my interest in filmmaking.
In the mornings during the Film Festival, there were sessions with panels of speakers. I went on Thursday morning having no idea what this was all about and found myself in a room with Alec Berg, a comic writer who wrote for Seinfeld. This was a fun introduction to the festival for me. Alec Berg told what it’s like to have a young family while working in the business and of course, he told it in a humorous and very entertaining way.
The next day I went to see short films, which were inspirational, entertaining and fun. I was fascinated by how much great story telling is out there. I learned a lot and loved being in a place with so many people who love doing the same thing as I do. Having the opportunity to vote for my favorite short added to the experience for me – voting made me feel like I was a real participant in the festival, not just a student observer.
The highlight of the Film Festival for me was attending the premier of Johnny Depp’s new movie, The Rum Diaries. I waited in line by myself for 2 hours. The line out of the Paramount Theater went around a block and a half at least. I was lucky to have gotten there early enough that I actually made it into the theater and had a good seat. The movie was exciting and wild but the best part was having the chance to see and hear Johnny Depp in person. He came out after the movie, and spoke and answered questions for at least 40 minutes. In a funny way, I felt like I sort of knew who he was after seeing him in so many movies. He was fascinating, funny and so engaging.
The icing on the cake for the day was standing near Johnny Depp, trying to get his autograph…he reached out to take my program to sign, and somehow touched my hand, but unfortunately his handler pulled him away before he could sign my Film Festival badge. So, I didn’t get his autograph, but had a great time and left feeling so lucky to have been there.
Now that I know what it’s all about, I can’t wait to come back to the Austin Film Festival.
