Preface: I haven’t been the best with updating lately. There’s just been so much going on all at once, but life is usually like that I guess. I’ve decided to put forth even more effort in updating this blog. I’ll start with LAAPF ‘10.
Besides Campus MovieFest, I haven’t really gone much into the film festival circuit as of yet. I’m definitely heading towards that the direction, and there’s no greater start than at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF).
I’ve heard a lot about LAAPFF these past couple of years, first through being more involved in the Asian American community/ Visual Communications and the other through sheer word-of-mouth. It’s definitely one of the more well-known and honored Asian American film festivals in the country, not to mention the biggest in Southern California. They always have a great line up and really bring the film community together to enjoy the medium.
Almost a couple of months ago, I heard they were starting their very first Short Screenplay category into the festival. I’d been working on a new script for the past few months and thought, “Why not?” So I decided to submit it and see where it goes from there. If it gets nominated, then great. If not, then what’s meant to be is meant to be. That’s the mantra I try to live my life by.
Unexpectedly a few weeks back, I get an email saying that I’m one of the top three nominees for Best Short Screenplay. Got pretty happy. Woke up the roommate to share the news. It was a good night. As cheesy as it may sound, it honestly is an honor just to be nominated especially this being my first writing nomination.
The closing night and awards ceremony of the festival came. Accompanied by one of the nicest people I know/ my very good friend, Linda, we enjoyed dinner in Little Tokyo with the other nominees of the evening.
Unlike CMF, the Best Short Screenplay category was the first to be announced. Whenever I’m up for either an award or basically something I’ve done is publicly announced/ shown, I get the feeling of butterflies/ I-want-throw-up. Every sound around me feels like it goes faster and slower at the same time. As they announced, “And the winner for the first ever Best Short Screenplay is:
Breathing. Waiting. Breathing heavily…
“Kelly Li for ‘The Brilliant Dance.’ “
My heart was again beating a million times a minute. I tried to keep my composure, and the moment I started walking to accept the award to the time I got back to my table - I simply do not remember. I was in total shock for a group of people to say that my script was the best out of almost 70 other submissions. It’s been over a week, and I still am so honored. I even got to do press that night with Yuri (of Kaba Modern) before me and Far East Movement behind me! What?!
The evening was capped off with just a great time with friends old and new celebrating our love for film. Definitely one of the best nights of my life thus far. I’m thankful for every second of it.
