I really don't know what to say about my trip to NYC and the CMJ Film Festival. I was already very exited about the trip because . . quite frankly New York is the greatest city in the world. But I didn't know the trip was going to be so emotional and such a blast.
First off, staying with my brother Chris in his upper East-side apartment was great. Then meeting up with my friend old John Hill and having some great NY pizza and then going to the Museum of Modern Art was such an awesome way to spend a Thursday. And then Thursday night Chris and I went to go see Brighton Beach Memoirs on Broadway. You just can't beat that.
Then Friday we met up with my other brother Joe and friend Imran for the festival. What a great turn out. A fantastic mix of old friends, new faces and just plan film lovers. Alex and Frances, two of the organizers of the festival were so gracious to us and said some really encouraging things about the film.
Having Sammy's parents at the showing was very special. I really think they took a lot out of the film. They kept telling me "thank you" for recognizing their son. And although I appreciated it I don't know if I deserved a thank you. I just tried to show Sam in the film for what he was . . . a great guy with a great sense of humor. I hope I did that.
When Sam passed away in June it made me very sad that he would never get a chance to see this film, and I know he was exited to see it. But after this screening, with his parents and friends in attendance, in the city he loved . . I don't feel that way anymore. I know Sam was there watching with us, that I'm sure of. The only thing I'm not sure of now is if he liked it or not. But I guess someday I'll get a chance to ask him.
Thanks NY, thanks CMJ
