So everything is set, suits are back from the dry cleaners, shoes are shined, the programme is set and I just had one last stop to the studio before I go home and have a good rest before I fly to Cannes.
But boy, was I wrong.
I arrive at the studio to find everyone in a state of hysteria! We had a problem with a video I shot the week before. Before I knew it, I joined in with the hysteria and we were in for a long night.
The frenzy didn’t end there; it continued till I reached Cannes. I got caught up in the rush, got into my room, and changed in literally 10 minutes to make it to a film screening.
Did I make it? No. I looked like a scarecrow anyway. Don’t laugh, try changing into a full tux in 10 minutes and you’ll see it’s not so funny after all (that includes tying the bow tie, because we never wear clip-ons).
Anyways, I went back to the room, looked at my programme to find a dinner that I was invited to -- a very special one I can’t miss.
I arrived at the place with an actor friend of mine. On a table of 20 people, I was seated three seats away from one empty seat in the middle that all eyes were directed at. We waited eagerly as the door opened and in walks our guest, none other thatn Mr Steven Spielberg, the biggest name in modern-day cinema history.
We were all star struck, I can understand someone like me being in such a state, but even the big talents seated on that table couldn’t hide their excitement at meeting him. Given that it was private, I’m afraid I can’t really talk about it further but it’s definitely a dinner I’ll never forget. And yes, Mr Spielberg loves Dubai. Let’s keep it at that.
The next day, I was disappointed to find that my programme was full of meetings but no film screenings, because to me, that is the air I breathe -- to dream and get carried away in the magic of cinema especially when you are in Cannes, where they premiere the best of the best films for the coming year.
I did manage to catch one film, though, that was part of the official selection, ‘Jimmy P’. I can only say that no matter who you get as crew and cast, if you don’t have a compelling script, then you don’t have a compelling script. So fellow filmmakers, take your time with your scripts, seriously.
I’m afraid I reached my word count! Although I have so much to tell, but in any case, I’ll let you go my dear friends, Its great to write back to you from last year. Until next time.
