Saturday
Okay, this is my first time at
SXSW, and I
don't know what's going on. I don't understand the language; I don't know the
people; I don't know the traditions; I don't get the parties; I don't know where
to go. It's like I've entered a secret world of geeks and artists, and I don't
suppose I fit in with anyone. So there's that, which is fine. Great people
watching though. Guys in kilts who shouldn't be wearing kilts. People with dreadlocks
who shouldn't have them. That sort of thing.
The panel I was on was very meaningful for me. Fellow
panelists,
Rachel,
James,
Hussein, and
Kevin. The room was full, and people stood in
line to ask questions. The whole thing was fun, but the best part was getting to
know these four bloggers. Mormon, me, evangelical Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. We
were at peace with each other, and if we had time, the conversation would have
gone on for hours. Why can't the world be like this?
Saturday night Jeanene and I chose not to go to any
of the legendary SXSW
parties. If I knew someone who would like my envelope of party invitations, I
would give them away. Instead we went to a minister friend's home and sat
around talking with him and his wife.
"WHAT?" you say. "You left SXSW parties to hang
out with a minister and his family?
Well, yeah. I get why that would seem like a
pretty lame choice. That's one way to see it. But on the other hand, these are
the refrigerator magnets he has on his fridge.
So my point is, with refrigerator magnets like
these, this is a guy you could hang with, right? Also I love his
church. I did a
Bible study there Sunday morning. I had to wear a microphone, which I'm not used
to.
Sunday afternoon
I attended the World Premier of "He Was a Quiet Man" by director
Frank Capello. Christian Slater played the lead. This is a wonderful film. Well
worth your time. Christian Slater is about my age, and this was the first time
I'd see him play a balding, middle aged guy. Christian, I feel your pain. The
days of Pump Up The Volume are gone forever. Embrace the new you.
On a whim I decided to view the US premier of a
militant lesbian film called, "Itty Bitty Titty Committee."
It was at a artsy downtown theater. Those present were mostly people who had
political sympathies with the film. I thought it was embarrassingly awful.
Serious B-Movie material. And yet, people clapped and whistled. Some movies have
their own importance apart from the quality, at least for those invested in
them.
Monday
I was standing line to get into a selection of short films when I met
the father and brother of Ryan Jones who is the director of "Fall
From Grace," the first documentary of
Fred Phelps, the notorious God hates fags preacher from Kansas. His
film premiered here yesterday. While I'm writing this I have about an hour
before the second screening. Ryan's father said
that he is excited to have his film chosen for SXSW, and he is hoping someone picks up the film.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this. If it's good, I'll tell you more about
it.
Earlier today I went to Toy Joy, which is the
world's greatest silly store of toys and kitsch.
Click for larger view
I bought surprises for Jeanene
and the three sisters. Goofy stuff. Jacob and Lizzy helped me pick out things
and even gift wrapped it all. For me I bought a Jung action figure for my
office.
That's all for now. I'm heading for Georgetown
to pick up two of the sisters, and will be home tomorrow.
rlp
