And the Austin Film Festival’s 16th incarnation comes to a close.
In the past week, this city has hosted some of the least-recognized but most influential names in film and television.
Steven Zaillian may not ever be on the cover of Rolling Stone or People, but without his artistry, “Schindler’s List” would still be a novel called “Schindler’s Ark.” Shane Black’s screenplay for “Lethal Weapon” provided the foundation on which Mel Gibson and Danny Glover would build their odd-couple cop relationship.
Do they deserve more recognition? Of course. And before I attended the festival, that’s what I thought this festival was all about.
But as the festival progressed, I realized that these storytellers didn’t crave the fame and fortune associated with Hollywood success or want to be on the cover of a magazine. The actors and directors can have the spotlight. These modern storytellers want to see their tales come to life on the big screen. That’s it. The rest is just window dressing.
The festival’s attendees lack the glamour of those at other film festivals. They wear hoodies and baseball caps while they share quiet, awkward conversations. They inquire about each another’s work and offer support to others who share in their thankless task.
They discuss Hollywood with a mixture of unease and curiosity. And, most importantly, they talk about movies and the stories which they hope will grace the silver screen someday.
Attending my first panel, I struck up a conversation with a young, unassuming festivalgoer sitting next to me. He introduced himself as Benjamin Healy, and not until the end of the conversation did he even mention that he was a finalist in the festival’s best sitcom teleplay.
It took serious prodding to learn what his teleplay was even about. And, from the self-effacing manner in which he presented his ideas, I would have never known that he would go on to win the competition.
From this very first interaction, I came into contact with the genuine modesty that permeates the festival and gives it its unique charm.
Even though the conference only lasts a few days, its character imbues the filmgoing section with a sense of fellowship. So, when you stand in an endless line to see “The Road” or sit in a small theater waiting for “Love and Tambourines” to start, you can’t help but talk to those next to you.
For a week, Austin Film Festival attendees fashion a film industry the way they wish it could be — genuine, kind and loving every chance they get to make and see movies.
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