Joel Fendelman - In Miramar and Gallatin

The latest updates from Joel Fendelman, currently touring his film David on the Southern Circuit

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So I pull up to the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida, it's the first time I had ever been to Miramar which is strange because I grew up in Miami (about 30 miles away). First thing I notice is this beautiful poster they have created for the film, an enormous brand new theater and the greeting smile of Ms. Jo Marie Payton.

Me and Jo Marie Payton

For those of you who don't recognize her, she played Harriette Winslow (the mother) in the hit show Family Matters and happen to be the Cultural Ambassador for the center. After eating a wonderful dinner together and hearing about her interesting experience in Hollywood, Ms. Payton introduces me and the film to the audience. It was a decent turn-out (about 200 people) but even more wonderful, not a single person left before the Q/A. They were all glued to their seats with full attention on the story of making the film. As I looked through the audience I could see women with Hijabi's on (head scarfs) and Jewish women, Caribbean and Hispanic families. It was a nice mix of different cultures coming to see a film about different cultures. Afterwards a women ran up to me with goosebumps on her arms saying after she heard about this film, she knew she had to come see it as it was in part her story as a child, and took a number pictures. It's so nice to feel acknowledged and connect with others, probably the best part of making a film and really the reason why I do it.

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I'm now sitting at my hotel in Gallatin, TN. It's, believe it or not, snowing outside.

Looking out my hotel window

Last night I had the pleasure of showing at the Palace Theater, a historic gem built in 1913. It was a smaller turnout because of the cold weather but not any less rewarding. Again everyone stayed for the Q/A with lots of engaging questions. I was able to meet a number of people who grew up in this small town. I loved to hear about the ways the town had been when they were a child. One of them was actually running for mayor next November to help further with preservation of old buildings.

Everyone was so appreciative of me being there and bringing my film to them, saying that there is nothing good showing in the big complexes, nothing of meaning. As much as I would love to take credit, it's definitely a compliment to Southern Arts for what they are doing. Well today's my day off so going to check out Nashville and then on to Louisville, KY or how the locals here say "Loo-ville."

Matt Anderson Blogs from the Circuit Road - Part 1

From Matt Anderson:

The past four days have been so full and exciting! I left Los Angeles early on Friday and landed in Nashville. On the plane I asked a local where I should eat since I was a little starving. Without hesitation he said 'Demo's!' A short time later I was eating their delicious chicken and rice soup with a prime-rib sandwich!

Belly full, I headed up to Gallatin for that evenings' screening at the Palace Theater. I met Donna and all the wonderful organizers of our first screening. To my surprise they had even had a cake made with 'FALL AND WINTER' written on it!! This was the first serious dose of Southern hospitality I received on the Circuit, and I'll never forget it! The theater was really nice, and I was happy with the turn-out; but I was blown away by the response! There were a lot of thoughtful questions in the Q&A, and lots of great discussion afterwards in the lobby over wine. It was encouraging that the audience was so receptive to the film!

A couple of friends I had met last time I was in Nashville were there. Marcus, Kim and Steve showed up to support the film, and invited me to come over to see their various projects the next day. In the morning I took a detour to the next town over to see Johnny Cash's grave. There he lay next to June Carter, both graves full-length and, of course, in black.
I headed to the address Marcus gave me, expecting to see the early stages of an Earthship coming together. I showed up, and beaming in the hot sun was this nearly finished 2-story structure! Relaxing in the shade after a full morning of work were Marcus, Kim and Steve. They gave me a tour and explained the layout. I couldn't believe that 3 young and dedicated people had built this in just over a year!

And if that wasn't enough, Kim and Steve took me down to the organic farm where they've been living. After a tour of their state-of-the-art gourmet mushroom farm, I saw the outdoor crops - all of which they sell at farmers markets. Steve let me see the Tiny home he's been constructing, and then we all sat on the porch with a couple of beers. I was really inspired and so happy to see a small group of dedicated people doing such important work!
I hit the road the next morning fully inspired by my friends, and their various projects! With a 3 hour drive up to Louisville, I decided there was time to stop at the world famous 'Mammoth Caves'...to be continued!