That's the name of the project that was one of the things that kept me from blogging all this time. A 26-minute movie, shot on digital video, made by a bunch of us as a way of learning the craft of filmmaking. It's my first directorial attempt, something I dreamt of doing for far too long.

When the producer, an ex-classmate from the "Film Fusion Workshops" that I attended several years ago at the now defunct Boston Film & Video Foundation, handed me the story and asked if I wanted to direct it, I was trembling inside. It is terrifying to be offered the chance to do something that your bones have gone numb aching for. You know the ache will now avenge its neglect. The protective sheath of questions about your compulsion to do what you hoped to god was your calling is now useless.

That was an eternity ago. On this side of that eternity, over two years later, there is neither ache nor numbness. The questions are still there but have turned soft and unsure of what they might be protecting. The compulsion remains as elusive as ever and my calling a mystery as vexing as an agnostic's heart.

Potential demonstrated? Check. Lessons learned? Check. Satisfaction created? Check. The next step identified? Er...

The short was made under the aegis of the Arlington Studio in Arlington, Massachusetts (USA) primarily for airing on public/community access TV. I'd of course like it aired in as many places as possible so if you'd like to sponsor it on your community access channel then please contact me for details.

--aslam

11:33:58 PM