B.Y.O.F.F.--- A Recap from Mr. Dallis Covey

       There is nothing more private and sacred to a young filmmaker than their first  film. Whether it is the single most important piece of cinematic history EVER to be discovered (according to your great aunt Ida), or it makes you change your identity and flee the country, we have all been there. VISIONS hosted a B.Y.O.F.F. party (Bring Your Own First Film) at the Goat & Compass to celebrate the first steps of the many future filmmakers in the UNCW and Wilmington community.

​Upon entering the establishment, a beautifully decorated raffle booth (curated by VISIONS own Audra Blake) drew the attention of all the patrons. Roses, candies, and assorted homemade popcorn treats were packaged in rustic brown paper cones. The building was filled with students, their friends, and alumni. After the initial frenzy of catching up, laughing, and other formal societal customs began to die down, the group was slowly herded out the door and to the back patio. Here, the VISIONS crew had decorated the fenced in area with lights and candles, with the focus shifted toward the giant projector screen in the back. The air was cold and crisp, but the giddy energy of the close-knit crowd maintained an aura of heat that blanketed all who attended (not to mention the industrial propane heater provided by Taylor Woodell). As everyone settled into their own particular areas of the patio, the awesome 90s music that had been elevating the spirits of all those attending was quickly switched off, and the announcement for the main event was greeted with hollering, laughter, and applause.

​The screenings were split into two viewing blocks with a small break, and a table read of a script (from our own Marketing Director, Steven Gamble) filled the time between. Deadly blind dates, corporate espionage, kitten reminiscing, and Siberian adventures involving the Hand-Crank-Flashlight Bandit were only a small portion of the highly entertaining evening. Each filmmaker who attended the party gave a brief intro before their respective films played. The energy throughout the evening reinforced the sense of brotherhood (and sisterhood, of course!!!) that filmmakers share. No matter where we are in our journey, we all share a sense of unity, as we all are taking the same path.

​Take a gander at our announcement page for upcoming events, so you can be a part of the incredible experiences the staff of VISIONS 4 want to bring to you.

We hope to see you soon.

Dallis Frie Covey

Print & Media Relations Copywriter

Visions 4 Film Festival & Conference
Visit our website: www.visionsfilm.org