The San Diego Film Festival is this happening week and they are celebrating their 10th year in style with amazing films, awesome parties and celebrities galore.
The SDFF will always hold a special place in my heart as it brings together good friends and good people (and good films).
It all began 10 years ago when I lived with my dear friend, Jennifer. Jennifer’s client and friend, Robin Laatz, dreamt of bringing a Film Festival to San Diego so… with the help of her husband/film producer, Karl Kozak, along with her hard work and determination, their dream (and first baby) was born. That year just so happened to be the same year that my 1st baby was born. I fully intended to waddle my way around the very 1st San Diego Film Festival but the little guy had bigger plans. My pal, Jennifer, was busy accompanying celebrities to and from live TV segments while I sat in a hospital bed with my new baby– the baby that decided to arrive a month before he was due. In an attempt to make me feel like I was involved and to make me smile a little more than I already was, Jennifer got all the hot actors to jump on phone calls with me. (Now that’s a good friend). But that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to be there. I wanted to experience it first hand and support my friends and all their hard work. I would never take my week-old baby to a crowded movie theater so I pumped some breast milk and left my sleeping baby with my mom… literally for two hours. I arrived just as the movie started, watched the movie, met the actor that kept me company on the phone, stayed for about 5 minutes of the Q&A, then raced home just as the guilt set in.
Since that first year, I have only been a handful of times. It’s not something I’m proud of as I wish I could have been there every year to experience the movies, the vibe, the people, and to support my friends but life (and more babies) inevitably got in the way. I didn’t dare let anything stand in my way this year (all thanks to my husband, the real movie buff, for staying home with the kids). Even Jennifer made my attendance a must by giving me a ride.
Last night was Opening Night and I viewed the movie 50/50 with a packed theater and with my friend by my side. It was like old times except with 4 additional kids (between the two of us)(all boys) and it was the first time, in 10 years, that Jennifer was able to sit and actually watch a movie. Oh, and there was more pumping. Just like I was pumping for the first San Diego Film Festival, Jennifer does her fair share of pumping now… while in the car. And while I was driving to the after-party. I think the parking attendant at the after-party experienced a “first” last night as well. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.
Back to the movie.
50/50 is a comical yet extremely emotional story inspired by the writer’s (Will Reiser) personal battle with cancer 6 years ago. Will, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, along with his friend Seth Rogen, who played himself, experience the ups and downs associated with his rare form of cancer– the journey through friendships with the most unlikely of friends, seeing the true side of people, life, loss, love, support, acceptance, and finding humor in every situation. The movie not only left us with puffy eyes but also with a clearer mindset about the important people in our lives and the relationships we have with our own children.
Jennifer walked away eager to write letters to her mom and two sons. I was inspired by the truth that comes from each friendship and relationship and how life always has a way of showing you who your true friends really are.
Last night was a much-needed trip down memory lane with a good friend.
Jennifer and me in 2001
Friendship and love, no matter what bizarre turns they take, are the greatest healers. -50/50 Movie Website
50/50 opens in theaters everywhere today and the San Diego Film Festival is going on now through Sunday, October 2nd at the Gaslamp Theater.
I’ve been called “maternal” since the day I could hold a baby doll. I’ve become a pregnancy, baby and parenting resource since having my first child almost 10 years ago. This is my blog and where I share my journey through parenthood with you.
This is the sweetest post, ever. Love you! Thank you for still being an amazing friend, even after all these years. Here’s to friendships that last from roommates to new husbands, five baby boys, long distances, jello shots … and 10 years of Film Festival! Xoxoxoxoxoxo
You are the life of the party, my friend. XO!
Love this post and love that old pic. What an amazing night that was, eh?
Isn’t that a great pic? and Instagram makes it look like nothing has changed
Such a great night… and you worked the red carpet like a PRO.
Friendships are golden. This is a lovely post, everyone should have friends like this. Sorry to miss the night, looking forward to driving down next year. Xo
Thank you! I agree… so special. Next year will be fun and I hope to see your beautiful face sometime soon!!